AKSHAYA TRITIYA: NEW BEGINNINGS, PROSPERITY AMPLIFIED
hink you know Akshaya Tritiya? Think again. Uncover the deeper meaning behind this powerful day of cosmic alignment and timeless abundance.
ALL YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT DHANTERAS
DHANTERAS – THE BEGINNING OF DIWALI Deepawali (Deepa-Lamps; Awali-Row) meaning ‘A row of lamps’ is also called Diwali in its shortened version. Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated all over India and also in many other countries across the globe. Each of the five days of Diwali has its own meaning and significance. Dhanteras marks the beginning of the festivities of Diwali. Meaning of Dhan-trayodashi: Trayodashi means “thirteenth day” of the Hindu fortnight and Dhan means “wealth”. Thus, as the name implies, Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight) in the Hindu month of Kartik. Hence another name for Dhanteras is Dhantrayodashi. People worship Goddess Laxmi and Lord Kuber to bless them with prosperity and well being. What is the Significance of Dhanteras? In the story of Sagar Manthan, it was on this day that Lord Dhanvantari appeared with the nectar urn from the churning ocean. Along with him, jewellery and precious gems also emerged from the ocean. Since then this day was named ‘Dhanteras’ and the tradition of buying utensils and jewellery started. Ayurvedic vaidyas (doctors) consider Lord Dhanwantri as the Father of Ayurveda-the bestower of health and celebrate this day as his birthday. They distribute neem leaves and mishri (candy sugar) as prasad to visitors. Dhan also means Wealth. Undoubtedly, Dhanteras is also very important for businessmen, traders and merchants. Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Kubera (God of wealth) is worshipped on this day. Dhanteras is also known as the day of “Yama Deep Daan”. Lord Yama (God of Death) is worshipped on this day to provide prosperity and well-being to all and to avert untimely death. Lord Kuber is generally worshipped through the medium of Kuber Yantra. What is done on Dhanteras? The following are the different rituals and traditions followed during Dhanteras: SHOPPING: Dhanteras marks the grand finale of all major Diwali shopping. It is auspicious to purchase a new cooking/eating vessel this day. The new utensil purchased is filled with puffed rice (kheel) and some coins. This vessel is then kept at the place where Lakshmi Pooja is to be done on Diwali night. It is believed that on Diwali night, Lord Dhanwantri will fill this vessel with health, while Lord Kubera will fill it with wealth. 2. OFFERINGS: Different types of offerings are prepared on this day in different regions of India. In Maharashtra, there is a tradition to offer a Naivedya (holy offering) of lightly crushed dry coriander seeds and jaggery. Whole wheat porridge or atte ka halwa or lapsi is prepared and distributed as prasad in parts of North and East India. In most of the households, Panchamrit, a preparation made with honey, curd, milk, ghee and sugar is distributed as prasad. Also, Kheer made from rice, milk and sugar is another favourite offering. 3. YAM DEEP DAAN: In the evening, one a four-faced Diya or thirteen oil lamps made of wheat flour are lit. Devotees keep these lamps outside the house with their flame facing southwards. (This is the only day in the whole year when the lamp’s flame is kept facing southwards.) The following mantra is to be recited while lighting the lamp/s: मृत्युना पाशदंडाभ्यां कालेन श्यामसह । त्रयोदश्यांदिपदानात् सूर्यजः प्रीयतां मम ।। Meaning: I offer these thirteen lamps to Yama, the son of the Lord Sun so that He liberates me from the clutches of death and bestows His blessings. What can you buy for Dhanteras? What shouldn’t you buy for Dhanteras? Silver/gold jewellery or coins. Utensils, preferably copper or brass vessels. Brooms. Gomati Chakra, Cowries, Gunja Seeds, Conch/Shankh, Lotus seed mala/Gatte ki Mala. Coriander seeds; preferable plant some of these on Dhanteras. New books of accounts. Idols/Yantra of Laxmi, Ganesha & Kuber. Property. Salt. Avoid buying steel, iron, aluminium, plastic, glass or ceramic utensils on Dhanteras. Rahu has an influence on these elements. Avoid buying a vehicle/car on Dhanteras. Sharp instruments like knives, scissors, etc. Black or dark coloured articles. Mirrors. Oil, Ghee, Butter. Crockery. Gifts for others. Wood or wooden articles. Why do we buy broom on Dhanteras? Buying a new broom on Dhanteras is a very important traditional ritual. We welcome Goddess Lakshmi to our clean houses to destroy all the negative energies and get rid of financial problems. This brings prosperity and fortune to the family. It also helps to get rid of debts. Whenever you buy a new broom, tie a white thread to it. This will ensure that Maa Lakshmi resides in your house permanently. Purchasing three brooms is considered auspicious. DHANTERAS 2024 MUHURAT Dhanteras Explained: Your Quick Q&A Guide Q1: What exactly is Dhanteras? Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. Celebrated on the 13th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartika, it marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. Q2: Why is it called ‘Dhanteras’? ‘Dhan’ means wealth, and ‘Teras’ refers to the 13th day. The day is associated with the emergence of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, and the goddess Lakshmi, symbolising wealth and prosperity. Q3: What are the key rituals of Dhanteras? Cleaning and Decorating Homes: Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli and lights to welcome prosperity. Lighting Diyas: Lighting oil lamps, especially 13 diyas facing south, is a tradition to honor Yama, the god of death, seeking protection and longevity. Lakshmi and Dhanvantari Puja: Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and Lord Dhanvantari for health. Shopping: Purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils is considered auspicious, symbolizing the invitation of wealth into the home. Q4: What should I avoid buying on Dhanteras? It’s advisable to avoid purchasing items like brooms, salt, or steel utensils, as they are considered inauspicious on this day. Q5: Can I perform Dhanteras rituals at home? Absolutely! Performing Dhanteras rituals at home is a wonderful way to invite prosperity and health into your life. Ensure to follow the auspicious timings and use traditional offerings for the puja.
The Wealth Astrology Guide To Help You Get Rich.
We all have heard the famous quote: ‘Money is not everything but everything needs money.” One of the four aims of human life in Indian philosophy is Artha meaning acquisition of wealth and financial security. Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, fortune, luxury, material fulfilment and contentment. She has been described as चंचला meaning unsteady and चपला meaning swift or restless. This indicates the unpredictable and inconsistent nature of wealth. Here, I shall analyse the role of Astrology in determining the financial status of a person and how it can help in overcoming monetary problems. Which house in astrology is for money? In astrology, conventionally four houses are very important to consider the financial status of a person, viz the 2nd, 5th, 8th and 11th houses. 2nd house shows one’s personal assets, savings and economic growth. This house hints at how the money will be earned. 5th house is for sudden gains and gains through speculation, lottery, etc. 8th house indicates personal assets accumulated through partnership and/or marriage, hidden deals, inheritance, etc. 11th house is for one’s personal assets accrued through self-efforts, business and career. This house indicates huge gains and high bracket income. The 9th house is also important as it is the house of luck and prosperity. It decides how fortune will treat you. In fact, the 5th and 9th houses are considered the houses of wealth (Lakshmi Sthana). The main Houses indicating financial issues such as debts, loans, losses, etc are the 6th, 8th, 11th & 12th Houses. Which planets are associated with money? The main planets associated with money are: Venus: Since Venus is the natural ruler of the 2nd house, its position is very important. The placement of Venus in a chart can reveal a lot about your ability to attract money. If placed in the 2nd or 8th house, it will give you substantial wealth. A weak Venus gives financial problems. Jupiter: Jupiter is the planet of fortune, luck, richness and expansion. Jupiter, if in the 2nd or 8th house, gives money through multiple and unexpected sources. Saturn: Saturn provides permanency and long-term potential to earn and retain wealth. Its placement in the 2nd or 8th house gives opportunities to earn money in a foreign land and helps in increasing savings. Mars: Mars in the 2nd house provides the energy and drive to earn money and gain wealth. While Mars in the 8th house gives unearned gains. However, it also makes one spend impulsively. Uranus (sudden wealth) and Pluto (God of Riches) with auspicious aspects from Venus and/or Jupiter can bring copious wealth. Some important planetary placements and combinations in the horoscope for wealth: A person with a strong placed Jupiter will never be empty-handed. A strong Moon too makes a person affluent. Moon+Mars conjunction also called ‘Laxmi Yoga’ blesses a person with wealth and fame. Uranus aspected by Venus gives sudden, unexpected wealth such as winning a lottery. People with a Venus-Jupiter connection in their horoscopes – be it by conjunction or aspect, never face any scarcity of money in their lives. Any connection between the 2nd lord and the 11th lord through placement, conjunction or aspect indicates enormous wealth. In fact, this is a very strong wealth-producing combination. It bestows the native with multiple gains. Sun in the second house of the horoscope can make a person a millionaire. A person with 2nd lord placed in the 5th house earns wealth through his wisdom and creativity. A person with 2nd lord in the 4th house is blessed with all kinds of comforts and luxuries. 5th lord in the 10th house or the 10th lord in the 5th house gives abundant wealth. The conjunction of the 5th and 9th lords or 9th and 10th lords also is a good combination for wealth. The presence of the 9th lord in the 11th house makes a person lucky in matters of wealth. If the 10th lord is placed in the 1st or 2nd house, the native’s wealth will keep increasing with time. If the 11th house contains or is aspected by auspicious planets, the native will never be short of money in his life. Rahu in the 11th house gives substantial gains without much sweat. The placement of Venus in the 12th house of the horoscope ensures a luxurious life. At the same time, the native should be careful when taking loans for their extravagant expenses. If there is any parivartan/exchange between the 2nd lord with the 5th lord or the 11th lord, the person earns a lot of money. It is essential that the above placements and combinations are not aspected or impacted by malefic planets. Now, let us discuss some remedies related to wealth. Remedies to attract wealth: “Kubera” is the god of wealth and the direction of Kubera is North. Hence place the locker in the North zone of the house. Keep the cash locker/cupboard adjacent to the south wall of the house such that it opens in the north direction. Do not take anything free of cost nor offer any of your services free of cost. Always make sure that you pay/receive some monetary compensation. Take a small piece of Parijat root and 11 white gunja seeds. Place them together in a small silver case or locket. Wear this locket to attract sudden wealth. If your income is unsteady or irregular, do this remedy. : Starting from the first Saturday of Shukla Paksha (bright period of phases of the moon), start distributing poori – sabji to the poor for 11 consecutive Saturdays. This will ensure a steady and continuous flow of income. Never return home empty-handed. Always get something – be it a flower or fruit or some snack. Never keep nor use any broken vessels in the house. Practical Remedies to get rid of finance-related problems: Salt remedy: If financial problems trouble you despite your great efforts, then do this remedy. Keep salt in a clay vessel in the northeast direction of your house. Keep changing the
Significance And Simple Remedies Of Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri is a significant Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. This Navratri, also called Vasant Navratri marks the beginning of the spring season. Chaitra Navratri is mainly observed in the northern and western parts of India. COSMIC ALIGNMENT: Chaitra Navratri unfolds during the Chaitra month of the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in March or April, marking the beginning of spring. Astrologically, this period holds immense importance as it aligns with the transition of the Sun into Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, symbolizing new beginnings, vitality, and courage. Aries, ruled by Mars, symbolises the fiery energy required for spiritual awakening and conquest over inner demons. THE POWER OF NINE: Navratri spans nine days and nights, each representing a distinct facet of the Goddess’s divine attributes. At the heart of Chaitra Navratri lies the worship of the divine feminine in her various forms as Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. From Shailaputri, the embodiment of purity and strength, to Siddhidatri, the bestower of spiritual powers, these nine forms encapsulate the cosmic forces that govern the universe. In astrology, the number nine holds profound significance, representing completion, fulfilment, and attainment of spiritual enlightenment. During Chaitra Navratri, devotees immerse themselves in prayers, fasting, and meditation to harness the potent energies permeating the cosmos. In 2025, Chaitra Navratri begins on March 30 and ends on April 07. Here are some things that make Chaitra Navratri special: Glorification of Feminine power: Chaitra Navratri celebrates the strength, patience, resilience and importance of feminine energy in the universe. Goddess Durga is the epitome of feminine power. People worship her with full fervour and devotion all nine days of the Navratri. They perform Kanya Puja on the eighth day of Navratri, also known as Ashtami. Young girls – the embodiment of the goddess – are worshipped and given offerings Nine days of fasting and prayers: During Navratri, devotees observe fasts and offer prayers to the goddess Durga for nine consecutive days. They believe that fasting and prayers during this period help in purifying the mind, body, and soul. Celebration of Ram Navami: The ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is Ram Navami, which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Rama. It is a highly auspicious day for Hindus who celebrate it with great enthusiasm and devotion by offering prayers, performing puja, and singing bhajans. New Ventures: Chaitra Navratri is also an auspicious time to start new ventures and undertake important tasks. Many people wait for this time to start new businesses or make significant investments. Spiritual significance: Chaitra Navratri is an opportunity for spiritual growth and self-realization. It is a time to reflect on one’s actions and seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings. The festival brings peace, prosperity, and happiness to those who observe it with devotion and sincerity. Try these astrological remedies for auspicious Chaitra Navratri: Burn clove (Laung) and camphor (Kapur): Burning camphor brings positive energy to the house. Try to use pure camphor for burning. performing aarti of Maa with cloves and camphor for nine days in Chaitra Navratri helps eradicate poverty and improves financial conditions. Click here to know which form of goddess should YOU worship during Navratri. Offer Kheer to Maa Lakshmi: Mata Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth. If you pray for the happiness and prosperity of the house by offering rice kheer to Mata Lakshmi on Fridays during Navratri, then there will always be happiness and prosperity in your life. Perform Havan with mango wood: Havan marks the culmination of the nine days in Navratri. Havan performed with mango wood on Navami Tithi removes all the negative forces from your house making way for happiness and prosperity. Offer hibiscus flower to the Goddess: Red is the favourite colour of Maa Durga, especially red-coloured things. Offer 5 hibiscus flowers along with red chunri to the Goddess during Navratri. After Navratri, you can take these dried flowers and keep them at the place where you keep cash or wealth in the house. Importance of Cowries in Worship: Cowries represent wealth. For this reason, you should keep cowries at the place of worship. Place 7 cowries along with the Kalash during Kalash Sthapana in Navratri and apply vermilion on them. On the ninth day after the worship of Navratri ends, take out all the cowries, tie them in a yellow cloth and keep them in your cashbox or tijori. With this remedy, not only will you recover your stuck money, but also new sources of income will open up. Water Remedy: During Chaitra Navratri, keep a vessel filled with water in the east or north direction at the main door of the office. Add red and yellow flowers to it. This will give you success in your career and resolve the problems of unemployment and business if any. Mantras: During Navratri, one must recite the Navarna mantra “Om Ain Hree Klein Chamundayai Vicchai” as much as possible. Durga Saptashati must be recited at least once during the days of Navratri. PS: Offering Tulsi and Durva to Maa Durga is prohibited. To read about the various NAVRATRI MANTRA REMEDIES, click HERE.
ASTRO-YOGA: COSMIC GUIDANCE FOR MIND, BODY & SPIRIT
Yoga and astrology are both ancient practices that have been intertwined in various cultures and traditions. Certain yoga poses align well with the characteristics associated with astrological signs based on their elemental qualities (fire, earth, air, water) or characteristics associated with their signs. Yoga and astrology work in unison to align energies with cosmic forces and astrological patterns. Here are some yoga poses that are beneficial for different zodiac signs: Aries: Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): Aries are known for their strong and determined nature. Warrior I builds strength and confidence, allowing Aries to channel their energy into focused action, build strength, and cultivate a sense of focus and determination, which aligns well with the sign’s characteristics. Mountain Pose (Tadasana): This pose helps Aries ground themselves and cultivate stability amidst their dynamic energy. This yoga pose is particularly beneficial for grounding and centring themselves. Tadasana helps cultivate awareness of breath, posture, and alignment, fostering a sense of harmony and balance. Taurus: Tree Pose (Vrikshasana): Taurus individuals appreciate stability and connection with nature. Vrikshasana is a fundamental standing yoga posture that helps improve balance, concentration, and strength. Tree Pose helps them to stay grounded and find balance and stability. Corpse Pose (Savasana): Savasana involves lying flat on the back, arms relaxed at the sides with palms facing up, and legs extended comfortably with feet falling outward. Taurus can fully relax and restore their energy in Savasana, allowing them to let go of tension and find deep inner peace. Gemini: Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana): Gemini individuals benefit from spinal twists to stimulate their curious minds, improve digestion, stimulate the abdominal organs and promote flexibility of the spine and hips. Additionally, it helps to relieve stiffness in the back and neck. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana): This breathing technique helps balance Gemini’s dual nature and calm their restless minds, enhancing focus, and potentially aiding in their ability to adapt to changing situations. Nadi Shodhana is particularly helpful for managing their dynamic and sometimes scattered energy, promoting focus, and enhancing mental agility. Cancer: Child’s Pose (Balasana): Cancer individuals seek comfort and emotional security. Child’s Pose allows them to surrender and release tension, nurturing their emotional well-being. It has calming, grounding and relaxing effects – much needed by the Cancerians. The practice of this asana improves mindfulness and body awareness. Moon Salutation (Chandra Namaskar): The Moon rules Cancer, so practising Moon Salutations helps them connect with their intuitive side and honour lunar energy. Each posture in the sequence corresponds to a phase of the Moon and is performed with mindful breathing. Leo: Lion’s Breath (Simhasana): Leo individuals express themselves with confidence and vitality. Lion’s Breath helps release pent-up energy and fosters self-expression. It is the roar that releases tension in the body as it stimulates and energizes the throat. The roar is not only a physical action but also a symbolic release of emotional tension. Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar): The Sun rules Leo, and Sun Salutations help them embrace their fiery energy and awaken their inner strength. It strengthens the Sun in the birth chart, influencing self-respect, reputation, health and leadership qualities. Surya Namaskar helps in balancing the flow of prana (life force energy) throughout the body’s energy channels (Nadis). Virgo: Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Virgo individuals value introspection and inner alignment. Seated Forward Bend promotes focus and balance while relieving tension and stiffness in the back, shoulders and neck. As one bends forward, the pose has a soothing effect on the mind, reducing stress and providing a sense of deep relaxation. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Setu Bandhasana, also known as Bridge Pose, is an inverted back-bending asana in yoga. This pose helps Virgo individuals ground themselves and find stability while opening their heart and throat chakras. It helps enhance spinal flexibility and decompress the spine. Libra: Dancer’s Pose (Natarajasana): Libra individuals seek balance and harmony in all aspects of life. Dancer’s Pose cultivates grace and balance while opening the heart and expanding energy. It helps cultivate mindfulness and boost self-confidence. This Pose helps develop mindfulness and presence, fostering a deeper connection between mind and body. Partner Yoga Poses: Libra thrives on harmonious relationships, so practising Partner Yoga Poses fosters connection and mutual support. Partner yoga can help improve focus and concentration and help build stronger connections, friendships and social skills. You can perform poses like the Double Boat Pose, Double Tree Pose, Double Dancer Pose, Partner Wheel Pose, etc. Scorpio: Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Scorpions embrace transformation and renewal. Cobra Pose activates the spine and taps into its transformative energy. It stimulates blood circulation throughout the body, promoting cardiovascular health and boosting energy levels. Bhujangasana helps open up the heart centre and encourages the flow of energy throughout the body, which can help Scorpios manage their emotions and maintain balance. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): This pose strengthens the legs and opens the hips, helping to release tension and promote focus, which can be beneficial for Scorpio’s intense nature. It is a fantastic pose for summoning up emotional courage and mental resolve to face life’s battles. The pose encourages deep breathing and mindful awareness, which can help Scorpios navigate their emotions with greater ease. Sagittarius: Warrior Poses (Virabhadrasana I, II, III): These poses help build strength, focus, and confidence, which are qualities that align well with the adventurous and fearless nature of Sagittarius. Reflecting Sagittarius’s bold spirit, the Warrior Pose, embodies strength and courage akin to that of a warrior. Archer Pose (Akarna Dhanurasana): This