GANESHA CHATURTHI: CELEBRATE IT IN THE ASTROLOGY WAY
Ganapati, the beloved elephant-headed deity, brings joy and blessings to countless devotees across India. In this blog, we will explore the unique ways you can celebrate Ganapati according to your zodiac signs, incorporating specific colors, mantras, and customs. Whether you’re an astrology enthusiast or simply seeking a deeper spiritual connection, join us on a journey through the celestial realms to celebrate Ganapati like never before. GANESHA CHATURTHI 2025 Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat: 11:05 AM to 01:39 PM Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 01:54 PM on Aug 26, 2025 Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 03:44 PM on Aug 27, 2025 Ganesha Visarjan: Saturday, September 6, 2025 Ganapati Bappa is ready to visit your homes. This year, gain additional auspiciousness by celebrating and decorating your homes/offices according to your astrological signs (rashis). Ganesha idols come in many colours and are decorated with various offerings. Given ahead are the recommended colours of the Ganesha idol and decoration, offerings and donations to be made, and mantras to be recited (at least 108 times daily). ARIES: Idol: Vermilion red, Yellow or a combination of both. Decorations: Red, orange, yellow. Red and gold jewellery. Offerings: 11 Durva grass moistened with turmeric water. Offer nose rings as gifts to female family members. Donate: Dates, jaggery, money, green moong dal. Mantra: “GAM” or “Aum Vakratundaaye Namaha” Idol: Silver White, Pink Decorations: White flowers, silk clothes with zari works. Offerings: 9 Durva grass, Green clothes, Coconut Laddoos, silver ornaments. Donate Ghee, Candy sugar (Mishri), Mantra: “GLUM” or “Aum Ekdantaaye Namah”. Idol: Green, Blue, Light Yellow Decorations: Garlands made of Green Durva grass, and green drapes. Offerings: 11 Cowries (कौड़ी), Betel (पान), Betelnut (सुपारी), Cloves (लौंग), green clothes & fruits. Donate: Laddoos made of black gram (उड़द दाल), green Mantra: “Aum Krishna Pingaakshaaye Namah”. Idol: White, Cream Decorations: Pearls, White flowers. Offerings: Shwetark, Panchamrit, Modak, White Sandalwood Donate: Kheer to poor young girls. Mantra: “Aum Gajavakraaye Namah”. Idol: Red Ochre (गेरू लाल), Orange, Royal Purple Decorations: 108 Durva grass with Kumkum/Sindoor, Red flowers Offerings: Modak made of Jaggery, red-coloured fruits Donate: Black lentils (उड़द दाल), mustard oil. Mantra: “Aum Lambodaraaye Namah”. VIRGO: Idol: Green, Blue, White Decorations: 108 grains of green gram (मूंग दाल), 21 Durva grass Offerings: Green coloured fruits, Moong dal laddoos. Donate: Jaggery, Raisins (किशमिश) Mantra: “Aum Vikataaye Namah”. Idol: Silver White, Light Blue Decorations: 125 gms Durva grass, 1250 gms Besan Laddoos, Sugar Candy (मिश्री) Offerings: Bathe idol with Ganga jal; offer 5 coconuts Donate: Laddoos, Bananas Mantra: “Aum Vighnaraajaaye Namah”. SCORPIO: Idol: White, Red, Yellow, Orange Decorations: 108 grains of unbroken rice smeared with kumkum. Offerings: Sindoor, red flowers. Donate: Green grass fodder for cow/goat, laddoos made of jaggery and dates. Mantra: “Aum Dhūmra Varṇaaye Namah”. Idol: Orange, Dark Yellow Decorations: 108 Durva grass, 5 knots of turmeric (हल्दी की गाँठ) Offerings: Yellow clothes and flowers, modak, bananas. Donate: Bundi laddoos Mantra: “Aum Bhaala Chandraaye Namah”. Idol: Blue, Brown, Purple Decorations: Durva grass, Black Til, Scented flowers Offerings: Betel leaf (पान), Betelnut (सुपारी), Cloves (लौंग),Cardamom (इलायची) Donate: Modak, Jaggery, Raisins (किशमिश) Mantra: “Aum Vinaayakaaye Namah”. Idol: Sky Blue, Purple, Bright colours Decorations: White and Lavender flowers, Tilak of Sindoor and Turmeric Offerings: Panchamrit, Jaggery Laddoos Donate: Khichdi, Bananas Mantra: “Aum Gajapataaye Namah”. Idol: Yellow, Orange, Pink Decorations: Make garlands of Yellow flowers and Durva grass using yellow coloured thread. Offerings: Turmeric Root (हल्दी की जड़), Saffron (केसर), Besan laddoos Donate: Sweet juicy fruits, Kheer Mantra: “Aum Gajaanan naaye Namah”. To read about DIFFERENT FORMS OF GANESHA, Click HERE.
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
इस दिवाली करें अपनी राशि के अनुसार उपाय
दीवाली की रात उपाय करने के लिए एक प्रबल रात है. जानिए दीपावली की रात अपनी राशि के अनुसार करने वाले खास उपाय.
SPECIAL REMEDIES TO BE DONE ON DIWALI
DIWALI has special significance for doing and initiating astrological remedies. Let’s understand why? ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF DIWALI: Diwali falls on Amavasya – Sun and Moon – the two luminaries and important astrological planets that come together this day are placed in Tula (Libra) Rashi and Swati Nakshatra. The evil spirits and negative energies are said to be strongest on Amavasya or No Moon day. Hence, stronger remedies or upaay which are done on this day are effective in warding off such strong negativity from one’s life. The Libra sign is a sign of balance and righteousness, of trade and business, of peace and harmony. Swati Nakshatra represents freedom, self-confidence and learning. Above all, it represents Goddess Saraswati – all forms of arts, communication, knowledge, etc. Swati is an auspicious Nakshatra. It helps one to accomplish the most difficult tasks and to move ahead, overcoming obstacles. The following remedies can be done/initiated on Diwali for maximum results: Tie a toran made of Asoka leaves and marigold (गेंदा) flowers at the entrance. This helps remove negativity in your house or commercial space. In case you are facing severe problems in your life, do this remedy. On Diwali night, light a lamp (दीपक) under a peepal tree after sunset. After lighting the lamp, walk back home without looking back and without uttering a word. This is a very good remedy, especially for those under Sade Sati or those having Shani Dosha. This, in essence, is a very effective remedy for those facing financial problems. Take three gomati chakra, three yellow cowries and three turmeric knots (हल्दी की गांठ). Tie them in a yellow cloth. Place this at the pooja place on Diwali night and thereafter keep it in your locker or cash box. 4. This remedy is for those who are suffering from some speech disorders, such as stammering. Take 11 cowries and burn them to ash on Diwali. Immerse this ash in flowing water. Continue for 5 consecutive Wednesdays. Don’t forget to light a diya in the southwest corner of your house. Moreover, this is an important Vastu tip. This is a valuable remedy for those who fail to get a good job even after repeated attempts. On Diwali, early morning (before sunrise), go to a crossroad (चौराहा) – where four roads meet with a lemon and a knife. Once you reach there, cut the lemon into four pieces; throw a piece in each direction; all the time mentally repeating your wish for a good job. After this, return without looking back even once. You can continue this for 7 consecutive days for the best results. If your business is not doing well or you are not getting a good flow of customers, try this remedy. Establish the Indrani yantra at your pooja or workplace on Diwali night. Surely, you shall see quick results. Those who have Chandra Grahan yoga or Angarak yoga in their horoscopes should not venture out of the house on Diwali night. On Diwali night, take the root of the banyan tree (बरगद की जड़) and a silk thread. Colour the thread with red sandalwood paste. Thereafter, tie the banyan root with the coloured silk thread at the main door of your residence or commercial premises after Laxmi puja. This remedy is for those eligible males and females who want to get married. Then place 11 marigold flowers on the altar, while doing pooja on Diwali night. Worship it with saffron (केसर)/turmeric (हल्दी) and place a ghee lamp in front of it (not too close), the whole night. Thereafter, in the morning, grind the flowers with Gangajal and saffron or turmeric. Apply this paste to your hands. Continue applying for 2-3 days or till the paste lasts. On Diwali night, burn camphor and clove in a silver or earthen vessel at the pooja place without fail. This will help ward off any problems related to spirits, bad omens, and all types of Vastu Dosha. Moreover, this remedy is a must, especially when anyone in the house has pitra dosha. WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY DIWALI Click here to read DIWALI REMEDIES ACCORDING TO YOUR RASHI/BIRTH SIGN (in Hindi)
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