Surya Namaskar Yoga

In today time when everyone is busy and looking out a shortcut for everything. Same to remain fit, they want to do exercise in less time and gain most of the health benefits from it. The solution is very famous Yogic exercise known as Surya Namaskar.

Surya Namaskar that literally means salutation to the Sun. It is a set of 12 powerful yoga postures that provide a good cardiovascular workout. It is the good way to maintain the balance between the mind, body & soul.

Surya Namaskar means salutation to the Sun. It is a collection of 12 powerful yoga postures that provide a good cardiovascular workout. It is the good way to maintain the balance between the mind, body & soul.

It is recommended to do Surya Namaskar in a morning without eating anything.

Let’s begin with these simple yet useful steps of Surya Namaskar.

Each Surya Namaskar round consists of two sets. Each set consists of 12 yoga poses that are given below:

1. Salutation posture (Pranamasana)

The first step is to show the gratitude to Sun God. You need to stand erect with feet together. Join the palms of the together in front of the chest. Concentrate and meditate in this posture.
       

2. Raised arm posture (Hastauttanasana )

Breathe in, Inhale slowly and deeply, stretch both arms above the head, palms facing upward. After that, you need to arch your back and stretch your body. Inhale air and continue to stretch your body.       

3. Hand to foot posture (Padahastasana)

Try to breathe out bend the body forward and touch the ground. While bending forward keep your spinal cord & legs straight and perpendicular to the ground. Try not to bend your knees while you are doing Padahastasana.    
    

4. Equestrian posture(Ashwa Sanchalanasana)

Breathe in, Inhale slowly and deeply, bent the right knee and extended the left leg back and touch the knee to the ground. Keep both the hands forward down. Lift the spine and open the chest. Concentrate at the eyebrow center.        

5. Mountain posture(Parvatasana)

Breath out slowly, try to bring the right leg back to join with the left leg. At the same time, try to keep your buttocks above the ground and lower your head to position it between the arms. In this position, your body forms a triangle with the floor as can be seen in the figure. Place the foot flat on the ground. Maintaining the posture, take a deep breath in inhale air slowly and deeply.        

6. Ashtanga Namaskara (Salutation with eight limbs)

Breathe out, exhale air slowly, and slide the body down at an angle. Let your toes, knees, chest, hands, and chin touch the floor. But need to keep your buttocks up.        

7. Bhujangasana (Cobra posture)

Breathe in, Inhale slowly and deeply, lower the hips, push the chest forward and upward with the hands, arch your spine, and keep your head facing up. Let your knees and lower abdomen remain on the floor.        

8. Parvatasana (Mountain posture)

Breathe out, exhale air slowly and get back to posture 5.   

9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian posture)

Breathe in, Inhale slowly and deeply and keep your right leg forward between the hands. The left leg remains back. Resume posture 4.        

10. Padahastasana (Hand to foot posture)

Breathe out, exhale air slowly, bring the left foot forward. Join both legs and resume posture 3.        

11. Hastauttanasana (Raised arm posture)

Breathe in, Inhale slowly and deeply, raise the trunk up and bend backward. Resume posture 2.      

12. Pranamasana (Salutation posture)

Stand erect and bring the hands in front of the chest.

You have completed first step and to complete the second half of Surya Namaskar, you need to repeat the same 12 steps... Read More

 

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2015

Dussehra (Vijayadashami)

22^nd October 2015 (Thursday)

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) Puja Time

Vijay Muhurat Time = 13:57 to 14:42 (0 Hours 44 Mins)

Aparahna Puja Time = 13:12 to 15:26 (2 Hours 14 Mins)

Dussehra - signify the victory of the good over evil

In India with the start of Ashwin month (Oct-Nov), there is the fervor of divinity and enthusiasm. Dussehra is one of the famous Hindu festivals that falls on the tenth day of this Month. It is commemorated in the honor of Rama.

Legend behind Dussehra

According to Hindu mythology, there was the king Ravana, who had the sister named Surpanakha. One day she was going through the forest and met exiled prince of Ayodhya, Rama and his brother Lakshmana. Surpanakha proposed both of them. Unfortunately, both denied. Surpanakha still kept on insisting them, raged Laksmana smashed her nose. Insulted Surpanakha went to his brother Ravana, king of Lanka. He assured his sister that he would take revenge. He went in the forest with his friend Marisha. Marisha disguised as the ‘Golden Deer’. Rama’s wife Sita insisted her husband to get that deer. He went deep in the forest to kill that deer. When golden deer was dying, he called for help in  Rama’s voice. Sita heard and ordered Lakshmana to help his brother. He had no choice and had to left after demarcating the hut with a line. He said to Sita that she would be safe if she would remain within that demarcation. Meanwhile, Ravana came outside the hut. He disguised as sage and asked Sita to serve him food. She had to come out of that demarcation. Ravana abducted Sita. Rama and Lakshmana returned to a hut, and they searched Sita everywhere but could not find her. They met Hanuman, who helped to search Sita.  He gave them the news that Sita was in Lanka. Rama went there with Lakshmana along with the army of monkeys and other animals of which prominent were Sugriva along with Hanuman, Angada, Nala, Neela, and Jambavantha. They had the fierce battle for nine days with the Ravana’s Army.  During battle Ravana’s brother, Kumbhakarna and son Meghnath died. On the tenth day, Rama worshiped Aparajita before going to the battle with Ravana. In the battle, Rama slayed ten heads of Ravana. Since then this day is celebrated as Dussehra every year. Ram Lila was played for nine days before Dussehra and on the tenth-day effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnath were burnt at various places. Many people worship Aparajita and Shami tree or Ashmantak tree.

Many places it is commemorated in the honor of Durga.

According Durga Mahtmaya Durga has the fierce battle with Demon Mahisasura for nine days and killed him on the tenth day i.e. on the day Dussehra or Vijay Dashmi.

In Bengal and many other places it is believed that Durga came on earth and stayed  in her parental house for nine days and on the tenth day she returned to her matrimonial home, abode of  Shiva, Mt. kalasha. Since then idols of Durga are immersed in water.

In states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Dusshera holds special meaning. The day is considered a most auspicious day for commencing education or dance and music... Read More 

Devshayani Ekadashi

Ekadashi Tithi begins at 00:25 on 27th July 2015

Ekadashi Tithi ends at 00:10 on 28th July 2015

Parana time or time to break the fast in from 05:54 to 08:25 on 28th July 2015

Devshayani Ekadashi, also k nown as Deva Sayani Ekadasi, Shayana Ekadashi and Tholi Ekadashi, falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha month (June-July), according to Hindu calendar. People worship Lord Vishnu on this day as it is believed on this day Vishnu falls asleep in his cosmic ocean of milk, known as Ksheersagar. Thus this day is also known as Dev Shayani Ekadashi, meaning the eleventh day on which the God sleeps. He sleeps for four months and wakes up on Prabodhini Ekadashi, the eleventh day of bright fortnight in the month of Kartik, (October-November), according to Hindu calendar. These slumber four months are collectively known as Chaturmas.

Legend for Observing the Fast

This story and its significance was told to Yudhisthira by Krishna. Once a good and noble king named Mandhata governed a prosperous kingdom. He was just and people under his kingdom were very happy. The only issue his kingdom faced was lack of rainfall because of which farmers couldn’t grow crops and thus couldn’t earn money. Many humans and animals died due to lack of water. Mandhata went to many sages for a solution but nothing worked for him. Finally he met a wise sage named Angira who told him to observe the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi with complete dedication and pure heart. He followed the advice of the sage and observed the fast along with his family members and courtiers. Soon rainfall arrived at his kingdom and the period of drought ended. The people were happy again and thankful to their king and they lived once again in prosperity.

How to Observe the Fast?

Devotees should be extra cautious and observe penance. They should not indulge in evil activities like jealousy, greed, anger etc. They should also stay at bay from sensual gratification. The time should be used in praying and meditating. It is considered very auspicious to take a dip in holy water as Vishnu himself resides in the water, thus making it purer. Chanting Vishnu’s thousand names also prove very beneficial. One should also listen to his teachings.

One can observe the fast for the complete day without consuming any food item or a single meal without grains or cereals can be consumed throughout the day. People who want to perform rituals for their deceased ancestors can do it in the afternoon. Earlier, horse sacrifices were a common practice for the day but nowadays, fire sacrifice has become a part of the ritual.

Benefits of Observing the Fast

Devshayani Ekadashi opens the gate of peace and prosperity for the devotees. People can get all their wishes fulfilled by observing this fast. It also makes devotees more controlled and stable, both physically and emotionally. If the fasting is done according to the rituals with utmost dedication then one can attain salvation as he would be free from the cycle of life and death and all his evil activities of the past would be forgiven. Most of the people looking for salvation, fast for two consecutive days.

Devotees can gain a charming life and a blissful future be observing this fast.

Pandharpur Yatra

A religious procession of pilgrims takes place at Pandharpur (Solapur district, Maharashtra). The locals worship another form of Vishnu called Vithoba and his images and idols are offered flowers, fruits and incense sticks. People sing hymns dedicated to the deity and spend the entire day in worshipping him.

 

----------------------------

For More Information about Hindu Festivals Click

Som Pradosh Vrat

Pradosh vrat is observed to seek blessing from Lord Shiva and all the pradosh vrats that fall on Mondays are known as Som Pradosh Vrat.

Legend
A widow went home to home in search of alms for herself and her son. She came across another boy, named Dharamgupt whose father had lost a battle and his kingdom was taken over by his enemies. They had thrown out Dharamgupt out of his own kingdom. The lady took Dharamgupt to her own home and treated him like her son. All three of them performed Som Pradosh Vrats every month.

One day Dharamgupt met a beautiful girl and they both fell in love. She asked him to meet her after one day. Dharamgupt did as he was told and went to meet the girl who was sitting with her father. Her father was a king and he told Dharamgupt that he is ready to wed his daughter to him and he will also give him an army so that Dharamgupt could gain his kingdom back.

Dharamgupt was soon married and also won back his kingdom. He took the widow and her son along with him and gave them high position and status in the kingdom. Such were the benefits gained by all the three people by observing the Som Pradosh fasts.

How to Observe the Fast (Pooja Vidhi)
After waking up early and taking bath, people visit Shiva temples to offer their prayers. They read Shiva Purana. They also chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya” throughout the day. People can also place idols of Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha, in their homes and offer flowers and incense sticks to them.

Other offerings like ghee, milk, curd, honey, rice powder, sugar cane juice, lime juice, coconut water, cooked rice, sandalwood paste and sugar can result in receiving salvation, long life, children, good health, satisfaction, majestic life removing enmity and debts.

Devotees might observe a full day fast or a partial fast in which they might consume fruits. The fast begins at sunrise and ends in the evening, after one has performed all the rituals. Cooked vegetarian food can be consumed after prayers.

Benefits of Observing the Fast
Devotees who observe Som Pradosh fasts, become positive thinkers and all their wishes gets fulfilled. Unmarried girls keep these fasts in order to gain a loyal and devoted husband like Shiva. Prosperity and wealth can also be achieved by observing these fasts. Married couples should perform the above mentioned rituals to gain happiness and peace in their family life. Moonstone can also be worn to gain freedom from anxious mind, troublesome life and negative thoughts. Negative karma can also be destroyed by praying to Parvati and Nandi.

It is believed that these days are highly governed by Parvati who influences thoughts and emotions of one’s life. Offering prayers to her might also provide emotional stability and strength.

The list of Som Pradosh Vrats and the auspicious time to perform prayers and rituals are-

16th February 2015 (18:07 to 20:42)

02nd March 2015 (18:17 to 20:47)

29th June 2015 (19:18 to 21:21)

13th July 2015 (19:17 to 21:21)

23rd November 2015 (17:20 to 20:05)

These fasts are observed the twilight period and it is believed that Shiva and Parvati are in the most cheerful mood in this period, thus granting all the wishes of their devotees.
 

----------------------------

For More Information about Hindu Festivals Click

Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) 2015

Raksha Bandhan

29^th August 2015 (Saturday)

Muhurat to tie Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time = 13:50 to 20:58 (7 Hours 8 Mins)

Aparahan Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat = 13:50 to 16:10 (2 Hours 20 Mins)

Pradosh Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat = 18:42 to 20:58 (2 Hours 15 Mins)

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the Hindu month Shravana that falls in the month of (July- August) during a full moon day or Purnima day. Initially, Raksha Bandhan belongs to north and west India but soon People from all over India has started celebrating this heartfelt festival. It is the day that strengthen one of the noblest & loveful bond between the brother and sister. It is the day when sister tie the thread on the wrist of the brother and in return brother vouches to give love, affection and security for the sister. Thus, this day is called Raksha Bandhan as it literally means promise to tie the knot to make the pious relationship secure.

Mythological saga behind Raksha Bandhan related to Yama and Yami

According to the mythological saga, on the full moon day of the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar that falls in the month of July-August.  Yama, the lord of death, got tied a thread from his sister Yami. Yama was overwhelmed by the love of his sister that he declared that whoever got this sacred thread (Rakhi) tied from his sister would become eternal.

From that day onwards sisters tie rakhi to their brothers wish them a long life and brothers give their blessings by promising to take care of the sisters throughout their life.

Mythological saga behind Raksha Bandhan related to Ganesha

According to another mythological saga, God Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, had two siblings, Kartikeya, his elder brother and Ashok Sundari, his younger lovely sister... Read More

Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami is commemorated on the fifth day of the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) Sravana month according to Hindu calendar that falls in the month of (July- August).

In 2015, Nag panchmi will be celebrated on 19th August, Wednesday.

The auspicious time for the prayers on the Nag Panchami will be as follows:

05:56 - 09:10

10:47 - 12:25

15:39- 18:53

Nag Panchami as the name suggests, and it is the festival dedicated to the snakes. The main reason behind the celebrations of Nag Panchmi is that it is observed in the rainy season when the rain water seeps in the snake holes and force snakes to come out of it. In the search of their new place to live, they can cause harm to anyone. To pacify them, people worship them and offer them milk and silver jewelry.

Legend behind the celebration of Nag Panchami

According to Hindu mythological stories, there was Krishna, who saved people of Mathura from the fear of the snake Kaliya.

How did Krishna empower Kaliya?

Once, Krishna was playing with the ball at the bank of Yamuna with his friends. Unfortunately, the ball fell in the river. Krishna took the dip into the river to get the ball where he was attacked by Kaliya. Krishna fought with him and empowered him. Krishna was ready to kill him, but Kaliya pleaded to spare his life. Krishna agreed but asked him to vouch that he would not harm anyone anymore. Nagpanchami is thus the celebration of the Krishna over Kaliya.

Nagpanchami, Shiva & Snake

Shiva is one most short tempered God. He wears snake in the neck in three folds that represent past, present and future. It represents Shiva is Independent of Time and controls time... Read More

Karka Sankranti

Punya Kaal Muhurta is from 12:27 to 19:16, Duration is 6 hours and 49 minutes

Sankranti moment is at 04:11 on 17th July 2015

Maha Punya Kaal Muhurta is from 17:00 to 19:16, Duration is 2 hours and 16 minutes

Dakshinayana is a period of six months in which Lord Surya undertakes his southern journey. Karka Sankranti marks the beginning of this period. It is named Karka Sankranti because Sun enters the Southern hemisphere by entering into Karka (cancer) rashi (zodiac) and leaving the Gemini zodiac. It is also known as Karkataka Sankranti and it is believed that in this period, Gods go to sleep. Lord Vishnu, especially, takes rest in this phase. This period ends during Makar Sankranti in the month of January.

Things to do on Karka Sankranti

It is believed that in the period of Dakshinayana, the souls of the dead ancestors travel to earth and wait for their off-springs to perform final rites for them. Karka Sankranti is the right time to perform all the rituals for the deceased. The souls are sent back to their creator, God, and at the right time, they are given a new life form. Also performing Pitru Tarpan on this day is considered a meritorious deed. Therefore one should get up early in the morning and take a dip in any holy river nearby and then perform all the rituals. People especially travel to the Ghats of the Ganga River and pay homage to their ancestors.

This phase is considered very auspicious for worshipping Vishnu. Chanting and reciting his thousand names can bestow happiness and prosperity. Lord Varaha Swamy, who is the third incarnation of Vishnu is particularly paid regards and prayed to on this day... Read More

Shravan Somwar Vrat

According to the Hindu calendar, the month from mid-July to mid-August is called Shravan and all the fasts observed on Mondays in this month are known as Shravan Somawar Vrat. This month and all the Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that offering prayers to Shiva in this period are happily accepted.

Legend

Samudhra Manthan took place in the month of Shravan. When various products came out of the ocean as the result of the efforts of Gods and demons alike, they were equally distributed among them. But one product which could not be accepted by either of the parties was Halahal. Shiva decided to drink the poison. It turned his throat blue and thus, he saved the universe from destruction. Therefore this month and the Somwar fasts are observed to honor him and to show him gratitude.

How to Observe a Fast

People wake up early in the morning and take bath, followed by performing purification rituals. They chant Shiva’s name throughout the day. Devotees visit the temples and offer prayers to Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati and Nandi. The offerings can be made of white flowers, water, honey, milk, curd, sugar, clarified butter, clothes, rice, bilva leaves and sandalwood. People can also perform rituals with a Shiva Lingam at their homes. They first have to clean the place to perform rituals and then place the idols of Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha.

People observe fasts the whole day, although some people opt for partial fast and may consume fruits. They prefer wearing white clothes. Some end their fasts in the evening after praying to Shiva and some observe the fast for twenty-four hours and consume food the next morning. People also distribute prasad on this occasion.Recitation of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ is considered very auspicious. Devotees can even read Shiva Purana.

Temples are often decorated with lights and flowers. People sing hymns in the praise of the deity. People might also prefer staying vigil throughout the night and keep reciting Shiva’s name and meditate.

Benefits of Observing the Fast

People who observe this fast, gain wisdom and intellect. Couples who want to have a son or who are expecting a baby, also find these fasts significant. Unmarried girls observe this fast to please Shiva and gain a devoted husband like him. Wealth and prosperity can also be gained. Married ladies keep the fasts for the well-being of their husbands and their long life. These fasts are also known as Sawan Somwar Vrats.

Dates

Various parts of India like Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh follow the Amavasyant calendar according to which the lunar month ends on a no moon day and other states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar follow the Purnimant calendar according to which the lunar month ends on a full moon day. This difference in calendars provide difference in the beginning and ending of the Shravan.

According to Purnimant Lunar calendar, the first day of Shravana... Read More

Padmini Ekadashi

Padmini Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Adhika Masa (extra month). According to Hindu calendar some years have an extra month, i.e., thirteen month instead of twelve, based on the difference of days in solar and lunar calendar. It falls after every 32.5 months. Padmini Ekadashi mostly falls in the leaped Ashadha month (July-August), according to Hindu calendar, hence this day is also known as Ashadha Adhika Masa Ekadashi.

In 2015, Padmini Ekadashi is commemorated on 28th June 2015

The auspicious time for the prayers is as follows:

07:13- 12:24
14:08 - 15:51

Legend

A king named Kartavirya lived with many of his queens but despite all the comforts and luxuries, he was not happy. He did not have a son from any of his wives and he was worried that after his death, no one will be there to carry out his name and take care of his kingdom. He was pious and a just king, he also had consulted every sage who made various kind of donations and performed various rituals but nothing helped him. He then decided to meditate and do penance and one of his wife named Padmini, followed him to the forests. Thousands of years passed in austerity but it did not prove fruitful.

Padmini got worried for her husband. She then consulted Anasuya (wife of sage Atri). She told her problem of not being able to bear a child. Anasuya told her that the reason of their unhappiness are the misdeeds conducted by her and her husband in the previous life. She then advised her to observe the fast of Ekadashi which falls in the AdhikaMasa. By keeping the fast with utmost dedication, all the sins committed will be purified.

Padmini observed the fast according to all the rituals explained to her by Anasuya. Lord Vishnu was very pleased by her dedication and decided to offer her a boon. She rather asked Vishnu to fulfill the desire of her husband, i.e., to have a son that is all powerful and can only be killed by Vishnu himself. He should also be pious and God fearing and on the other hand he should be intellectual and praised in all the three worlds of earth, heaven and hell. Vishnu granted his wish and soon a son was born to him who was named Karthaveeryarjuna. The son was so powerful that he once even defeated Ravana (the King of Lanka) in a combat and put him in a jail, single handedly. Such was the power of this Ekadashi and because of the dedication of Padmini, this day was named after her.

The importance of this day, along with the above mentioned legend was told to Yudhisthira (eldest of the Pandavas) by Lord Krishna.

Rituals

The fast starts from the dusk of the tenth day of the month. One should only consume light food without onion, salt and garlic, once on the night of the tenth day. The food should not be consumed in the utensils of bronze. Food items like rice, pulses, green vegetables, non-vegetarian items and honey should be avoided. Devotees should then observe the fast for the complete night of Ekadashi. One should also remain vigil and sing prayers in the name of Vishnu or mediate. If one needs to sleep then it should be on the floor itself... Read More

Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi is celebrated on the eleventh day of the dark lunar fortnight in the month of Ashada (July-August), according to Hindu calendar. People observe fast on this day in order to eliminate past sins and gain materialistic pleasures.

In 2015, Yogini Ekadishi is commemorated on 12th June, 2015

The auspicious time for the prayers is as follows:

05:27 - 10:37
12:21 - 14:04
17:31 - 19:15

A king named Kuvera was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. It was his daily ritual to worship the God and offer prayers to him. He had a gardener named Hema Mali, and he was given the duty of collecting flowers and so that Kuvera could offer them to the idol after finishing his prayers.

Hema Mali was deeply in love with his wife and was attracted to her. One day, in order to fulfill his physical desires, he forgot his duty. When Kuvera came to known about this mistake, he got very angry and cursed Hema Mali. Despite of all the pleading, Kuvera didn’t forgive him and thus Hema Mali was affected by white leprosy. Because of the disease, Hema Mali’s wife also distanced herself from him.

Hema Mali was left alone, wandering in forests for several years. One day he met a sage named Markandeya, who told him all about the Yogini Ekadashi fast. He suggested that keeping this fast would free Hema Mali of all his problems (disease and his marriage). Hema Mali thanked the sage and presented his gratitude by touching his feet. He then observed the fast with devotion and soon he was back to his normal, healthy self. He also reunited with his wife. The fast liberated him from his past sin and gave him happiness and health.

This legend was narrated to Yudhisthira (the eldest Pandava) by Krishna to learn about Yogini Ekadashi.

Rituals

People observe a fast on this day that should begin from the sunrise on Ekadashi and end after the sunrise on next day. While taking a bath, early in the morning, people clean themselves using sandalwood paste or sesame oil. People worship peepal tree (Ficusreligiosa). Devotees may also perform overnight vigil (Jagaran) and sing hymns and prayers throughout the night and next day. Meditate to attain peace and clarity of thought. Reading Hindu scriptures is also considered auspicious. One may also recite Vishnu stotras (a list of 1000 names of Vishnu). People unable to observe a complete fast can opt for a partial one and eat fruits or vegetables. Grains are to be avoided, especially rice. Even while completing the fast, do not consume rice and eat salt less food.

One may visit temples dedicated to Vishnu and his incarnations, or one can also place his idol at home and worship him. Offer flowers, incense sticks, tulsi leaves (holy basil) and lamps. Also read the above-mentioned story to understand the power and significance of the day.

Donation and charity work is also the part of the ritual. It is believed that Lord Vishnu (to whom all the Ekadashis are dedicated) can be pleased if needy people are helped and given charity. One can also offer money to priests and seek their blessings.

Significance

Observing a fast on Yogini Ekadashi is considered equivalent to feeding 88 thousand Brahmins (the learned class, one who had knowledge about Hindu scriptures)... Read More