Gangauri Tritiya Festival – Gangauri Tritiya 2024

Posted on March 25, 2013 by astrobix

Gangauri Tritiya Festivals is celebrated in devotion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fast on this day to get the blessings of goddess Parvati. In 2024, Gangauri Tritiya Festival will be celebrated on 24th April, Thursday. This fast is observed by females in the family only. According to ancient scriptures, it is also known as Gauri Utsav, Gauri Tritiya, Ishwar Gauri, and Dolotsavam.

Chaoitrashuklatritiyayam Gaurimishvarsamyutam |

Sampujya Dolotsavam Kuryat||

Rituals to Perform Gangauri Puja

Usually, this festivals is celebrated on the day of Teej. A person observing this fast should wake up early in the morning, take bath and worship the whole family of Lord Shiva. She should first sprinkle ganga jal at the place of worship before establishing the idols. The prepare a 24X24 inch platform made with mud and establish the idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess parvati on it. Now worship the idols with fruits, flowers, incense and roli. All the ten incarnations of the goddess re worshipped on this day. The ten incarnations of the goddess are: Gauri, Uma, Latika, Subhaga, Bhagamalini, Manokamna, BHavani, Kamda, Bhog Vardhini and Ambika.

All the manifestations of the goddess are worshipped with utmost devotion and faith. The person observing the fast should not eat anything throughout the day, except of a glass of milk in the morning. Females observing this fast are blessed with a child, happy and prosperous life. There is a tradition of worshipping the idol of the goddess made with wood or metal. The idols are bathed with panchamrit and adorned with beautiful clothes and jewels.

Significance of Gangauri Fast

As per the legends, once Gauri and Shiva reached a dense forest where goddess parvathi felt thirsty. She asked Lord Shiva for water to drink. Lord Shiva asked Parvati to follow the directions where the bird are going as they are probably flying in the direction of water. Goddess parvati went there and saw a river flowing.

When Parvati took water in her hands it got filled with a bunch of fruit, second time it got filled with flowers and the third time with dhokla. Parvati got confused and a lot of things came into her mind. Seeing this, Lord SHiva told her that, “Today is Teej. All the females keep fast on this day in devotion of Gauri and all these things that you are seeing in the river have been offered to the goddess”

On this, Parvati asked Lord Shiva to establish a place where all the females can come and observe the fast so that she can bless them personally with their desires. Lord Shiva granted her wish. After a while a group of females came to the place. Parvati got a bit curious and asked Lord Shiva to bless the females with some boon, along with her blessing. This is why Lord Shiva and goddess parvati are worshipped together on this day.

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Gajendra Moksha Stotra – Gajendra Stotra

Posted on March 21, 2013 by astrobix

Gajendra Moksha has been mentioned in Srimad Bhagavad Gita’s eighth chapter’s third part. It includes 33 Shlokas. These Shlokas describe Gajendra’s battle with Grah. In this battle, in order to free himself from Grah’s mouth, Gajendra worshipped Lord Vishnu. It has been explained that Gajendra Moksha Stotra eliminates all kinds of sins and problems.

A person who reads this Stotra everyday is free from all kinds of problems and attains salvation. A person should memorize his problems and worship Lord Vishnu while reading this Stotra. This helps a person to eliminate all problems and attain salvation. This Stotra should be read after lighting a lamp in front of Lord Vishnu. If you read this Stotra with complete dedication, it will solve all your problems and you will be blessed.

Sri Shukra Uvach

Om Namo Bhagawathe Thasmai Yathayetha Chidhathmakam

Purushaa Yaadhi Bheejaaya Paresayaabhi Dheemahi ॥

॥ Yasmin Idham Yatha Schedham Tyenedham Ya Idham Swayam,

Yoasmath Parasamacha Parastham Prapadhye Swayambhuvam ॥

॥ Ya Swathmaneedham Nija Mayayaa Arpitham,

Kwachid Vibhatham Kwa Cha Thath Thirohitham,

Aviddha Druk Saksha Yubhayam Thadheekshathe Sa,

Aathma Moolo Avathu Maam Parathpara ॥

॥ Kaalena Panchathwamitheshu Kruthsnasao,

Lokeshu Paleshu Cha Sarva Hethushu,

Thamas Thadha Aaseed Gahanam Gabheeram,

Yasthasya Parebhi Virajathe Vibhu ॥

॥ Na Yasya Devaa Rishaya Padam Vidhu

Janthu Puna Ko Arhathi Ganthu Meerithum,

Yadhaa Natasya Aakruthibhir Vicheshtatho,

Durathya Anukramana Sa Maavathu ॥

॥ Dhidrukshavo Yasya Padam Su Mangalam,

Vimuktha Sanghaa Munaya Susaadhava,

Charanthya Loka Vrutha Mavranam Vane,

Bhoothama Bhoothaa Shrudh Sa May Gathi ॥

॥ Na Vidhyathe Yasya Cha Janma Karma Vaa,

Na Naama Roope Guna Dosha Yeva Vaa,

Thadhapi Lokaapya Ya Sambhavaya Ya,

Swa Mayaya Thaanyunukala Mruchathi ॥

Thasmai Nama Paresaaya Brahmane Anatha Shakthaye,

Aroopyo Roopaya Nama Aascharya Karmane. ॥

॥ Nama Aathma Pradheepaya Sakshine Paramathmane,

Namo Giraam Vidhooraya Maanasa Schethasam Api ॥

॥ Sathvena Prathi Labhyaya Naishkarmyena Vipaschitha,

Nama Kaivalya Nadhaya Nirvana Sukha Samvidhe ॥

॥ Nama Santhaya Ghoraya, Moodaaya Guna Dharmine,

Nirviseshaya Samyaya Namo Jnana Ganaya Cha. ॥

॥ Kshethragnaya Namasthubhyam Sarvadhyakshaya Sakshine,

Purushaa Yaathma Moolaya Moola Prakruthaye Nama. ॥

॥ Sarvendrye Guna Drushte Sarva Prathyaya Hethave,

Asathaa Cchaya Yokthaya Sadaa Basaaya They Nama. ॥

॥ Namo Namasthe Akhila Kaaranaya Nish Kaaranaaya Adbhutha Kaaranaya,

Sarvaa Gamaamnaya Maharnavaya Namo Apavargaya Parayanaya. ॥

॥ Gunarani Cchanna Chidooshmapaaya,

Thathkshobha Visphoorjitha Manasaya

Naishkarmya Bhavena Vivarjithagama

Swayam Prakasaya Namaskaromi ॥

॥ Madruk Prapanna Pasu Pasa Vimokshanaya,

Mukthaaya Bhoori Karunaya Namo Aalayaaya,

Swaamsena Sarva Thanu Brun Manasi Pratheetha,

Prathyag Druse Bhagwathe Bruhathe Namasthe ॥

॥ Athma Athmajaaptha Gruha Vitha Janeshu Saakthai,

Dush Praapaanaaya Guna Sanghaa Vivarjithaaya,

Nukthaathmabhi Swahrudaye Pari Bhavithaya,

Jnanathmane Bhagwathe Nama Ishwaraya ॥

॥ Yam Dharma Kama Artha Vimukthi Kaama,

Bhajantha Ishtaam Gathi Mapnuvanthi,

Kim Thwaasisho Rathyapi Deha Mavyayam,

Karothu May Adha Brudhayo Vimokshanam. ॥

॥ Yekanthino Yasya Na Kanchanarrdhaa,

Vanchasnthi Ye Vai Bhagawat Prapanna,

Athyadbhutham Thaccharitham Sumangalam,

Gayantha Aananda Samudhra Magnaa ॥

॥ Thamaksharam Brahma Param Paresam,

Avyaktha Madhyathmika Yoga Gamyam,

Athheendriyam Sookshma Mivathi Dhooram,

Anantha Maadhyam Paripoorna Meede. ॥

॥ Yasya Brahmadayo Deva Loka Scharachara,

Nama Roopa Vibheedheena Phalgvyaa Cha Kalaya Krutha. ॥

॥ Yadharchisho Agne Savithur Gabhasthayo,

Niryanthi Samyaanthya Sakruth Swarochisha,

Thadhaa Yathoyam Guna Sampravaho,

Budhir Mana Kaani Sareera Sargaa.

Jijeevishe Nahmihamuya Kimantarbhishchavrityebhyonya,

Ichami Kalen Na Yasya Viplavstasyatmalokavarnsya Moksham||

Soham Vishvasrijam Vishamvishvan Vishvedsam |

Vishvatmanmajam Brahma Prantonisma Param Padam ||

Yograndhitkarmano Hridi Yogvibhavite |

Yogini Yam Prapshayanti Yogesham Tam Natosbhayam ||

Namo Namastubhayamsahyavegshaktitrayayakhildhigunaya |

Prapannpalayam Duranshakteya Kadinidrayanamanvapyavartamane ||

Nayam Ved Swamatmanam Yachaktyahamdhiya Hatam |

Tum Durtyayahatmayam Bhagvantmitosmayaham ||

Nayam Ved Swamatmanam Yachaktyamhadhiya Hatam |

Tam Durtyayamahatmayam Bhagvantmitosmayaham ||

Shri Shuk Uvach

Aiwam Gajendramuparvnitanivirshesh Bhramadyo Vividhlingbhidabhimana |

Naite Yadopassrupurnikhilatmaktavat Ttrakhilamarmyo Hariraviraseet ||

Tam Tadvadartamupalbhyakha Jagnivasa Strotam Nibhmya Divije Sah Sanstuvadhi |

Chandomayan Guruden Samuhayamanshakrayudhobhayagamdashu Yato Gajendra ||

Sontarasyurublen Grihat Aarto Drishtva Gurumati Harim Kha Upatchakram |

Utikshipya Sambhujkaram Girmah Krichanarayanakhilguro Bhagwan Namaste ||

Tam Vokshaya Piditmaja Sahsavtriya Sagrahmashu Saras Kripyojahar |

Grahad Vipatimukhadrina Gajendram Sampashyantam Harimumrichadustriyanam ||

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Sati Anusuiya Jayanti – Anusuiya Jayanti 2024

Posted on March 12, 2013 by astrobix

Sati Anasuya Jayanti will be celebrated on 28 April 2024. Anusuiya ji is considered to be a lady of high character and qualities. Anusuiya ji was one of the twenty four daughters of Daksha Prajapati. Anusuiya ji was a symbol of love and purity. She is considered to be a woman with high principles. She was born in a royal family. But still, she was always down to earth and modest.

Her whole life was based on principles. According to legends, even Goddess Sita was influenced by Anusuiya ji’s magnificence and personality. She even accepted a gift from Anusuiya ji. Anusuiya was married to Lord Brahma’s son, Saint Atri. She always followed all the principles of a married life.

Sati Anusuiya Legends

A lot of legends are famous about Sati Anusuiya. According to these legends, Anusuiya was a woman with high principles. Due to this, she was very popular in all the three worlds. Goddess Parvati, Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati were jealous of her devotion towards her husband. The three goddesses tried to take her test. They asked their husbands, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma to take her test.

The Lords tried to convince the Goddesses, but they did not listen. The three Lords visited Anusuiya ji’s asylum. They disguised themselves as saints and asked for food from Anusuiya ji. However, they put forward a condition. They asked Anusuiya ji to take off her clothes and then serve food. Anusuiya ji was tensed and thought about her husband. She was enlightened and came to know that the saints were Gods in disguise. Anusuiya ji agreed to their condition, but asked them to turn themselves into little children.

After hearing this, the Lords turned themselves into little children and Anusuiya ji served them food. The three Gods started living with Anusuiya ji as her children. When the Gods did not return for a long time, the three Goddesses were worried. They visited Anusuiya’s asylum and asked for her forgiveness. Anusuiya ji forgave them and the Gods returned to their original self.

Sati Anusuiya Jayanti Importance

Anusuiya ji was a symbol of purity and love. Therefore, anyone worshipping her is blessed by Sati Anusuiya. All women pray Sati Anusuiya and ask for her blessings. Sati Anusuiya Jayanti is celebrated every year. A lot of fairs are also organized on this day. It has been mentioned in Ramayana that when Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Laxman visited Saint Atri’s asylum, Anusuiya taught Goddess Sita about the principles of married life. Anusuiya ji is also a symbol of Indian tradition and culture.

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Sankatnashan Strotram – Sankat Nashan Stotra

Posted on March 9, 2013 by astrobix

Lord Ganesha holds an important place in Hindu mythology. He has a head of an elephant and rides a mouse. He fulfills all kinds of desires of his devotees. It is important to worship Lord Ganesha before beginning any auspicious work.

Naarad Uvacha

Om Pranamya Sirasa devam  Gauri Puthram Vinayakam
Bhaktavasam Smarennithyam  Ayuh Kamartha Siddaye (1)

Prathamam Vakrathundam cha Ekadantham Dvithiyakam
Thrithiyam Krishna Pingaaksham Gajavakthram Chathurthakam (2)

Lambodaram Panchamam cha Shashtam Vikatameva cha
Saptamam Vighna Rajam cha Dhoomravarnam thathashtakam (3)

Navamam Phala Chandram cha Dasamam thu Vinayakam
Ekadasam Ganapathim Dwadasam thu Gajananam (4)

Dwadasaithani Namaani Thri Sandhyam Yah Pathennarah
Na cha Vighna Bhayam thasya Sarva Siddhi karim Prabho (5)

Vidyarthi Labhate Vidyam Dhanarthi Labhate Dhanam
Puthrarthi Labhate Putraam Mokshaarthi Labhate Gatim (6)

Japeth Ganapthi Stotram Shadbhirmaasai Phalam Labheth,
Samvatsarena Siddhim cha Labhate Naathra Samsayaha (7)

Ashtabhyo Brahmanebhyash cha Likhitwa yah Samarpayeth
Thasya Vidya bhavetsarva Ganeshasya Prasadathaha (8)

Ithi Sri Narada Purane Sankashta Nashana Ganapathi Sthothram Sampoornam.

Meaning

In this stotra, Narad explain the magnificence of Lord ganesha. Narad says that every person should bow his head and worship Lord Ganesha to ask for longevity and elimination of all problems. Lord Ganesha’s different names should be called out including Vakratund, Ekdant, Krishna Pingaksh, Gajvakra, Lambodar, Chata Vikat, Vighna Rajendra, Dhumravarna, Bhalchandra, Vinayak, Ganpati etc. These twelve names should be worshipped in all three time periods of the day. This frees a person from any sort of fear. Lord Ganesha’s worship fulfills all desires. A person looking for money becomes rich, a person looking for knowledge acquires it and a person looking for salvation attains it. It is believed that this stotra provides results within six months. In one year, a person receives auspicious results. A person who writes this stotra and gives it to eight Brahmanas receives vast knowledge.

A person is able to free himself from the cycle of life and death. According to Puranas, Lord Ganesha resides in the nine planets, nakshatras and astrological signs. Lord Ganesha’s devotee achieves success, fame, wealth and prosperity. Lord Ganesha eliminates all kinds of mental ailments, aggression, lust, desire, jealousy, cunningness, cleverness etc. Such a person attain immense knowledge and patience. Such a person lives a long life and stays healthy.

Lord Ganesha loves his devotees who are dedicated and devoted towards him. A lot of legends are famous about Lord Ganesha’s birth. These stories explain his magnificence and generosity. Lord Ganesha has a head of an elephant and rides a mouse. A person should chant Om Gan Ganpataye Namah and read Ukta Stotra with a clear heart while sitting in a clean place. This makes Lord Ganesha happy.

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Sheetla Ashtami Fast 2023 – Sheetla Ashtami 2023 – Sheetala Ashtami Festival

Posted on March 7, 2013 by astrobix

Sheetla Ashtami is celebrated after a few days from Holi. Goddess Sheetla’s worship begins from Ashtami Tithi in Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month. This year, it will be celebrated on Friday, 15th March 2023. Goddess Sheetla is worshipped on this day. Stale and cold food is offered to Goddess Sheetla on this day. This is known as Basauda. The same food is eaten as Prasad. It is distributed among devotees in the form of Naivedya.

Sheetla Ashtami Fast Eliminates Diseases

In Skanda Purana, Sheetla Mata’s Stotra has been called Sheetlashtak. It is believed that Sheetlashtak was written by Lord Shiva. Sheetla Mata is worshipped as an important Hindu Goddess. The magnificence of Goddess Sheetla has been explained in numerous religious scriptures. Goddess Sheetla has been talked about in Skanda Purana in detail. Sheetla Mata is usually associated with chickenpox. She can be seen holding a pot, soup, broom ad neem leaves. She rides a donkey.

Sheetla Ashtami Worship

As mentioned earlier, stale and cold food is offered to Sheetla Mata on this day. This is known as Basauda. This is done on the day of Ashtami. Devotees also fast on this day and worship Goddess Sheetla. Sheetla Mata’s story is also recited. After this, she is worshipped and Sheetlashtak is read. Sheetlashtak explains the magnificence of Sheetla Mata. Her mantras are also chanted.

After Sheetla Mata’s worship, Prasad is distributed among all the devotees. Sheetla Ashtami is known as Basauda in northern India. According to beliefs, keeping this fast eliminates all kinds of health problems like fever, chickenpox, eye problems etc.

Importance of Sheetla Ashtami

Food is not cooked in a home on this day. Sheetla Mata is worshipped on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Chaitra, Vaishakh, Jyeshtha and Ashadh months. Hence, these days are known as Sheetla Ashtami. In present times, Sheetla Mata’s worship encourages a person about cleanliness and hygiene.

A person is inspired to keep his surroundings clean and tidy. It is very important to keep your surroundings clean to protect yourself from the negative impacts of environmental changes. Hence, Sheetla Mata’s worship is very important.

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Sri Laxmi Panchami 2024 – Lakshmi Panchami Fast – Lakshmi Panchami Puja

Posted on March 7, 2013 by astrobix

Sri Laxmi Panchami fast is celebrated on the Panchami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month. This fast will be celebrated on 12th April
, 2024. Goddess Laxmi is worshipped on this day. A person keeping this fast is blessed by Goddess Laxmi. A person keeps a fast on this day and worships Goddess Laxmi at night.

According to Shastras, Goddess Laxmi has an attractive and magnificent appearance. Worshipping Goddess Laxmi eliminates poverty from a person’s life. Goddess Laxmi is considered to be the Goddess of magnificence. You can worship Goddess Laxmi or chant her mantras whenever you face any problems related to the profession, business or wealth. Goddess Laxmi blesses all her devotees.

You should read different stotras on this day. Some of these are Kanakdhara Stotra, Laxmi Stotram, and Laxmi Suktam. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi blesses all her devotees on this day. A person’s prayers do not go unheard. Goddess Laxmi provides her blessings to every person who worships her with a true heart.

Sri Laxmi Panchami Worship

Sri Laxmi Panchami worship is associated with wealth and success. Goddess Laxmi is worshipped as the Goddess of success and wealth. Goddess Laxmi’s blessings can eliminate poverty and weakness. Goddess Laxmi is one of the most powerful Devis.

Sri Laxmi Worship Procedure

First of all, a person should wake up early and take a bath. Then, a person should chant Goddess Laxmi’s mantras and begin the fast. During the worship, Goddess Laxmi’s idol should be placed on a platform. The idol should be cleaned with Panchamrit. Goddess Laxmi is worshipped with many different prayers.

Sandalwood, banana leaves, garland of flowers, rice, durva, red thread, supari, coconut and other things are used to worship Goddess Laxmi. After worshipping Goddess Laxmi, food is offered to Brahmanas. Some money is also given to them as Dakshina. A person keeping this fast receives a lot of wealth and auspicious results. A person should not consume food during this fast. He or she should only eat fruits, milk and sweets.

Goddess Laxmi is a symbol of wealth and success. She is one of the three most powerful Devis. Goddess Laxmi is also associated with feelings related to attraction and greed. She provides everyone with wealth and success. A person achieves success and all his problems are resolved if he worships Goddess Laxmi.

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Paap Mochini Ekadashi eliminates all kinds of Sins – Paap Mochini Ekadashi 2024

Posted on March 2, 2013 by astrobix

Paap Mochini Ekadashi is celebrated on the Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha during Chaitra month. This year, Paap Mochini Ekadashi will be celebrated on 05 April, 2024. According to beliefs, Paap Mochini Ekadashi eliminates all kinds of sins. Lord Krishna explained the auspicious results of Paap Mochini Ekadashi to Arjun.

Paap Mochini Ekadashi eliminates a person’s sins and leads him to the path of salvation. Lord Vishnu should be worshipped on this day. If a person follows the principles of this Ekadashi, auspicious results are maximized.

Importance of Paap Mochini Ekadashi

According to a story, Lord Vishnu explained the importance of Paap Mochini Ekadashi to Arjun. He said that King Mandhata asked Saint Lomesh about a way to be free from all his sins. Saint Lomesh told a story to Kind Mandhata. He said that there was a forest named Chaitra Rath. In the forest, Saint Chyavan’s son, Medhavi was offering austerities.

Once, an Apsara named Manjaghosha saw Medhavi in the forest. She was attracted to him instantly. She tried to attract the saint towards herself. Lord Kamdeva was passing by and saw Manjaghosha. Lord Kamdeva wanted to help Manjaghosha. She was successful and Saint Medhavi’s austerities were disrupted.

Saint Medhavi was distracted and started making love with Manjaghosha. After a lot of years, he realized that his austerities were disrupted and he wanted to repent. He was very angry with Manjaghosha and cursed her to be a demon. She was very sad and asked for the saint’s forgiveness. She wanted the saint to forgive her.

Saint Medhavi calmed down and asked her to keep a fast on the Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha during Chaitra month. Even Saint Medhavi kept this fast. All their sins were eliminated because of this fast. Both of them went to heaven.

Paap Mochini Ekadashi Fast Procedure

The magnificence of Paap Mochini Ekadashi has been explained in Bhavishya Uttar Purana. Lord Vishnu’s Chaturbhuj (Four hands) is worshipped in this fast. A person keeping this fast should eat vegetarian food and avoid any desires of lust on the day of Dashami. He should worship Lord Vishnu. A person should wake up early in the morning on Ekadashi and follow all principles of Ekadashi. He should worship Lord Vishnu.

Such a person should read Bhagavad Gita and pray to Lord Vishnu. Jagran on Ekadashi Tithi maximizes auspicious results. Therefore, you should organize bhajans and kirtans on this day. On the day of Dwadashi, a person should take a bath in the morning and serve food to Brahmanas. You should also give them money and then eat food yourself.

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Attain Victory on the Festivals of Vijaya Ekadashi – Vijaya Ekadashi 2024

Posted on February 12, 2013 by astrobix

Vijaya Ekadashi is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi every year. This ekadashi gives success and victory to the people. It is believed that Lord Ram observed this Ekadashi before beginning his war against Ravana to ensure the victory of truth over evil. In 2024, Vijaya Ekadashi will be observed on 06th March, The person observing fast on the day gets desired results.

Historical Significance of Vijaya Ekadashi

As per the legends, Lord Ram reached the sea cost to invade in Lanka, on the day of Vijaya Ekadashi. Lord Ram saw the vast sea infront of him. His wife Sita was in Ravan’s prison. So, Lord Ram requested Sea God (Samundra Devta) to give him way. But, Samundra did not gave Lord the way of going to Lanka.

Then, God Ram asked the saints for the solution. They explained Lord that before starting any auspicious work, fast and rituals are performed. This way the work started will get completed successfully. Rishis said “Dear Lord, you should systematically observe the Ekadasi fast of Krishna Paksha, Phalgun Masa. This fast will help you get the way to Lanka from sea and make you win over Ravana.” So, Lord Ram Observed the fast as explained by Rishis. This incident gave the Name Vijaya Ekadashi to this fast of Ekadashi.

Rituals to Perform Vijaya Ekadashi Puja

It is believed that the result of observing Ekadasi fast is even more than the fruits earned by donating gold, land, cereals and cow. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on the day of Ekadashi. Incense sticks, lamps, Navedy, and coconut is used for worshipping the lord. On the day of Vijaya Ekadashi, seven cereals are established. The seven cereals include wheat, Urad, Moong, gram, rice, barley, lentils. The idol of Lord Vishnu is then established on the pot of cereals. A person should observe this fast for the whole day and perform Jagran at night by reading Vishnu Path, Vishnu Sahasranama.

A night before the fast day, Satvik Bhojan (simple food with no garlic and onions) should be eaten. After the night meal nothing else should be eaten. This fast is observed for 24 hours. Fast is concluded on Dwadashi (next day of Ekadasi) morning by gifting a pitcher full of cereal to Brahman. Observing this fast removes grief and problems. As per the name, Vijaya Ekadashi gives success to a person in difficult circumstances of life.

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Worship Amla Tree on the day of Amla Ekadashi – Amla Ekadashi 2024

Posted on February 11, 2013 by astrobix

According to Vishnu Purana, a spot of light similar to the light of Moon fell on Earth from Lord Vishnu’s face. This spot of light was the reason for existence of Amla tree. The Amla tree which originated from Lord Vishnu’s face is said to be the best. It is believed that even thinking about this tree or its fruit can cure all kinds of diseases and eliminate problems. A person receives auspicious results while thinking about this tree or its fruit. Amla is Lord Vishnu’s favorite fruit. If you eat this fruit, you get three times auspicious results than usual.

Amla Ekadashi Worship

Amla Ekadashi is also known as Amalki Ekadashi. This fast is kept on the day of Falgul Shukla Paksha’s Ekadashi. This fast cures all kinds of diseases. Amla tree is worshipped during this fast. This year, Amla Ekadashi will be celebrated on 20th March, 2024. It is believed that Amla Ekadashi frees a person from all kinds of sins. An Amla tree is worshipping during this fast. It is also believed that Amla trees originated from Lord Vishnu’s face.

Amla Ekadashi Story

In ancient times, there was a village where everyone lived happily and worshipped Lord Vishnu. The King and his subjects kept Ekadashi fast together. Once, all the people were worshipping the Lord in a temple during Ekadashi. At night, a hunter visited the temple who was hungry. Since there were a lot of people in the temple, the hunter could not steal any food. He had to worship the Lord with others. In the morning, all the people including the hunter went back home.

After a while, the hunter died because of some reason. The hunter had kept Amla Ekadashi fast unintentionally that night. Hence, all his sins were eliminated and he was born as a prince. Once the prince was surrounded by dacoits who wanted to kill him. The dacoits used weapons to hurt him. However, all their weapons starting hurting themselves. All the dacoits were killed by their own weapons.

There was a revelation at the same time. The prince could hear the voice of the Lord telling him that Lord Vishnu would always protect him. This was because he had kept Amla Ekadashi fast. Since that day, the prince was completely devoted to Lord Vishnu and dedicated his whole life towards him. In the end, he attained salvation. In the same way, whoever keeps Amla Ekadashi Fast is blessed by Lord Vishnu and attains salvation.

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Maha Shivaratri Fast 2023 – Mahashivratri Festival 2023 – Maha Shivaratri Pooja

Posted on February 9, 2013 by astrobix

Maha Shivaratri, also known as the Night of Welfare and Fortune is celebrated on Trayodashi of Phalgun Krishna Paksha every year. This shivratri has special significance in ancient scriptures. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared on the earth on this day in the form of Jyotirlinga. There are many stories regarding Shivaratri festival but all of them have similar format and description.

Phalgun Maha Shivratri Festival

The month of Phalgun depicts the new beginning. Even nature welcomes the month with zest and enthusiasm. Although. this festival is celebrated in every part of India, the rituals and tradition to obser Maha Shivaratri fast is different in Himachal region. People from different parts of the country visit the place to worship the gods and goddesses residing in the mandi. Mela of Phalgun has a special significance.

Rituals to Worship On Maha Shivratri

According to the belief, Maha Shivaratri fast is observed when chaturdashi tithi lies on the pradosh kal. According to the scriptures, this fast should be observed from the early morning of chaturdashi tithi to the night of. Devotees should only worsip and chant the name of Lord Shiva in all the four phases of the day.

Worshipping the lord with proper rituals pleases lord and the devotee is able to get all his desires fulfilled. This fast should be observed in Pradosh Nishit kaal. A person who is incapable of observing this fast in a systematic manner should perform Shiva Pujan in the beginning of night or midnight. If he is not able to observe fast then, worshipping lord Shiva in the evening is considered auspicious.

Maha Shivratri Pujan

The night of Maha Shivratri is considered to be very auspicious. Donations, charity, shiva linga puja on the night of Maha Shivratri give fruitful results. Worshipping the Shiva Linga made of mercury anc crystal is considered most auspicious of all. Worshipping the shiva linga made of mercury with proper rituals fulfills all the desires of the devotee. On the other hand, crystal shivalinga give favourable results in terms of wealth, honor and prosperity.

Maha Shivratri – Worshipping the Shivalinga

Person observing fast of Mahashivaratri should meditate of lord Shiva the whole day. After having bath in the morning, Tikal of ash is wore on the forehead and beads of Rudraksha is wore. The idol of Lord Shiva should be bathed with milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar and ganga jal. Then sandalwood paste is applied on the forehead of the lord. Lord Shiva is worshipped facing the North East direction (Ishan Kon) with lamps, flowers, incense,  etc. While offering the prayer the devotee should chant Lord Shiva’s mantra. “ Namah Shivaya Tatpurushaya Vighane Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudra Prachodyata. Trambank Yajamahe Sugandhit Pushtivardhanam Urvarukmiv Bandhanamrityumurkshiya Mamritat.

It is believed that Lord Shiva incarnated into shivlinga on the mid night of phalgun krishna paksha. This is the reason Maha Shivratri is celebrated on this day. Moreover till Mahashivaratri, Surya Dev also reaches Uttarayana. This is also a time of season change. Hence, this time period is considered auspicious. It is said the Shivaratri is considered the best when it has the touch of Trayodashi, Chaturdashi and Amavasya date. It is believed, person who observe this fast receives all kinds of pleasure and salvation after death.

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