BEST VASTU TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN EXAMS
Students work hard day and night to get good marks. But many times, they do not get success despite their efforts. the surrounding environment and energies too play a vital role in studying with concentration and focus. The reason behind this could be faulty Vastu.
ALL YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT MAKARA SANKRANTI
Meaning & Significance: Makara Sankranti is an important astrological and astronomical event in the Hindu calendar. The word ‘Makara’ means ‘Capricorn’ and ‘Sankranti’ means shifting (Sankramana) of the Sun from one zodiac sign to the next. It marks the end of the winter solstice and indicates the transition of the sun from the celestial sign of Dhanu (Sagittarius) to Makara (Capricorn) on its cosmic path. This is the day of the longest night and the shortest day. Makara Sankranti, being an event related to the movement of the Sun, is one of the few Indian festivals which falls on the same date nearly every year, viz. 14 (sometimes 15) January. This usually coincides with the first or second ‘tithi’ (date) of Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon) of the Hindu month of Magha. Hence, people take a holy dip in rivers on this occasion – also called ‘Magha Snana’. Makara Sankranti also marks the beginning of the auspicious period of ‘Uttarayana’ (also called the ‘day of the Gods’) – thereby indicating the beginning of a six month period of prosperity and good fortune. This event strikingly corresponds to the 6 month day at the North Pole after the winter solstice. The Sun starts moving northwards now – from the Tropic of Capricorn towards the Tropic of Cancer – and days start becoming longer and warmer. Makara Sankranti also marks the beginning of the Kumbha Mela and the end of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Makara Sankranti is celebrated since the times of the Aryans. Even today people celebrate it in different parts of India in different ways and by different names. In the North Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, it is celebrated as the Lohri festival; as Magha Saaji in Himachal Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh celebrates it as the Khichdi festival; Bihar as Til Sankranti. It is called Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Suggi in Karnataka; while in Assam, it is celebrated as Magh Bihu and Bhogal Bihu. Besides India, many other Asian countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand also celebrate Makara Sankranti in different forms. Beliefs & Legends: The lord of Makara (Capricorn) is Shanidev (Saturn). Suryadev (Sun) is the father of Saturn. Yet they are bitter adversaries of each other. However, on Makara Sankranti day, Sun God forgets his anger and animosity and visits his son – Saturn’s house. Hence the practice of distributing and eating ‘Til Gud’ – an Indian sweet made of sesame (representing Shani) and jaggery (representing Surya) started – representing the joyful and sweet bonding of adversaries. Sesame seeds play a very significant role in the celebration of Makara Sankranti due to their association with Saturn (Shani). For the same reasons, people purchase, wear and donate black clothes (which are otherwise considered inauspicious) on this day. We can also find evidence of the auspiciousness and significance of this festival in an incident of the epic story, Mahabharata. The grand old Bhishma Pitamah was lying fatally wounded on the battlefield. He had the boon of ‘Ichha Mrityu’ i.e. he could choose when to leave this mortal body. He waited for 58 days lying on a bed of arrows so that he could die on the auspicious day of when the Uttarayana began which is MAKARA SANKRANTI DAY. It is a belief that those who die during Uttarayana attain nirvana (redemption). Astrological Perspective: Makara (Capricorn) represents the tenth house of the astrological chart. The tenth house is the strongest Kendra or Angular House. Sun is one of the Karakas or significators of the tenth house where it also gets ‘Dig Bala’ (Directional Energy). Also, Saturn is one of the Karakas or significators of the tenth house. So when the Sun enters Capricorn, it is one Karaka/significator entering the house of another Karaka/significator. No wonder, this occurrence is very significant and propitious. This event symbolizes the combination of energy, vigour, and leadership attributes of the Sun with the practicality, focused concentration, thoughtfulness and patience of Saturn. Significance of donation during Makara Sankranti: Rituals and customs of celebrating Makara Sankranti may vary from region to region. But the common feature underlining celebrations everywhere is the importance of Japa-Tapa-Snana-Dana-Tarpan (Chanting-Meditation-Holy Bath-Donations-Offerings to the deceased ancestors). The Shastras mention that the Gods wake up on this day after 6 months of sleep. (1 day of Gods = 6 terrestrial months). Hence it’s the time for new auspicious beginnings and celebrations. Hence people make offerings to the Sun – the life-giver. It is a strong belief that whatever is donated on this day comes back multifold. The logic behind this is to let everyone partake in prosperity and abundance. Benefits of Donation: Donations not only help one to earn blessings but also help to mitigate the adverse effects of the malefic planets in the person’s Kundli (Birth Chart). Anyone who is facing problems due to adverse Sun or Saturn, who is undergoing Sade Sati or Shani Dhaiyya or Panouti or the Dasha of Sun/Saturn, Pitra Dosha, Kaal Sarpa Dosha shall benefit by donating the related things on this day. Childless couples can benefit by fasting on this day and donating til (sesame seeds) and til products after offering water to the Sun. Those facing serious or multiple problems in their lives – be it mental, physical or financial- can do Tula daan on this day i.e. donate articles equivalent to their body weight. Cleansing oneself before making offerings is also obligatory. Hence people take a dip in the holy waters of Ganga, Yamuna or whichever local river is there in the vicinity. Those who do not have access to rivers mix sesame seeds and Gangajal in their bathing water. It is best to make the offerings to a needy person/s. Gold, ghee (Clarified butter), sesame seeds, cow, cow/ox, blankets, clothes, and jaggery are the main items to donate on this day. Another very important thing donated and distributed is ‘Khichdi’ – a mixture of rice, lentils and vegetables. Recommended donations for different
PRESENTING AN ABSOLUTELY NEW APPROACH TO ASTROLOGY
“Is Astrology Real?”, “Does Astrology Really Work?” – I am sure these questions have crossed the minds of millions of people across the globe. I believe that Astrology is not about the FUTURE, it’s more about the PAST; it is about our past Karma and its impact on our present lives. An in-depth analysis of the birth chart helps us to understand why we are the way we are and thus it can help us to grow materialistically, philosophically and spiritually. Astrology can be used in every walk of life to take major decisions and make wise choices. In fact, it can prove to be a useful tool to improve our daily lives. Simple remedies and changes in habits can definitely bring many long term positive changes in life, READ MORE: Click on the link below to read in detail an entirely different approach to this mystical science of planets and stars: https://www.mysticmag.com/psychic-reading/interview-bella-arora/
SIMPLE VAASTU TIPS FOR EAST DIRECTION
Vaastu Shastra evolved during the Vedic period in India. It is a part of the Atharva Veda. Vaastu Shastra is a science as well as an art. It endeavours to harness the energies of the Panch Tatwas viz the five essential elements of nature which are applied in architecture and home designing. The basic purpose and principle of Vaastu Shastra are to help human beings live healthy, prosperous and balanced life. VAASTU & ASTROLOGY: Vaastu is one of the important limbs of Vedic Astrology. Just as Astrology considers nine planets; so also there are nine directions in Vaastu. Each planet is assigned a particular direction. If you visit a Hindu temple, you will notice that idols of the navagrahas ie. the 9 planets are placed facing the directions that they rule. DIRECTIONS IN VAASTU: The nine directions considered in Vaastu are East, West, North, South, North-East, North-West, South-East, South-West and the Central part also known as Brahma Sthala. Each direction has a specific significance. Every direction is ruled by a specific diety and is dominated by a particular tatwa or element. It is only when the five elements are in perfect harmony that life moves in a balanced and harmonious manner. HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT VAASTU TIPS RELATED TO THE EAST CORNER OF THE HOUSE: SUN RULES THE EAST (पूर्व दिशा). The Sun is the giver of life and health. Hence it is important that sun rays should enter abundantly in the Eastern direction of a house. East is the direction of prosperity and success. Hence it is advisable to sit and pray in the east direction. The altar for prayers/pooja should be along the East wall. The East corner is ideal for having the main door of the house. One can also have balconies in this area. Maximum number of windows should be provided on the Easterm direction. It is preferable to have large doors and windows in the East corner of the house. The East corner of the house should be lower than the South and the West corners. Children who study in the room situated in the Eastern side of the house are able to grasp things better and remember the lessons learnt for a longer period of time. One should always keep the Eastern corner very clean. Accumulation of dirt or clutter in the East corner may result in problems in begetting a progeny or some problems related to children. It is not advisable to construct toilets on the eastern side of the house. However, you can have a bathroom here. Mirrors put up in this direction double up the amount of prosperity one gets. Keeping green colored things or having a small garden in the Eastern direction of the house enhances Luck. The Eastern direction is also related to the Wood element. Hence, having some wooden furniture here would increase the vibrant energy of this direction. Do not place dust bins in the east direction. To read: VAASTU TIPS for WEST direction, click HERE.
DIFFERENT FORMS OF GANESHA: MEANING & SIGNIFICANCE
GOD is one. His energies envelop the whole universe. Yet people worship different forms of God – because each different physical form represents a different aspect of His energy and divination. Similarly, people worship different forms of Lord Ganesha to address the different issues that may arise in different stages of their lives. Let us understand the significance of worshipping the different forms of Ganapati: Bala Ganesha (Child Ganapati): In this form, Lord Ganapati appears to be a lovable child. He is depicted as having four arms. On one hand, He holds a mango, a banana, sugarcane, and a flower bunch each. His trunk holds his favourite sweet – modaka – but obviously! He represents the fertility and abundance of the earth in this form. Certainly, this form of Ganesha has a calming and pleasing effect on an agitated mind. Worship of this form bestows one’s children with sharp intelligence, good health and all-around happiness. Traditionally, childless couples worship Bala Ganesha to bless them with a bright and healthy baby. Dwija Ganesha (Twice-born Ganapati): Another name for Ganapati is Dwija or ‘Twice-Born’. Lord Shiva, had first beheaded Ganapati when the latter refused him entry into Parvati’s abode. However, realizing the truth, He had revived him by replacing his severed head with an elephant’s. Hence the name ‘Dwija’. This form of Ganesha is regarded to be equivalent to Lord Brahma. Worshipping the Dwija form of Ganapati blesses one in attaining worldly desires besides name and fame in society. Besides, Dwija Ganapati also helps to reduce debt problems and make materialistic gains. Ekakshara Ganesha (Single Syllable Ganapati): ‘Eka’ means ‘one’ and ‘Akshara’ means ‘syllable’. The single syllable indicates Ganesha’s sacred Beej Mantra “Gam” – “गं“. Overall, this red-complexioned Ekakshara Ganapati embodies cosmic unity, the oneness of matter and the singleness of spirit. Worshipping Ekakshara Ganapati helps one to gain control over one’s senses and temptations. Consequently one can triumphantly overcome the duality and delusions of Maya (Illusion) generated by senses. Also, meditating on this form helps in focusing one’s mind and progressing in the realm of spirituality. Heramba Ganesha (The Great Protector): ‘He’ means ‘helplessness’; and ‘Ramba’ denotes ‘protection’. Indeed, HeRamba Ganapati is one of the most compassionate forms of Ganesha – who protects the weak and the helpless. The five-faced Lord Ganesha rides on a mighty lion. Nevertheless, this form signifies one who controls his five senses can easily win over his worst enemy. The worship of Heramba Ganapati gives confidence to the weak and hope to the dejected. Heramba Ganapati has the power to confer fearlessness and bring defeat to one’s enemies. Owing to this, one gets the strength to manage difficult situations in life and achieve their goal. Kshipra Prasada Ganesha (Quick Blessing): ‘Kshipra’ indicates quickness, and ‘Prasada’ means blessing or action. As the name suggests, Kshipra Prasada Ganapati is an immediate provider of benefits. A devotee can accomplish his tasks quickly. Kshipra Prasada Ganapati fulfils the wishes of his devotees almost instantaneously. Not only does He grant immediate boons but He is also an instant vindicator of wrongdoings as well. He holds a pot of nectar in his hands. Moreover, He grants longevity of life besides bestowing knowledge and wisdom. Lakshmi Ganesha: ‘Lakshmi’ symbolizes prosperity and affluence. In this form, Lord Ganesha is flanked by his two consorts – Buddhi and Siddhi. Buddhi refers to intelligence and wisdom. Siddhi represents success and perfection. Thus, this form of Ganesha primarily represents wisdom and achievements thereby bringing in riches and growth. The Lakshmi Ganapati form not only grants wealth but also many more blessings. Worshipping Lakshmi Ganapati blesses the devotee with wealth, wisdom and knowledge. It endows the devotees with material gains apart for intelligence and prosperity. Maha Ganesha (The Great Ganapati): Maha Ganapati is one of the most popularly revered forms of Ganesha. In this form, He resembles his father Lord Shiva in more than one way – He too has a third eye and also adorns a crescent Moon on his head. According to mythology, Sri Krishna too offers prayer to Maha Ganapati. The worship of Maha Ganapati brings victory, success and harmony to family and life. It helps remove all the obstacles and negative energies. Maha Ganapati bestows upon Furthermore, He blesses His devotees’ immense merit and all-round prosperity. Nritya Ganesha (Dancing Ganapati): ‘Nritya’ means ‘Dance’. As the name suggests, Nritya Ganapati depicts Ganesha as dancing happily. It represents the relaxed, delightful aspect of the Lord. Ganapati is a connoisseur of fine arts. A devotee of Nritya Ganapati attains proficiency in 64 types of fine arts (चौसठ कला ) and achieves excellence in them. Thus, the worship of Nritya Ganapati bestows one with a flair for learning fine arts. One becomes proficient in them and attains success and fame in the related fields. No wonder, Nritya Ganapati is greatly worshipped by artists, more so, by dancers. Runa Vimochana Ganesha (Reliever of Debts): ‘Runa’ or ‘Rina’ means ‘debt’ and ‘Vimochana’ means ‘relief’. Runa Vimochana Ganapati thus denotes one of the most gracious forms of Ganesha. He helps his devotees to relieve their debts – both worldly debts as well as Karmic debts. Reciting Runa Mochana Ganesha Stotram on a Wednesday of Shukla Paksha certainly helps one get rid of all kinds of debt and financial constraints. Runa Vimochana Ganapathi relieves one of the debts and financial burdens by granting immense wealth and lifting hurdles that prevent one from accumulating wealth. Shakti Ganesha (Powerful Ganapati): In this form, Ganesha is accompanied by Shakti Devi, his consort who sits on his left lap. Shakti Devi represents Power. In this form, Ganesha is the protector of the household and the lands. He brings peace to the home and dispels all negative energies. The worship of Shakti Ganesha helps one gain control over the five senses of the human body. Thus he can then act with focus, concentration and improved concentration and can consequently, achieve his aims without any difficulty. He is the protector of the householder and brings peace to the home and family. Siddhi Ganesha (The Accomplished Ganapati): This