పాంచరాత్ర ఆగమ శాస్త్ర , జ్యోతిష్య ,వాస్తు మరియు న్యాయ సలహా దారుడు, మరియు అర్చకులు

While the Lord is praised through His many names, the name of Govinda has special merit. Since Lord Narayana supported the Manthara mountain on His back in Koorma avatara, He is Govinda. ‘Go’ also means Earth. Since as Varaha, He rescued Bhooma Devi from the clutches of the asura, He is Govinda. Since He measured the Earth in three steps, He is Govinda. ‘Go’ also means cow. Since as Krishna, He was a cowherd, Krishna may also be referred to as Govinda. He is Govinda because He gives us the power of speech. It was Lord Narayana who suggested to Indra that he fashion the Vajrayudham from Dadichi’s backbone. The Vajrayudham is also called ‘Go’. Hence the Lord, upon whose suggestion Indra made the ayudham, is called Govinda. Govinda is the name we must utter before we eat anything. The story of Kshatrabandhu shows the significance of the Govinda nama. Kshatrabandhu was a cruel man, who robbed those who passed through the forests. But when he learnt the name Govinda from a sage, he was sav

Nag Hill Caves at pushkarin Rajasthan is a favorite spot for sadhus (Saints) during the Pushkar Fair. There are caves in Nag Hill in which Sage Agastya and Sage Bhartrhari is believed to have mediated for long period. These caves are occupied by saints from different parts of India and Nepal during the Pushkar fair. The Sadhus arrive here to take part in the Kartik Purnima Snan or holy dip in the Pushkar Lake on the full moon day of Kartik month (October – November). The caves are located inside the forests of Nag Hill. It is believed that Sage Bhartrhari got the boon of immortality at one of the caves in Nag Hill and he is still meditating in one of them. The cave Sage Agastya is a large one and is deep inside the forests. Another cave here is the Jalmahadhi cave in which Lord Parashuram is believed to have stayed for several years. Another unique sport at Nag Hill is the Adhar Shila passing under this stone will attain peace. The hills are located a kilometer south of Pushkar.

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is worshipped in Hinduism and is a plant associated with Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. There are several stories in the Puranas that explain the significance of Tulsi plant and also there are several episodes in the life of Krishna which is associated with the Tulsi plant. This story of Tulsi and Lord Krishna explains how Tulsi Plant attained the sacred status it is enjoyed today. Please note that there are several such stories in the Puranas and this is one of them. Satyabhama one of the queens of Lord Krishna was proud of her beauty and always thought that Lord Krishna loved her most. Sage Narada who came to know about this wrong notion of Satyabhama decided to trick her. He arrived at her residence and was traditionally welcomed by Satyabhama. Pleased with her hospitality, Sage Narada asked Satyabhama to ask a boon. She wanted the blessing from Sage Narada that Lord Krishna will be her husband in all her births. Sage Narada then said that it is a well known

wo vital things needed for the Tulsi Vivah is a Tulsi plant and Shaligram or Salagram – Stone representing Lord Vishnu. If Shaligram is not available an image or idol of Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu is used. Another important aspect is the food. Usually a good vegetarian meal is prepared on the day and offered to Tulsi and Lord Vishnu. The menu varies from region to region. Sweets are a must and are distributed after the Tulsi Vivah ceremony as Prasad. Usually, a Tulsi plant which is three or more years is chosen for the puja. Tulsi pot or Tulsi Mandap in front of the house is colored. Tulsi and the pot or the base in which Tulsi plant is standing is decorated like a bride – by applying Turmeric and Vermilion powder. Sugarcane sticks and tamarind and Amla branches are placed alongside the Tulsi pot. The Tusli Vivah ceremony takes place in the late evening. The Shaligram stone or idol of Krishna or Vishnu is placed next to Tulsi plant. Tulsi is the bride and Vishnu is the groom. So

Prabodini Ekadasi fasting dedicated to Lord Vishnu is observed during the Shukla Paksha, or waxing phase of moon, in Kartik month (October – November). Prabodini Ekadasi 2009 date is October 29. Tulsi Vivah ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu also begins on the day. Kartik Shudda Ekadasi Pandarpur Yatra to Lord Vithal Temple in Maharashtra is also held on the day. The popular belief is that observing Prabodini Ekadasi will help in attaining Moksha and also in redemption of sins. The greatness of Prabodini Ekadasi was narrated to Sage Narada by Brahma. The divine conversation is found in the Skanda Purana. The Chaturmasa Vrata ends on Prabodini Ekadasi day. In some regions, especially in Gujarat, certain Hindu communities observe a strict fast on the day – Nirjala Fast – and they don’t even drink water while fasting. In most regions all the usual rules associated with Ekadasi fasting is observed on Prabodini Ekadasi day. Ekadasi, or Ekadashi, is an important Upvaas (fast) dedicated to

తులసి వివాహము is a ritual dedicated to Tulsi plant and Lord Vishnu – it is the symbolic wedding of Tulsi to Lord Vishnu. Tulsi Vivah 2009 dates are October 29, 30 and November 2. The ritual is observed from the Ekadasi day during the Shukla Paksha of (waxing phase of moon) to Purnima or full moon in Kartik month as per traditional Hindu calendar. Tulsi Vivah 2009 pooja on Ekadasi day is October 29. Tulsi Vivah Kartik Shudha Dwadashi is October 30. Tulsi Vivah on Kartik Purnima is on November 2. Tulsi vivah is performed by Hindu communities during different period. Any day starting from the Ekadasi (after Amavasi) in Kartik month to Purnima (the full moon day) in Kartik Month is chosen to perform Tulsi Vivah. Majority of the people perform Tulsi Vivah on the Ekadasi day or on Purnima day. The ritual is also performed on the day after Ekadasi in many regions.

Panch Bhikam is observed is observed during the last five days of the Kartik month as per the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Kartik is the eighth month in the traditional lunar calendar. Panch Bhikam 2009 begins on October 29 and ends on November 2. Those who could not take part in the month-long Kartik Snan compensate by participating in the Panch Bhikam – which involves holy dip or bath in a river. It is said that those participate in the Panch Bhikam bathing ritual will earn the same merit as of performing the bathing ritual for the entire Kartik month. Hindu women sing songs in praise of Radha and Krishna during the Panch Bhikam. Women light earthen lamps to Goddess Pathwari – the Goddess who blesses travelers. People also recite the Panch Bhikam Kahani during the five-day period.

Amla Navami is observed on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Kartik Month (October – November). This ritual is dedicated to the Amla Tree (Gooseberry). Amla Navami 2009 date is October 27. Women offer prayers and perform puja to the Amla tree and eat beneath the tree. The greatness of the Puja is mentioned in the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana. The popular belief is that during the Kartik month gods and sages reside on the Amla Tree. Therefore worshipping Amla Tree during the period can help in destroying sins and in fulfilling wishes. The Puranas also equate Amla Tree with Goddess Lakshmi. Amla is also known as Dhatri and thus the worship is essentially for prosperity and auspiciousness. The Amla fruit ripens during the period and therefore it is also a sort of thanksgiving to Nature. The medicinal and therapeutic value of Amla is very famous and is used in India for various medicinal purposes especially in Ayurveda. The day is observed as Anla Navami in Ori

Purnima is the full moon day in a traditional Hindu calendar and is considered auspicious for performing rituals and fasts. In 2009 November, Purnima date is November 2. This Poornima is also known as Kartik Purnima and Tripurari Poornima. In some regions the day is also observed as Dev Diwali and the Tulsi Vivah Puja and rituals end on the day. The month long Kartik Vrat and Kartik Snan in North India comes to an end on the day.

oorasamharam, or Surasamharam, is the penultimate day of Skanda Shasti fasting which ends with the Thirukalyanam. Soorasamharam 2009 date is October 23. The popular belief is that Lord Muruga killed Soorapadman with his ‘Vel’ and this divine act is known as Soorasamharam. On the day, devotees celebrate this victory of good over evil and restoration of Dharma. According to Skanda Purana, the demons under the leadership of Surapadma, Simhamukha and Tarakasura defeated the Devas and took over the earth. They started harassing the human beings and there was Adharma all around. Lord Brahma, the demi-gods and humans prayed to Lord Shiva to intervene and to put an end to the demons Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gave birth to Lord Muruga – the most handsome god and the commander of the Devas. Lord Muraga then appeared to fight the demons and the fight continued for six days and killed all the attendants and friends of demon Surapadman. On the final day, there was intense batt

Govatsa Dwadashi, also known as Nandini Vrata, is observed on the 14 th day of the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month in Gujarat, Maharashtra , Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Govatsa Dwadashi 2009 date is October 14. In South Indian calendars and Panchangs the day is marked on October 15. The day is mainly dedicated to the worship of Cows – Divine cow Nandhini is worshipped on the day. Please note that the corresponding month in North India is the Krishna Paksha of Kartik Month. According to Bhavishyapurana, Govatsa Dwadashi is associated with the story of divine cow Nandhini and her calves. Hence this day is also referred to as Nandhini Vrata. The idols of cows and calves made of mud are worshipped on this day. Nandini is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. On Govatsa Dwadashi day, images of Cow and Calf are made are adorned with turmeric and kumkuma. Offerings such as sprouted moong and gram are made to cows who are representatives of Nandhini on earth.

Dhanteras or Dhan Teras marks the beginning of Diwali and is observed two days before Diwali. It is the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Kartik Month and is also known as Dhantra Yodashi. In 2009, Dhanteras is on October 15. The importance of Dhanteras is that a new utensil or gold or silver is bought for the house. The day is dedicated to Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods. According to Hindu legend, when devas and asuras were churning the ocean for ‘amrit’ - the nectar of immortality - Dhanvantri emerged from the ocean with the jar of amrit on this day. On this day, Hindus purchase gold, silver and other utensils. Many people begin the purchase for Diwali celebrations on this day. Crackers, candles, diyas, hatri, clays idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi, earthen katoris, kulris, chaugaras, toys and whole lot of other items needed for Diwali are purchased on this day. For those doing business, Dhanteras is the day when new account books are bought and kep

Bhaubeej is observed on the first day of Kartik Month in Maharashtra and Goa and it is one of the important observances during Diwali. Bhau Beej 2009 date is October 19. Also known as Bhai Beej , on the day sisters invites brothers to their home and offers a sumptuous meal. The festival is also known as Yama Dwitiya and is more popularly known as Bhai Dooj in North India . Bhau Beej celebrates brother-sister relationship and in Hindu culture brothers are regarded as the protectors of sisters. On the day, sisters pray for the welfare of their brothers and perform Aarti. Sisters prepare sweets and other favorite delicacies of their brothers on the day. Those women who have no brothers offer puja to Lord Chandra – the moon god.

Maha sudarsana homam for removal of all enemies & avoiding accidents, The desires of human beings are innumerable and they vary in nature.The yantra (a symbol embedded in metal) used in the Homa, will keep all negativity at a distance and bring in divine and auspicious energies. It is performed for For any auspicious beginning Removal of astrological flaws For victory, courage and prosperity. To annihilate evil forces. Suffering caused by incurable diseases, sorcery or enemies are dispelled by Lord Sudharshana. Alleviates the suffering of the progeny belonging to later generations due to non- performance of the last rites of the previous generations. Stops the danger or problems, which may possibly occur in future The power of the Homam Homam is a sacrament performed to a particular divine being by appeasing ´Agni´, the lord of fire. Sun in the Hindu worldview, is considered, as the main source of energy in the universe and fire is believed to be symbolic of the sun. Any offering t

The Chennai-based Geographical Indication Registry under Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks had recently had conferred the tag of Geographical Indication on September 15th, 2009. In simple terms it is a Patent for Tirupati Laddu and the Laddu can be produced only by the Tirupati Tirumala Temple Administration – TTDs. The tag of Geographical Indication would ban others from making and marketing the ‘laddus’ under the same name. The Tirupati Laddu Patent has been challenged through a 'suo motu' action in Supreme Court by R. S. Praveen Raj, a scientist and resident of Trivandrum , Kerala. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTDs), the administrative body of Tirupati Balaji Temple , had applied for the GI Tag to effectively tackle the production and marketing of ‘spurious and fake laddus’ in and around Tirupati. R. S. Praveen Raj is of the view that Tirupati Laddu is a Prasadam, or sacred food offered at temple, and it is not a ‘Good’ – articl

Kubera Puja is performed during Diwali Lakshmi Puja in some regions by some Hindu communities. Kubera is considered to be the treasurer of Gods. In some Hindu scriptures he is also mentioned as the brother of Goddess Lakshmi. Kubera Puja is thus done for attaining wealth and prosperity. Kubera Puja 2009 date is October 17. Lord Kubera is depicted with a golden mongoose in his hand and it is said that the mongoose spits out gems. Strangely Lord Kubera is depicted as riding on man – symbolically it shows who how wealth corrupts human mind and finally man becomes slave of wealth. Kubera Puja is performed along with Goddess Lakshmi Puja on Diwali day.