Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2018: Awakening of Lord Vishnu!

Auspicious period for Marriage has finally come! The occasion of Devutthana brings joy and music of shehnai along.

The month of Kartik is particularly auspicious. Diwali and the Diwali season is followed by a period considered Shubh for marriages. Why are marriages prohibited in Hindu Shastras until the day of Dev Utthan? Read to know.

हिन्दी में पढ़ने के लिए क्लिक करें!

Dev Uthani Ekadashi Muhurat 2018

Ekadashi Tithi Begins	13:35	18th November
Ekadashi Tithi Ends	14:31	19th November

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

Parana Muhurat

Parana the breaking of fast, is carried out on the next day of Ekadashi, i.e. on Dwadashi or 12th day.

Parana Time

06:47:17 to 08:55:00

20th November

Rituals

• Take a holy dip early morning.

• Carry out Tulsi Vivah - the marriage ceremony of Lord Vishnu with Tulsi Mata. 

• Observe a fast from the day of Dashmi till the Parana is done.

Legend

It is said that Goddess Lakshmi was unhappy with the sleeping pattern of Lord Vishnu. She complained to him about the same Since Devtas had to wait for a long period to meet him. He promised to goddess that he will find a solution to it. Meanwhile, Vedas were stolen by Sankhyayan, a demon. Lord Vishnu then went to bring back the Vedas and was so tired afterwards that he slept for 4 months. This was termed as Yoga Nidra. Those 4 months are considered inauspicious in Hindu religion and no ceremony is carried out during this phase.

Significance

Attainment of Moksha is considered to be the ultimate goal of a soul that has been granted human race. With the grace of God, if a person worships Lord Vishnu on the day of Devutthana Ekadashi, the doors of heaven are opened for him as well as his ancestors. The festival is celebrated in different forms in different places in India. 

Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, Lord Vithoba, another incarnation of Lord Vishnu is worshipped.

Rajasthan: In Rajasthan, Pushkar Mela (fair) begins and Lord Brahma is offered reverence. 

Gujarat: In Gujarat, a Parikrama (circumambulation) is performed by the devotees around Mount Girnar for 2 days to please the Lord.

Why is Tulsi Vivah carried out on Devutthana Ekadashi?

As per a legend, Tulsi was the wife of a demon named Jalandhar. She was called Brinda or Vrinda. Since she was a devoted wife, it was impossible to kill Jallandher in the battlefield. Devtas insisted to Lord Vishnu to find a solution. He then had to take the disguise of Jalandhar and come to Vrinda. She on knowing the truth, after her husband was killed in the fight, cursed Lord Vishnu. Since Lord Vishnu himself was guilt-ridden, he declared that Vrinda is as pure as a virgin and she in the form of a plant shall be married to him. Since then, it is accustomary to carry out Tulsi Vivah or the marriage of tulsi to Lord Vishnu. The ritual is of immense significance and considered equivalent to a performing a Kanyadaan.

AstroSage wishes you a Happy & Auspicious Dev Uthani Ekadashi. 

Sun Transit in Scorpio Will Change Your Life!

Sun is undergoing a transit! Read how your life will be influenced by this change? In astrology, Sun is considered the king of all planets. It undergoes a transit every month. This change in the house is called Surya Sankranti. 

Being the king of the nine planets, Sun holds a reputation of glory, power, fame and administration. It is linked with positions of power and respect, father figure, government, etc. the transition of Sun does affect all these segments of your life. With the transition in Capricorn, Sun starts getting stronger but as the months of winter approach, it enters zodiac signs not supportive for him. During this time, taking precautions is a must.

Time of Transit

As per the Hindu scriptures, Sun stays in every zodiac sign for a period of one month. On Friday, November 16, 2018, at 6:48 pm Sun will transit into Scorpio and remain there till December 16, 2018, 9:25 am.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Click here to know your Moon Sign: Moon sign Calculator

Aries

Sun will transit into your eighth house. As a result, your health will be problematic. Fever, headache, etc. cam surround you….Read more

Taurus

Sun in your seventh house indicates growth in career. A promotion may make you gaily but family life appears to be stressed.….Read more

Gemini

Residing in the sixth house, Sun brings a good news of efforts being turned into possibilities along with opportunities being turned into success.….Read more

Cancer

Sun will transit into your fifth house. This indicates financial gains but conflicts with loved ones or family members.….Read more

Leo

In your fourth house, Sun will transit. Benefits from the government, modification in vehicle or house, and promotion of your spouse are indicated by this transit. ….Read more

Virgo

With Sun entering into your third house, your courage may appear to be diminishing. Stay strong and do not take a single step backwards….Read more

Libra

In your second house, Sun will make your voice harsh and create situations of conflict.….Read more

Scorpio

Sun in the first house will take your focus away from everything but work….Read more

Sagittarius

Sun entering into your twelfth house indicates fever, stomach diseases, insomnia or eye-related problems….Read more

Capricorn

This transit of Sun in your eleventh house will bring unanticipated rewards.….Read more

Match your Kundali for free!

Aquarius

Sun is moving into the tenth house of your sign. This indicates success, promotion and happiness.….Read more

Pisces

Sun in going into your ninth house. Your struggles will increase and you will need to put in extra efforts to accomplish your tasks….Read more

Best wishes from AstroSage!

Follow Chhath Puja Rituals To Fulfil Your Wishes!

Chhath Puja begins today! Six days after Diwali, the mega festival of Chhath Puja is celebrated with high fervor and certain puja rituals are followed. Let's read the puja vidhi and know auspicious muhurat of Chhath. Along with that, read the importance of Sandhya (Evening) Arghya and Usha (Morning) Arghya as well.

Chhath Puja Muhurat 2018 for New Delhi, India
13 November Sandhya Arghya, Sunset Timings	17:28:46 PM
14 November Usha Arghya, Sunrise Timings	06:42 :31 AM

Note: Above mentioned muhurat is applicable within New Delhi. Click here to know the Chhath Puja muhurat for your city.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें

The festival of Chhath is widely celebrated on the Shukla Shashti in the month of Kartik in the regions of Bihar, Jharkhand and East Uttar Pradesh. Amongst all major festivals, Chhath Puja is considered to be one of the biggest celebrations in these regions and commemorated with high zeal and enthusiasm. On this day, Chhath Mata and Lord Sun is worshiped. Although it’s a four-day affair, but third and fourth day is of great significance, which is also known as Sandhya (Evening) Argya and Usha (Morning) Arghya.

Worship Chhath Mata and Lord Sun This Way!

On the day of Chhath Puja, the Chhathi Maiya is specially worshiped. According to a mythological belief, Chhath Puja is specially done by women for the longevity of their children. It is believed that the Chhathi Maiya, who is also known as Sashthi Mata, is especially known to be the Goddess who blesses children with a long, healthy life. She is also considered as the form of Mother Katyayani, who is locally hailed as the Chhathi Maiya.

Chhath Puja: A Four-Day Festival

• First Day: Nahaye Khaye

Chhath Puja begins on this very special day. On this day, women who are keen on fasting wake up early in the morning and take a bath. They clean the house and consume vegetarian food only.

• Second Day: Kharna

Second day of Chhath Puja is called as Kharna. On this day, women keep Nirjala fast (fasting without drinking water) throughout the day and in the evening, offer jaggery based kheer, fruits and ghee-applied chapatis to the gods as a prasad and then consume themselves along with distributing other members of the family.

• Third Day: Sandhya Arghya

Sandhya Argh is considered the most important during Chhath. On the Shashthi of Kartik Shukla during Sandhya Arghya, raw milk and water is offered to Lord Sun. On this day, all the fasting women reach the Ghats with their families, and keep thekua, rice sweets or laddus and fruits on bamboo made baskets in the form of Prasad. On the evening of Sandhya Arghya during the sunset, the Sun is offered Argya and folk songs and mythological stories related to Chhathi Mata is also heard.

• Fourth Day: Usha Arghya

Usha Arghya or offering water during Sunrise marks the end of the Chhath festival. Even before sunrise, fasting women reach the ghat and offer Arghya to the rising Sun. women who are fasting wish for the longevity of their kids and happiness of the family. After worshiping, all fasting women open their fast by eating the Prasad and drinking the Sharbat made by raw milk.

Read: Mythological stories related to Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja Rituals

• Collect all these ingredients before the puja:
• Plate, milk, glass, three bamboo baskets and three bamboo or brass winnowing baskets.
• Coconut, sugarcane, sweet potato, grapefruit or big lemon, rosemary, red vermilion, rice, raw turmeric, water chestnut or Singhara.
• Camphor, sandalwood, honey, betel leaves, betel nut, pears.
• For prasad, keep Malpua, kheer puri, thekua, semolina pudding or suji ka halwa and rice laddus.

Follow this method when giving Arghya: First of all, keep all the above mentioned items in the bamboo and brass baskets. After that, light an incense stick and diya in every winnowing basket. After that, offer arghya to Sun by stepping into the river or lake.

Religious Significance

Chhath Puja is known as the mega-festival celebrating religious and cultural faith. This festival marks a special significance about making special offerings or Arghya to Lord Sun. In Hindu mythology, major importance is given to Lord Sun, as he is the only God who can be seen directly by natives. Holy sun rays are powerful enough to eliminate diseases and make a man confident and healthy enough.

On the occasion of Chhath, people worship Chhathi Maiya and Lord Sun especially for the longevity and health of their children. It is believed that if prayed with a honest and true heart, wishes get fulfilled.

Astrological & Celestial Importance of Chhath

If seen from astrological and celestial point of view, Chhath festival evokes highest importance because on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha, Sun gets located in the Southern Hemisphere of the Earth and it is considered as a special astronomical event. During this period, ultraviolet rays of Sun get accumulated within the Earth’s atmosphere in large quantities, hereby transmitting harmful effects to humans. In order to avoid such situation, Lord Sun is worshipped on the special occasion of Chhath and offered Arghya.

We hope that you like this article based on the occasion of Chhath Puja. Happy Chhath Puja to all the readers!

Weekly Horoscope - 12 to 18 November 2018, Know Your Future

With Chhath this week, read major predictions! Find out about your health and professional life, and opportunities coming in way.

The month of November has began. This week, the natives of Leo, Scorpio and Pisces will have positive indications. In matters of career, job, business, education, love and family the natives of these moon signs will receive good news. Read weekly horoscope (Nov 12-18) to know what special stars have for you this week. Also this week, Chhath Puja will be celebrated. From November 11 to November 14, this ancient Vedic festival of honoring the prime source of energy will be observed.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Click here to know your Moon Sign: Moon sign Calculator

Aries

A long journey appears to be happening this week. Your efforts will help you reap their benefits. There will be financial gains and you will have peace of mind.......Read More

Taurus

The position of planets indicates stress and tension. This week you must take some precautions as your health appears weaker....Read More

Gemini

A challenging week is welcoming you. Your competitive spirit will come into play and you will overpower the struggles.....Read More

Cancer

Getting hitched in a conflict is highly possible. Avoid such situations. You may win an argument but will undergo a huge amount of stress to win it...... Read More

Leo

Peaceful and quality time with the people you love makes the week extraordinary. This festive season, you and your family will enjoy, celebrate and make the most of it......Read More

Virgo

The position of Saturn suggests stress in family. Your health might also get influenced. Communication skills you possess can prove to be beneficial......Read More

Also read: Astrological significance of Jadi

Libra

Mixed results in this week will keep you a little dissatisfied. You will be busy and taking time for family will seem an impossibility....Read More

Scorpio

You will continue achieving your goals owing to your hard work this week too. Your knowledge and intellect will prove to be useful....Read More

Sagittarius

In your family, there could be some argument leading to stress and restlessness. Try to control your anxiety.....Read More

Also Read: Astrological Remedies to bring back happiness in life

Capricorn

Care, attention and precaution are the three words you need to keep in your mind this week. The stars are indicating that your health will be weak....Read More

Aquarius

Saturn suggests challenges. Although increase in income will make you happy, mental stress will trouble you.....Read More

Pisces

Pilgrimage or a visit to religious place is predicted. Meet your guru or elderly people you respect....Read More

For Gemstones, Yantras and other astrological solutions, visit: Astrosage Online Store

Worship Chitragupta this Bhai Dooj & Get Your Brother Blessed!

Read the significance of worshipping Chitragupta on Bhai Duj and the legend of Yam and Yami. This November 09, 2018, celebrate the festival of love between a brother and sister.

The last day of Diwali festive season is Bhai Dooj. This is also called Yam Dwitiya. As per Hindu Panchang, this festival is celebrated on the Dwitiya tithi of Kartik month’s Shukla Paksha. Mythologically, it is believed that the son of Sun - Yam went to visit his sister Yami. She welcomed her brother and offered food. In return, Yam presented Yami with gifts. Yami also applied tilak on her brother’s forehead. Since that day Bhai Duj or Yam Dwitiya is celebrated. It is believed that those who celebrate Bhai Duj are blessed by Lord Yam. Chitragupta - the record keeper of Lord Yam is also worshipped on this day.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें

Muhurat for Bhai Dooj 2018
Auspicious time for Tilak	From 13:10:02 to 15:20:30
Duration	2 hrs 10 min

Note: The time mentioned in chart is applicable to Delhi region. Click to know muhurat for your city.

In different cities of India, Bhai Duj is celebrated by brothers and sisters with different names like Bhai Tika, Yam Dwitya, and Bhatra Dwitya. Girls apply tilak on the forehead of their brothers and offer sweets. They pray to Lord Yam to bless their brothers with a long life and bring prosperity to them. Brothers also shower love and gifts on their sisters.

Tradition and Rituals

• Decorate a plate with some kumkum, rice, sweets, flowers, diya and dry coconut.
• Make a platform using rice and make your brother sit on it.
• Apply tilak on his forehead during the shubh muhurat and make him eat sweets with your hands.

Also Read: Auspicious time for Tilak.

Chitragupta Puja

As per the legend, Lord Brahma gave a boon to Chitragupta ji on the occasion of completion of yajna. The boon was - Those who worship Chitragupta and his pen and ink, on the Dwitya of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik will go to Baikunth Dham and attain moksha. Since then, the day is dedicated to worship Chitragupta and his writing tools.

Significance of Bhai Duj

The story of Yam and Yami: As per the legend, the children of Lord Sun - Yam and Yami shared great affection for each other. When Lord Yam went to his sister’s house, she applied tilak on his forehead and offered him food. Being happy with the welcome his sister offered, Yam promised her that those sisters who will apply a tilak on their brother’s forehead must believe that their brothers need not fear untimely death. The day has been celebrated as Yam Dwitiya since then. It is believed that if you take a holy dip in river Yamuna on this day, you get rid of sins of past life and Lord Yam becomes happy with you.

Lord Krishna and Subhadra: As per a saying, on the day of Bhai Duj, Lord Krishna killed the demon named Narakasur, after which he returned to Dwarka. His sister Subhadra, being happy to see her brother, decorated the place with lamps and welcomed Lord Krishna by applying tilak on his forehead. She prayed to God to bless her brother with a long life. The day is since then celebrated as Bhai Duj and sisters pray for the long life of their brothers.

AstroSage wishes all its readers, a Happy Bhai Dooj!

Govardhan Puja in Auspicious Muhurat, Get Blessings

Read about Govardhan puja and religious rituals. Festival of Govardhan Puja will be observed with merriment nationwide tomorrow, read about its religious significance.

After Diwali, Govardhan Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm. This festival, celebrated on the Pratipada of Kartik Shukla Paksha, is dedicated to agricultural work and raising livestock. That is why this festival is celebrated with highest levels of excitement in rural areas. According to mythological beliefs, in the Dwapar era, Lord Krishna highlighted the importance of worshiping Govardhan hill, doing agricultural work and raising animals or livestock. On this day, cows, bulls and other agricultural animals are worshiped. The festival of Govardhan Puja also remarks the special significance of cow in our culture. It is celebrated with great delight all over India but in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Mathura, Vrindavan and Gokul, this festival is celebrated with high zeal.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें

Govardhan Puja, 8 November 2018
Govardhan Puja: Morning Muhurat	From 06:37:54 to 08:48:38 AM
Govardhan Puja: Evening Muhurat	From 15:20:50 to 17:31:34 PM

Note: This Muhurat is effective in New Delhi. Learn the govardhan puja muhurat for your city.

Govardhan Puja

As per Vedas, worshipping gods such as Lord Varuna, Lord Indra, Lord Agni is considered of highest importance. Our life depends on numerous elements of nature, which are animals, crops, rain etc, and we must respect and thank God for creating such a beautiful ecosystem. Through Govardhan Pooja, we express our gratitude for all natural resources.

• On this day, a figure of Govardhan hill is made from cow dung in the courtyard of the house. In the Braj region (Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana etc.), small figures of cow-calves, shepherds and gopis along with Govardhan hill are also created.
• The figure of Govardhan hill made from cow dung is decorated with gulal, colors, peacock feathers, flowers and leaves.
• After sunset, the figure of Govardhan hill should be worshipped with sacred thread or roli, flowers, incense sticks etc. Milk, curd and dishes much be offered as well.
• After doing Pooja and offering Naivedyam, walk or circumambulate around the Govardhan hill.

Read in detail: Govardhan Puja Rituals and Puja Vidhi

Circumambulation of Govardhan

On the occasion of this festival, circumambulating around Govardhan Hill is considered of great significance. This is the reason that on this day every year, lakhs of pilgrims travel to the sacred place Govardhan, a pilgrimage site located in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. Govardhan Parikrama stretches to a total of 21 kms, and every person, according to their reverence, performs this activity. One can walk all the way to the end or use a vehicle. After completing the Parikrama, devotees worship at the Giriraj temple situated on the Govardhan mountain.

Festival of Annakoot

Annakoot festival is observed before 12 o'clock on the day of Govardhan Puja. Annakoot means 'a heap of grain'. The food made from Kharif crops is offered to Lord Krishna, and then the Kharif harvest is put to use.

Mythological Story Behind Govardhan Puja

According to mythological beliefs, Devraj Indra once became proud of his powers and due to this, Lord Krishna decided to destroy his arrogance. According to the legend described in Vishnu Purana, Gokul natives used to happily worship Indra Dev in hopes of flourishing rain and green harvest. But once Krishna said that people should worship the Govardhan mountain for good rain and cattle fodder. By agreeing to Krishna’s point, Gokul natives started worshiping the Govardhan Hill.

Hearing this, Devraj Indra got angry and ordered for heavy rainfall as a revenge for this insult. In order to protect Gokul, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on his little finger. When Lord Indra came to know that Lord Shri Krishna himself is protecting the natives of Gokul, he apologized and offered his prayers. Since then, Govardhan Puja began.

AstroSage wishes its readers a Happy Govardhan Puja!

Maha Laxmi Yog on Diwali After 7 Years!

Diwali is known to be one of the biggest and most important festivals in Hinduism celebrated on the day of Amavasya in the month of Kartik. This year, Diwali is celebrated today, i.e. on 7 November 2018, all around the country. It is believed that on the same day, Lord Ram, along with mother Sita and Lakshman, returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. On this occasion, natives of Ayodhya lit diyas using ghee in their homes, due to which the black night of Amavasya glazed with bright light. Therefore, Diwali is also called Prakash Utsav or Festivals of Lights.

 

The festival of Diwali aesthetically reflects the victory of light over darkness. Rituals of this festival are observed for over a period of five days, but the main festival of Diwali is celebrated during the night on the New Moon of Pratipada. Goddess Lakshmi is specially worshiped on this day. Deepdan, Dhanteras, Govardhan Pooja, Bhai Dooj etc. are celebrated along with Diwali.

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें

Auspicious Muhurat
Laxmi Puja Muhurat	From evening 17:59 to 19:55 PM
Pradosh Timings	From evening 17:32 बजे to 20:09 PM
Vrishabh Timings	From 17:59 to 19:55 PM

Note: This Muhurat is effective in New Delhi. Learn the Diwali puja muhurat for your city.

When Diwali Is Celebrated?

• At the time of Pradosh on Amavasya during the month of Kartik, Diwali (Mahalaxmi Pujan) is observed. The most prevalent and valid period is when the time of Amavasya does not overlap or intersect with the Pradosh Kaal, after which it is valid to celebrate Diwali on the second day.
• At the same time, many people also believe that if the date of Amavasya does not fall during the Pradosh Kaal for two days, then in such a situation, Diwali should be celebrated on the first day itself.
• Apart from this, according to astrology, if the date of Amavasya does not fall, and after Chaturdashi, Pratipada begins directly, then Diwali should be celebrated on the date of Chaturdashi.

Diwali Puja Rituals

• Firstly, it is necessary to worship Lord Ganesha when carrying out Diwali Puja. After that, bathe the idol of Lord Ganesha and offer new clothes and flowers.
• After worshipping Lord Ganesh, start Laxmi Pujan.
• Put the idol of Maa Lakshmi at the altar, join hands and pray for her to come in your house and bless your family.
• After that, bathe the idol of Maa Lakshmi. It is auspicious to bathe her firstly with water, then Panchamrit and then water.
• Offer clothes, jewelry and garland to Mother Lakshmi after bathing.
• Offer perfume to the idol of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and apply the Kumkum tilak.
• Now light the incense stick and offer rose flowers at mother's feet.
• When worshipping during the auspicious Muhurat on Diwali, offer 11 or 21 rice to Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and do the aarti. After that, circumambulate around them and offer food.
• After that, distribute the prashad amongst family members and wish them a Happy Diwali.

What to do on Diwali?

• On the day of Diwali or Kartik Amavasya, taking a bath after applying oil on the body is considered to be auspicious. It is said that by doing so, o harm comes by throughout the year.
• It is believed that other than kids and elderly people, natives must fast on this day and must break it only after carrying out the Mahalaxmi Pujan.
• On Diwali, offerings must be made to ancestors and forefathers.
• During Pradosh Kaal, light a Diya, keep it on your hand and show ancestors the way to salvation. Using other means as well you can show the path to ancestors. It is believed that by doing so, ancestors attain moksha.
• It is also believed that before Diwali during midnight, people must sing songs, bhajans and make merriments. By doing this, one gets rid of impoverishment.

Read in Detail: Diwali Puja Rituals & Rules

Diwali has its special importance both in spiritual and social form. In Hindu scriptures, Diwali symbolizes victory of spiritual light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, truth over lies and good over evil.

AstroSage team hopes for a prosperous Diwali. May the grace of Mata Lakshmi be always on you and you attain happiness and prosperity in your life.