AstroSage Magazine

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi Puja is the most important ritual performed on Diwali. It is the third and the main day of Diwali festival. With utmost faith, clear heart and mind, this Puja is performed by all the members of the family to please the Goddess and seek blessings, fortune, wealth and prosperity.

Diwali is a very popular festival in India and is celebrated for a period of five days. In the evening, Lakshmi Puja is performed with a belief that the Goddess will visit the homes of everyone and will bring fortune, wealth and prosperity.

You may also like to read: Importance Of Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi On Diwali

How To Perform Lakshmi Puja

At the place of Puja, spread a clean cloth and put rice on it creating a bed.
Place a Kalash (stoup) (filled with water, flower, betel nut and clean coin) on the bed of rice.
Around the mouth of the Kalash, arrange some mango leaves.
Place a Thali (plate) on this Kalash.
Using turmeric powder, draw a lotus on the thali and place the idol of Goddess Lakshmi on it.
Keep few coins on the plate.
Place the idol of Lord Ganesha on the right side of the Kalash. Idols of other Gods can also be kept along.
Close your eyes and chant ‘OM’ in your mind.
Sprinkle some water on all the puja items.
Apply Haldi (turmeric) and Kumkum (vermilion) on the Kalash and put a flower on it.
Light an earthen lamp filled with Ghee.
Take a flower or flower petals and rice in your hands, close your eyes and meditate on Goddess Lakshmi.
Sprinkle the flowers or flower petals and rice on the idol of Goddess Lakshmi.
Now put the idol of Goddess Lakshmi on a Thali. Clean it with water, Ghee, milk, curd, honey and sugar. At last, clean the idol again with water.
Now, place it back on the Kalash.
Offer garlands, sandalwood paste, vermilion and light incense sticks.
Offer coconut, betel nuts, betel leaves, fruits and sweets.
Now offer Batasha sweets and puffed rice.
In the end, perform Aarti for Goddess Lakshmi.

If you want to read Diwali Pujan Vidhi in detail, click here - Method Of Diwali Puja & Rituals

Laxmi Mantra

Namosthesthu Maha Maye |

Shree Padee, Sura Poojithe ||

Shanka, Chakra, Gadha Hasthe |

Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe ||

Kali Puja Celebration

Kali Puja is one of the major festivals of Bengal and is celebrated at a grand scale in Bengal on the day of Diwali. Houses are decorated with colorful rangolis and lamps. In the evening or midnight, people engage in Kali puja to remove the evils and darkness of life. Crackers are bursted in honor of the Goddess. Kali puja is performed to seek the blessings of the Goddess Kali and attain well being and protection.

Click here to read in detail about Kali Puja in Diwali 2013 - Diwali Kali Pujan 2013

Click Here For Diwali Muhurat

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Diwali Puja Muhurat

Diwali, the festival of lights and brightness is observed on Kartik Amavasi. Lakshmi Puja is the main aspect of this day and should be performed in the auspicious Muhurat. Read this article to know the accurate Diwali Muhurat for 2013.

This year, the auspicious time for the Lakshmi Puja is from 18:14 to 20:08. This means that during this time period you can worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Businessmen should worship Lord Kubera for the growth and profit of their business.

Diwali Muhurat 2013

Muhurat means to select the most auspicious time for doing any activity. The results of new ventures increases when done in the auspicious Muhurat.

Pradosh Kaal for Diwali Puja Muhurat

Pradosh Kaal will last for 2hrs 24 mins from sunset, but will vary from city to city. This difference is due to the reason that Pradosh Kaal is calculated on the basis of sunset and it is different for every region. In Delhi, India Pradosh Kaal may start from 17:34 to 20:13.

This time period is very auspicious for Taurus Ascendant. This Muhurat is good to serve and seek the blessings of elders and honoring relatives and friends. Serving sweets, gifts and clothes will also prove very beneficial for the lives of the natives. Making offerings and donations at religious places like temple, will be very fruitful.

Nishith Kaal for Diwali Puja Muhurat

Nishith Kaal or period is auspicious for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and planets. Mantras should be recited and donations of clothes, fruits, grains and money should be made to the Brahmins. For the people of Delhi, Nishith Kaal will begin at 20:13 hrs and may last till 22:52 hrs.

Mahanishith Kaal for Diwali Puja Muhurat

Mahanishith Kaal in Delhi will start last from 22:52 to 1:31 and is auspicious for Cancer Ascendant. Diwali Puja during this Muhurat should be done according to the scriptures. During this Kaal, Tantrik rituals and supernatural powers are invited.

We have mentioned the Diwali Muhurat for Delhi, India. The Muhurat for other areas of India will not vary much from the Delhi time. You may consult an astrologer to know the perfect Muhurat in your area.

Find Your Astrologer Here

Special Event Of The Day: Solar Eclipse (November 3, 2013 - USA)

Last Solar Eclipse of 2013 will be observed on 3rd November i.e. on the day of Diwali. This eclipse is not visible in India and will be seen in USA. Partial eclipse will be seen in countries like, Canada, South Africa, UK and in the Middle East.

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Saturday, November 2, 2013

Celebrating The Festival Of Lights

Diwali or Deepavali means a row of lights. It is one of the most beautiful and festive days of the year which falls on Amavasya of the Kartik month. Lighting earthen lamps, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, mouth watering sweets and fireworks displays this festival. Also, it marks the victory of good over evil.

Wish your family and friends with the best quotes of Diwali- Diwali quotes

Celebration In North India

Uttar Pradesh: In Uttar Pradesh Diwali is all about wearing vibrant colors and enjoying the festival with great enthusiasm. In Varanasi, also known as the land of festivals, religious ceremonies take place on a grand scale. Earthen lamps are lit on the ghats of the city and are then left gently in the river. In other areas of the state, Lakshmi Puja is done religiously and diyas are lighted in every corner of the home. Special sweets and dishes are made in the home and gifts and sweets are exchanged among friends and relatives. Crackers are burnt which fill the sky with colorful light.

Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh has its unique ways of celebrating Diwali. People clean the mud walls of the house and paint it using white clay and cow-dung. In the courtyard, a black or red is painted using colored clay and is decorated with images of birds and animals. Walls are decorated with garlands of flowers. According to their customs, people here paint little vessels known as Auloo, with clay and decorate it with red paint. These vessels are then prayed and exchanged among the best friends with a belief of strengthening their friendship. Designs are made using rice powder, which is worshipped at night by the young girls using camphor and grass. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped specially.

Punjab: In Punjab, this day has its importance for two reasons: Diwali celebration and release of Guru Hargobind Ji from prison in 1619 AD. In Amritsar, Golden Temple is decorated with lights and traditional lamps. Earthen lamps are lit around the holy tank. The beauty of the temple increases with its reflection in the shimmering water of the holy pool which is truly mesmerizing. People of the village worship and adorn their cattle on this day thanking them for providing income. Fireworks are also enjoyed by the people.

To send Diwali greetings and wishes to your loved ones, click here- Best Diwali Greeting and Wishes

Celebration In East India

West Bengal: In West Bengal, Diwali is the time for great feasting, celebration and rejoicing. Bengalis decorate and light up their houses with hundreds of diyas at a time. Their Diwali Rangolis are unique, beautiful and very colorful. Entrance of the house is decorated with two or four plantain leaves along with a row of diyas. In the evening Lakshmi Puja in performed by all the members of the family. Diwali is celebrated for three days, but on the final day, the day of worshipping Goddess Kali, the lights and liveliness is reduced. The first two days are celebrated with more enthusiasm with lights, feasting, family gatherings and fire crackers. Nothing new is purchased on the day of Diwali.

Celebration In West India

Maharashtra: Diwali celebrations in Maharashtra commence with 'Vasu-baras'. It is done in the honor of the holy cow which is adored by the Hindu people. Married women worship the cow who is expecting a calf. On the day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek her blessings for a prosperous New Year. Mouth-watering delicacies such as Shankar-pale, karanji, chakali, shev, anarse, chirote, chivda, etc are prepared. People hang 'Akash-kandil' and light 'panti's outside their houses and rangolis are made at the entrance of the house. Male members of the family are also worshipped with Aarti done by the women.

Gujarat: In Gujarat, Diwali is known as Badhavsar. Entrance of the house is decorated with powdered rice. Purchasing salt on this day is believed to be very lucky by the people of Gujarat. People love to wear traditional dresses on Diwali with men wearing Dhoti and Kurta and women wearing saris. Visiting temple on this day is considered auspicious.

Celebration In South India

Tamil Nadu: The day of Diwali begins with taking an oil bath by the family members before sunrise and is considered equivalent to taking bath in Ganga. Gingelly oil is applied on the heads of the family members by the elders before the bath. New clothes are worn and sweets are eaten. Traditional sweets and dishes are made in the houses. Kuthu vilakus (oil lamp) are lit in the place of worship. Mats are placed facing the east direction. After making offering to the Gods, fruit is given to the family members along with betel leaves and betel nuts.

Karnataka: Diwali in Karnataka is celebrated with lighting innumerable diyas and bursting crackers. Lakshmi Puja is performed by the family members to please the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The time for utmost celebration is early morning and late night. Hence people of Karnataka rise early and sleep late on the day of Diwali.

To send Diwali greetings and wishes to your loved ones, click here- Best Diwali Greeting and Wishes

With this word tour of Diwali celebrations, AstroSage wishes a Happy Diwali to one and all!

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Narak Chaturdashi: Second Day Of Diwali

Narak chaturdashi for the year 2013 is on 2 November. The second day of Diwali is celebrated with Narak Chaturdashi, this day is to commemorate the Killing of demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Read on to know more about Narak chaturdashi.

Narak Chaturdashi also known as Kali Chaudas is the day to abolish all the evil in our life that hold us back, like laziness, greed, jealousy and so on. On this day we should rid our body and mind from all the evil. This day is also known as Chhoti diwali and as such people decorate their homes by lighting of diyas.

Kali Chaudas falls on the fourteenth day of the kartik month. This festival is also known as Roop Chaudas and Roop Chaturdashi.

Click here to download - Krishna Wallpapers

Rituals Observed On This Day

This day represents the abolition of evil and victory of the good. There are many different way of observing this festival depending on the regional practices. Some practice the ritualistic early morning bath called as Abhyanga snana by using Ubtan. Ubtan is used as a natural scrub prepared from different spices such as Chandan (sandalwood), manjistha, rose petals, camphor, turmeric and orange skin. These ingredients are known to have incredible ayurvedic powers. It is also believed that people who take Abhyanga snana will be pardoned from going to hell or Narak.

Some people follow this ritual, i.e wake up early morning before sunrise, break a bitter fruit, apply kumkum on the forehead, then apply scented oil all over body and then take bath. The significance behind this is, the breaking of the fruit represents the breaking of Narakasura head, the application of Kumkum represents Krishna’s victory where he smears narakasur blood on his body and then finally the bath is to wash away all the sins committed. In the evening people light up their home with diyas or lamps to impart light into lives.

Click Here To Know More In Detail: Narak Chaturdashi 2013

Specialities Of The Day

A very popular custom followed during Kali chaudas is to prepare sweet dishes form pounded semi cooked rice also known as puffed rice or poha. This is mostly followed in the Western parts of India.

Click here to download - Diwali Wallpapers

May this diwali bring light into your lives. Happy Diwali !

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India Vs Australia 7th ODI

The awaited series between Australia and India has begun from today. There are 7 ODI`S and 1 t-20 on schedule.It is going to be very interesting to watch world`s no.1 and no.2 team clashing with each other. All are interested in knowing the result beforehand and so does astrologer fraternity. I am also trying to find out the result by my way of astro-numerology as put down by Late shree K.S.K the founder of KP system of astrology. Let us begin,

India vs Australia,

2nd November, Bangalore

Ascendant Lord: Venus - 9

Moon Star Lord- Mars - 9

Moon sign Lord- Venus - 9

Day Lord- Saturn - 21

Winner: The result is 1 so India will win this game.

Acharya Raman

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Friday, November 1, 2013

Dhanteras: Day Of Purchasing Gold And Silver

Dhanteras, the day of purchasing gold, silver and new utensils is observed on the thirteenth day of the Ashwin month. As per the lunar calendar, Dhanteras is derived from Sanskrit language in which Dhan means wealth and Teras means thirteen. This is the first day of Diwali celebration.

What is Dhanteras?

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the festival of lights, Diwali. On this day, precious metals like gold and silver coins and new utensils are purchased with a belief that they will bring prosperity. Dhanteras is also known as Dhanwantri Triodasi or Dhantryaodashi.

Legend of the Day ‘Dhanteras’

The legend of Dhanteras is about King Hima’s sixteen year old son. According to the horoscope of his son, he was fated to die on the fourth day of marriage by a snake’s bite. On the night of the fourth day his wife didn’t let him sleep. In a big heap she laid all her ornaments and gold and silver coins and kept it at the entrance of her husband’s bedroom. She lighted countless lamps all over the place, told stories and sang songs. When the God of death, Yam arrived (in the form of a snake) his eyes were blinded by the sparkling of the brilliant lights and he was unable to enter inside the prince’s bedroom. Thus, he climbed on the ornaments and coins and sat there for the whole night listening to the songs. Next morning he quietly went away. In this way the princess saved the life of her husband. Since then day of Dhanteras is also known as “Yamadeepdaan” and diyas and lamps are kept burning the entire night to adore Yam, the God of death.

Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. On this day people purchase clay idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi and perform Lakshmi Puja and light diyas to remove the shadows of evil spirits. A girl born on Dhanteras is believed to be very fortunate, as her birth indicates arrival of Goddess Lakshmi.

Dhanteras Celebration

Dhanteras comes two days before Diwali. Other than purchase of gold and silver articles, people clean and decorate their houses with beautiful Rangoli patterns, colourful lights and light diyas. Footprints of Goddess Lakshmi are also drawn using rice flour and vermilion and lamps are lit for the entire night.

Exchange of Dhanteras gifts is also a very popular aspect of this day. Markets are flooded with Dhanteras gifts. The day of Dhanteras is auspicious for marriage, housewarming, purchasing car and jewelry, commencing new projects and setting up business.

Welcome Goddess Laxmi home this Diwali in the form of blessed gold and silver coins with Ganesh Laxmi murti inscribed on them.

To buy gold and silver coins this diwali, click here- Buy Coin Online

Celebrations Done In Different Regions

In Maharashtra, this day is celebrated as the custom of 'Naivedya'. A mixture of powdered coriander seeds and jaggery is mixed to prepare a traditional sweet which is offered to the Goddess. In Southern India, on the day of Dhanteras, cows are adorned with ornaments and worshipped and are considered to be the reincarnation Goddess Lakshmi.

To know the right time to perform puja or any auspicious event on the day of Dhanteras, make use of our Shubh Muhurat service.

Click here to access it - Shubh Muhurat

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November, Welcome The Month Of Festivities

Welcome to AstroSage's Monthly Newsletter. We are giving you the November newsletter comprising all the important events taking place in this month. Additionally, this being the month when we celebrate one of our biggest festival, Diwali, we have some exciting offers on our services which will brighten up your day just like the beautiful earthen lamps of Diwali. Also, we are offering you some FREE services, like we do every month. Read the entire newsletter to find them.

November & Diwali Dhamaka!

November is a treat for one and all. The entire month is filled with festivals and also is the month in which one of the biggest festival of the year is celebrated. Diwali is a grand five days celebration, with so much of rich culture and tradition attached to it. This newsletter will give you a walk through of all the festivities, events and rituals for the month.

Festival of Lights!

Dhanteras: Diwali celebrations start with the festival of Dhanteras. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day. This day marks the birth of the God of Medicine, Lord Dhanvantari. Dhanteras is celebrated to welcome wealth and prosperity in the house.

Narak Chaturdashi: The second day of Diwali is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Krishna over Narkasura. It is the day to eradicate your body and mind from all evils. This festival is also called as “Kali Chauda” or “Chhoti Diwali”

Laxmi Puja: The third day marks the major Diwali celebrations. Goddess Laxmi is worshipped along with Lord Ganesh and Goddess Saraswathi; as without knowledge, the wealth could not be put to the right use. Also, Lord Kubera is worshipped on this day.

Govardhan puja: The next day of Diwali, i.e, the fourth day is the Govardhan puja. Lord Krishna is worshipped on this day. Celebrations at Mathura are extravagant on this day, this is mainly a North indian festival.

Bhaiya Dooj: The fifth and final day of Diwali celebrations ends with Bhai dooj. This is a festival dedicated to cherish the brother-sister bond. The ceremony includes sisters applying tilak on the forehead of the brother and exchanging of gifts. This festival is also known as Yama Dwitiya as a tribute to the bond Lord Yama and his sister Yami shared.

Apart from these five days of celebrations, November has a lot more to offer, like Chath puja, Tulsi vivah as well as astrological events are lined up. You will be affected by two planetary transits too. Check out the list of important dates and find out yourself.

Another Important announcement that we would like make is our launch of 2 minutes Astrological videos.

Learn Astrology in Two Minutes

This innovative approach from your favourite astrologer Punit Pandey will surely get you on your toes. With our help you can master the vast world of astrology in less than 2 minutes. Every topic that you can think of or have been wanting to learn about is explained in our videos which is just 2 minutes in duration. The content is well scripted and to the point. So, enjoy your learning sessions with astrologer Punit Pandey.

November Predictions

Don’t miss to check out your astrology predictions for the month of November. Click here to know your monthly horoscope - November Horoscope

Service Of The Month: Special Diwali Offers!

Festive season is here and there are offers going on everywhere. Well, even we have join the brigade, AstroSage is offering some exciting offers and discounts for our service. Make the most out of this !

To make use of these discounts, make sure to use the coupon code as mentioned below.

Once the desired service is chosen and the necessary information is filled, you will have to enter the coupon code (DISSER20) and redeem the service.