Makara Sankaranthi

MAKARA SANKARANTHI - IMPORTANCE

Sankranti or Sankranthi marks the transition of the Sun into Makara rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path. Traditionally, this has been one of many harvest days in India. This refers to the transmigration of the Sun from one Rāshi (sign of the zodiac) to another. Hence there are 12 such sankrantis in all. However, the Sankranti festivalusually refers to Makara Sankaranti, or the transition of the Sun from Dhanu rashi (Sagittarius) to Makara rashi (Capricorn).

It is one of the few Hindu Indian festivals which are celebrated on a fixed date i.e. 14 January every year (or may be sometimes on 15 January (leap year).

According to the Puranas, on this day Surya (Sun) visits the house of his son Shani (Saturn), who is the lord of the Makar rashi (Zodiac Capricorn). Though the father and son duo did not get along well, the Surya made it a point to meet his son on this day. He, in fact, comes to his son’s house, for a month. This day thus symbolizes the importance of the special relationship between father and son. 

It is believed that the person, who dies during the period of Uttarayana, becomes free from transmigration (rebirth). So this day was seen as a definite auspicious day to start a journey or endeavours to the higher realms beyond.

It was on this day when Lord Vishnu ended the ever increasing terror of the Asuras(Demons) by finishing them off and burying their heads under the Mandara Parvata. So this occasion also represents the end of 'negativities' and beginning of an era of righteous living.

From Makar Sankranti starts the ‘day’ of devatas (Gods), while dakshinayana (southward movement of the sun) is said to be the ‘night’ of devatas, so most of the auspicious things are done during this time. Uttarayana is also called as Devayana, and the dakshinayana' is called Pitrayana.

Aum Namashivaya

2013 - MAKARA SANKARANTHI / PONGAL - Auspicious Time.

Auspicious time for having pongal is between 9.30 am to 10.30 am 

(Sunrise is 6.36 am at Pondicherry and transit of sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn is at 8-Gh & 40-Vg.. )

Deepawali

DEEPAWALI

Narakasura ruled the kindom of Pardyoshapuram.   Puranas have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma after a severe penance.  Under his rule, the villagers suffered a lot of hardship as the demon tortured the people and kidnapped the women to be imprisoned in his palace with his invincible might.   Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture.  

But Naraka had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi.   So, Krishna asks his wife Sathyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.   When Krishna fell unconscious after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Sathyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly.   Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi.   

The message of Naraka Chaturdashi Parva is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds.  It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain demon Naraka, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice.  It is said Lord Krishna had an oil bath to rid himself off the blood spattered on his body when Naraka was killed.  The tradition is followed and people offer prayers on the previous day of the Naraka Chaturdashi to the vessel in which water is being heated for having bath.  Hindus light fireworks, which are regarded as the effigies of Narakasura who was killed on this day.

This year in 2012, Deepawali is celebrated on 13-11-2012 (Tuesday)

WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY DEEPAWALI.

MahAsivarathri

Dear members

Wishing you all a Happy Maha Sivarathri wishes from Vedic Astrology Forum

Pratha smarami bhava bheethi haram suresam,
Gangadharam vrushabha vahana mambikesam,
Gadwanga soola varadabhaya hastha meesam,
Samsara roga haram oushadha madwitheeyam.

In the morning I think the Lord of Gods who removes fear of life,
Who carries the Ganges, who rides on a bull and is the consort of Parvathi,
Who carries sword, spear in two hands , shows protection and blessing with other two.
And who is the matchless medicine of the disease of domestic life.


Keep Logged to www.vedastrology.blogspot.com for all your Astrological Needs

Regards
Vedic Astrology Team.

Diwali

DIWALI or DEEPAWALI

Diwali in South India

In the South, Diwali festival often commemorates the conquering of the Asura Naraka, a powerful king of Assam, who imprisoned tens of thousands of inhabitants. It was Krishna who finally subdued Naraka and freed the prisoners. Diwali Festival in the south is celebrated in the Tamil month of aipasi (thula month) 'naraka chaturdasi' thithi, preceding amavasai. The preparations begin the day before, when the oven is cleaned, smeared with lime, four or five kumkum dots are applied, and then it is filled with water for the next day's oil bath. The house is washed and decorated with kolam (rangoli) patterns with kavi (red oxide). In the pooja room, betel leaves, betel nuts, plaintain fruits, flowers, sandal paste, kumkum, gingelly oil, turmeric powder, scented powder are kept. Crackers and new dresses are placed in a plate after smearing a little kumkum or sandal paste.

Celebrations
In The Morning: Deepavali celebrations begins early in the morning. The eldest family member applies sesame oil on the heads of all the family members. Then, it's off for a bath, beginning with the youngest in the family. They emerge with new clothes and a look of anticipation at the thought of bursting crackers, which symbolizes the killing of the demon king Narakasur.

Lehiyam: But before that comes Lehiyan, the bitter concoction, to cleanse the system of its festive over-eating! Then to the crackers.

Murukku: A puja is performed for the family deities in the morning. Breakfast consists of murukku , a sweet dish and, of course, idli or dosa .

Wish fulfilment: Some communities believe that when Narakasur was to be killed, Lord Krishna asked him his last wish. Narakasura replied that he wanted to enjoy the last day of his life in a grand manner and Diwali was celebrated. That was the beginning and the practice continued.

In The Evening: In the evening, lamps are lighted and crackers are burst. As most of the cracker manufacturing units are in Tamil Nadu, there is no dearth of fireworks here.

During Thalai Deepavali, the newly weds go to the bride's parental home for revelry. Taking blessings from the elders, they burst the first crackers of the day. Usually a vast range of crackers is bought, with costs running into thousands of rupees. The Diwali Celebrations include a visit to the temple, gifts of clothes and jewelry, gorging on sweets and receiving blessings of elders. The groom's parents, brothers and sisters come down to join in the celebrations.