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.
MAHA SHIVRATRI – THE ECSTATIC NIGHT OF SHIVA
Maha Shivaratri literally means ‘The Great Night of Shiva”. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in the Hindu month of Phalguna on the 13th lunar night (Trayodashi) transiting to the 14th lunar night (Chaturdasi). On this night, the Sun is in the Aquarius sign while Moon is in the Capricorn sign. The planetary positions are aligned in such a pattern on this auspicious night that it naturally invokes an upsurge of energy in the human structure. Being awake the whole night and meditating on Shiva’s name rejuvenates the devotees – physically, mentally and spiritually. Maha Shivaratri is observed the night before Amavasya i.e. the New Moon. Moon represents the Mind; this Mind keeps attracting and distracting us in different directions. On the 14th lunar night when the Moon’s Energy has its least effect on the Mind, it is an appropriate time to direct our energies inwards. This inward journey quietens and calms the mind and helps us connect to the ‘Shiva Tattva’ – the element of Shiva within us. Shiva is the very energy that administers and regulates the entire creation – within and without us. Maha Shivaratri is a celebration of spiritual significance and a cultural and cosmic event deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition. Legend has it that on this auspicious night, Lord Shiva performed the heavenly dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, known as the Tandava Nritya. This divine dance symbolizes the cosmic cycles of life, death, and rebirth, highlighting the eternal rhythm of the universe. The Secret of remaining awake the whole night: Staying awake throughout the night symbolizes vigilance and awareness. It represents a heightened state of consciousness and mindfulness in which devotees remain fully present and engaged in their spiritual practice, whether through meditation, chanting, or prayer. This vigilance helps ward off ignorance and negative influences, allowing individuals to deepen their connection with the divine. In Hindu philosophy, the night symbolizes Tamas, one of the three Gunas or qualities of nature associated with darkness, ignorance, and inertia. By remaining awake and actively engaging in spiritual practices, devotees strive to overcome the influence of Tamas and cultivate qualities of light, knowledge, and dynamism associated with the other Gunas, namely Rajas and Sattva. According to Ayurveda, Vata imbalance is the root cause of most diseases. A person with balanced Vata is physically and mentally healthy; he is positive, active and calm. Maha Shivaratri is the night to balance the Vata in the body. The energies around us this night are most conducive to aligning the Cosmic Energy to regulate the excessive Vata. Sitting comfortably in Padmasana or Ardha-Sukhasana automatically keeps the spine erect. Performing anulom vilom pranayam – an ancient yogic breathing technique – in this pose helps balance and regulate the Vata energy in the body. Besides, this kriya also purifies the Energy Body – Sukshma Sharir and activates Higher Consciousness. Note: Do not forget to recite the Panchakshari Mantra 108 times after doing the Pranayam. Maha Shivratri Muhurat 2025: Here is the auspicious Muhurat for Maha Shivaratri – 2025 for Mumbai: Maha Shivaratri is on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:27 AM to 01:16 AM, February 27 What should you do during Maha Shivaratri? Maha Shivaratri is a very auspicious and potent night to start any Mantra Sadhna. It is also a promising time to initiate remedies for the fulfilment of desires or solving of problems. This is also a good occasion to apologize for your wrongdoings and free yourself from any guilt. Here is the list of things you can do on Maha Shivaratri: Start any health-related Mantra recitation such as Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. This is the best time of the year to start wearing Rudraksha, Pearls and silver ornaments – especially for remedial purposes. If you are already wearing a Rudraksha, please energize it on the day of Shivaratri. It will become ten times more powerful. For childless couples: For the protection of pregnancy and to get a healthy child, the wife should wear Garb Gauri Rudraksha. For early marriage: Eligible boys and girls should wear the ‘Gauri Shankar Rudraksha’ on Mahashivaratri. It is also a good time to install a Parad/Mercury Shivling (for health) or Sphatik/Crystal Shivling (for wealth and prosperity). People with weak Chandra/Moon should perform Mahashivratri Pooja or at least meditate on Lord Shiva on this night. Those troubled by malefic Shani/Saturn or Pitru/Kaal Sarpa/Manglik/ Grahan Dosha should do appropriate remedies on this day. People suffering from Kaal Sarpa Dosh should fast and light up an Akhand Diya (Eternal Lamp) followed by Rudrabhishek. Shiv Aradhana or Shiva Meditation is the most effective and powerful remedy to calm down Rahu and Ketu. A very good remedy for Ketu is the reciting of Shiva Panchakshari Stotra: Na-Ma-Si-Va-Ya. You can read and contemplate on scriptures related to Lord Shiva, such as the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana and Rudram Chamakam, to deepen your understanding and connection with His divine attributes and teachings. You can perform Rudrabhishekam, a special ritual where Lord Shiva’s lingam or idol is bathed with various sacred items like water, milk, yoghurt, honey and ghee while chanting Vedic hymns and mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. SHIV MANTRAS & THEIR BENEFITS: Basic Shiva Mantra: A very powerful Mantra that enhances your abilities and raises the intellect to the optimum levels. Panchakshara Stotra: The ‘Panchakshara’ literally means “five letters” in Sanskrit and refers to the five holy letters Na, Ma, Śi, Vā and Ya. The human body is made up of five elements and these five letters represent these elements. Na – Prithvi
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
AMAZING MANTRA REMEDIES FOR NAVRATRI
NAVRATRI, which is a very potent stretch of nine nights when one can perform remedies to rid oneself of problems and obstacles. Navratri Mantra remedies are very effective for various purposes such as: finding a suitable life partner begetting a child winning over adversaries recovering from health problems ensuring victory in lawsuits getting rid of debts resolving conflicts improving relationships Nevertheless, Navratri is also a very good time for performing astrological and mantra remedies, which can be used to pacify or reduce the malefic effects of planets in one’s horoscope. CLICK HERE TO READ: MOST EFFECTIVE NAVRATRI SHLOKAS AND MANTRAS One of the most effective remedies is DURGA SAPTASHATI PAATH, which means the recitation of the shlokas of Durga Saptashati. Durga Saptashati consists of 13 Chapters and 700 shlokas or mantras. In short, this collection is a powerful reservoir of mantras – every verse being a dynamic force. Mantra for enhancing luck and good health: Dehi Saubhagyamaarogyam Dehi Me Paramam Sukham Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi, Yasho Dehi Dwisho Jahi || देहि सौभाग्यमारोग्यं देहि मे परमं सुखम्। रूपं देहि जयं देहि, यघो देहि द्विषो जहि।। Mantra to obtain special powers: || Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chaamundaaye Vichche || || ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॐ || Mantra to remove obstacles in one’s life: || Dehi Saubhagyamaarogyam Dehi Me Paramam Sukham Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi, Yasho Dehi Dwisho Jahi || || देहि सौभाग्यमारोग्यं देहि मे परमं सुखम्। रूपं देहि जयं देहि, यघो देहि द्विषो जहि।। Powerful mantra to get success in all kinds of work: || Sarvmangal mangalaaye shivay sarvaarth-saadhikay, sharanaye triyambakay gauri narayani namostutay || || सर्व मंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके । शरन्ये त्रयम्बिके गौरी नारायणी नमोस्तुते ।। Mantra to solve problems: || Sharanagat Deenarta Paritranaparayane Sarvsyartihare Devi, Narayani Namostute || || शरणागतदीनार्तंपरित्राणपरायणे। सर्वस्यार्तिहरे देवि, नारायणि नमोघ्स्तु ते || Mantra for getting married or removing obstacles in marriage: || Hey Gauri Shankarardhangi Yatha Tvam Shankarpriyaa| Tatha Mam Kuru Kalyaani Kaantkatam Sudurlabhaam || || हे गौरि शंकरार्धांगि यथा त्वं शंकरप्रिया । तथा मां कुरु कल्याणि कान्तकातां सुदुर्लभाम || Mantra for getting a suitable wife: || Patni Manormam Dehi, Manovrittanusarinim Tarineem Durgsansarsaagarasya Kulodbhavaam || || पत्नी मनोरमां देहि मनोवृत्तानुसारिणीम्। तारिणीं दुर्गसंसारसागरस्य कुलोद्भवाम् || Mantra for conceiving a child: || Aum Garbarakshambigaayai cha vidhmaheMangala dhevadhaayai cha dheemaheeDhanno devi prachodayaat || || ॐ गर्भरकक्षांम्बिकाय़ै च विद्महे, मंगल देवतायै च धीमहि, तन्नौ देवी प्रचोतयात् || Navratri Mantra for solving debt problems and winning over enemies: || Om Hleem Bagalaamukhi Sarvadushtaanaam Vaacham Mukham Padam Stambhay Jihvaam Keelay Buddhim Vinaashaay Hring Om Swaha || || ॐ ह्लीं बगलामुखि सर्वदुष्टानां वाचं मुखं पदं स्तम्भय जिह्वां कीलय बुद्धिं विनाशय ह्रीं ॐ स्वाहा || To know which form of Maa Shakti to worship, click here. To read about the SIGNIFICANCE OF NAVRATRI, click here
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/