May 22nd, 2010 | 
Author: Dasa systems work very precisely. No astrological prediction is meaningful unless the same is synchronized with such a dasa system.
The unique feature of Indian System of astrological prediction is its quality of precision in revealing the periodic ups and downs in the course of an individuals life. The natal chart shows the potential. The order of events is described under Dasa and Mahadasa system. It is only on the basis of this system that the astrologer can indicate whether the inherent potential of any planet can actually fructify during the course of anyone’s life.
The ancient seers have indicated various planetary orders which bring different planets in prominence at different periods during the course of ones life. But they have not given the clues or the rationale for this order. They have assigned the course of these planets to be completed within certain number of years and within this total they have given different years of ruler ship to planets all of which are not equal. The reason of the total number of years of the cyclic duration, the sequence of planetary rulerships as well as the periods of their rulership is still a well guarded secret which is not known. Nonetheless, these Dasa systems work remarkably precisely and no astrological predictions is meaningful unless the same is synchronised with such a system.
Parashar has mentioned ten of these system as very important. They are known as Vimsottari, Ashtottari, Sodashottari, Dwasashottari, Panchottari, Shatshama, Chaturshityabda, Dwisaptatisama, Khastyabda and Sattrisadvatsara. Besides these, he also noted that there were several astrologers who also take into consideration Kala Dasa, Chakra Dasa and Kala Chakra Dasa. Parashara was also aware of several other systems of these planetary periodicity but he did not consider them very reliable……
The applicability of various Dasa systems in any specific individual depends upon time, place and the special planetary combinations present in the horoscope. The details of these factors are not generally available though some astrologers are found to apply a few of these Dasa Systems according to their individual prediction. Vimsottari Dasa, in spite of such a large number of Dasa Systems existing in astrological treatises, at present remains the most popular and universally acceptable system which has been giving very precise results.
The beginning of any planetary rulership in the case of an individual depends upon the Moons occupancy in a nakshatra, while the planetary rulership over different nakshatras begins with Sun as the ruler of Krittika and follows the same sequence throughout the nakshatra chain.
Vimsottari Dasa is based on the position of Moon at the time of birth in a specific nakshatra. The period of rulership of any planet at the time of birth depends upon the rulership of the planet on the nakshatra. The sequence of rulership of these planets follows a particular order, the rationale of which is still not known. This order is as follows: Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu and Venus. The periodic rulership of the planets in any ones life, under this Dasa System also follows the same sequence. It implies that the beginning of any planetary rulership at the time of birth of an individual may be any one of these planets but once this is determined, the following periods of rulership must adhere to this sequence. That is, if the initial rulership period starts, say, with Saturn, then the next Dasa Period would be that of Mercury followed by Ketu and so on; if the initial rulership begins with say, Mars, then the following Dasa period would be that of Rahu, followed by Jupiter and so on.
The planetary sequence is the same in the case of planets rulership over different nakshatras. At birth under the Krittika nakshatra, that is, if the birth of the individual occurred when Moon was occupying Krittika nakshatra at the time of birth, the ruling planetary period would be that of Sun. Rohini follows Krittika, and any birth in Rohini nakshatra would have Moon as the ruling planet, and at Mrigashirsa that of Mars. The entire 27 nakshatras are divided in three rounds of planetary rulership each of these having the same sequence of planetary rulerships as indicated above. So the sequence of planetary rulership in the case of an individuals life as well as in the case of nakshatra rulership is the same: the beginning of any planetary rulership in the case of an individual depends upon the Moons occupancy in a nakshatra, while the planetary rulership over different nakshatras begins with Sun as the ruler of Krittika and follows the same sequence throughout the nakshatra chain.
The total planetary rulership under Vimsottari Dasa amounts to 120 year while in Ashtottari it is equal to only 108 years which shows that the total duration is not uniform for every dasa system.
The 120 years of total Vimsottari Dasa is allocated to different planets as follows : Sun 6 years; Moon 10 years; Mars 7 year; Rahu 18 years; Jupiter 16 years, Saturn 19 years; Mercury 17 years; Ketu 7 years; and Venus 20 years. These years of planetary rulerships according to some valid reason through the same is not know to us.
An important point to note is the way of calculating the initial balance of a planet at birth. It has been indicated above that the rulership of any planet starts according to Moons placement in nakshatra. Each nakshatra consists of 13° 20 of a sign of the zodiac. Aries starts with Ashwini nakshatra. It can, on the basis of information given above, be found out that this nakshtra is ruled by Ketu. It implies that a person born at the 0° of Aries which tantamount to 0° of Ashwini, and this portion of the sign of the zodiac is ruled by Ketu, will have the whole 7 years of Ketu at birth as balance to enjoy. The entire area of 0° 0 of Aries to 13° 20 of it which is under Ashwini is ruled by Ketu. But the individual may not be born at the very beginning of the asterism. The area already traversed and the remaining area yet to be covered by the Moon at birth will have to be taken into account for the determination of the period of Ketu yet to be enjoyed by the individual born. Assuming the individual was born when Moon was at 6° 40 of Aries that is, half-way through Ashwini, the Ketu balance at birth would be only 3 years and 6 months. Depending upon the distance yet to be covered by Moon in the asterism, the period has to be proportionately changed. Let us take another example. Assume that the Moon has gone further and is presently traversing Bharani which extends from 13° 20 of Aries to 26° 40 of the same sign. If there is another birth when Moon was at 16° 40 of this zodiac, then Venus would be the ruling planet and the distance between 13° 20 to 26 40 will have to be divided over 20 years which is the ruling period of Venus as against 7 years of Ketu. Moon at this new birth time has traversed only one fourth of the total distance, so only one fourth of its total rulership period has elapsed. This new born will have 15 years of Venus still to undergo after his or her birth.
Bepin Behari
Posted in 
The Kumbh Mela is one of the most important gatherings for Hindus, taking place this year at Haridwar. There are special days dedicated for bathing in the holy Ganga.
The Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of humanity in history. It takes place every third year at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik in rotation. This year the fair is being held at Haridwar. The festival begins on January 14, which is Makar Sankranti and ends on April 28.
Haridwar means the Gateway to God. It is a town at the foothills of the Himalayas and the sacred river Ganga enters the plains at Haridwar. The pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Jamnotri begins at Haridwar and that is the reason for its name.
The Mythology and the Astronomy of the Kumbh
The Kumbh has its origins in one of the most intriguing tales from Hindu mythology. The pot containing amrit was obtained from the churning of the oceans. Kumbh literally means pot and amrit is the nectar of immortality. Garuda, the divine bird, flew away with the pot so as to prevent it from falling into the hands of the demons. During the flight a few drops of the nectar spilled at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik making these places eternally holy.
The Kumbh Mela coincides with a particular pattern of planets that is believed to be holy. This pattern repeats every third year marking those years out for the fair.
Ritual Bathing in the Ganga During the Kumbh
As such there are several religious activities that take place during the Kumbh fair. These include religious discourses, community singing of bhajans and ritual sacrifices. But the most important aspect of the Kumbh is ritual bathing in the Ganga. Certain days have been designated for bathing and it is those days that draw the maximum crowd. These days have special significance. The dates given relate to this Kumbh fair only.
The first bath is on January 14. This is the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti when the sun begins its northward journey. The second bath is on January 15, which is known as Mauni Amavasya. Mauni pertains to the vow of silence, which is a spiritual practice advocated in Hinduism. Amavasya is the night of the new moon. Mauni Amavasya falls in the Hindu month of Magh and is the last day of the traditional period of observing the vow of silence. This year there is a solar eclipse on January 15 and ritual bathing after an eclipse is considered mandatory.
The third bath is on January 20. This is Basant Panchami, which heralds the advent of spring. Apart from having agricultural significance, Basant Panchami is the day for paying homage to Saraswati, who is the consort of Brahma and the Goddess of learning and the arts. The fourth bath is on January 30. The full moon night of the month of Magh falls on this day.
The first royal bath (shahi snan) is on February 12. Shivratri falls on this day. Shivratri is celebrated as the wedding anniversary of Shiva and Parvati. This marriage is believed to be one of the grandest in Hindu mythology. A shahi snan is when the various sects of ascetics take the ritual bath. Many believe that there is no sight more awesome than this.
The second royal bath is on March 15, which is Somvati Amavasya. The significance of this day, narrated to Yudhishthir by Bheeshma in the Mahabharata, is that bathing in the sacred rivers leads to prosperity, health and happiness. It is also believed that the souls of ancestors will rest in peace if the descendants bathe in the holy rivers on this day.
The fifth bath is on March 24 on Rama Navami. This is the birth anniversary of Rama, who was born on the ninth day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra. The sixth bath is on March 30. Purnima, or the full moon night, of the month of Chaitra falls on this day.
The main royal bath is on April 14. This is the first day of the Hindu New Year, which begins with the month of Vaisakha. The seventh bath is on April 20. This is the last day of the Kumbh Mela and is the full moon night of the month of Vaisakha.
The dates of the Kumbh Mela, and especially the auspicious bathing dates, highlight the importance of astronomical positions in Hinduism.
Vaastu is the science of the ‘living place’ or the dwelling. It can be compared to the Chinese Fung Shui. It focuses on harmonizing life according to the architecture, interior design and the landscape. A building is an extension of a person. It is connected to both the cosmic energies present in the environment and to the energy field of the occupants. Vastu is the science of building to bring health, prosperity, happiness and peace of mind.
Here are some examples of concepts utilized in Vastu. There are generalized for all and especially for public buildings. With astrology these indications can be more specified for individual homes. The plots refered to here are the different squares within the Vastu Purusha.
Water bodies are best made on North Eastern Side
South or South West is suitable for Dining Hall
Satyaka/Antariksha are suited for Bedrooms for all
Rooms for enjoyment (entertainment) should be located in the Shosha/Asura/Varuna plots
Kitchen should be in the SouthEast corner
Aditi plot is suited for Bathroom for all
In the Indra/Jaya should be located the dressing room
Study room should be in the Mriga area
Treasury for keeping valuables should be located in the Soma and Mriga plots
Servant quarters in the Indra/Mahendra plots are suitable
Boys room should be in the Savitra plot
Girls apartments should be in RajaYakshman plot
The room for amusement and luxuries should be built in the Soma plot
Family temple should be located in the Ahi plot
Store Room should be built either in Ahi or Mukhya plot
Flower pavilion/Garden should be located in Sosha or Asura plot
The main doors of the house should be either in the Mahendra, Pushpadanta, Mukhya or Grihakshata plot
In the central area (Brahma plot) should be built pavilion for ceremonies etc.
हनुमान जयंती
जब भी दास्यभक्तिका सर्वोत्कृष्ट उदाहरण देना हो, तो आज भी हनुमानकी रामभक्तिका स्मरण होता है । वे अपने प्रभुपर प्राण अर्पण करनेके लिए सदैव तैयार रहते । प्रभु रामकी सेवाकी तुलनामें शिवत्व व ब्रह्मत्वकी इच्छा भी उन्हें कौडीके मोलकी लगतीं । हनुमान सेवक व सैनिकका एक सुंदर सम्मिश्रण हैं ! हनुमान अर्थात शक्ति व भक्तिका संगम । अंजनीको भी दशरथकी रानियोंके समान तपश्चर्याद्वारा पायस (चावलकी खीर, जो यज्ञ-प्रसादके तौरपर बांटी जाती है) प्राप्त हुई थी व उसे खानेके उपरांत ही हनुमानका जन्म हुआ था । उस दिन चैत्रपूर्णिमा थी, जो `हनुमान जयंती’ के तौरपर मनाई जाती है ।
भक्तोंकी मन्नत पूर्ण करनेवाले
हनुमानको मन्नत पूर्ण करनेवाले देवता मानते हैं, इसलिए व्रत या मन्नत माननेवाले अनेक स्त्री-पुरुष हनुमानकी मूर्तिकी श्रद्धापूर्वक निर्धारित प्रदक्षिणा करते हैं । कई लोगोंको आश्चर्य होता है कि, जब किसी कन्याका विवाह न तय हो रहा हो, तो उसे ब्रह्मचारी हनुमानकी उपासना करनेको कहा जाता है । मानसशास्त्रके आधारपर कुछ लोगोंकी यह गलतधारणा होती है कि सुंदर, बलवान पुरुषके साथ विवाह हो, इस कामनासे कन्याएं हनुमानकी उपासना करती हैं । वास्तविक कारण आगे दिए अनुसार है ।
अनिष्ट शक्तियोंका नियंत्रण करनेवाले हनुमान
हनुमान भूतोंके स्वामी माने जाते हैं । इसलिए यदि किसीको भूतबाधा हो, तो उस व्यक्तिको हनुमानमंदिर ले जाते हैं या हनुमानस्तोत्र बोलनेके लिए कहते हैं । जागृत कुंडलिनीके मार्गमें यदि कोई बाधा आ जाए, तो उसे दूर कर कुंडलिनीको योग्य दिशा देना । लगभग ३० % व्यक्तियोंका विवाह भूतबाधा, जादू-टोना इत्यादि अनिष्ट शक्तियोंके प्रभावके कारण नहीं हो पाता । हनुमानकी उपासना करनेसे ये कष्ट दूर हो जाते हैं व विवाह संभव हो जाता है । (१० % व्यक्तियोंके विवाह, भावी वधू या वरके एक-दूसरेसे अवास्तविक अपेक्षाओंके कारण नहीं हो पाते । अपेक्षाओंको कम करनेपर विवाह संभव हो जाता है । ५० % व्यक्तियोंका विवाह प्रारब्धके कारण नहीं हो पाता । यदि प्रारब्ध मंद या मध्यम हो, तो कुलदेवताकी उपासनाद्वारा प्रारब्धजनक अडचनें नष्ट हो जाती हैं व विवाह संभव हो जाता है । यदि प्रारब्ध तीव्र हो, तो केवल किसी संतकी कृपासे ही विवाह हो सकता है । शेष १० % व्यक्तियोंका विवाह अन्य आध्यात्मिक कारणोंसे नहीं हो पाता । ऐसी परिस्थितिमें कारणानुसार उपाय करने पडते हैं ।)
मानसशास्त्रमें निपुण व राजनीतिमें कुशल हनुमान
अनेक प्रसंगोंमें सुग्रीव इत्यादि वानर ही नहीं, बल्कि राम भी हनुमानकी सलाह लेते थे । जब विभीषण रावणको छोडकर रामकी शरण आया, तो अन्य सेनानियोंका मत था कि उसे अपने पक्षमें नहीं लिया जाए; परंतु हनुमानकी बात मानकर रामने उसे अपने पक्षमें ले लिया । लंकामें प्रथम ही भेंटमें सीताके मनमें अपने प्रति विश्वास निर्माण करना, शत्रुपक्षके पराभवके लिए लंकादहन करना, रामके आगमनसंबंधी भरतकी भावनाएं जानने हेतु रामद्वारा उन्हींको भेजा जाना, इन सभी प्रसंगोंसे हनुमानकी बुद्धिमत्ता व मानसशास्त्रमें निपुणता स्पष्ट होती है । लंकादहन कर उन्होंने रावणकी प्रजाका, रावणके सामर्थ्यपरसे विश्वास उठा दिया ।
जितेंद्रिय हनुमान
सीताको ढूढने जब हनुमान रावणके अंत:पुरमें गए, तो उस समय उनकी जो मन:स्थिति थी, वह उनके उच्च चरित्रका सूचक है । इस संदर्भमें वे स्वयं कहते हैं – `सर्व रावणपत्नियोंको नि:शंक लेटे हुए मैंने देखा तो सही, परंतु देखनेसे मेरे मनमें विकार उत्पन्न नहीं हुआ ।’ अनेक संतोंने ऐसे जितेंद्रिय हनुमानकी पूजा निश्चित कर, उनका आदर्श समाजके समाने रखा ।
प्रचलित पूजा
चैत्रपूर्णिमाके दिन हनुमान जयंती मनाई जाती है । प्राय: शनिवार व मंगलवार हनुमानके दिन माने जाते हैं । इस दिन हनुमानको सिंदूर व तेल अर्पण करनेकी प्रथा है । कुछ जगह तो नारियल चढानेकी भी रूढि है । आध्यात्मिक उन्नतिके लिए वाममुखी (जिसका मुख बाईं ओर हो) हनुमान या दासहनुमानकी मूर्तिको पूजामें रखते हैं ।
दासहनुमान व वीरहनुमान: ये हनुमानके दो रूप हैं । दासहनुमान रामके आगे हाथ जोडे खडे रहते हैं । उनकी पूंछ जमीनपर रहती है । वीरहनुमान योद्धा मुद्रामें होते हैं । उनकी पूंछ उत्थित रहती है व दाहिना हाथ माथेकी ओर मुडा रहता है । कभी-कभी उनके पैरों तले राक्षसकी मूर्ति भी होती है । भूतावेश, जादू-टोना इत्यादि द्वारा कष्ट दूर करनेके लिए वीरहनुमानकी उपासना करते हैं ।
दक्षिणमुखी हनुमान: इस मूर्तिका मुख दक्षिणकी ओर होता है इसलिए इसे दक्षिणमुखी हनुमान कहते हैं । जादू-टोना, मंत्र-तंत्र इत्यादि प्रयोग प्रमुखत: ऐसी मूर्तिके सम्मुख ही किए जाते हैं । ऐसी मूर्तियां महाराष्ट्रमें मुंबई, पुणे, औरंगाबाद इत्यादि क्षेत्रोंमें व कर्नाटकमें बसवगुडी क्षेत्रमें पाई जाती हैं ।
हनुमानको तेल, सिंदूर, रुईके पत्ते इत्यादि अर्पण करनेका कारण
पूजाके दौरान देवताओंको जो वस्तु अर्पित की जाती है, वह वस्तु उन देवताओंको प्रिय है, ऐसा बालबोध भाषामें बताया जाता है, उदा. गणपतिको लाल फूल, शिवको बेल व विष्णुको तुलसी इत्यादि । उसके पश्चात् उस वस्तुके प्रिय होनेके संदर्भमें कथा सुनाई जाती है । प्रत्यक्षमें शिव, विष्णु, गणपति जैसे उच्च देवताओंकी कोई पसंद-नापसंद नहीं होती । देवताको विशेष वस्तु अर्पित करनेका तात्पर्य आगे दिए अनुसार है ।
पूजाका एक उद्देश्य यह है कि, पूजी जानेवाली मूर्तिमें चैतन्य निर्माण हो व उसका उपयोग हमारी आध्यात्मिक उन्नतिके लिए हो । यह चैतन्य निर्माण करने हेतु देवताको जो विशेष वस्तु अर्पित की जाती है, उस वस्तुमें देवताओंके महालोकतक फैले हुए पवित्रक (उस देवताके सूक्ष्मातिसूक्ष्म कण) आकर्षित करनेकी क्षमता अन्य वस्तुओंकी अपेक्षा अधिक होती है । तेल, सिंदूर, रुईके पत्तोंमें हनुमानके पवित्रक आकर्षित करनेकी क्षमता सर्वाधिक है; इसी करण हनुमानको यह सामग्री अर्पित करते हैं ।
शनिकी साढेसाती व हनुमानकी पूजा
यदि शनिकी साढेसाती हो, तो उस प्रभावको कम करने हेतु हनुमानकी पूजा करते हैं । यह विधि इस प्रकार है – एक कटोरीमें तेल लें व उसमें काली उडदके चौदह दाने डालकर, उस तेलमें अपना चेहरा देखें । उसके उपरांत यह तेल हनुमानको चढाएं । जो व्यक्ति बीमारीके कारण हनुमान मंदिर नहीं जा सकता, वह भी इस पद्धतिनुसार हनुमानकी पूजा कर सकता है । खरा तेली शनिवारके दिन तेल नहीं बेचता, क्योंकि जिस शक्तिके कष्टसे छुटकारा पानेके लिए कोई मनुष्य हनुमानपर तेल चढाता है, संभवत: वह शक्ति तेलीको भी कष्ट दे सकती है । इसलिए हनुमान मंदिरके बाहर बैठे तेल बेचनेवालोंसे तेल न खरीदकर घरसे ही तेल ले जाकर चढाएं ।
शिवपूजाकी विशेषताएं
हालाहल प्राशन कर विश्वको विनाशसे बचानेवाले, देव व दानव दानोंद्वारा उपास्य, सहज प्रसन्न होनेवाले, भूतोंके स्वामी, नृत्य व नाट्य कलाओंके प्रवर्तक, योगमार्गके प्रणेता इत्यादि विशेषताओंसे युक्त महादेव अर्थात् भगवान शिव जगत्पिताके गौरान्विवित किए जाते हैं । वेद, शास्त्र, पुराण तथा तंत्रग्रंथोंमें शिवजीके गौरवगान, लीला व उपदेशका वर्णन है । फाल्गुन कृष्ण चतुर्दशीको महाशिवरात्रि कहते हैं । इस व्रतके प्रधान देवता हैं, शिव । इस दिन संपूर्ण भारतवर्षमें शिवजीकी उपासना की जाती है । अधिकांश लोगोंको शिवजीसे संबंधित जो थोडी-बहुत जानकारी है, वह बचपनमें पढी या सुनी गई कहानियोंद्वारा होती है । किसी भी देवता व उनके पूजनसे संबंधित अधिक जानकारी प्राप्त होनेपर विश्वास बढता है । शिवभक्तोंके लिए शिवजीसे संबंधित जानकारी यहां दे रहे हैं । यदि देवतासे संबंधित जानकारीके साथ-साथ अध्यात्मशास्त्रकी जानकारी भी हो, तो साधना अधिक योग्य ढंगसे हो सकती है । इसके लिए जिज्ञासु सनातन संस्था-निर्मित अध्यात्मशास्त्र विषयक ग्रंथों व सत्संगोंका लाभ ले सकते हैं ।
महाशिवरात्रि व्रतकी पद्धति व विधि
फाल्गुन कृष्ण त्रयोदशीको महाशिवरात्रिका व्रत रखा जाता है । इस तिथिपर एकभुक्त रहें । चतुर्दशीके दिन प्रात:काल व्रतका संकल्प करें । सायंकाल शास्त्रोक्त स्नान करें । भस्म और रुद्राक्ष धारण करें । प्रदोषकालमें शिवजीके मंदिर जाएं । शिवजीका ध्यान करें । तदुपरांत षोडशोपचार पूजा करें । भवभवानीप्रीत्यर्थ (यहां भव यानी शिव) तर्पण करें । नाममंत्र जपते हुए शिवजीको एक सौ आठ कमल अथवा बिल्वपत्र अर्पण करें । पुष्पांजलि अर्पण कर, अर्घ्य दें । पूजासमर्पण, स्तोत्रपाठ तथा मूलमंत्रका जाप हो जाए, तो शिवजीके मस्तकपर चढाए गए फूल लेकर अपने मस्तकपर रखें और शिवजीसे क्षमायाचना करें । चतुर्दशीपर रात्रिके चारों प्रहरोंमें चार पूजा करनेका विधान है, जिसे यामपूजा कहा जाता है । प्रत्येक यामपूजामें देवताको अभ्यंगस्नान कराएं, अनुलेपन करें, साथ ही धतूरा, आम तथा बिल्वपत्र अर्पण करें । चावलके आटेके २६ दीप जलाकर देवताकी आरती उतारें । पूजाके अंतमें १०८ दीप दान करें । प्रत्येक पूजाके मंत्र भिन्न होते हैं; मंत्रों सहित अर्घ्य दें । नृत्य, गीत, कथाश्रवण आदि करते हुए जागरण करें । प्रात:काल स्नान कर, पुन: शिवपूजा करें । पारण अर्थात् व्रतकी समाप्तिके लिए ब्राह्मणभोजन कराएं । (पारण चतुर्दशी समाप्त होनेसे पूर्व ही करना योग्य होता है ।) ब्राह्मणोंके आशीर्वाद प्राप्त कर व्रत संपन्न होता है । बारह, चौदह अथवा चौबीस वर्ष जब व्रत हो जाए, तो उद्यापन करें ।
महाशिवरात्रिपर शिवजीका नामजप करनेका महत्त्व
अनेक संतोंने कहा है, कलियुगमें नामजप ही सर्वोत्तम साधना है । नामजप हम उठते-बैठते, जागते-सोते, आते-जाते भी कर सकते हैं । विश्वमें बढे हुए तमोगुणसे रक्षा होने हेतु तथा शिवरात्रिपर वातावरणमें प्रक्षेपित शिवतत्त्व आकर्षित करनेके लिए महाशिवरात्रिपर शिवजीका `ॐ नम: शिवाय’ यह नामजप अधिकाधिक करें ।
शिवपूजाकी विशेषताएं
पूजाके लिए कहां बैठें ?: आम तौरपर शिवमंदिरमें पूजा एवं साधना करनेवाले श्रद्धालुगण शिवजीकी तरंगोंको सीधे अपने शरीरपर नहीं लेते; क्योंकि इससे कष्ट होता है । शिवजीके मंदिरमें अरघाके स्रोतके ठीक सामने न बैठकर, एक ओर बैठते हैं; क्योंकि शिवकी तरंगें सामनेकी ओरसे न निकलकर, अरघाके स्रोतसे बाहर निकलती हैं ।
•शिवपिंडीको ठंडे जल, दूध अथवा पंचामृतसे स्नान करवाते हैं ।
•शिवपूजामें हलदी-कुमकुमका प्रयोग नहीं करते; भस्म तथा श्वेत अक्षतका प्रयोग करते हैं ।
•पिंडीके दर्शनीय भागपर भस्मकी तीन समांतर धारियां बनाते हैं या फिर समांतर धारियां खींचकर उनके मध्य एक वर्तुल बनाते हैं । उसे शिवाक्ष अथवा योगाक्ष भी कहते हैं । शिवाक्षपर चावल, क्वचित गेहूं एवं श्वेत पुष्प चढाते हैं ।
•शिवपिंडीकी पूर्ण प्रदक्षिणा न कर, अर्धचंद्राकृति प्रदक्षिणा करते हैं । अरघेके स्रोतको लांघते नहीं, क्योंकि वहां शक्तिस्रोत होता है । उसे लांघते समय पैर फैलते हैं, जिससे वीर्यनिर्मिति व पांच अंतस्थ वायुओंपर विपरीत परिणाम होता है ।
रुद्राक्ष: भगवान शिव निरंतर समाधिमें होते हैं, इस कारण उनका कार्य सदैव सूक्ष्मसे ही जारी रहता है । यह कार्य अधिक सुव्यवस्थित हो, इसके लिए भगवान शिवने भी रुद्राक्षकी माला शरीरपर धारण की है । इसी कारण शिव-उपासनामें रुद्राक्षका असाधारण महत्त्व है ।’ किसी भी देवताका जप करने हेतु रुद्राक्षमालाका प्रयोग किया जा सकता है । रुद्राक्षमालाको गलेमें या अन्यत्र धारण कर किया गया जप, बिना रुद्राक्षमाला धारण किए गए जपसे हजार गुना लाभदायक होता है । इसी प्रकार अन्य किसी मालासे जप करनेकी तुलनामें रुद्राक्षकी मालासे जप करनेपर दस हजार गुना अधिक लाभ होता है ।
महामृत्युंजय कवच का पाठ करने से जपकर्ता की देह सुरक्षित होती है। जिस प्रकार सैनिक की रक्षा उसके द्वारा पहना गया कवच करता है उसी प्रकार साधक की रक्षा यह कवच करता है। इस कवच को लिखकर गले में धारण करने से शत्रु परास्त होता है। इसका प्रातः, दोपहर व सायं तीनों काल में जप करने से सभी सुख प्राप्त होते हैं। इसके धारण मात्र से किसी शत्रु द्वारा कराए गए तांत्रिक अभिचारों का अंत हो जाता है। धन के इच्छुक को धन, संतान के इच्छुक को पुत्र रत्न की प्राप्ति होती है।
भैरव उवाच श्रृणुष्व परमेशानि कवचं मन्मुखोदितम् ।
महामृत्युंजयाख्यस्य न देयं परमाद्भुतम् ।।
यं धृत्वा यं पठित्वा च श्रुत्वा च कवचोत्तमम् ।
त्रैलोक्याधिपतिर्भूत्वा सुखितोऽस्मि महेश्वरि ।।
तदेववर्णयिष्यामि तव प्रीत्यावरानने ।
तथापि परमं तत्वं न दातव्यं दुरात्मने ।।
विनियोगः अस्य श्री महामृत्युंजयकवचस्य भैरव ऋषिः ।
गायत्रीछन्दः मृत्युंजयरुद्रो महादेवो देवता ।।
ॐ बीजं जूं शक्तिः। सः कीलकम्। हौमितितत्वं व चतुर्वर्गसाधने विनियोगः ।।
चंद्रमंडलमध्यस्थे रुद्रभाले विचिन्त्यते ।
तत्रस्थं चिन्तयेत् साध्यं मृत्युमाप्नोपि जीवित ।।
ॐ जूं सः ह्रौं शिरं पातु देवो मृत्युंजयो मम ।
ॐ श्रीं शिवो ललाटं च ॐ ह्रौं भ्रु वो सदाशिव: ।।
नीलकंठो वतान्नेत्रे कपर्दी मे वतच्छुती ।
त्रिलोचनो वताद् गण्डौ नासा मे त्रिपुरान्तकः ।।
मुखं पीयूषघटमृदौष्ठौ मे कृत्तिकाम्बरः ।
हनुं मे हाटकेशनो मुखं बटुक-भैरव : ।।
कन्धरां कालमथनो गलं गण प्रियोऽवतु। स्कन्दौ स्कन्दपिता पातु हस्तौ मे गिरिशोऽवतु ।।
नखान् मे गिरिजानाथः पायादंगलि संयुतान् ।
स्तनौ तारापतिः पातु वक्षः पशुपतिर्मम ।।
कुक्षि कुबेर-वरदः पार्श्वौ मे मारशासनः ।
सर्वः पातु तथा नाभिं शूली पृष्ठं ममावतु ।।
शिश्नं मे शंकरः पातु गुह्यं गुह्यक-वल्लभः ।
कटिं कालान्तकः पायादूरुमेऽन्धकघातनः ।।
जागरूकोऽवताज्जानू जंघे मे कालभैरवः ।
गुल्फो पायाज्जटाधारी पादौ मृत्युंजयोऽवतु ।।
पादादिमूर्धपर्यन्तमघोरः पातु मां सदा ।
शिरसः पादपर्यन्तं सद्योजातो ममावतु ।।
रक्षाहीनं नामहीनं वपुः पातु मृतेश्वरः ।
पूर्वे बलविकरणो दक्षिणे कालशासनः ।।
पश्चिमे पार्वतीनाथो ह्युत्तरे मां मनोन्मनः ।
ऐशान्यामीश्वरः पायादाग्नेय्यामग्निलोचनः ।।
नैऋत्याँ शम्भुरव्यान्मां वायव्याँ वायुवाहनः ।
उर्ध्वे बलप्रमथनः पाताले परमेश्वरः ।।
दशदिक्षु सदा पातु महामृत्युंजयश्च माम्। रणे राजकुले द्यूते विषमे प्राणसंशये ।।
पाया दों जूं महारुद्रो देव-देवो दशाक्षरः। प्रभाते पातु मां ब्रह्मा मध्याह्ने भैरवोऽवतु ।।
सर्व तत् प्रशमं याति मृत्युंजय-प्रसादतः ।
धनं पुत्रान् सुखं लक्ष्मीमारोग्यं सर्वसम्पदः ।।
प्राप्नोति साधकाः सद्यो देवि सत्यं न संशयः ।
इतीदं कवचं पुण्यं महामृत्युंजयस्य तु ।।
गोप्यं सिद्धिप्रदं गुह्यं गोपनीयं स्वयोनिवत् ।
। इति रुद्रयामले तन्त्रे देवीरहस्ये मृत्युंजयपंचांगे मृत्युंजयकवचं संपूर्णम् ।
All that has been said here forms the background for the discussion of the horoscope of my Guruji, late Swami Paramananda Saraswati. He was like any true and genuine saint of India encouraging the study of astrology, not for any mercenary motives, but for the twin purpose of keeping alive a great Vedic heritage and seeing practically, through the planets, how God controls, regulates and guides the universe. I would have given up astrology long ago but, he insisted that I should not, for the sake of my own sadhana (spiritual practice). My straying into astrological writings and becoming a predictor for many is what he had foreseen and told a guru-bhai (fellow disciple) more than thirty years ago, and more than twenty-two years before, I wrote the first article on astrology. He was a seer in the truest sense of the term and the greatest I have met, though others who too are lucky like me to have genuinely great Gurus, must be having the same regard for their Gurus – and such feelings, sacred and pure as they are.
Natal Chart of Swami Paramananda Saraswati
Now see in the horoscope four striking sannyas yogas (planetary combination giving renunciation and spirituality):
1) Four planets in the 11th houses with the 10th lord and none of them combust. The conjunction being in the 11th house (of gains) gave him his spiritual attainments very early in life and brought him donations for his ashram (spiritual center) in lakhs (100,000 rupees), not merely when he breathed and lived amongst us but even ten years after he left us.
- K.N. Rao
reprinted with permission
Download Astro Sutra 1.0 as a Free Vedic Astrology Software for users , this software can be very good tool for calculating any Vedic chart with precise planetry postions.
The Rishis headed by Kasyapa began to perform a sacrifice (yaga) on the banks of the Ganges. Sage Narada visited them at that time and asked them to tell him why they were performing the sacrifice and who would be pleased by it.
Not being able to answer the question the Rishis approached Sage Bhrigu.To reach a solution after a direct ascertainment of reality, Sage Bhrigu first went to Satyaloka (the abode of Lord Brahma).
There, he found Brahma reciting the four Vedas with his four heads in praise of Lord Narayana and attended upon by Sarasvati and not taking notice of Bhrigu offering obeisance. Concluding that Brahma was unfit for worship, Bhrigu left Brahmaloka for Kailasa.
At Kailasa, Bhrigu found Lord Siva spending his time pleasantly with Parvati and not noticing the Sage Bhrigu. Parvati drew the attention of Siva to the presence of the sage.
Lord Siva became furious at the intrusion of Bhrigu and tried to destroy him. The sage cursed and left for Vaikuntham.
The angry sage went to Sri Vaikuntham. Srimannarayana was reposing at that time on Adisesha with Sri Mahalakshmi at His feet in service. Finding that Srimannarayana also did not notice him, the sage was infuriated and he kicked the Lord on His chest, the place where Mahalakshmi resides.
At once the Lord hastened to make apologies to the angry Sage and pressed his feet to allay the pain caused to the leg. In doing so the Lord removed the eye in the foot of the Sage, which gave him power as to defy the Devas. The Sage thereupon decided that Sri MahaVishnu was the most Supreme of the Trimurtis and told the Rishis the same.They thereupon decided that Sri MahaVishnu was the fruit of the Yaga and sacrifice was offered to Him (Vishnu).
At the commencement of the present Sveta Varaha Kalpa, the whole Universe was filled with water and the earth was immersed in it. Lord Vishnu took to form of a White Boar and dived into the water to lift the earth. He slew the demon Hiranyaksha who caused obstruction to him and rescued the earth.
Brahma and the other Devas extolled Sri Varaha at the time with the chanting of the Vedas and showered flowers on him for saving the Earth. Lord Vishnu decided to stay on Earth in the form of the White Boar for some time, to punish the wicked and protect the virtuous. This place thenceforward came to be known as Varaha Kshetra and Varaha Kalpa began from that time.
After the departure of Mahalakshmi, Lord Vishnu left Vaikuntha in a forlorn condition and took his abode in an ant-hill on the Venkata Hill under a tamarind tree beside a Pushkarini.
Brahma and Mahesvara, taking pity on the condition of Vishnu, made up their mind to assume the forms of a cow and its calf to serve him.
The Sun God informed Mahalakshmi of this and requested her to sell the cow and calf to the king of the Chola country assuming the form of a cowherdess.
The king of the Chola country bought the cow and its calf and sent them to graze on the Venkata Hill along with his herd of cattle. Discovering Lord Vishnu in the ant-hill, the cow everyday emptied her under over the ant-hill and thus fed the Lord.
Finding that the cow did not yield any milk, the Chola Queen chastised the cowherd severely.
To find out the cause of the absence of milk, the cowherd followed the cow and hid himself in a bush and discovered the cow emptying her under over the ant-hill.
Getting wild over the conduct of the cow, the cowherd aimed a blow with his axe on the head of the cow. But the God rose from the ant-hill to receive the blow and save the cow.
When the cowherd saw the Lord bleed at the blow of his axe he fell down and died.
On the death of the cowherd, the cow returned bellowing to the presence of the Chola King with blood stains over her body. To find out the cause of the terror of the cow the Chola King followed her to the scene of the incident.
Near an ant-hill, the King found the cowherd lying dead on the ground. While he stood wondering how it had happened, the Lord rose from the ant-hill and cursed the king to become an Asure from the fault of his servant. Entreated by the king who pleaded innocence, the Lord blessed him by saying that His curse would end when He was adorned with the Kireetam presented by Akasa Raja at the time of His marriage with Sri Padmavati.
Thereafter Srinivasa decided to stay in this Varaha Kshetra. He therefore requested Sri Varahaswami to grant Him a site for His stay. His request being readily granted, Srinivasa ordained that a pilgrimage to His shrine would not be complete unless it is preceded by a bath in the Pushkarini and Darsan of Sri VarahaSwami, and that Puja and Naivedyam should be offered to Sri Varaha first.
Yasoda brought up Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki, in his early years. Yasoda was not blessed to witness the marriage of Sri Krishna with Rukmini and she felt very sad. Sri Krishna promised to fulfil her desire in her next birth as Vakuladevi in his next Avatara as Srinivasa. This Vakuladevi was sent to serve Srinivasa by Lord Varahasvami, on whom she was attending till Srinivasa came to Venkatachala.
Sometime after, a King named Akasa Raja who belonged to the Lunar race was ruling over Thondamandalam. He had a brother named Thondaman. Akasa Raja had no issue for a long time and so he wanted to perform a sacrifice for obtaining an offspring. While he was himself ploughing and ground for sacrifice, his plough turned up a lotus in the ground. On examining the lotus, the King found a female child in it.
The king was happy to find a child even before he performed a sacrifice and carried it to his place and gave it to his Queen to tend it. At that time he heard an aerial voice which said “O King, tend it as your child and fortune will befall you”. As she was found in a lotus, the king named her Padmavati.
In course of time Princess Padmavati grew up into a beautiful maiden and was attended by a host of maids. One day while she was spending her time in a garden picking flowers with her maids, Saint Narada approached her. Assuring her that he was her well-wisher, he asked her to show him her palm to read her future. He foretold that she was destined to be the spouse of Lord Vishnu himself.
At this time Lord Srinivasa, who went for hunting chased a wild elephant in the forests surrounding the hills. In the pursuit, Srinivasa was led into a garden, where Princess Padmavati and her maids were picking flowers.The sight of the elephant frightened them and their Princess.
But the Elephant immediately turned round and saluted the Lord and disappeared in the forest.Lord Srinivasa came on horse back and saw the frightened maidens and he was accosted by them with queries.
Lord Srinivasa had explained them about his birth and parentage. He enquired them about their princess and her parentage and birth.
When he was informed that the Princess was Padmavati (lotus-Born) the foster Daughter of Akasaraja, he loved her and made advances to the Princess. He was repulsed with stones by the maids and he urgently returned to the hills leaving the horse, which fell on the ground.
Vakuladevi, as usual, brought dinner to Srinivasa comprising various delicious dishes. But she found him lying on his bed love-sick. She enquired the cause of his sickness. The Lord informed her that unless he secured Princess Padmavati, he would not be well. Vakuladevi then asked him to tell her all about the Princess, who she was, and how he came to love her. The Lord then narrated the story of her (Padmavati’s) previous birth and his promise to wed her.
In olden times Lakshmi was staying as Vedavati in a Rishi Asrama in the forests. At that time Ravana, the lord of Lanka came there and tried to tempt her. Vedavati grew angry and cursed him that she would bring about his death.
To fulfil her words, Vedavati entered into the fire but the fire-god rescued her. He took Vedavati to his house and entrusted her to his wife to take care of her.
When Ravana was about to carry away Sita from Panchavati in the absence of Rama and Lakshmana, the Fire-God appeared on the scene and offered Vedavati to Ravana as the real Sita who was kept with him by Rama to evade Ravana.
Ravana took Vedavati to Lanka thinking she was the real Sita, while Agni(Fire-God) took Sita to his house and asked his wife Swahadevi to look after her.
After the destruction of Ravana, Vedavati entered the fires when rejected by Rama. Then the Fire-God offered the real Sita to Rama. Rama then questioned her as to who the other lady by her side was.
Sita informed Rama that she was Vedavati who suffered all the tortures for her sake for ten months in Lanka and requested Rama to accept her also as his spouse. But Rama declined her request saying that he was wedded to policy of having only one wife during his life time, and he promised to wed her in her next birth as Padmavati, born as the daughter of Akasaraja when he will take the form of Srinivasa.
There upon Vakuladevi thought that Srinivasa would not be happy unless he married Padmavati and she offered to go to Akasaraja and his queen and arrange for the marriage. On the way she met the maid-servants of Padmavati returning from a Siva Temple. She learnt from them about Padmavathi’s love-sickness and went to the queen along with them.
Akasaraja and his queen Dharanidevi became anxious about the health of their daughter. They learnt about Padmavati’s love for Srinivasa of Venkata Hill. Akasaraja consulted Brihaspati about the propriety of the marriage and was informed that the marriage was in the best interests.
After the departure of Vakuladevi Srinivasa could not rest in peace. He doubted her success in the mission. He therefore assumed the form of a Yerukula-woman and entered the streets of the capital telling fortunes. Padmavati’s maids saw her and invited her to the presence of their queen.
The maid-servants went and informed the queen that the fortune-teller was hesitating to come into the palace without an invitation from the queen.
The queen came out herself and invited the fortune-teller into the palace.The fortune-teller was taken to the presence of Princess Padmavati.
The fortune-teller saw the palm of the Princess and told the queen about the cause of Padmavati’s indisposition and advised to give her in marriage to Lord Srinivasa. She also told the queen that a lady would approach her shortly to formally request Padmavati’s hand in marriage on behalf of Srinivasa.
After the departure of the fortune-teller, Vakuladevi went to the queen along with the maids and informed her that she came from Srinivasa to request the hand of Padmavati in marriage for him.
Having consulted Brihaspati and heard from his queen about the prediction of the fortune-teller and arrival of the messenger, from Srinivasa, Akasaraja decided to bestow his daughter on Srinivasa and he called the palace purohits to fix a Muhurtam for the marriage.
Akasaraja informed his Ministers and other Officials of his intention. Immediately a letter was drafted for being sent to Srinivasa requesting him to come and marry the Princess.
Akasaraja entrusted the letter to Sukamahamunin for being delivered to Srinivasa. Suka went to Venkata Hill with Vakulamalikadevi. He presented the Patrika to Lord Srinivasa, who felt pleased and sent his garland through him for Padmavati.
Immediately Lord Srinivasa called for a conference of the Gods to win their consent for His marriage with Princess Padmavati.
To meet the expenses of the marriage, Kubera lent money to the Lord.
Lord Srinivasa started for the residence of Akasaraja with his consorts and Brahma and Siva and his vehicle Garutman.
At the entrance the Lord was received by Akasaraja with all honours and was taken in procession on a mounted elephant to the palace for the marriage.
In the presence of all the Devas, Lord Srinivasa took the hand of the Princess Padmavati and wedded her and thus blessed Akasaraja.
Contest between Adisesha and Vayudeva
During the Dwaparayuga, Vayudeva (the Wind God) went to Vaikuntam to pay his obeisance to Lord Sri Vishnu. The Lord was reclining in the company of Sri Lakshmi. The doorway was guarded by Adisesha. Vayudeva was incensed when Adisesha prevented him from entering Sri Vishnu’s mansion. Adisesha and Vayudeva began to fight with each other.
When Lord Vishnu intervened, each was boasting of his superior valour and supreme might. To test who was stronger, the Lord suggested that Adisesha encircle the Ananda hill, an off-shoot of the Meru mountain on its northern side, and that Vayudeva blow hard to try and dislodge the Ananda hill from Adisesha’s hold. The contest waxed furiously, and as the World trembled, Brahma, Indra and the other Divine Beings requested Adisesha to yield victory to Vayudeva for the welfare of the world.
Obliging them, Adisesha released his hold on the hill. As a result, Adisesha and the Ananda hill were blown away to the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. Adisesha was dejected by his defeat. Lord Brahma and the others appealed to him by saying that he would be merged with the hill Venkatadri and Vishnu would reside on him. Adisesha then metamorphosed into the vast Seshadri, with his hood manifesting itself as Venkatadri sustaining Sri Venkateswara, his middle as Ahobila supporting Lord Narasimha, and his tail as Srisailam bearing Lord Mallikarjuna (Lord Siva).
Restoration of the Earth by Adi Varaha
During the eight thousand yugas (the equivalent of a day and night for Brahma, the Creator), there was a raging fire, and everything on Earth was reduced to ashes. Man had to forsake the Earth and seek refuge in Janaloka.
At the approach of night (of Brahma), Vayu, the Wind God, blew furiously. Huge clouds were formed, there was torrential rain, and it resulted in Pralaya Kalpa (the Great Deluge). The Earth sank into the Patala loka, and remained in that state for a thousand years (during a part of that night of Brahma).
Sri Maha Vishnu, wanted to rescue the Earth. He assumed the form of Adi Varaha and proceeded to Pataloka. He fought a fierce duel with Hiranyaksa and killed him. He then slashed the water and brought up the Earth on his tusks.
Brahma, the Devas and the sages extolled Adi Varaha’s virtues, by chanting the Vedic mantras. They prayed to Him to re-establish the Earth as before. Adi Varaha obliged them, and called upon Brahma to recreate the world. He expressed his desire to reside on the Earth to protect its people. He commanded his vehicle, Garuda to fetch Kridachala (an extensive natural hill with lofty peaks, embedded with gold and precious stones, and which resembled Adisesha in shape) from Vaikuntam.
Garuda brought Kridachala and deposited it on a sacred spot (to the East of Swami Pushkarini) chosen by Adi Varaha. Adi Varaha stood within the divine vimana of Kridachala, which shone with many gem-studded gopuras.
Brahma and the other holy personages requested the fearsome-looking Adi Varaha to assume a tranquil and composed look, and rest on the hill to protect men and grant boons to people unable to reach God through Dhyana Yoga (meditation) and Karma Yoga (doing one’s own duty).
Adi Varaha appeared with four arms and a white face. He was adorned with jewels and accompanied by Bhu Devi. He resolved to stay at Venkatadri, under a divya vimana, to grant the prayers of men
By Dr. Shanker Adawal
If you have professional problem, soak Black gram on a Friday night and season it with Mustard oil the following day. Divide it into three parts. A third of it may be given to a horse or buffalo, 2nd portion to a leper and take the last portion in your hand, wave it around your head in the anti-clockwise direction. Do this continuously for 40 days. Your impediment will vanish.
If you need a favourable posting or promotion, then after your bath, offer water and flower to the rising Sun in the morning for 27 days in a row without a break.
Your income will increase, if you offer wet Black Gram dal to monkeys on Tuesdays.
Offer 7 cereals (sapta dhanya) to birds for growth in service.
Zooming Business
When in doubt that someone is envious of your progress and has an evil eye on you, get a tooth of a Boar (wild pig) and get it placed on the wall in full vicinity. Do this on the first Wednesday of the Waxing Moon. Alternatively, you can place a white Ganesa (shwetark) image smeared with sindur and Silver foil. This will take care of your progress and moreover your decisions thereafter will be apt.
Take a piece of a thread made of raw cotton and dye it with pure Saffron chanting the mantra “Om Mahalakshmyei Namah”. Tie this thread at your business-shop or establishment. Your business shall flourish. Those in service should keep this thread in the drawer of their table for better service conditions and to get quick promotion.
Procure 7 green Chilies with straight stem and a Lime on any Tuesday. Tie them all in a black thread and hang them with the help of a peg outside your premises. Do so on every Tuesday. This measure ensures flourishing business. You can do so even on Saturdays as well.
If you have recurring loss in business, perform Gayatri Sahasranam havan. Collect the ashes from the homakhund, wrap it in white cloth and preserve at home and office. Your business will flourish. Even chronic health problems will be overcome.
For reverting to success on a loss making unit, clear all bushes or wild growth around the Tulsi plant; if you do not have one, plant a fresh one in a clean area and take the leaves from it and wrap it in Yellow cloth for placing both at home and office. See success for yourself.
To tide over business problem, after your early morning bath, offer water to the rising Sun and chant Gayatri mantra alongside. If possible, chant Aditya hrudaya stothra also.
When you are worried about dwindling number of customers, cut 5 Limes to pieces on a Saturday, add Mustard seeds, some black Pepper and a Clove. Keep them in the establishment. Following day, crush all of them between your hands. Repeat this and see success.
For growth of business, clean a portion of business premises with Ganges water; draw a Swastik with Saffron or Turmeric paste. Place Channa dal and jaggery. Light a ghee lamp on Thursdays.
If problem arises, whenever material is procured for business, buy some toys along with and gift them to children. You will be happy to see the change.
