Sharad Purnima Tomorrow, know its significance

Fasting on Sharad Purnima! Know the significance, rituals involved and the reason behind observing a fast.

Sharda purnima is celebrated for centuries in India. The festival holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is believed to be the birthday of Maa Lakshmi. Lord Krishna along with the Gopis enjoyed Raas in Nidhivan on this day. This day is hence called Kojagiri purnima, Raas purnima or Komudi vrat. Sharad purnima falls in the month of Ashvin in the Shukl phase. Worshipping goddess Lakshmi is considered auspicious on this day. It is believed that the rays of moon work as a nectar on this day and are beneficial for all the living beings.

हिन्दी में पढ़ने के लिए क्लिक करें!

Sharad Purnima Shubh Muhurat 2018

Commences at 22:38:01 October 23, 2018

Ends at 22:16:44 on October 24, 2018

Note: The above timings are mentioned as per Indian time zone. Click to know the muhurat of Sharad purnima in your city.

Shubh Muhurat for Sharad Purnima 2018 

• From the night of 23rd October, full moon can be seen and this means that although the day of festival is 24th, the rituals will begin on the night of 23rd.

• People cook kheer (a sweet dish made of rice and milk) on this day and put in in moonlight for the whole night or at least till 12 am.

• Astrological perspective suggests that the time for purnima will be from 10:38 pm on October 23, 2018 and continue till 10:14 am on October 24, 2018. 

Vrat katha for Sharad Purnima 

In old times, two daughters of a sahukar used to observe fast on full moon day of every month to please Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The elder daughter accepted the norms of fasting and took great care to follow them. On the contrary, the younger one, though kept the fast, did not follow the rules for fasting as for her they were not significant. When they were of appropriate age, their father arranged their marriage with suitable matches. They both conceived and the elder one gave birth to a healthy child. While, the child born of the younger sister could not survive. This happened a couple of times before the younger sister decided to seek the advice of a brahmin. 

She asked the spiritual guru for a solution to her problem. The religious brahmin in no time could understand that since she never completed the fast of purnima with all its rules, she is suffering from dosha. After listening to this, she decided to complete the fast with all the rules. Soon after she decided so, a son was born of her, but just like the previous children, he too died. She took the body of her son, wrapped it in a piece of cloth and kept it on a wooden platform so nobody doubts it. 

Read to know Ashwin Purnima Vrat Puja Vidhi

The younger sister invited her elder sister to her home. She then offered the same wooden platform to her, to sit upon, on which the dead baby boy was kept by her. When the elder sister was about to sit, her saree touched the baby and it started crying. Seeing this, the elder sister was angry as she believed that the baby could have died if she accidentally sat on him. 

Her sister also started weeping and told the whole story to her sister. She revealed the secret of the baby being dead along with what the brahmin had told her. Also, she thanked the elder one as her touch revived a dead child. The fast she kept on every full moon blessed her with god’s grace and she could turn an impossible into possible. The younger sister then decided to complete the purnima fast with utmost care from the very day. Just like her elder sister, she also got results for her fast and started singing praises of purnima fast in the whole city. 

Significance of Purnima vrat

• Individuals who hold a fast on purnima with complete dedication are granted all their wishes as per Hindu belief.

• The day is also celebrated as Kumudri vrat as married women who are aspiring to beget a child fast on this day.

• Mothers also fast on this day for praying to god to grant a long life to her children. 

• Unmarried girls keep a fast to get a suitable match.

• The moon is believed to be brightest on Sharad Purnima. And people say that nectar flows from the moon to earth.

• During Sharad Purnima, the rays of moon are beneficial for your spiritual as well as physical being.

• Even the incurable diseases can be cured, such is the magnificence of the moon rays on this night. 

Vrat Vidhi for Sharad Purnima

• Start the day with worshipping your Isht dev.

• Worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi by lighting a lamp filled with ghee.

• Donate food and gifts to brahmins on this day.

• A fast should be observed with complete dedication.

• Offer water to moon at night and then consume food. 

• Donate kheer in temple to seek the blessings of Maa Lakshmi

• Some people also take a holy dip on this day. Offerings made after such a holy bath is considered auspicious on this day. 

We wish you a Happy Sharad Purnima!

Weekly Horoscope 22 to 28 October 2018

This week the natives of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius will have positive indications. In matters of career, job, business, education, love and family the natives of these moon signs will receive good news.

This week on October 26, Mercury will transit into Scorpio zodiac. During this time, Mercury will enter in Scorpio and conjunct with Jupiter. This will create a unique combination of the planets which will in turn influence the life of people of different zodiac signs differently. Not just that, this transit will also bring a change in the prices of oil, fuel, gold, silver etc. Women will undergo a major influence from October 27th. They will perform the rituals of Karva Chauth and fast. 

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Click here to know your Moon Sign: Moon sign Calculator

Aries

This week Arians may go for a long trip. At workplace you will be admired and your earnings will also increase...Read More

Taurus

With wishes coming true along with monetary benefits, this week, Taurians will feel happy....Read More

Gemini

Geminis will spend the week with people who make them happy. Friends, family and relatives will offer support and you will be happy for your blissful family life...Read More

Cancer

You need to maintain your calm during this week as mental problems are predicted. Conflicts owing to some issues can cause stress and tension... Read More

Leo

A week with mixed results, Leo may find happiness with their siblings and family members while, at the same time, there could be a confrontation for some property matters...Read More

Virgo

Good time to go out, try different cuisines and attract people with your sweet communication...Read More

Libra

Librans will have a cheerful and prosperous week as they will be inclined towards achieving their aspirations..Read More

Scorpio

The natives of Scorpio will spend on luxury items and entertainment gadgets. Your budget may vary if you don’t maintain a balance between income and expenditure...Read More

Sagittarius

This week shows your engagement in religious activities. There will be a rise in your income and your desires may be fulfilled.....Read More

Capricorn 

You need to control your aggression and make sure your behavior does not trigger a stressful situation...Read More

Aquarius

This week Aquarius natives will experience different aspects of happiness this week. Journey will bring money while you get refreshed...Read More

Pisces

You need to pay extra efforts at workplace this week. Keep in mind that your seniors will be little strict with you and monitor your performance...Read More

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Dussehra Today, Know The Puja Muhurat

Worship in this muhurat to attain success! Read the significance of Dussehra, which is celebrated today, i.e. 19 October and mythologies related to it.

Dussehra is celebrated nationwide with joy and merriment today. This festival marks the triumph of goodness over evil. After Sharad Navratri ends, Dussehra is observed on the dashmi of Shukla Paksha. As per mythological beliefs, Lord Ram killed Lord Ravana on this very day, which is why it is also called Vijayadashmi. There is also a ritual called Shastra Puja on this day, where weapons are worshipped.

हिन्दी में पढ़ने के लिए क्लिक करें!

Dussehra is considered to be one of the auspicious days, and it is said that any task done within this muhurat offers fruitful and sanctified results. Before Dussehra, Navaratri is observed for nine days and ends with Durga Visarjan. The muhurat for Durga Visarjan is either observed early in the morning or during Aprahan period or afternoon on the day of Dussehra. Hence, the idol of Maa Durga can be immersed in water early morning or during afternoon on the day of Vijayadashami.

Find Out: Durga Visarjan Muhurat

Dussehra Muhurat 2018
Vijay Muhurat	From 14:00:02 till 14:45:38
Aprahan Puja Timings	From 13:14:26 till 15:31:14

Note: Above timings mentioned are effective in New Delhi. Find the Dussehra muhurat and puja vidhi for your city.

Vijay Muhurat on Dussehra

The day of Vijayadashami is considered to be one of the most auspicious days in HInduism. This is one of the three-and-a-half muhurats. The most auspicious muhurats in a year are Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, Ashwin Shukla Dashami, Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya and Kartik Shukla Pratipada (half muhurat). This duration is fruitful in case you want to start any new task. Although some specific muhurats are defined for special occasions and puja.

It is said that when sun sets and stars start appear in the sky, then this period is called Vijay Muhurat. During this time, carrying out a pooja garner auspicious results. Lord Shri Ram launched the war against evil Ravana in this period only. At the same time, a tree called Shami had taken the form of Arjun's bow or Dhanush..

Dussehra Puja and Festival

There is the ritual of carrying out Aparajita Pujan on Dussehra, which is done in the afternoon. The rituals of worshipping are as follows:

• Mark a sacred and auspicious place in your home in the north-east direction. This place can be around a temple, garden etc. It would be good if all members of the family get involved in the puja, although it can be done individually.

• Clean that place properly and draw an Ashtadal Chakra (eighth petals of Lotus) using sandal paste.

• Take an oath or sankalp which concludes that you are doing the puja of Devi Aparajita for the betterment of your family or yourself.

• After that, invoke Maa Devi Aparajita in the middle of Ashtadal Chakra while chanting the mantra “अपराजिताय नमः / aparājitāya namaḥ”.

• Now invoke Maa Jaya on the right by chanting the mantra “क्रियाशक्त्यै नमः / kriyāśaktyai namaḥ”.

Click to read Puja rituals in detail!

Mythological Stories Related to Dussehra

According to religious texts, Maa Durga fought with a monster called Mahishasur for nine days and on the tenth day, she eliminated him by killing him, hence protecting the whole universe. Apart from this, in the Treta era, Lord Shri Ram slaughtered Lankapati Ravana, hence the name Dussehra. Since then, the ten-headed statue of Ravan is lit every year as a symbol of this festival signifying the destruction of anger, greed, delusion, intoxication, jealousy, selfishness and ego.

AstroSage wishes all its readers Happy Dussehra!

Navratri Navmi Puja Today, Know the Parna Muhurat

Maa Siddhidatri and her glory on Navmi! Read why it is important to worship Maa Siddhidatri on the ninth day of Navratri, what are the customs and rituals involved, when and how to do parana, as well as the shubh muhurat for Durga Visarjan.

The auspicious nine days of Navratri will be over on October 18. The navmi tithi of Navratri marks the completion of the festival. The next day is celebrated as Dussehra or Durga Visarjan. This year, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 19. During the festival, beautiful pandals are created across the country and people worship Maa Durga with special fervour. On the ninth day, Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped and people organize bhandara or kanya pujan. This day holds immense significance, thus, it is crucial to know the muhurat for parana and Durga Visarjan.

हिन्दी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें!

Sharad Navratri Parana Muhurat
18 October 2018, Thursday	After 15:30:41
Durga Visarjan Muhurat
19 October 2018, Friday	From 06:24:02 to 08:40:50
Duration	2 hrs 16 min

Note: The time mentioned above applies to New Delhi region. Know Paran Muhurat and auspicious time for Durga Visarjan in your city.

Maa Siddhidatri

The literal meaning of the word Siddhidatri is - one who grants siddhi or accomplishments. Maa Siddhidatri is known to be the ninth form of Maa Durga. It is believed that worshipping her brings success and happiness. If a devotee worships her with complete dedication and a clear mind, he attains the state of bliss and even moksha or salvation. On the ninth day of Navratri, Maha Navami is celebrated. Havana is held on this day in which offerings for all the gods and goddesses are given/served. 

Also read: How to please Maa Siddhidatri this Navratri

Navratri Parana 

As per shastra, Parana is performed on tenth day of Navratri. The fasts that continued for nine days are considered to be complete after special rituals are performed. After parana, fruits, gifts, clothes etc. are offered to Brahmins. Also nine young girls are worshipped as incarnations of Goddess Durga. They are gifted sweets, food and sometimes money.

Sindoor Utsav

During Durga Puja, Sindoor Utsav has a special significance. This is a unique ritual that is observed in West Bengal or Kolkata. Married women play with Sindoor and apply it on each other’s forehead before the Visarjan takes place. 

Durga Visarjan

With the idol of Maa Durga submerged into water, the festival of Durga Puja comes to an end. The day of Vijayadashami or Dussehra is the day of Visarjana. The time depends upon the tithi of dashmi. The ritual is performed either in the morning or at noon when the tithi of navmi is over and the tithi of dashami starts. 

Astrosage wishes all its readers a Happy Maha Navami!

Navratri Ashtami Pooja Today, Know Its Significance

Worship Maa Mahagauri during this muhurat! Read the significance of Ashtami poojan and other rituals that would help you please Maa Durga and get your wishes fulfilled. 

Ashtami pooja holds great significance in Navratri. This is the day when Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped with great festivity. Hindu religion and related communities have special protocol for celebrating this day. Though, the form of worship varies from family to family, depending upon customs specific to a region or ancestral norms. The day is considered to be auspicious in all forms. Several religious rituals like Mundan Sanskar, Annaprashan Sanskar and Griha Pravesh or house warming ceremony are also held on this day. This year Ashtami puja will be held on October 17, 2018.

हिन्दी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें!

Navratri Ashtami Puja Muhurat
16 October 2018	10:18:29 - Commencement of Ashtami
17 October 2018	12:51:47 - Ashtami Tithi will end

Note: This muhurat applies for Delhi region. Click to know muhurat for Ashtami puja in your region.

Remark: Navami will begin on 17 October after 12:51:47 till 15:30:41 on 18 October, which is why Navami must be observed on 18 October 2018.

Worshipping Maa Mahagauri

Goddess Mahagauri is the eighth form of Maa Durga. She is gentle, calm and tender in her nature. She rides a bull, who is her mount. Those who worship her with complete devotion, beget her blessings and obstacles from their life get eliminated. It is believed that Maa Durga took the form of Maa Mahagauri to beget Lord Shiva as her husband. She underwent a tough auterious worshipping ritual for the same and her complexion turned dark because of it. Lord Shiv, after being impressed by her dedication, made her take a bath in the holy water of Ganges. Her complexion then turned fair and she came to be known as Maa Mahagauri.

Read more: The Glory of Goddess Mahagauri

Significance of Kanya Pujan on Ashtami

On Ashtami, young girls are worshipped as they are considered to be a form of Maa Durga. Girls of the age group 2 to 10 are invited to houses and offered food and gifts. It is believed that by doing so, one worships all the nine forms of Maa Durga, which pleases the goddess and the devotee is bestowed upon by her blessings. Girls of each age represents a particular aspect of Maa Durga. Worshipping all the nine forms of Shakti is considered beneficial. These 9 forms are: 

Kumari- Those girls who are two years old are called Kumaris. Worshipping them makes you free from sorrow and poverty.

Trimurti- The girls of the age 3 years are called Trimurti. By worshiping them one gets blessed with sons and grandsons.

Kalyani- Worshipping girls who are of 4 years in age bless you with knowledge and happiness.

Rohini- Worshipping girls of age 5 makes you free from diseases.

Kalika- The girls who are of 6 years of age are worshipped to get rid of enemies. 

Chandika - To attain wealth and splendour, the girls of age 7 are worshipped. 

Shambhavi - 8 years old girls are worshipped to attain victory and success in every sphere.

Durga - The girls of age 9 are worshiped as a form of Durga. With the influence of your worship, divine pleasures are attained.

Subhadra - Girls having their age at 10 are worshiped as Subhadra. By doing this, all your wishes come true.

We expect that you would enjoy reading this article on Navratri Ashtami Puja. Astrosage wishes Happy Navratri to all its readers.

Weekly Horoscope 15 to 21 October 2018

These five signs will be lucky this week. Read your weekly horoscope to know how this week is going to be in matters concerning job, business, education, health or family. 

The week is surrounded with the festivities of Navratri and Dussehra. The five signs including Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio will experience another level of happiness and will receive good news from all directions. 

Religious and astrological aspects make the week crucial and significant. This week on 18th October, Sharad navratri will be over. On the next day i.e. on October 19, 2018 we will celebrate Dussehra. Also on 17th October, the transition of Sun into Libra sign will take place. Today is the sixth day of navratri and Maa Katyayani is worshipped on this day. Read the significance of worshipping Maa Katyayani. 

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें

Click here to know your Moon Sign: Moon sign Calculator

Aries

This week brings mixed results for Arians. On one hand you would feel increasing tension in your family life and will be worried about the health of your parents. Read more...

Taurus

Taureans will find this week to be challenging. You will feel anxious and have to put in extra efforts to achieve desired results. Read more...

Gemini

Geminians will suffer from significant mental stress this week. Your workplace will require you to struggle and work hard so as to incur good results. Read more...

Cancer 

The moon children or cancerians have a good news for them in this week and also need to take certain precautions. Read more...

Leo

Leos will get success and good news in communication and internet related fields this week. Read more...

Virgo

Virgo natives will beget happiness in their families this week. There could be an auspicious occasion at your home which will spread joy in your family members. Read more...

Libra

Librans will be happy and contented this week. They will happily proceed towards success and actively look after both their professional and personal life. Read more...

Scorpio

Scorpios will be in a mood of fun and enjoyment during this week. They may opt for a long trip or ever a journey abroad. Read more...

Sagittarius 

The week poses a possibility of mental exertion for Sagittarians. They must seek guidance or advice from someone they trust and feel motivated with. Read more…

Capricorn

Capricorns need to look after their health and behaviour. Anger, stubbornness or cold behavior can adversely affect your relations. Read more...

Aquarius

This week brings mixed results for Aquarians. Your relations with father will improve and both of you will get promoted to a higher post. Read more...

Pisces

Pisceans will be involved in religious activities this week. You will be respected in the society and make new contacts with venerable people. Read more...

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      Read: The significance of worshipping Skandmata during Navratri