Magh Purnima Tomorrow, Know Its Auspicious Timings

Donation of these things will bring you good fortune! Know the importance of holy bath, Puja Vidhi and the divinity of the Vrat performed during Magh Purnima. Also, read the astrological significance of Magh Purnima.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

The month of Magha holds great importance in Hindu religion as during this month activities like charity, religious tasks and offerings are carried out. Magha is named after Magha Nakshatra and the Purnima that comes in this month is known as Magha or Maghi Purnima. This year Magh Purnima is falling on 31 January 2018. On the same day, the first Lunar Eclipse of the year will also occur. On this day, taking a bath in river like Ganga, Yamuna or any other holy river is considered virtuous. The reason being that a person who takes a holy dip on this day, gains property, offspring, prosperity, happiness and attains salvation. Charity performed on this day also holds great importance in Hinduism.

Magha Purnima and Its Rituals

On the day of Magha Purnima, fasting, bathing in holy river, donating things and worshipping God is of high significance. The person who takes a holy dip in Prayag’s Ganga, his/her all wishes gets fulfilled. If this purnima comes during Pushya Nakshatra, then its importance increases tenfold. Fasting on this day offers virtuous results. Also, donation of black sesame seeds should be done. Furthermore, havana as well as oblation to appease forefathers using black sesame seeds is also performed during Magha Purnima.

Know Puja Vidhi and rules of Magha Purnima Vrat in detail: Vrat and Puja Vidhi

Astrological Significance of Magha Purnima

According to Hinduism and Vedic Astrology, Purnima is believed to be a highly auspicious day. On this day, Moon is in its full majestic form (a Full Moon), and becomes eloquent with its sixteen abilities, that it showers in the form of elixir. These 16 abilities, then get absorbed by trees, rivers, water bodies and flora, thus resulting in properties that heal from all kind of diseases. During Magha Purnima, taking a holy bath and donating things also frees a person from all ill-effects of Sun and Moon.

Ratha Saptami Tomorrow, Know Its Auspicious Timings

Know Puja Vidhi for worshipping Sun God. Read here to know what is the right timing (Muhurat) for offering water to Sun, the religious and astrological significance of Surya Jayanti and the benefits of Surya Puja Vidhi.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें

Surya Jayanti, also known as Surya Saptami or Ratha Saptami, is celebrated as the day when Sun God illuminated the whole universe with his light & magnificence. The seventh day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha is known as Surya Saptami and is celebrated as the day of Surya Jayanti. As per English Calendar, this day in year 2018 is going to be on 24 January.

It is believed that Sun God was born on this day and hence, the day is celebrated as Surya Jayanti. Worshipping him on this day is considered of great importance.

Auspicious Timing for holy bath on Surya Saptami
Time	05:29 AM to 07:17 AM
Duration	1 Hour 47 Minutes
Morning Timing for Argh Daan	7:13 AM

Above timing is effective for New Delhi only. Know the timing of Sunrise in your city: Daily Panchang

Surya Saptami Puja Vidhi

The person who offers water and worships Sun God on regular basis, attains self-confidence, health, respect and excellent memory. The Puja Vidhi for worshipping Sun God on the occasion of Surya Saptami is as follows: 

• Perform a fast on this day and offer water (Argh) to Sun God at early morning. 
• After bathing in a holy river, lake or at your home, take water in an urn (Kalash). Then, facing towards east, offer its water to Sun God while chanting the Surya Mantra “ॐ घृणि सूर्याय नमः”. 
• After offering Argh to the God, light a Ghee lamp, incense and camphor and offer prayers (Aarti) to Sun God. Also offer red flowers to him. 
• Reciting Aditya Hridaya Stotra on this day is considered beneficial for good health. 
• Performing donation on Surya Saptami is of great importance, just like during Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan). So, donate objects related to the Sun on this day. 

Also know about the big Celestial Event of the Year 2018: Super Blue Moon Eclipse

Importance of Surya Puja 

As per Hindu Religion and Vedic Astrology, Sun is also the king of Gods (Devtas) and Nine Planets (Navagrahas). One cannot imagine life without the light of the Sun, and that is why, he is also the Creator of the World. It is believed that offering water to the Sun on daily basis, boosts memory and mental awareness. As per religious beliefs, worshipping Sun God on Ratha Saptami, relieves a person of unintended sins. Also, the defects associated with Sun become less effective. 

We, at Astrosage, wishes all our readers a very blissful and virtuous Surya Saptami. May the blessings and grace of Sun God remains upon you.

Celebrate Basant Panchami with Saraswati Puja Tomorrow

Know the importance of Saraswati Puja on Basant Panchami! On this day, worshipping Goddess Saraswati is considered auspicious for students and other people. Read how the puja vidhi and astrological significance of Saraswati Puja is of great importance for you.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Basant Panchami, also known as Shree Panchami or the day of Goddess Saraswati, is the festival of prosperity and harmony. It will be celebrated on 22 January 2018, i.e. on fifth day of Magha month. In India, this festival welcomes lively and cheerful Spring Season with lots of merriment. This also brings an end to cold and chilly winter season. On this day, people worship Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu deity of wisdom, knowledge, art, culture, and music.

Know the auspicious timing of Saraswati Puja: Saraswati Puja Muhurat

Importance of Saraswati Puja

As per Hindu religious beliefs, the festival of Basant Panchami is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati who was born on this day. She is one of the three goddesses (Trimurti), other being Parvati and Lakshmi and is the wife of Lord Brahma. But there are other sources who believe her to be the daughter (Manasputri) of Brahma ji. She gifted this world with her knowledge, wisdom and music. Therefore, it is considered very auspicious to perform Saraswati Puja during first half of the day (the time between sunrise and midday) on Basant Panchami. During this period, various rituals are followed while worshipping Goddess Saraswati and the Puja becomes even more influential when devotees recite Saraswati Stotra.

Find Saraswati Dhyan Mantra Ucharan here: Saraswati Stotra

Saraswati Puja Vidhi

The Puja Vidhi for worshipping Goddess Saraswati is as follows:

• After taking a bath at early morning, bathe the idol of Goddess Saraswati and adorn her in white clothes.
• After that, perform urn installation (Kalash Sthapana) for Saraswati Puja.
• Worship Lord Ganesha, then Lord Vishnu and later Lord Shiva.
• After them, begin the ritual of worshipping Goddess Saraswati.
• Offer Vermillion, yellow flowers and garlands, seasonal fruits as well as Gulaal (red color powder) in her feet.
• Perform Saraswati Aarti and pray to her for good knowledge and intellect. Later, offer Prasad to everyone.

Astrological Benefits of Saraswati Puja

Saraswati Puja on the occasion of Basant Panchami have several astrological benefits. A person who worships Goddess Saraswati on this day, the malefic effects of planet Chandra, Brihaspati, Budh and Shukra on his/her life get reduced to a great extent. For people who are undergoing mahadasha or antardasha as well as retrograde effects of Moon, Jupiter, Mercury and Venus are also benefited with Saraswati Puja and daan. Reciting Saraswati Stotra is also beneficial for people who want to attain supreme knowledge & peace. The students who are having obstacles coming in their way of education and career are also benefited from Saraswati Puja.

Other Facts About Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami is also the time when mustard fields bloom with beautiful yellow flowers. Couples also worship Devi Rati and Dev Kamdev in 16 ways (Shodashopachara Puja) during the first half of this day, as a result of which, their married life turns into a blissful and happy one. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu are also worshiped together on this day which is considered highly auspicious for business people. There is also the wonderful event of kite flying festival that is celebrated on the occasion of Basant Panchami. People from all over the country fly colorful kites to raise the zest and zeal of this day.

We, at Astrosage, wish you a prosperous and joyous Basant Panchami. May Goddess Saraswati’s blessings and grace is always on you.

Magh Gupt Navratri Starts Today

Get blessings of Goddess Durga on Magh Gupt Navratri! Read the importance of Gupt Navratri and also know about 9 avatars of Goddess Durga in detail.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

The nine days of Navratri are considered highly auspicious for worshipping Goddess Durga. Every year, there are 5 Navratri festivals that people celebrate devotedly and happily. Among these, the Navratri of Chaitra and Sharada are considered of prime importance. Other than these, there are 3 Gupt Navratris that are also celebrated by Indians, These are known by the names of Paush Gupt Navratri, Ashadh Gupt Navratri and Magh Gupt Navratri. Like Navratri, Goddess Durga is also worshipped on the occasion of these Gupt Navratris. Among these, the first Gupt Navratri of Magh month is starting from 18th January and will come to an end on 26 january 2018.

During this 9 days event (Navratri), Goddess Durga removes all the pain and sufferings of her devotees in every way possible. People who wish to achieve money, status, respect and prestige must worship Goddess Durga on this occasion.

Know when to worship 9 avatars of Goddess Durga during Magh Gupt Navratri with following details:

• 18 January 2018: Ghat Sthapana and Maa Shailputri Pujan
• 19 January 2018: Maa Brahmacharini Puja
• 20 January 2018: Maa Chandraghanta Puja
• 21 January 2018: Maa Kushmanda Puja
• 22 January 2018: Maa Skandamata Puja
• 23 January 2018: Maa Katyayani Puja
• 24 January 2018: Maa Kalratri Puja
• 25 January 2018: Maa Mahagauri Puja, Durga Ashtami
• 26 January 2018: Maa Siddhidatri Puja, Navratri Parana

During Navratri, every person worship Goddess Durga for happiness, success and prosperity. At the same time, Goddess Shakti Durga protects her devotees from all types of risks and sufferings. Her name itself means to take away all pain and sufferings from the life of a person.

We, at Astrosage, wish all the readers a very happy and radiant Magh Gupt Navratri. We hope that Goddess Durga always blesses you with peace and happiness.

Sun Transit in Capricorn and Makar Sankranti Today!

Sun Transit will affect these 7 zodiac signs! Read the astrological effects of Sun transit in Capricorn and Learn What is the significance of bathing and donation on Makar Sankranti?

The lord of the Navagrahas will transit into the Capricorn on January 14, and the planet will transit after a period of one month in Aquarius on 13th February at 03:02 pm. Let us know the effect of the Sun transit in the Capricorn.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

To know your Moon sign, click here: Moon Sign Calculator

Aries

The transit of Sun in the sign Capricorn will enforce an increase in the professional power and social position of those belonging to the Aries sign. Your conduct will have a commanding and dominating expression. Read More...

Taurus

As the Sun transits in the sign Capricorn your determination towards your goals might increase tremendously. A long tour during this period is also on the cards. Read More...

Gemini

This Sun transit in the sign Capricorn might drain you off your energy more frequently. Major-minor health issues are also likely. Try to critique your actions before performing them during this period. Read More...

Cancer

The move of the planet Sun into Capricorn sign might induce bitterness and irritation in your behaviour and conduct. Your spouse’s conduct might endorse specks of ego and rudeness. Read More...

Leo

Leos might witness a decline in their health as the planet Sun would set off to enter the sign Capricorn. Minor issues such as fever and headache should not be taken lightly during this period. Read More...

Virgo

Those belonging to the sign Virgo and are eager to pursue higher education in a foreign land might make the best of the transit of the planet Sun in the sign Capricorn. Read More...

Libra

The movement of the planet Sun in the sign Capricorn might crop disharmony in your domestic life. Major issues in your personal and professional life might arise due to your aggression and impatient nature. Read More...

Know how transits in 2018 will effect on your zodiac: 2018 Transit Report

Scorpio

Abstain from endorsing your overconfidence during this transit period as it might prove to be lethal for you. As the Sun will move to the sign Capricorn, tiffs with colleagues and younger siblings might begin to crop up unnecessarily. Read More...

Sagittarius

The transit of the planet Sun into the sign Capricorn might unveil financial gains for you during this period. Your behavior with people might exhibit increased bitterness and agony which might turn your relationships sour. Read More...

Capricorn

You might constantly be hot under the collar while the planet Sun makes a transit in the Capricorn sign. You might also suffer from minor health issues during this period. Read More...

Aquarius

The transit of the planet Sun in the sign Capricorn might give long trips to the natives of the sign Aquarius. Read More...

Pisces

Due to the change in the position of Sun, your efforts would double up, due to which your earnings might manifold. You’ll be more concerned about yourself, rather than the world. Read More...

Now Let's know about the festivities happening Today

Makar Sankranti 2018

Makar Sankranti is a major festival associated with Hindu religion. This festival is celebrated during the transit of Sun in Capricorn. According to the Hindu calendar, Makar Sankranti is celebrated when Sun enters the Capricorn from the Sagittarius in the month of Paush. According to the English calendar, this date usually comes every year on January 14th. From this day, the northern phase of Sun starts, hence it is celebrated as Uttarayan festival as well in some regions of India. In South Indian states, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal festival. Climate change begins only with Makar Sankranti. Autumn gradually decreases and spring arrives. Since this day, the days start getting longer and the nights become smaller.

It is also important to know - the Lunar Eclipse or Chandra Grahan will occur after 17 days of Sun transit in Capricorn. It is believed that after more than 150 years, the rare full Moon Eclipse will occur on January 31, 2018 which, according to astronomy, is called "blue moon". This lunar eclipse will be seen in many countries of the world including India, and it will have a big effect everywhere.

Get your Career and Business Report for current year: 2018 Career and Business Report

Religious and mythological significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti has great significance in India with a religious and cultural perspective. According to mythological beliefs, on the day of Makar Sankranti, Sun goes to his son Shani’ place. Since Saturn is the lord of Capricorn and Aquarius, therefore, this festival is also associated with the unique meeting of father-son.

According to another legend, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the victory of Lord Vishnu on the Asuras. It is said that on the day of Makar Sankranti, Lord Vishnu had struck the dead bodies of Asuras on the Prithvilok and buried their heads on Mandara hill. Lord Vishnu’s victory began to be celebrated as Makar Sankranti festival from then.

On January 14, the Sun will transit in Capricorn. Capricorn is the zodiac of Saturn and Saturn is the son of lord Sun, despite being father and son, there is hostility among each other, so this event can get some bustle as per astrology.

Know the significance of Makar Sankrati and its Muhurat in detail: Makar Sankranti 2018

Pongal

Pongal is an important Hindu festival celebrated in southern India especially in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Pongal is majorly celebrated by farmers. On this occasion, after chopping down the paddy harvest, people celebrate Pongal's festival to show their gratitude. Pongal festival is celebrated in the middle of January, the first date of Tamil month called 'Tae'. This festival, which lasted for 3 days is dedicated to lord Sun and Indra Dev. People express their gratitude towards God for good rain, fertile land and better crop with Pongal. On the first day of this festival, garbage is burnt, on the second day Lakshmi is worshiped and on the third day animal wealth is worshiped.

Know about Pongal festival in detail: Pongal Festival

Get Genuine Gemstones at AstroSage: Buy Certified Gemstone

Uttarayan

Uttarayan is a festival celebrated especially in Gujarat. This festival is celebrated on 14 and 15 January on the arrival of new crop and season. On this occasion, kite festival is organized which is famous all over the world. Fasting is done on the festival of Uttarayan and granules or “chakki” of sesame seeds and peanuts are made.

Sun is considered to be the factor of soul, father, ancestor, high government service and respect, therefore Sun transit is of great importance. The auspiciousness of the Sun in the horoscope provides growth to the native. At the same time, due to the inauspicious effect of the sun, loss of respect, painfulness to father, and trouble in job etc. could happen. The ill effects of sun worship can be avoided by worshiping Lord Sun.

Importance of Uttarayan period in Hinduism

In Hinduism, the movement of the Sun from south to north is considered to be very auspicious. It is believed that the rays of the Sun, when the Sun moves from east to south, are considered bad, but when the Sun starts moving from east to north, then its rays increase health and peace.

Know about Uttarayan in detail: Uttarayan Festival 2018

We, at AstroSage wish you all a very happy Makar Sankranti! We hope that peace and prosperity will always be there in your life.

Venus transit in Capricorn and Lohri Festival Today

These 9 zodiacs will get fate with this transit! Read the effects of Venus transit in Capricorn. Also know about the significance of Lohri festival which is celebrated today..

The lord of happiness and marital bliss, Venus is transiting in Capricorn on January 13. The effect of this transit of Venus will be on all 12 zodiac signs in terms of job, business and marital life.

Predictions are based on Moon sign. Find yours: MOON SIGN CALCULATOR

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें

Aries

Venus will be making its way to your tenth house or the house commonly associated to things like profession & action. Domestic life could be full of the joys of the spring as love, care and harmony would be prevalent all over. Read More...

Taurus

Venus will move through your ninth house, the house of wisdom & faith. It shall directly impact your luck quotient as you would receive some news, go in your favor. Read More...

Gemini

Venus will move into your eighth house or the house of sex, death, regeneration & transformation. Needless to say, It will step up sensuality in your life. This is the time period when you win over your urge on splash spending. Read More...

Know which Gemstone suits you: Gemstone Recommendation

Cancer

Venus will move into your seventh house, which is commonly associated with partnership, both business as well as for pleasure. This is a period to get a jump on the action and romance with your partner. Read More...

Leo

Venus will move into your Sixth house or the house of health. If you want to reach the summit, you’ve got to mount the charge accordingly, meaning that you will have to put your head down & burn the candle at both ends. Read More...

Virgo

Venus will take its position in your fifth house also known as the house of pleasures. It is a time to paint the town red with prosperity and happiness. The things that you start with shall meet with instant success. Read More...

Libra

Venus will move into your house of happiness, relations & property or the 4th house. Your domestic life would be in tandem and you would enjoy all the snugness there is in personal life. Read More...

Know about the Makar Sankranti 2018 Muhurat: Makar Sankranti 2018 Muhurat

Scorpio

Venus will move into your third house, or the house of skills, efforts & younger siblings. You would find yourself inclined towards arts, music and other artistic interests. Read More...

Sagittarius

Venus will move into your Second house which is responsible for your bank balance, communication & speech, as well as family. Your bank balance could see a sharp shoot as you would be literally raking in tonnes of money. Read More...

Capricorn

Venus would be moving into your sign, which certainly means that love, affection, attachment and sensuality will be the bee in your bonnet. It is an ecstatic time for love matters, as you would be closing in on some really memorable moments. Read More...

Aquarius

Venus will move through your Twelfth house which is largely associated with house, hospitals, bed comforts & family issues. You will spend a fortune on luxuries and other exclusive & rare materials. Read More...

Pisces

Venus will move through your Eleventh House which usually consists of ambitions, achievements as well as income. Talking about income, against all odds, you would make a killing, substantially chipping in plenty. Read More...

Lohri Festival and its Significance

The Lohri festival is one of the major festivals celebrated in northern India. Especially in the state of Punjab, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. On this occasion, people organise bonfire outside their houses and celebrate with giddha and bhangra dance around it. People enjoy a lot during this festival and exchange revri, peanuts.

Know about this festival in detail: Lohri 2018

We, at AstroSage wish you a very happy Lohri. May this festival bring lot of happiness in your life.

Upto 65% off: KP, Big Horoscope, Ask a Question- Kartik Purnima Celebration!

Kartik Purnima Celebration: Offers on Big Horoscope, Ask a Question, KP System. Avail Now!

About Kartik Purnima

Also known as Dev Diwali and Tripuri Purnima, Lord Shiva is worshipped on this day, as he killed the evil Tripurasura in the avatar of Tripura Kanta. Know more about Kartik Purnima: Kartik Purnima 2017

Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Auspicious Muhurat & Puja Vidhi

Auspicious time for marriages has begun! Find out more about religious significance of this day, puja vidhi and auspicious muhurat.

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हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें

Dev Uthani Ekadashi, popularly known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, is an auspicious festival devoted to Lord Vishnu, and holds high significance in Hindu mythology. It is celebrated on the eleventh day and Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik. It is widely believed that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, woke up on this day after falling asleep on Dev Shayani Ekadashi.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi Muhurat

Ekadashi Tithi Begins	19.05 PM	30/Oct/2017
Ekadashi Tithi Ends	18.57 PM	31/Oct/2017

The above muhurat is for New Delhi. Find for your city: Dev Uthani Ekadashi Muhurat

Parana Muhurat

Parana Time

06:36 to 08:47

November 1, 2017

Parana, which means breaking the fast, is carried out on the next day of Ekadashi, i.e. on Dwadashi or Twelfth day. 

Puja Rituals to be Followed

• Devotees must take a holy bath early in the morning.
• Perform the auspicious ritual of Tulsi Vivah and marrying Tulsi plant with Lord Vishnu. 
• Start fasting from the previous day, i.e. Dashmi, and break during the Parana muhurat.

Significance Of Dev Uthani Ekadashi

Worshipping Lord Vishnu with a pure heart and fasting diligently on Dev Uthani Ekadashi leads to heaven. It is believed that following the ritual properly can help you attain Moksha and attain peace for the souls of your ancestors. Here are different patterns of observing Dev Uthani Ekadashi in various states of India:

• Maharashtra: A Maharashtrian pattern, this day is dedicated to another form of Lord Vishnu called Lord Vithoba.
• Rajasthan: A Rajasthani pattern, it is held in Pushkar and is observed with the beginning of Pushkar Mela, a fair held in honor of Lord Brahma.
• Gujarat: A Gujarati pattern, devotees perform the Parikrama (circumambulation) around Mount Girnar for 2 days to please the Lord.

A Happy & Auspicious Dev Uthani Ekadashi from AstroSage.

Chhath Puja Today, Know its Significance

Know religious importance of Chhat Puja. Find out why Lord Sun is worshipped on this day, and what is the correct puja vidhi to follow.

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हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें

One of the major festivals celebrated after Diwali is Chhat Puja. This festival is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, U.P. and Delhi regions. 

Lord Sun is highly worshipped on this day. This festival is observed from the fourth day of Shukla Paksh till the seventh day. Every day has its own significance. As per the rituals, first day is denoted as “Nahaye-Khaye”, second as “Kharna”, third as “Sandhya Arghya” and fourth as “Suryodya Arghya”. 

Saturn Transit in Sagittarius Today, Know its Effects

Sunrise and Sunset Time for Chhat Puja Muhurat

Time of Sunrise	Morning 06:28 AM
Time of Sunset	Evening 17:41 PM

Note: The above timings for Sunrise and Sunset are for New Delhi, India. Know the stated timings for your city: Sunrise and Sunset Timings for Chhath Puja Muhurat 

Important Dates

Occasion	Date	Day	Tithi
Nahaye-Khaye	24 October 2017	Tuesday	Fourth
Kharna	25 October 2017	Wednesday	Fifth
Sandhya Arghya	26 October 2017	Thursday	Sixth
Suryodya Arghya	27 October 2017	Friday	Seventh

Puja Vidhi and Rituals

• Nahaye-Khaye – It means consuming food after taking a pure, holy bath. Devotees take bath in a pond or holy river to wash off their sins and purify their mind, body and soul. Only after this food, consisting of chapatis, Lauki ki Sabzi (Gourd vegetable), Chane ki Daal (gram pulse) etc., is prepared with utmost hygiene.

• Kharna – Devotees abstain from food and water and fast on this day. In the evening, a sweetened pudding called Kheer is prepared with rice and Jaggery and Gur along with chapatis baked on a new pan. Worshippers eat this Kheer with fresh fruits and distribute as prasad. During this time, people sing songs and make merry.

• Sandhya Arghya – This is the most important day of all with people fasting all day long. People decorate any nearby pond or river’s dock (ghat) with candles and diyas. Baskets are decorated and Fruits, Thekua (made with wheat flour and jaggery), Radish, Coconut, Betel Leaf, Cloves, Cardamom and so on are kept inside of it. During the sunset, Lord Sun is worshipped and offered all these items while standing in the water.

• Suryodaya Arghya – Also called as Parna, this wraps up the occasion and is the last day of festivity. People reach the Ghats before sunrise and sing holy songs about Chhat. With sun rising in the sky, devotees offer water and pray. After that, prasad is distributed amongst all. Worshippers break their fast by eating jaggery and ginger.

Religious Importance 

Chhat Puja is known to mark the prominence of Lord Sun in our lives. Devotees fast throughout this occasion. As per Hindu mythology, Chhat Goddess is the sister of Lord Sun, which is why he is worshipped to make her happy and seek her blessings.

Bhaidooj Today: Customs, Auspicious Muhurat & Puja Vidhi

Cherish the everlasting bond of love! Read out what makes Bhaidooj so special, and what customs must be followed when carrying out the tilak ceremony.

Bhaidooj is widely known as one of the significant Hindu festivals, and holds a great mythological significance. It highlights the pure, naive and unbreakable bond between a brother and sister and their love for each other. In other local cultures, it is also known as Bhai Teeka, Bhrat Dwitya, Yam Dwitiya etc. It occurs the day after Diwali, the festival of lights.

On this occasion, sisters pray for a long and prosperous life for their brothers, and apply tilaks on their forehead. Then, the brothers bless them with all their heart and give them lots of gifts.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए क्लिक करें

Here is the auspicious muhurat & puja vidhi to follow. Read out the customs and find out different mythological connections and importance of this beautiful occasion.

Bhaidooj Muhurat 2017

Date	Starting Time	Ending Time	Duration
21 October, 2017 (Saturday)	13:13:46	15:29:56	2 Hour 16 Minute

These timings are applicable for New Delhi (locally). Know the muhurat time for your city: Bhaidooj Muhurat

Rituals and Puja Vidhi

Here are the customs you must follow on this day:

• Prepare a plate with flowers, vermillion or kumkum, fruits, betel nuts, sandalwood paste and rice.

• Mark a specific area, outline it with rice and make your brother sit within it.

• Apply tilak when the auspicious muhurat begins, perform an aarti on him and offer him fruits, crystallized sugar, betel leaf and nut.

• The brother presents his sister with gifts, vows to protect her with his life and protect her dignity. 

For more details about the rituals, read this page: Bhaidooj 2017

Mythological Legend & Beliefs

Every Hindu festival portrays a substantial history filled with momentous beliefs and customs. There are two very popular enthralling stories behind the origin of Bhaidooj. Read them below:

Saga of Yam and Yami

Yam and Yamuna, being the children of Sun God, were brother and sister. As per the legend, Yam paid a visit to his sister, which became a tradition, where Yamuna would shower lots of love and make him eat from her hands. She would apply tilak and pray for his life. When asked what she wants, she wished for her brother to visit her every year. From that day, the festival of Bhaidooj came into sight.

Tale of Krishna and Subhadra 

After killing devil Narkasur, Subhadra, his sister, welcomed Lord Krishna with flowers, sweets and applied tilak on his forehead, praying for his long life.

Bhai Dooj In Different States

Bhai Dooj is known by different names in various parts of/outside India. It is called Phota festival in West Bengal, Bhao Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Tihar in Nepal and much more. Names are different, but the feeling is mutual- pure love for each other.

AstroSage wishes you a very blissful Bhai Dooj.

Govardhan Puja: Celebrating Lord Krishna’s Victory, Get Puja Vidhi

Celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna! On the auspicious occasion of Govardhan Puja, read how Lord Indra, due to his sheer arrogance and ego, got the right mind from Lord Krishna and learned the lesson.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

As per Hindu calendar, Govardhan Puja or Annakoot signifies Lord Krishna defeating Lord Indra by killing his ego and lifting the Govardhan hill on his finger. It is widely celebrated across India with joy and gratitude and performed on the fourth day of Diwali. People worship a heap of grain, which symbolizes the Govardhan hill, with a full heart and wish for prosperity and happiness. It is a popular festival across India’s many states such as Mathura, Vrindavan, Bihar, Nandgaon, Gokul, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

Download Shri Krishna wallpapers: Wallpapers of Shri Krishna

Govardhan Puja Muhurat 2017

Auspicious Time	Starting Time	Ending Time	Duration
Govardhan Puja Pratahkal Muhurat	06:24:40 (Morning)	08:41:08 (Morning)	2 Hour 16 Minute
Govardhan Puja Sayankal Muhurat	15:30:35 (Afternoon)	17:47:04 (Evening)	2 Hour 16 Minute

Timings are applicable for New Delhi (locally). Know the exact muhurat for your city: Govardhan Puja Muhurat

Legend Behind The Big Day

According to the fables and legends, villagers in Gokul were preparing enthusiastically for a great feast, singing songs and praising Lord Indra for his blessings and recent downpours. Little Krishna asked his mother Yashoda about the whole scenario, and proposed worshipping Govardhan Parvat, as it is rightfully the major source of food for cattles and has a terrestrial plain for plants and trees to absorb water. 

As Gokul villagers agreed on this, Lord Indra became enraged, taking this whole idea as an insult, got drowned in power and initiated heavy downpour. Seeing how terrified people were, Lord Krishna came forward, and lifted Govardhan Parvat just on his finger. After 7 days of constant disaster, Lord Indra realised his mistake, and apologised to Lord Krishna for his arrogance and egoistic behaviour. 

On this day, lakhs of people visit the Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh just to pay their respects to Govardhan Parvat and circumnavigate around it.

Read and follow: Rituals and Puja Vidhi for Govardhan Puja

Annakoot Celebrations

During Govardhan Puja, people organize Annakoot, where several kinds of cereals are mixed and offered to Lord Krishna. In some places, Khichdi, fried Puri and sweets out of milk is prepared and offered as “bhoga” to the beloved Lord Krishna.

Worship Lord with a suitable Rosary or Mala: Buy Genuine Mala

Let the festivities begin! AstroSage wishes you an exciting and joyful Govardhan Puja!

Diwali Today: The Festival of Lights and Happiness

Follow these rituals to please Goddess Laxmi! On this very joyful and felicitous occasion, know the auspicious time for puja and follow the rituals and customs for Laxmi Pujan.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Diwali is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism and celebrated with full fervour, enthusiasm and energy. Said to be a festival of lights, it signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. Brightly-lit diyas placed all over the house drive away any bad omen or darkness from one’s life and create a sense of hope and positivity around. On this day, Goddess Mahalaxmi is worshipped with full fervour and enthusiasm. According to Hindu Panchang, the festival of lights is celebrated on the night of Amavasya (dark moon lunar phase) during the month of Kartik. Apart from India and Nepal, Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world by numerous sectors (hindus, sikhs, jains, buddhists) of the society.

Diwali Puja Muhurat 2017

Laxmi Puja Muhurat	19:13:28 to 20:19:19
Duration	1 hour 5 minutes
Pradosh Kaal	17:47:58 to 20:19:19
Vrishabh Kaal	19:13:28 to 21:09:16

Timings are applicable for New Delhi. Know the exact muhurat for your city: Diwali Puja Muhurat 2017

It is a custom to worship Goddess Mahalaxmi. After sunset and before the night, Goddess Laxmi, Lord Ganesh and Goddess Saraswati are worshipped. For common people, pradosh kaal is best to carry out the customs, whereas nisheeth kaal is best to carry out tantric puja. 

Read: Laxmi Puja Vidhi and Customs

Religious Significance And Legend

There are many popular stories creeping from the historic past of Hinduism which signifies the importance of this day. Out of these, mythologies related to Lord Ram and Lord Krishna are the most narrated and popular:

• It is believed that on the night of Amavasya, Lord Ram came back from the exile after 14 long years to Ayodhya. In order to celebrate his comeback, people lit diyas all around the state and danced merrily, citing his tales and praising him.

• Another story goes with Lord Krishna killing evil demon Narkasur on Narak Chaturdashi and relieving people and sages from his cruelty. Along with that, he freed 16 thousand women from the jails of those monsters. People lit diyas the very next day to celebrate the liberation, hence starting the very custom of Diwali.

Add prosperity to your life: Buy Mahalaxmi Yantra

As per astrological point of view, the festival of Diwali holds a great importance. Around this festival, sun and moon resides in the Libra zodiac sign, which is said to be benefic and fruitful as per vedic charts. Due to these religious, astrological and historical significances, Diwali is considered as one of the widely celebrated Hindu festivals.

Happy Diwali to all readers of AstroSage! We hope that this festival of Diwali brings happiness and prosperity to your life.