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Navratri

The Navratra’s is a very important and auspicious celebration of Shakti Parva according to Hindu texts. On these auspicious nine days the worship of Bhagavati Shakti gives special results to its Sadhaks. In this month we will be having the Shardiya Navaratra. Shardiya Navaratra generally starts from Aswin Shukla Pratipada and lasts uptil Aswin Shukla Navami, a period of nine days. In this year they will start on September 23, 2006 and will culminate on October 1, 2006.

Kalratri
The seventh form of Durga is Kalratri. Kalratri means that form of Durga, which prevails on the night of death. By worship of Kalratri the Sadhaka becomes Unmukth and gets freedom from the fear of death and destruction. By the Upasana of Kalratri the person can please all the Grahas and get freedom from doshas of those Grahas. The Manasik Shakti or Kundalini, by worship of Kalratri, will enter the Manas Chakra or the Sahastrasar Chakra. When the Kundalini will enter the Sahasrara Chakra the Sadhak will experience supreme peace and bliss. Till that time the Supreme peace the Sadhak cannot experience.

Maha Gauri
The eighth form of Durga is Maha Gauri. By worship of Maha Gauri we can become like the Devas. Sadgunao ka Vikas i.e. by the progress and birth of good habits, good principles in life, the person becomes Devavrath or just like the Devas. One can become Godlike on earth itself by worship of Mahagauri.

Siddhidatri
The ninth form of Durga is Siddhidatri. She is a Devi who bestows Siddhis on her Sadhaks. All kind of Siddhis can be controlled by the worship of Siddhidatri. The worship of Siddhidatri is very difficult. Durga in this form bestows material as well as spiritual pleasures.

God Bless All!
Narbhavi(Good Has to Happen)
(c)1999-2006,astromandir.com

Kushmanda

The fourth form of Durga is Kushmanda. Kushmanda is a very ughr form of Shakti. By worship of Kushmanda by some Siddhis, Aadi Vyaadi gets Nasht, means any kind of obstacles that are yet to come will get obliterated. People, who suffer from any kind of Shaap or Sabum of previous births, can worship Kushmanda to remove those problems. It is believed that she had created this whole universe with her smile.

Skanda Mata

The fifth form of Durga is Skanda Mata. She is the mother of Karthikeya, who is also known as Skand and hence she is known by the name Skanda Mata. She is the Devi who controls the Mandala of Surya. The Mandala of the Surya is the inner ring of Surya that is full of Tejobal. Tej means the strength reflected by your powers and your body. The power in controlling others, the power to rule others or the power to be a ruler is Tejobal. For that Mandala of the Surya the Abhishtatri Devi is Skanda Mata. By worship of Skanda Mata power comes, the power to rule and also the balanced mind to rule properly. So for administrators the worship of Skand Mata is very good. For those people for whom War is a business worship of Skanda Mata is very good. By worship of Skanda Mata a person becomes Dheergjeevi or is bestowed with long life. This is the Devi who will make the Kundalini enter into the Vishudha Chakra.

Katyayani

The sixth form of Durga is the beautiful and innocent Katyayani. Katyayani is that form of Durga whose skin is like gold. By worship of Katyayani the Kundalini will enter into the Aagya Chakra. This is the deity that will give success in all four necessary goals of a human being, i.e. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. This Devi is very important because she will give marriage. For those people whose marriage gets delayed worship of this Devi by her Mantra and her Yantra. If the girls worship Devi Katyayani their desire of getting a good groom will get fulfilled.

God Bless All!
Narbhavi(Good Has to Happen)
(c)1999-2006,astromandir.com

Shailputri

She is first among nine forms of Durga. On the first night by the Upasana of Shailputri the Sadhaka makes his Mooladhara Chakra balanced. It is only after the blessings of Shailputri the Mooladhaar chakra (the start of the Kundalini) is balanced and the Kundalini is awakened.

Brahmacharini

On the second night you worship a form of Durga known as Brahmacharini. Brahmacharini means one who is like Brahma, one whose Achara Vichara is like Brahma, one who is pure and pristine. The Brahmacharini represents Tapobal or strength of Tapasya. Tapa is a word, which means heat; Tapasya means the heat of your spirituality. Brahmacharini is that form of Durga that will give you Tapobal. It will give you strength to perform the most difficult of Sadhanas. It is said that worshipping goddess Brahmacharini makes the devotee victorious in every sphere of life.

Chandraghanta

The third form of Durga is Chandraghanta. Chandraghanta is that form of Durga that will give freedom from all Sansaric problems or problems that exist on a material level. She will bless the sadhaka with all kind of Loukik Shakthi that means any kind of worldly power and wealth. Chandraghanta is that Shakti, which will make the Kundalini, enter into the Manipur chakra and the devotee is thus blessed to see and hear divine things. Once the Manipur Chakra gets balanced one gets freedom from worldly problems.

God Bless All!
Narbhavi(Good Has to Happen)
(c)1999-2006,astromandir.com

When should the Jyothi be lit?

You can either light the Jyothi everyday at the time of puja or the Jyothi can be carried for the entire nine days, which is known as the Akanda Jyothi. If you maintain Akanda Jyothi for all the nine days it will give special results. It leads to peace in the house, prosperity and special blessings of the Devi.

What is the Significance of Navratri?

Navaratri is the auspicious celebration of Shakti Parva. In this month we will be having the Shardiya Navaratra. Shardiya Navaratra generally starts from Aswin Shukla Pratipada and lasts uptil Aswin Shukla Navami, a period of nine days. In this year they will start on September 23, 2006 and will culminate on October 1, 2006. On these auspicious nine days or Navratras the worship of Bhagavati Shakti gives special results to its Sadhaks. On these nine days the nine forms of Durga: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri are worshipped. Bhagavati Shakti or Durga represents the infinite power of the universe. She is the accumulated Tejas or energy of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. When the Mother is worshipped with devotion and faith, she confers great siddhis, helps vanquish enemies, bestows freedom from worldly problems and removes spiritual obstacles.

God Bless All!
Narbhavi(Good Has to Happen)
(c)1999-2006,astromandir.com

Navaratri…The Navratra’s is a very important and auspicious celebration of Shakti Parva according to Hindu texts. On these auspicious nine days the worship of Bhagavati Shakti gives special results to its Sadhaks. In this month we will be having the Shardiya Navaratra. Shardiya Navaratra generally starts from Aswin Shukla Pratipada and lasts uptil Aswin Shukla Navami, a period of nine days. In this year they will start on September 23, 2006 and will culminate on October 1, 2006.

What is Ghata Sthapan?

Ghata Sthapan means at the commencement of the Navratras you establish a vessel full of water, herbs, rice and other sacred things which denote Mangalya. A Ghata is a jar made of gold, silver, copper, or clay should be installed. It should be filled with water. The water should be mixed with sandalwood paste, Dhruva grass, leaves from five trees, and clay from seven places, fruit, five jewels and gold. Appropriate mantras should be chanted as these ingredients are inserted into the Ghata. The vessel should then be wrapped around with a piece of cloth. The Ghata should then be placed on a Purna Patra, a cup or plate filled with rice grains. On all nine days you will worship that Ghata along with the Jyothi.

What are the important Muhurathas for Ghata Sthapan?

The day for Ghata Sthapana is September 23, 2006. There are two Muhurathas: Kanya lagna or Virgo ascendant that occurs after sunrise or in Abhijeet Muhurat.

God Bless All!
Narbhavi(Good Has to Happen)
(c)1999-2006,astromandir.com

What happens to those people who do not know tithis?

In the Shraad Paksha on the Amavasya day one should perform Sarva Pitr Shraad.

What is the significance of Til?

Til or black sesame seeds is very dear to the Pitrs. Shastras say that it make the person cross the Vaitarini – the sea of bad karma. In this Vaitarini one has to face some really tough situations like being fried in oil, demons throwing stones at you, hunger and other such sufferings. One has to cross the Vaitarini to reach Vaikunta.

What is Varjitha or forbidden in Shraad?

A flower which is not too pungunt or too beautiful or luxurious, banana leaf for serving food and protien food are some of the things that are varjitha or forbidden in Shraad.

What is Pitru Shaap?

Pitr Shaap literally means a curse fom the ancestors, indicating the non performance of the last rites or any requisite ceremony prescribed in the individuals religion practised. As a consequence of non-completion of the specific rituals, the soul does not reach the Pitr Loka and is still wandering. It is in such a state that the Pitr could curse the individual as he is duty bound to perform the last rites properly so that the deceased journey to Pitr Loka is smooth.

God Bless All!
Narbhavi(Good Has to Happen)
(c)1999-2006,astromandir.com

When should the Shraad be performed by those people who do not know the tithi of the deceased?

In the Shraad Paksha on the Amavasya day one should perform Sarva Pitr Shraad.

When is Shraad Paksha?

Shraad Paksha starts on Aswin Krishna Prati Pada and lasts till Amavasya. In the year 2006, Shraad Paksha starts on September 8, 2006 and culminates on September 22, 2006.

What is done in Shraad?

On the appropriate tithi two Brahmins are invited to the house to perform the Shraad. Through mantras, one is nominated as Pitr (ancestors/ father) and the other as Visvedeva (guide). The Brahmins are given a foot-wash, dress consisting of cotton dhoti by the Karta (one who performs the Shraad). The bramins are treated with due represent as they represent the Karta’s father, grandfather and great grandfather. The Brahmin priests help the Karta to perform the ritual. They will chant specific mantras to invoke and satisfy the Pitr with certain sacrifices. The karta repeats the mantras and performs the actions as instructed by the Brahmin.

During the ceremony the Kartha has to make a special offering of til or black sesame seeds. Offerings of water mixed with cow’s milk, a flower which is not too pungunt or too beautiful or luxurious (all kinds of white flowers and lotuses), are among the things that are very dear to the Pitrs. After that pinda pradaana – a portion of the protienless food that is cooked will be offered to the Pitr by putting cooked rice into the fire. It is to remember old generations and a paying tributes to the dead. A portion of the food is also offered in a leaf plate to the cow, the dog, the crow and the insects like ants. When they will eat the food so served the Pitr will be able to make the journey through the Vaitarini in a less painful manner.

After the rituals are performed the Kartha will do Tilakam for the Brahmin and take his blessings. The Brahmins are treated to a feast and given money as Dakshina or fees for their service. He finally asks them what is to be done of the remaining food and once the Brahmins give their consent,the Karta and his family have the food. Only then, will the true intent of the ritual be fulfilled and the performer of the ritual feel completely gratified.

God Bless All!
Narbhavi(Good Has to Happen)
(c)1999-2006,astromandir.com

What is Shraad?

Shraadh is derieved from the sanskrit word Shraddha which means devotion and sincerity. When one performs Shraad it means that with devotion, sincerity and regularity we are performing an annual ritual to appease our ancestors, specially ones mother and father. It is one of the most important and noble Samskaraas that the Hindu Sages have envisaged, it is imperative that the performer of the ritual understands what he is doing.

Why is Shraad performed?

There are several Lokas in the world among them there is Pitr/Pitru loka. The dead ancestor who is known as the pitr/pitru, during Shraad time is invoked and certain sacrifices are made to fulfill that Pitr. It is just giving food and water to the Pitr. Consuming that, the Pitr becomes happy and satisfied and give our family a divine protective armour and blesses us with new opportunities and relief from our problems. Once the annual ceremony for the Pitr is performed our day-to-day problems will not pose much difficulty. The Pitr will give us protective armour against these things.

When should the Shraad be performed?

The Shraad is performed on the tithi of one’s parents death. For example, somebody has passed away on a Sapthami tithi the previous year, this year we will perform the Shraad on the Sapthami tithi of the Shraad Paksha. It is performed for both the father and mother separately, on the days they became deceased.

God Bless All!
Narbhavi(Good Has to Happen)
(c)1999-2006,astromandir.com

Japa Sadhana…

1. Select any Mantra or Name of God and repeat it 11, 27, 54, 108 or 1,080 times daily.

2. The early morning period (Brahmamuhurta) and dusk is the most favourable time for Japa and meditation. This is when Sattva (purity or steadiness) is predominant. The time for Brahmamuhurta is at 4.00 am. Do Japa whenever you are at ease. There is no need to feel bound by time. Regularity is most essential if you want to taste the fruits of Japa Sadhana. Sit in the same place and at the same time every day.

3. One should refresh oneself before sitting for Japa.

4. You should face East or North during the practice. This enhances the efficacy of the Japa.

5. It is essential to conserve body-electricity in Japa Sadhana. You can do this by sitting on a rug or a mat with a piece of white cloth spread over it.

6. You should wear comfortable clothes, preferably of white or saffron color.

7. You may sit in Padmasana, Siddhasana or Sukhasana. Your back should be erect but relaxed in posture. Maintain a steady pose.

8. Pay obeisance first to your Guru, then to Lord Ganesh and finally to your Ishta Devata before starting the Japa.

9. A rosary is a whip to goad the mind towards God. Use a rudraksha or tulsi mala of 108 beads. Do not allow the mala to hang below the navel. Keep the hand near the heart. The mala should not be visible to you or to others. Cover it with a clean towel or handkerchief or a Goumukhi bag. Use the middle finger and the thumb of the right to roll the beads. The use of the index finger is prohibited. Do not cross the Meru while rolling the beads. Turn back when you come to it.

10. Do not do the Japa in a hurried manner. Mantra should be chanted with Shraddha (dedication), Bhava (emotion) and concentration on its meaning with singularly focused mind.

11. Pronounce the Mantra distinctly and without any mistakes. Repeat it in an even pace.
Be aware during Japa.

12. Try to associate the Japa with the rhythm of the breath and meditate on the form of your Deity. Keep a picture of the Deity in front of you. Think of the meaning of the Mantra and visualize the deity in your mind’s eye. When the image fades open your eyes look at the picture of the Deity in front of you.

13. Observe silence and avoid distractions, calls and engagements.

14. You should not leave the place abruptly after the Japa is over and switch over to your daily routine. Continue to sit quietly for a few minutes. You will actually feel the spiritual vibrations.

A special thank you to Guruji Shrii Arnav for the inputs.

God Bless All!
Narbhavi(Good Has to Happen)
(c)1999-2006,astromandir.com

There are four varieties in Japa. They are Manasika Japa, Vaikhari Japa, Upamshu Japa and Likhita Japa.

Mental repetition of the mantra is called Manasika Japa. The mental repetition is very powerful. There is no audible sound or movement of the lips here. All repetition is done mentally. No energy is used to express the mantra outwardly and all the energy and benefits of the mantra are kept within. The vibration of the mantra will still affect your surroundings, as it permeates your body during the practice, and then you emanate it through your aura.

Vaikhari Japa, or audible repetition, is repeating a mantra out loud. This level of japa is very good if the mind is highly agitated and difficult to calm down. It helps to keep the mind focused on what is being repeated. Aside from purifying the body and mind, this level of japa also has an effect on the environment, as the vibrations of the mantra will purify your immediate surroundings.

Upamshu Japa is mechanical repetition of a mantra in a whisper with or without any feeling or Bhava. It is performed either by quietly whispering the mantra or by just moving the lips while silently saying it. It helps keep the mind focused, avoids distractions and uses less energy than saying the mantra out loud. This also has a great purifying effect on the mind.

Mantra writing is called Likhita Japa. When one writes a mantra, it is important to observe silence. Besides bringing about purity of heart and concentration of mind, mantra writing gives you control of Asana, control of Indriyas or senses, particularly the sight and the tongue, and fills you with the power of endurance. You attain peace of mind quickly. By prolonged and constant practice the inherent power of the Mantra (Mantra-Shakti) will be awakened. In Mantra writing, there is no restriction about any particular script. It may be written in any language.

Important things to remember when practicing japa:
- Pay careful attention to the speed and rhythm of chanting
- Pronounce correctly and understand the esoteric meaning of the mantra
- Practice japa at the same time every day.

God Bless All!
Narbhavi(Good Has to Happen)
(c)1999-2006,astromandir.com