Papankusha Ekadashi: A Day To Abolish All Sins

Papankusha Ekadashi also known as Ashwin Shukla Ekadashi is on 15 October, 2013. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and observing fast on this day helps in abolition of all sins and attainment of heaven. With the observance of this fast one receives Akshaya Punya.

Legend behind the Ekadashi

In ancient times, there lived a very ruthless hunter named Krodhana, on the mountains of Vindhyachal. Throughout his life he was involved in sinful activities such as drinking, theft, violence and killing. Just before the last day of his life, Yamraj ordered his envoys to bring Krodhana in his court as his lifetime was over. After getting Yamraj’s order, his messengers went to Krodhana to inform him the same on which he got scared and went to Saint Angira. He told Saint Angira about his sins and the fear of the upcoming death. On this Saint replied, Tomorrow is Kwaar Sudi’s Ekadashi and this day eradicates all the sins of the humans and he should observe this fast with pure heart and worship Lord Vishnu as it will eliminate all his sins. After listening to the Saint, Krodhana observed the fast and worshipped Lord Vishnu with devotion. That night Krodhana chanted the name of God and went to sleep and with that, his soul left his body. But envoys of Yamraj failed to take his soul to Yamalok as he had observed Papakunsha Ekadashi’s Vrat before his death and as such his soul was taken to Heaven by the counsellors of Lord Vishnu. As a result messengers of Yamraj went back without his soul.

To download wallpapers of Lord Vishnu, click here- Lord Vishnu Wallpapers

Method to observe Ekadashi Fast

Glory of Papankusha Ekadashi Fast is unmatchable. The devotees get up early in the morning, take bath and wear clean clothes. Idol of Lord Vishnu is placed on a clean place and is worshipped with lamps, flowers, betel leaves, incense sticks and coconut. The rituals of the fast begin from Dashmi, a day before. Wheat, Moong, rice, Urad, Masoor, Barley and Gram are the seven cereals worshipped on this day. This day the devotees should refrain from lies and should not harm anyone. They should speak less for the abolition of their sins. On the day of Ekadashi the food prepared must not contain salt and spices. Vishnu Sahasranaman is read at night. This fast is concluded on the next day (Dvadashi) by giving donations to the Brahmins.

Papankusha Ekadashi Fast Benefits

It is believed that by observing this fast a person goes to heaven after death. He does not face the fear and problems of Yamlok (hell). It is also said that fruits of 1000 Ashvamedha Yagya and 100 Surya Yagya cannot be compared to even the 16th portion of the Ekadashi fast which clearly shows how unique this fast is from every other fasts. A person gets health, wealth and a beautiful life partner by observing this fast.

Performing Jagran at night of Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious and 10 ancestors each, from maternal and paternal side are sent to Vishnu Lok (heaven). Blessing of Brahmins is taken by feeding them and offering them cereals, donation, cow, land and clothing. Mahurat of Papankush Ekadashi is the best day to begin any kind of construction activities which serve the mankind like constructing temple, water-tank, alms-house and garden.

Papankusha Ekadashi is a very auspicious day and this fast is truly inequivalent. You can overcome all your sins by observing this fast and could seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for a healthy, wealthy and long life. 

Click here to know the Ekadashi dates for 2013 - Ekadashi 2013

Free Mobile Kundli

Free Horoscope Matching

Traditional Match Making Vs The Modern World

By Acharya Raman

हिन्दी में पढने के लिये यहाँ क्लिक करें

Matchmaking: This is an age old practice followed in the Hindu society. It is according to Hindu astrology, which is primarily based on constellation of Moon at the time of birth. Matchmaking is a methodology by which we choose the right girl for the boy and vice versa. 

Our traditional values were very high and norms were very strict, even 30-40 years ago. In south India, the cultural bond is still very strong than in northern part. Because of a very strong and strict value system, there were fewer divorces, extramarital affairs, clashes in husband-wife etc. Nowadays, the scenario is completely different and we all know where it is heading. There is a very high ratio of divorces these days in all religions. Unhappy married life is the story of most of the couples, not only in metros but in remote towns also. So what went wrong? Is the system still relevant or are we needing something more now?

The traditional system, which is Ashtakoot, is based on the birth constellation, rashi, rashi lord of Moon, characteristics of each constellation and its positional aspect with respect to other.

In South, Dashkoot methodology is used which is a further extension of the same.

The points which are taken into consideration, in Ashtakoot method, are :

1) Varna: It is the classification of community of rashis, just like we have Brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya and shoodra, same goes with rashis. The best combination is when both are of same Varna.

2) Vashya: It is the division of rashi’s on the basis of their nature i.e. two legged, four legged, and jala(watery). Here also it is best to have both with same vashya.

3) Tara: It is based on constellation and specific position of birth stars. Both are considered to match each other. They are total 9 in number .

4) Yoni: This is seen for sexual compatibility between the boy and girl. All constellations are assigned to a certain animal and the match is made based on it between the male and female constellations. Marriage between nakshatras of same class of yoni and between male and female constellation of that yoni is considered best.

5) Grahmaitri: The sign lord of Moon at birth is seen. Moon is the karak for mind and its lord is taken for reference to gauge the mental compatibility between the two. If the lords are good friends then full points are allotted.

6) Gan: All the 27 constellations are divided into 3 types of intrinsic characteristics called as Dev, Manushya and Rakshasha. Rakshasa can only marry a rakshasa and rest of the two can marry each other but the best combination is when both are same.

7) Bhakoot: It is the distance between the janma rashi of the boy and girl. The result is derived after considering it.

8) Nadi: This aspect signifies the pulse or the nervous energy indicating the physiological and some hereditary factors. The boy and girl should not have same nadi.

Apart from this there is Mangal Dosha to be considered very seriously for a prosperous marriage. This one factor can eliminate all the good factors present in a match result.

All the 8 points I mentioned above are based on Moon and its constellation at time of birth.

In this method, the most important are Yoni, Grahmaitri and Gan match. These three should be having full marks or atleast close to full marks otherwise one should not go ahead.

But a person always grows up and dies one day, he or she does not remain in that constellation for all their lives and this is the biggest drawback of this matchmaking. In my opinion, the prevailing dasha of both, the position of ascendants, the position of Sun, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus is of more importance than this ashtkoot or dashkoot method which is based upon something that happened years ago in the life of a native.

The position of these planets should not be 6-8 or 2-12 to each other, the ascendant and 7th house should have least or none malefic aspect and 2nd house should be well enough. 

These houses should not be in paapkartari, further the prevailing and the next dasha lords should be friends or at least neutral to each other and in good position in the chart with respect to each other.

On stellar level, the ascendant should not be connected to 6,8,12 houses in any way and also 2nd 7th 5th 11th houses.

I hope this article will be of some use to my readers and astrologer friends of this digital age.

Free Mobile Kundli

Free Horoscope Matching

Sensex - Nifty Predictions (15.10.2013)

By Rajeev K Khattar

Planets position on 15th October 2013 at 09:15am at Mumbai

• Lagna and Venus in Scorpio 
• Sun in the sign Virgo 
• Saturn, Mercury and Rahu in Libra 
• Ketu in Aries 
• Jupiter in Gemini 
• Mars in Leo
• Moon in Aquarius 

Planetory Aspects

Sun squares Jupiter. Moon opposite Mars, squares Venus and Trines Rahu . Mercury trines Jupiter & conjoins Saturn .

Panchang 

Day : Tuesday

Tithi: Shukla-Ekadashi

Nakshatra: Shatabhisha

Yoga:Ganda

Karana:Visti 

Bearish sentiments will be seen in the market . Selling pressure be seen in Media & entertainment , Power, electrical goods and Cement

Persons having Virgo and Capricorn moon signs / lagna will be financially affected today .They should refrain from money matters today

We suggest the readers not to indulge in any kind of speculation like day trading but invest astrologically as per their individual horoscopes for long term to gain profits . 

Disclaimer: - The predictions made herein are for information purposes and are not recommendations to any person to buy or sell any securities. We only use astrological analysis, so target are not based on any technical or fundamental analysis but only on the experience of an astrologer. Its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. The information provided herein is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell securities of any kind. The Astrologer and the company do not accept any liability for the use of this column. Readers of this column who buy or sell securities based on the information in this column are solely responsible for their actions. And author won't be liable or responsible for any legal or financial losses made by anyone.

Free Mobile Kundli

Free Horoscope Matching

Sun Turning Debilitated In Libra

By Nitin Datta

On 17th October 2013 Sun is turning debilitated (very weak) for one complete month. This period demands some serious attention on account of weakness in the results delivered by Sun.

Sun debilitates (in Libra) every year during this period i.e. mid of October but this time it is going to encounter a painful conjunction with Rahu and Saturn in Libra. Sun and Rahu are arch enemies likewise, Sun and Saturn are also arch enemies. The negativity caused to Sun would be heightened to the fullest level due to combined effects of Rahu and Saturn. Such a conjunction happens once in eighteen years and leads to severe Dosha for those born under this period. In transit it can cause severe problems to everyone in significations related to Sun.

Primarily Sun signifies soul, father, boss and government. Any affliction to all of these or any of these can result in serious problems. This period demands certain strict precautions combined with some specific remedies to counter the ill effects of Sun. The following are the precautions and remedies for all ascendants/lagna that can help in bypassing this period.

Precautions To Be Taken

• Fractures are common during this period. Be watchful while walking and working.
• Do not get involved in unnecessary debating with your seniors (especially at workplace).
• Seek blessings from one parents by touching their feet every day. Do not provoke any undemanding negative feeling from their side.
• Avoid anger in order to overcome any unnecessary problems.
• Do not initiate any new venture/project during this period.
• Be extra careful while driving and limit your driving speed.

Remedies To Be Followed

For Sun

• Offer jal to Surya every morning and recite “Surya Dwadash naam mala”.
• Recite “Shri Vishnu Sahastranaam” everyday.
• Flux (visarjan) 21 pieces of almond (badam) or 11 coins of copper in a flowing stream of water regularly.
• Blow off the gas stove burner using milk ( perform this remedy when the last chapati/item has been cooked)
• Regularly offer jal (water) to a Peepal Tree.

For Saturn/Rahu

• Flux (visarjan) some pieces of raw coal (koyla) in a flowing stream of water regularly.
• Feed stray dogs with chapatti (roti) layered in mustard oil.
• Feed rag pickers regularly.
• Offer milk to “Lord Kaal Bhairav” regularly.
• Offer food/donation to a snake charmer.

Free Mobile Kundli

Free Horoscope Matching

Durga Visarjan: Maa Durga’s Holy Departure To Abode

Durga Visarjan marks the ending of Durga Puja festivities as on this day Maa Durga departs back to her abode (Mount Kailash). A popular tradition of Sindur Khela is performed prior to the immersion. Durga Visarjan is the most eye-catching event in Maharashtra, Bengal and Gujarat and is celebrated with a bang.

Durga Visarjan is celebrated on the last day of Navratri. On this day, the idols of Maa Durga are worshipped for the last time by their devotees. They put vermilion on the forehead of the Goddess and perform Aarti. Idols of the Goddess are taken out in procession in which the devotees sing and dance praising Maa Durga. “Dhunchi” dance is also performed in front of the Goddess while drummers beat their drums traditionally. A smoking mixture of tinder, camphor, coconut husk (dhuno) and incense are poured inside the brimmed pots of clay (dhunuchi). These pots are held by the devotees in their hands while they sway to the beats of dhakis. The dance gets more intense with the rise in tempo of the dhakis. The idols are finally immersed in the rivers or lakes and the celebration comes to an end. With the immersion of the idols in water the devotees feel sad as the Goddess goes back to her abode after so many days of celebrations and rituals.

In many regions of India, Goddess Durga’s Darpana Visarjan is performed in the morning and idol immersion is done in the evening. On this occasion, families, relatives and friends visit each other and exchange sweets and gifts.

Sindur Khela

Married women dress traditionally and put vermilion on their foreheads as a part of their Sindoor Khela Ritual. With this custom they ask Mother Durga to bless longevity to their husbands and prosperity for the family. 

Visarjan Ritual

After performing Udwasan puja, the idols of Goddess Durga are carried on Rath (Chariot) and immersed in water. Before immersing the idols they are placed in the pandals right from the sixth day of Navratri. This ritual is also known as Durga Nimajjan and is generally celebrated on Vijay Dashmi Day. Devotees loudly chant the name of the Goddess and the whole atmosphere itself depicts the importance this day holds.

Durga Visarjan is celebrated on Vijay Dashmi but in some regions of the country it is celebrated on Navami also.

Free Mobile Kundli

Free Horoscope Matching

Sensex - Nifty Predictions (14.10.2013)

By Rajeev K Khattar

Planets position on 14th October 2013 at 09:15 am at Mumbai

• Venus in Scorpio
• Sun in the sign Virgo
• Saturn, Mercury & Rahu in Libra
• Ketu in Aries sign
• Jupiter in Gemini
• Mars in Leo
• Moon in Capricorn

Planetary Aspects

Sun squares Jupiter. Moon trines Sun & squares Mercury. Mercury trines Jupiter and conjoins Saturn.

Panchang

Day : Monday

Tithi: Shukla-Dasami

Nakshatra: Dhanishta

Yoga: Shoola

Karana: Garija

Downtrend will be the order of the day. Automobiles, Copper, Fire arms, healthcare and tobacco companies will see downtrend.

Persons having Sagittarius and Leo Moon signs / lagna will be financially affected today. They should refrain from money matters today.

We suggest the readers not to indulge in any kind of speculation like day trading but invest astrologically as per their individual horoscopes for long term to gain profits.

Disclaimer: - The predictions made herein are for information purposes and are not recommendations to any person to buy or sell any securities. We only use astrological analysis, so target are not based on any technical or fundamental analysis but only on the experience of an astrologer. Its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. The information provided herein is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell securities of any kind. The Astrologer and the company do not accept any liability for the use of this column. Readers of this column who buy or sell securities based on the information in this column are solely responsible for their actions. And author won't be liable or responsible for any legal or financial losses made by anyone.

Free Mobile Kundli

Free Horoscope Matching

Dussehra: Victory Of Good Over Evil

In 2013, Dussehra, the final day or 10th day of Navratri festival. While some celebrate Dussehra on 13th, others celebrate it on 14th as well. This day depicts the historic victory of Lord Rama over King Ravana and Durga Ma's Victory over Mahishasur. Read on to know more... 

Dussehra also known as Vijayadashami is the culmination of 9 days of Navratri festivities. It is the day when Lord Rama killed the King of Lanka, Ravana and also the day when Goddess Durga killed the evil king Mahishasur. This is a grand festival celebrated on the 10th day of Ashwin month all across India. Schools, colleges, government offices, banks are declared a holiday. 

There are two main legends marking this day as important. 

1. Lord Rama kills King Ravana
2. Goddess Durga kills Mahishasur

An End To King Ravana

This day marks the end of the battle between Lord Rama and King Ravana, with the killing of King Ravana. According to legends, Lord Rama performed a Durga puja or Chandi Homa before he went into war with the King. It is during this puja that Lord Rama gained the knowledge of how to kill Ravana. With this knowledge Rama, Laxman, Hanuman and their followers marched to Lanka and killed King Ravana and rescued Sita Maa who was abducted by the evil King. 

People perform many Homas and pujas on this day to purify the atmosphere of the house and rid it off bad vibes. 

Ravana’s Ten Heads

• Kama vasana (Lust)
• Lobha (Greed)
• Mada (Pride)
• Maha (Possessive)
• Krodha (Anger)
• Swartha (Selfish)
• Amanavta (Cruel)
• Anyaaya (Injustice)
• Ahankar (Ego)
• Matsara (Jealous)

An End To Mahishasur

Maa Durga, Goddess of power, the Goddess who took avatar to put an end to evil. Maa Durga incorporated the power of the trinity, Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva and was sent to earth to kill and stop the evil Mahishasur. Maa Durga rides on the ferocious Lion who will induce fear in anyone who possess evil. She has 10 hands which hold the weapons to kill and destroy the evil. The war between Maa Durga and Mahishasur which lasted for 10 days, came to an end on this day with the death of Mahishasur. As such this day is celebrated with much zest and fervour by one and all to mark the end of Navratri festivities. 

Dussehra Celebrations

On this day large effigies of Ravana are burnt with spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Special plays and folk dances called Ramleela which tell the story of Lord Rama and Sita and his journey to rescue Sita from King Ravana are performed. Fairs and events bring a whole new life to the city, this is a very popular culture in North India. Another spectacular event that happens during this time is the Mysore dussehra parade. This is a grand event in Mysore city, Karnataka state. Also on this day Ayudha puja (tools & things) is performed by many. This involves worshiping the tools and weapons that make their livelihood. Like in modern day people worship laptop, mobiles, car and so on which are the main things that keep their work in process. 

Dussehra is celebrated as Durga Puja in West Bengal and many parts of North India. On this day people do pandal hopping. People set up beautiful pandals and keep Durga Maa’s murthi for public praying.

Free Mobile Kundli

Free Horoscope Matching