CHANGE YOUR HABITS – CHANGE YOUR LUCK: II
Good Luck follows good habits. As discussed in the previous post, actions produce merit and demerit in the form of habits (saṃskāras) to repeat similar actions in the future. You can, of course, use your free will to break off from your bad habits and improve your karma. This in turn will unlock the benefic outcomes of the planets and thus change your luck. So, let us see how changing some more of your habits can actually enhance your luck: Do not keep plants in the house if you cannot care for them personally. Plants should be treated with great tenderness and care. When you personally water the plants, you are actually doing remedies for Sun, Moon and Mercury. This is also a therapeutic remedy for depression and anxiety. Are you not getting a desirable job or a deserving promotion in spite of being qualified or eligible? Do you sleep late in the night? If so, change your habit soon. Sleep early and try to wake up before sunrise. If possible, spend some time gazing at the rising sun. You shall soon have some good news. Are you facing problems from your adversaries and competitors? Stop throwing around your shoes and slippers. Wash your socks daily. Arrange your footwear in a proper manner and place. Always refill your salt container every Friday. Also, sweep the floor with rock salt mixed water. You will not only be able to clear your pending dues and debts, but also be able to improve your status as well. Keep all income or earned cash untouched for at least 24 hours when you get it. This will help to reduce your extravagant and wasteful expenditures. Avoid taking a loan from anyone on Tuesday of any month. You may otherwise have to face difficulties in repaying that loan increases. Avoid giving a loan on Wednesday of any month. Otherwise, it is very likely that either there will be an inordinate delay in getting the repayment or the amount will never come back to you. Here is a very good habit you should adopt to improve your financial condition. Regularly donate a small percentage of your income to the needed people – preferably on a Thursday. It doesn’t matter whether it is 1% or 10% – as long as you wish to help the underprivileged. If you are facing financial problems or repeated failures due to Rahu, break a coconut every Saturday. Women may instead offer coconut in the temple. To read ‘CHANGE YOUR HABITS TO CHANGE YOUR LUCK – PART I’, click HERE.
CHANGE YOUR HABITS – CHANGE YOUR LUCK
Astrology is based on the concept of Karma. Our thoughts, our actions and our habits constitute our Karma; thereby they shape our Destiny. Destiny or fate is nothing but the reciprocal force of our own actions performed in past lives. Any change in our outlook, habits or actions will obviously affect our luck correspondingly. Yogaśāstra states that actions produce merit and demerit in the form of habits (saṃskāras) to repeat similar actions in the future. You can, of course, use your free will to break off from your bad habits and improve your karma. This in turn will unlock the benefic outcomes of the planets and thus change your luck. So, let us see how changing some of your habits can actually enhance your luck: If you have the habit of spitting around, immediately give up this habit! It would adversely affect your prestige and status in society. Do you have the habit of throwing your clothes around or leaving your bed undone? Beware, this spoils your Rahu and Saturn. This can cause instability and chaos in your life. It would be best that you assemble your bed yourself on waking up. Are you angered or irritated very quickly or without reason? Always wash your feet well; especially after returning home. You will soon experience clarity of thoughts and peace of mind. Some people have the habit of shaking their legs or tapping their feet while sitting. Please avoid this habit. This is a sign of bad Rahu and can create health and wealth problems and create unnecessary hurdles. Never hurt dogs. Do not kick them. In fact, feed them if you can. This will prove to be an effective remedy for malefic Saturn and Ketu. Do you get success only for a temporary period? Are your hard efforts not rewarded adequately? Never leave your plate on the dining table after eating. This will improve the beneficial effects of Moon and Saturn. You shall also experience mental peace. Always offer a glass of water to anyone who comes to your house – be it your guest or a service provider. This will improve your Rahu and all Rahu related problems will slowly be solved. Whenever you return home from work or otherwise, always remember to buy something for the family. It could be as simple as fruits or candies for children. Make this a habit and you will soon find wealth and prosperity increasing steadily. Do not speak loudly or harshly and never use abusive language. This habit will hurt you more than anyone else. Saturn and Rahu will start giving your malefic results. To read ‘CHANGE YOUR HABITS TO CHANGE YOUR LUCK – PART II’, click HERE.
ASTROLOGICAL BENEFITS OF GEMSTONES
Gemstones are basically fossils – they are the condensed, crystalized forms of minerals formed under high pressure and heat of the earth’s interiors. For ages, civilizations all over the world have accepted gems as sources of intense energy. Even modern physics has acknowledged the energizing properties of gemstones. For eg., Quartz crystals are responsible for the accurate and precise operation of mobiles, computers, watches, TV sets etc. How do the Gemstones work? Gems are highly sensitive and radioactive. They absorb and conduct energy in the form of frequency rays. Furthermore, their electromagnetic field impacts the environment in a very subtle manner. When gemstones are worn on the body, their constant contact with the skin brings about changes in the body’s chemistry as they interact with the energy field of the body. Energy exists in nature in the form of vibrational rays and wavelengths. When worn, the gems pick up and transmit a specific wavelength to the body. The body in turn transforms these rays into chemicals and elemental particles it can use to function better – both on the physical and emotional levels. “Gem Therapy” means the use of gems in different ways to propitiate the malefic effects of planets and to cure diseases. Role of gems in Ayurveda and Astrology: Ayurveda has studied the various vibrations, electromagnetic effects and energizing powers of different gemstones. Brihat Samhita discusses the healing powers of multiple gems in detail. There are seven dhatus or seven tissues of the body; namely plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bones, marrow, nerves, and reproductive tissues. The seven planets rule each of this dhatus. Accordingly, the corresponding gems have curative effects on the diseases caused due to the Dosha of this dhatus. In fact, today Gem Therapy is an essential component of Alternative Healing Therapy the whole world over. Jyotisha – Vedic Astrology considers gems to contain such concentrated, intense energy as to influence and alter even a person’s fate. Astrology recognizes primarily Nine Gems generally known as the Nava Ratnas to be of great significance. According to the Puranas, these nine gems comprise the different light rays radiated by the nine major planets (Nava Graha). Each of the planets has a corresponding gem with properties similar to it. “Brihat Jatak” contains a verse that reads as follows: माणिक्यं दिननयकस्य विमलं मुक्ताफलं शितगोः महेयस्य च विद्रुमं मरकतं सौम्यस्य-गरुत्मकं देवेज्यस्य च पुष्परागं सुर-आचर्यस्य वज्रं शनेः नीलं निर्मलमन्ययोश्च गदिते गोमेद-वैदुर्यके Translation: “The Sun’s gem is pure Ruby, Moon’s is Natural Pearl, Mars’ is Red Coral, Mercury’s is Emerald, Jupiter’s is Yellow Sapphire, Venus’ is Diamond, Saturn’s is Blue Sapphire, Rahu’s is Hessonite, and Ketu’s is Cat’s Eye“. Can you wear any gemstone? The answer is, without a doubt, a big NO. All gems are not suited nor useful to everyone. In fact, the wrong gems worn can give adverse effects. One should wear Gemstones according to the auspicious or benefic planets in your birth chart. So it is very essential to study the individual horoscope well before recommending any gemstone to someone. Which Gemstones should not be worn together? Many people are fond of wearing different gemstones in combination. However, wearing such combinations can actually cause you more harm than good. Here is the table of gems that one should not wear together: Appropriate Metals for setting the Gemstones: The beneficial powers of gemstones increase when set in particular metals. Here is the list of such metals: * Panchdhatu literally means five metals. It is a traditional five-metal alloy of gold, silver, copper, zinc and iron. *Ashtadhatu literally means eight metals. It is an alloy of gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, tin, iron and antimony or mercury. Remember: To order your GEM RECOMMENDATION REPORT, click HERE.
RUDRAKSHA – THE MIRACLE BEADS
Rudraksha has been used in India since times immemorial for its therapeutic, medicinal, astrological and spiritual significance. Rudraksha actually refers to the seed of the tree which goes by the same name. The scientific name of Rudraksha is Elaeocarpus ganitrus. There was a time when these beads were very popular in India – people of all ages, sex and groups wore them in the form of malas and bracelets. In one of the best-known research papers published by Dr. Subhas Rai of the prestigious IIT, Banaras, Dr. Rai has confirmed that Rudraksha beads have potent electromagnetic, paramagnetic and inductive properties. These very properties endow healing powers to the beads. Uniquely, there are no do’s and don’t’s for wearing a Rudraksha bead or mala. Anyone can wear them – irrespective of age, sex, religion, caste or creed. Similarly, one can wear it all the time. For safety purposes, one may remove it while sleeping (to prevent cracking) and bathing (if using chemical soaps and shampoos). Benefits of Rudraksha: Rudraksha beads provide a kind of protective cocoon to the wearer and safeguard them from various adverse circumstances and negative energies they may come across in their daily lives. For this reason, the wandering sadhus, sanyasis and travellers wear these beads. It is not only an antacid, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-gout, antioxidant but is also a muscle relaxant and anti-depressant in properties. Hence the body of a regular wearer remains free from diseases. The beads are helpful in stabilizing blood pressure. It also regulates heartbeats. It reduces headaches and is beneficial in treating mental disorders. Moreover, it is possible to control and manage Epilepsy too with the help of Rudraksha. Wearing Rudraksha on the arm also helps in preventing a paralytic attack. Tying a cord or thread containing 3 to 5 Rudraksha on the waist helps in alleviating back pain. Similarly, it also helps in calming the mind and increasing concentration. It is very useful for those who are suffering from hypertension or depression. Some particular beads have the power to revive stagnant business, acquire much-deserved promotions and bring all-around success. Wearing a Rudraksha Mala bestows one with Riddhi, psychic powers and prosperity. Moreover, the beads also reduce the adverse effects which malefic planets indicate in a horoscope. It helps to increase willpower and nurtures the mind to align itself to positivity. Besides, it calms the movement of energy in the Chakras and gives a tranquil feeling of peace. In addition, these beads confer freedom from past karmas. It opens the heart and mind to superior wisdom; thereby unravelling one’s purpose in life more clearly. Note: The Rudraksha tree is of Indonesian and Nepalese origin. It somehow found its way to India and flourished well in the hilly regions of Uttaranchal. One can visit their orchard which was developed and managed by Shri Shivdas Moolchand Khatri. This farm is situated on the Dehradun-Mussoorie road behind the Shri Prakasheshwar Temple. To read more about Rudraksha Remedies, click HERE.
विश्वभर के सूर्य मंदिर – SUN TEMPLES ACROSS THE WORLD
सूर्य मंदिर अर्थात Sun Temple! जब मिस्र सभ्यता के प्रमुख देवता थे – ‘रा‘ – अर्थान सूर्य भगवान्, जिन्हें मिस्र का प्रथम राजा भी माना जाता था । मेसोपोटामिया में भी सूर्यदेवता को ‘शमाव’ के नाम से जाना जाता था । यूनान सभ्यता में तो दो सूर्य देवता थे – एक अपोलो तथा दुसरे हेलियोस । इसी प्रकार प्राचीन रोम, पेरू, चीन, इत्यादि सभ्यताओं में भी सूर्य को सर्वोपरि स्थान प्राप्त था और भारतीय संस्कृति में तो सूर्य को जीवन का, आकाश का, ज्योतिष का, तथा आयुर्वेद का केन्द्र माना गया है । वैदिक काल से सूर्य की आराधना की जा रही है । इसलिए आश्चर्य नहीं कि भारत में कई प्राचीन तथा नवीन सूर्य मंदिर के दर्शन किये जा सकते हैं । आइये, हम भी कुछ सूर्य मंदिरों का भ्रमण कर लें । 1. कोणार्क सूर्य मंदिर – Konark Sun Temple: भारत का बहुचर्चित तथा अति विशाल सूर्य मंदिर यही १३ वीं शताब्दी का कोणार्क मंदिर है । कोणार्क पूरी से करीब २० – २२ किलोमीटर दूर है। ‘कोणार्क‘ का अर्थ है ‘कोने का अर्क‘, अर्थात ‘कोने का सूर्य‘। इसे राजा नरसिंहदेव ने बनवाया था । काले रंग के ग्रेनाइट का बने होने के कारण इसे ‘काला पागोडा’ भी कहा जाता है । यहाँ पर सूर्य देवता अश्वों द्वारा खींचे जाने वाले रथ पर सवार हैं । माना जाता है कि श्री कृष्ण के पुत्र साम्बा ने कुष्ट रोग से मुक्ति पाने के लिए इसी स्थान पर १२ वर्षों तक सूर्य आराधना की थी । मुख्य मंदिर एक चबूतरे पर खड़ा है, जिसके दोनों तरफ १२ चाक हैं, जो सूर्य-घड़ी का काम करते हैं । मंदिर के निकट है वह पवित्र स्थान है जहाँ साम्बा को कुष्ट रोग से मुक्ति मिली थी। माघ मास के शुक्ल पक्ष में यहाँ ‘माघ सप्तमी मेला’ भी लगता है। इसी स्थान पर नवग्रह पूजा भी की जाती है । परन्तु खेद की बात है कि सूर्य देवता की मुख्य मूर्ति जिस पर कभी सुबह की पहली किरण सीधी पड़ा करती थी, वह आज नदारद है । इसे पोर्तगाल के कुछ नाविक कई वर्षों पहले अपने साथ ले गए । फिर भी इस मंदिर की छटा देखते ही बनती है । 2. दक्षिणार्क मंदिर तथा देओ सूर्य मंदिर, बिहार – Dakshinaarka Sun Temple: गया एक समय मगध राज्य का भाग था, जहां सूर्य पूजन अति प्रचलित था । गया प्रांत में सूर्य मूर्तियां बहुतायत में प्राप्त हुई हैं । माना जाता है कि मध्य एशिया से आने वाले अग्नि उपासकों की ही ये देन है । वस्तुतः यहां की आदित्य देवता की ग्रेनाइट की मूर्ति का रूप भी अनोखा है । यहाँ के सूर्य देवता जाकेट पहने, कमरबंद लगाए और ऊँचे बूट पहने हुए हैं । वैसे मंदिर तो बहुत प्राचीन है, परन्तु इसके वर्त्तमान स्वरूप को दक्षिण भात में वारंगल के लहराजा प्रतापरुद्र ने १३ वीं शताब्दी में बनवाया था । मंदिर के पूर्व में एक सूर्य कुंड भी है । मंदिर के निकट ही विष्णुपाद मंदिर भी है जहां पर श्री विष्णु के पद चिन्ह प्रकट है । पितृपक्ष तथा छठ के अवसर पर यहां काफी भीड़ उमड़ती है, गया में ही सूर्य देवता के दो अन्य मंदिर भी हैं – एक उत्तरा मानस के निकट उत्तरार्क मंदिर तथा फाल्गुन नदी के निकट गयादित्य मंदिर। इसके अलावा बिहार में ही औरंगाबाद के देओ में भी बहुत ही रमणीय सूर्य मंदिर है तथा निकट ही दो कुण्ड भी हैं – सूर्य कुण्ड और रूद्र कुण्ड। 3. ब्रह्मण्य देव मंदिर, मध्य प्रदेश – Brahmanya Sun Temple : ब्रह्मण्य देव मंदिर ऊनाउँ में है । यह मंदिर ‘ब्रह्म्जू बालाजी सूर्य मंदिर’ के नाम से भी प्रसिद्ध है । इसे बालाजी धाम भी कहते है ! इस मन्दिर को बने २००० सै अधिक वर्ष हो चुके हैं । इस मंदिर में सूर्य देवता एक काले चबूतरे पर खड़े हैं । मूर्ति पर पीतल का आवरण चढ़ाया गया है । पेशवा गण इस मंदिर के उपासक थे । दूर-दूर से भक्तजन यहाँ आते हैं । कहते हैं कि पिछले ५६ वर्षों में यहाँ आनेवाले श्रधालु यहाँ इतना घी चढ़ाया जा चुके हैं कि यहाँ इस चढ़ावे में चढ़ाए जानेवाले घी को रखने हेतु कुओं का निर्माण करवाना पड़ा ! आज यहां घी के एक या दो कुँए नहीं बल्कि पूरे नौं कुएं हैं !स्थानीय मान्यता है कि यहाँ सूर्य दर्शन करने तथा निकट के पवित्र कुंड में स्नान करने से त्वचा के सभी विकारों से छुटकारा मिलता है ।अंधेपन और कुष्ठ रोग और अन्य त्वचा रोगों जैसी बीमारियों से भी राहत मिलती है। 4. मोधेरा सूर्य मंदिर, गुजरात- Modhera Sun Temple: सूर्य देव के इस मंदिर की स्थापना ११वीं शताब्दी में सोलंकी वंश के राजा भीमदेव ने की थी ! यहां के सूर्य मंदिर के सामने ही सूर्य कुंड है, जिसे ‘राम कुंड’ भी कहा जाता है । कुंड तक पहुँचाने वाली सीढ़ियों पर भी अनूठी व सूंदर नकाशी की गयी है । इस मंदिर के शिखर तो आज नहीं रहें, और न ही यहां आज पूजा-अर्चना की जाती है। इस सूर्य मन्दिर को गुजरात का खजुराहो के नाम से भी जाना जाता है, क्योंकि इस मन्दिर की शिलाओं पर भी खजुराहो जैसी ही नक़्क़ाशीदार अनेक शिल्प कलाएँ मौजूद हैं। गुजरात के पर्यटन निगम के द्वारा जनवरी के तीसरे सप्ताह में उत्तरायण त्यौहार के बाद मंदिर में ‘उत्तरार्ध महोत्सव’ मनाया जाता है । 5. श्री सूर्य पहाड़ मंदिर, असम – Shri Surya Pahar, Assam: असम में में ब्रह्मपुत्र के तट पर गोलपारा के निकट सूर्य पहाड़ पर यह सूर्य मंदिर स्थित है । इस मंदिर की विशेषता यह है कि एक सुन्दर गोलाकार पाषाण की प्रतिमा जिसके बीचोबीच ऋषि कश्यप विराजमान हैं और उनके चरों तरफ बारह आदित्य बैठें हैं । इस मन्दिर मे सूर्य देव के अतिरिक्त नौ शिवलिंग भी है। कालिका पुराण की अनुसार ‘सूर्य देवता’ का यह स्थायी निवास स्थान है । माना जाता है कि एक समय पर यहाँ ९९,९९९ शिव लिंग हुआ करते थे । सूर्य पहाड़ की तलहटी में अनेक पाषाण की शिवलिंग वहां की सुंदरता को बढ़ाते हैं। 6. सूर्यनारायण मंदिर, अरसावल्ली, आंध्र प्रदेश – Sun Temple of Andhra Pradesh: यह पवित्र स्थल आंध्र