Angaraka shakthidaro lohithango darasutha,

Kumaro mangalo bhoumo maha kayo dana pradha., 1

He who is like an ember, who holds a shakthi,
He who has red limbs, He who is the son of earth,
He who is young, he who does good,
He who has a gross body, He who gives wealth,

Runahartha drushti kartha roga kruth roga nasana,

Vidhyuth prabho vrunakara kamadho dana hruth kuja., 2

He who removes debts, he who looks at you,
He who causes disease, He who destroys diseases,
He who is as powerful as current, He who causes wounds,
He who fulfills desires, He who gives money and is Kuja,

Samagana priyo raktha vasthrorakthayathekshana,

Lohitho raktha varnamcha sarva karmava bodhaka., 3

He who likes to hear Sama, he who wears red cloths,
He who has blood red eyes, he who is reddish,
He who is of the colour of blood,
He who teaches us all duties,

Rakthamalyadaro hemakundali gruha nayaka,

Namanyethani bhoumasya ya padeth sathatham nara., 4

He who wears red garland, he who wears golden ear studs,
He who is the lord of planets
For him who reads all these names of the son of earth,

Runam thasya cha dourbhagyam daridryam cha vinasyathi,

Danam prapnothi vipulam sthriyam chaiva manoramam., 5

Would get rid of all his debts, bad luck, poverty,
Would get wealth, get many wives who are pretty,

Vamsodhyothakaram puthram labhathe nathra samsaya., 6

And without any doubt beget sons,
Who would improve the stature of the family.

Yea archyedahni bhoumasya Mangalam bahu pushpakai,

Sarva nasyathi peeda cha thasya gruhakrutha druvam., 7

To those who worship with great many flowers,
Mars the do-gooder and the son of goddess earth,
All problems created by that planet will surely vanish.

It is believed that Ekadasi is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat Demon Mura. Happy with her divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her that anyone who observes Ekadasi fast will be freed of their sins and will attain Moksha.

The 24 different Ekadasis:
1. Putrada Ekadasi:
There is a popular belief that married couples without children will be blessed with children if they observe Putrada Ekadasi.
2. Shatilla Ekadasi:
On this day, Til (sesame) is used in six ways. It is used in Ubtan, bathing, performing Havans, Tarpan, meal and donations.
3. Jaya Ekadasi:
The greatness of this Ekadasi was narrated to Yudhishtira by Sri Krishna and is found in the Padma Purana and the Bhavisyothara Purana.
4. Vijaya Ekadasi:
The major belief behind practicing this ritual is the observance of a vrat by Lord Ram before he headed towards crossing the ocean to reach Lanka and defeating Ravana.
5. Amalki Ekadasi:
Dedicated to Amlaki or Gooseberry Tree, observance of this Ekadasi is believed to bring in great prosperity and benefits.
6. Papamochini Ekadasi:
Observing a vrat on this day is highly significant as a sincere devotee can get rid of all his sins committed so far.
7. Kamda Ekadasi:
A fast on this day will assist in getting rid of all sins and guilt that are a result of lust.
8. Varuthini Ekadasi:
The vrat is a step towards a fortunate phase of life.
9. Mohini Ekadasi:
Eliminates all sins and helps in leading a happy and prosperous life. Also, a person undergoing sadness is effectively able to overcome this sickness.
10. Apara Ekadasi:
This vrat would help in eliminating their sins and henceforth, would finally assist them in attaining Moksha, or salvation.
11. Nirjala Ekadasi:
It is the strictest fast among all the Ekadashis in the Hindu religion as one cannot even drink water while observing it.
12. Yogini Ekadasi:
It is the most significant Ekadashi fast in order to get rid of various ailments and diseases.
13. Devshayani Ekadasi:
It is believed that Lord Vishnu went into a deep sleep for the next four months beginning from this day.
14. Kamika Ekadasi:
This vrat is considered highly significant and auspicious for performing good deeds and seeking blessings of the Lord.
15. Aja Ekadasi: This vrat eradicates all sinful and evil activities.
16. Parivartan Ekadasi:
On this Ekadasi day Lord Vishnu who reclines on Aadishesha turns to another side and this turn is called as Parivarthan.
17. Indira Ekadasi:
It is believed that observing this Ekadasi will help in removing the sins committed by oneself and one’s forefathers.
18. Pasankusa Ekadasi:
One will be able to fulfill his dreams and observing it is equal to performing numerous yajnas and making several offerings.
19. Rama Ekadasi: Sins and evil deeds can be washed away by observing a vrat on this day.
20. Prabhodini Ekadasi: The Hindu devotees believe that Lord Vishnu woke up from his Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep) on this day.
21. Utpanna Ekadasi: One can enjoy all kinds of comforts and gets the shelter of Lord Vishnu, after death.
22. Mokshada Ekadasi: helps in attaining Moksha, or liberation.
23. Saphala Ekadasi:
Sins of many generations of a person are removed by observing the fast of Saphala Ekadasi.
24. Haribobhini (Devotthani) Ekadasi.

Benefits of Ekadasi fasting:
• It brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
• It liberates one from the cycle of birth and death.
• It gives one freedom from the sins of the past.
• It fulfills the wishes of health, wealth and happiness.
• It enhances the physiological functions of the body.
• It helps in flushing out the toxins from the body.
• It helps to strengthen one’s self-control.
• It improves one’s emotional stability.

Methods of Ekadasi Fasting:
• Complete fasting involves total abstinence from food and water for 24 hours.
• Partial fasting involves consumption of fruits and milk and the avoidance of rice and grains.
• People with health problems can opt for partial fasting after consulting with their doctors.
• Some people take only a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi.

There is a great meaning behind the flower worship in all our prayers and rituals.

In this article lets quickly explore the significance of offering flowers to Gods. It is believed that by offering natural flowers, our mind and soul which are covered by evil thinkings and bad feelings are cleared by means of soft flowers. It is considered as an act of dedicating oneself with great bakthi. Devotees of Sri Aurobindo also give great importance to flower worship. In the own words of Sri Aurobindo, "Flowers signify the purest part of nature and what we as humans could become in the process of spiritual learning" .

What flowers?

Thulasi, Vilvam, Virukshi etc are some of the divine flowers, which are generally dedicated to the Perumal. Thulasi is considered to be sacred amongst all and it is believed that Sriman Narayanan reside in it. It is believed that by offering this sacred Thulasi to Sriman Narayanan during Fridays and Saturday, we get his divine blessings.

Flowers in Temples:

Even in great Sri Vaishnavite temples, knowing the greatness of flowers, Nandhavanams (flowers park) are maintained and the flowers taken from here are tied as garlands and offered to the Perumal. Added to this during Bramhotsavam, the Perumal is taken out in Pallakku which is constructed and designed with great flower which is referred to as "Pushpa Pallakku". This Vaghanam is considered one among the great Vaghanam during Bramhotsavam.

Great Aacharyan - Sri Ananthan Pillai as ordered by Srimath Ramanujar performed this Nandhava Kainkaryam in Tirumala - Tirupathi. Even, today we can find his Nandhavanam in Tirumala.

So, bhaktas while going to temples, even if you could not dedicate lots of offerings to the God,  just offer him with some flower with full bhakti and you will feel complete in your prayers. Shubam Bhavatu !

Tuesday (mangalwar) is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is very popular among North Indians, while South Indians have dedicated thursday for Lord Hanuman. Fasting to Hanuman is belived to help you overcome difficulties or obstacles in your ventures. It is also considered to be a powerful remedy for all types of Shani doshas in one's horoscope.

Some devotees also observe Hanuman Vrat on Saturday. People who are under the bad influence of Lord Shani observe fast on Saturday. It is believed that Lord Shani does not trouble those people who are worshipers of Lord Hanuman. In a year, Hanuman Vrat is observed mainly on Hanuman Jayanti day which falls on the full moon day in Chaitra month (April – May), especially in North and Western parts of India.

In Tamil culture, Hanuman Jayanti is observed in Margazhi month (December – January) and fasting and special poojas are held on the day.Auspicious days dedicated to Lord Ram are auspicious to Lord Hanuman too. Hanuman has often said in scriptures that he is more pleased with those devotees who worship Lord Ram.

You can download "Hanuman Chalisa" in english with descriptive explanataions in english for every stanza.- Download PDF file here.

You may also be interested in:

1. Significance of fasting in World religions

2. Weekdays and respective Gods & fasting 

3.  How to observe Sankatahara Chaturthi Fasting 

Ashtama Shani (Ashtama Sani) is of great importance in Vedic Astrology. Ashtama Shani (Ashtama Sani) 2011 Transition will take place on November 15 and Shani makes the transition to Tula Rashi or (Libra Zodiac).  Ashtama Shani begins for Meena or Pisces. Ashtama sani will come to end for Kumbha Rasi on November 15, 2011. The date varies for different Panchangams. The transition is on December 21, 2011 as per the almanac used by South Indian astrologers.

Should I be scared if my rasi is affected ?

Generally Ashtama Shani is a dreaded transit and it does cause many troubles. But just like any other planetary transit, this transit also ensures the balance of good & bad events in one's life. Ups and downs in one's life is the law of nature and we see the connection between that and the planetary events in Vedic Astrology. Having said that, to protect yourself from adverse incidents, our vedic scriptures recommend many spiritual remedies which are listed below.

Do remedial pujas work ?

Recently there is a popular misconception that Astrology is a fake procedure and astrologers just try to make money out of things that we dont really understand but afraid of. This fear is highly misplaced and incorrect. Astrology is an age old Vedic science. And when practiced properly, it becomes an invaluable treasure in understanding the mysteries of nature.  There may be fake doctors but for that the science of medicine is not fake. The applies for Astrology. There may be some people who call themselves as astrologers and just try to make money but that certainly does not mean the science of astrology is false. So I would strongly recommend that you approach this science with an open mind and perform the pujas or mantra chanting for your planetary transits with utmost sincerity. The results will be felt by you.

Remedies for Ashtama Shani / Ashtama Sani :

1. Shani Shanti Puja at Thirunallaru Shani Temple in TamilNadu or Shani Shingapur Temple in Maharashtra.  If you are not able to visit the temple by yourself, request this puja through Parihara.com and receive the prasad at your doorstep. Link: http://www.parihara.com/shani-transit.html 

2. Milk Abishekam to Lord Shani on Saturdays for a period of 3 to 6 months continuously. You can arrange for this abishekam in a temple in your neighborhood where you have Navagrahas (nine planets).  Offering Milk abishekam in Shani Thirunallaru temple is considered extremely auspicious . To register:  http://www.parihara.com/shani-transit.html

3. Benevolence to Dogs: Dog is considered as Lord.Shani's pet animal. When i told this to one of my friends, he started laughing. But it is true that treating dogs with care and respect will please Lord Shani. Try feeding a dog in your neighborhood regularly. Never ill-treat of physically abuse dogs or for that matter any animal. In Indian mythology there is a connection between every domestic animal and a particular deity. Probably the sages of those ages had the same compassion promoted by PETa organization today.

As i wrote earlier, this will be a tough phase for you but with consistent good deeds and by performing pujas to Lord Shani regularly, you can successfully sail through this phase. Good luck.

Also read: Whats in store for me in Shani / Sani transit 2011-2014 

Fasting on Sankatahara Chaturthi is considered very auspicious and extremely beneficial. Usually it is recommended to take up this vratam for a period of One year and observe fasting on all the Sankatahara Chaturthi days and will end it by performing “Maha Ganapathi Homam” or “Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy Homan”.

By doing this, it is believed that all the difficult tasks will be accomplished and the obstacles will be removed from one’s life.

How to observe fast on Sankatahara Chaturthi

Fasting procedure:

The devotees should observe Sankatahara Chaturthi by having a complete fast which will be broken after observing the moon rise, followed by a puja to Lord Ganesha. Some devotees go for partial fast. If you observe partial fast you can eat fruits or Sabudhana Khichadi during brunch breaks. Partial fasting is recommended for people who are employed, since it will be difficult to observe complete fasting without feeling exhausted in your work.

Chaturthi Morning Puja

• Take bath early in the morning and offer a simple prayer to Lord Ganesha by chanting one of his famous Ganesha slokas (vakrathunda mahakaya.. surya kodi samaprabha..)
• Light a lamp with Ghee. Beginners can consider reciting the 108 names of Ganesha instead of complex slokas, which may discourage you from continuing the fasting. Starting with light and easy slokas in the beginning and proceeding into complex slokas is a practical method to cultivate the habit of vratam.
• Sankatahara Ganapathy Stotra can be said three times in the puja or in multiples of three. Number THREE is dear to Ganesha.  Commence your fasting soon after the morning puja.

Evening Puja

• The evening puja is performed after the sunset and when you can witness the moon.
• At times it becomes tricky to spot the moon, if the sky is clouded. So some refer to Almanac or Panchang to know the Moon-rise time for that particular day. But reading an almanac (panchang) requires some practice and it will be overwhelming for a beginner. So if you are just beginning to observe this fast, perform your evening puja approximately around 7.30pm.
• After seeing the moon, do a quick chanting of Ganesh Slokas similar to your morning prayers.  Pray to a photo or statue of Lord Ganesh in your puja room. Although I personally find making a ganapathy pyramid (ganapathy cone) out of turmeric powder everyday and praying to that more serene & auspicious.
• The lamp should be lit using Ghee or Coconut oil. Offer banana or Coconut or milk along with flowers to Ganesha. If you are performing this vrata for the good of your loved ones, it is recommended that you offer the coconut or banana or milk as prasadham to them and other family members. Symbolically consuming a prasadham from a puja is considered essential to complete one’s prayers. It is also viewed as divine blessings from Ganesha.
• Some of the special materials that you can offer in the puja are Dhruva grass (Arugampil in Tamil) , Stuffed coconut balls ( the most famous Kozhukattai (tamil) ) or any salad prepared from pulses (Sundal ). These prasadhams are not mandatory for everyday puja. But including one of them in your puja and distributing them to your family members and friends in your apartment will give you untold encouragement to continue the fast.

What does ‘Sankata-hara’ means?

‘Sankata’ stands for worries or problems. ‘Hara’ stands for elimination or removal. So observing Sankashta Chaturthi is believed to remove all obstacles and difficulties in one’s life. This vrata (fasting) is one of the widely performed fasting pujas in Indian household, mostly by women but not limited to them alone.

Why fast on Sankatahara Chaturthi ?

Fasting on Sankatahara Chaturthi is considered very auspicious and extremely beneficial. Usually it is recommended to take up this vratam for a period of One year and observe fasting on all the Sankatahara Chaturthi days and will end it by performing “Maha Ganapathi Homam” or “Vaancha Kalpa Ganapathy Homan”. By doing this, it is believed that all the difficult tasks will be accomplished and the obstacles will be removed from one’s life.

Sankatahara Chaturthi Fasting days in 2012:

Sankashti Chaturthi Thursday - 12 January 2012
Sankashti Chaturthi Saturday - 11 February 2012
Sankashti Chaturthi Sunday - 11 March 2012
Sankashti Chaturthi Monday- 9 April 2012
Sankashti Chaturthi Wednesday-9 May 2012
Sankashti Chaturthi Thursday - 7 June 2012
Sankashti Chaturthi Friday- 6 July 2012
Sankashti Chaturthi Sunday- 5 August 2012
Sankashti Chaturthi Tuesday- 4 September 2012
Sankashti Chaturthi Wednesday - 3 October 2012
Sankashti Chaturthi Friday- 2 November 2012
Sankashti Chaturthi Sunday - 2 December 2012

How to Observe fasting on Sankatahara Chaturthi days ? - Click here. 
A practical guide for even beginners to observe this fasting.

Continued from Part 2 : << Go to Part 2 - What is Shani Transit , is it harmful 

Capricorn: Saturn being the Rasi lord of Capricorn much negative results might not be expected. Unexpected success in business and career and increased income could be the result. Though the transit of Saturn into the kendras is not auspicious as per the classical texts, elevation in career and subsequent problems could happen as observed. Health would be satisfactory and income would increase. Loss of house or expenditure on account of house and ill health and separation from the spouse could also be predicted. Transit of Saturn through 10th would in all probabilities would invite some trouble in the career front irrespective of all the favorable indications and one is well advised to keep their eyes and ears open and do all precautions so as to obviate any misfortune, due to negligence or greed.

Aquarius: One of the best transit among all the Rashis of the zodiac. All round progress and luck, recovery from illness and favor from people at the helm of affairs could give happiness. Increased income and frequent travels for good causes and elimination of opposition are indicated. Though there is no need of any remedies for these natives during the current transit of Saturn, they are still advised to appease Lord Saturn for better rewards.

Pisces: Health is the concern for the natives of the Meena rasi. Accidents, fall and joint pains are the indications and need to be taken care of. Mounting expenditure and decreased income, problem at work place and worries from children all could add to the woes of this otherwise worrisome individuals. Remedies indicated below need to be followed to avoid any mishap or misfortune. One is advised to be careful in driving and in using of electrical appliances and also in the use of dangerous machinery.

If my zodiac is affected, what are the suggested remedies ? 

Our vedic Astrology texts have a profound understanding of the nature of human life. They insist that planetary transits are being happiness as well as difficulties from time to time to ensure the balance of both happiness and difficulties in ones life. So if you are affected by your transit, you should neither take it too light, nor panic at it. Instead follow the below suggested remedies and pray to God's blessings.

1)Visit to any of the divine and reputed saneeswara temple like Thirunellar in Tamilnadu, or Saneeswara temple at Shinagapur in Maharashtra. Those who are not able to perform santhi in such places need to visit local Saneeswara temple or at Navagraha idols preferably at the temples dedicated to female deities. To book your remedies for Sani Peyarchi online, click here

2)Wearing of numeric Sani yantra charged with Sani Manthra 19000 times or of Sani Vedic Yantra charged with rituals and pooja.

3)Feeding of crows , fasting on Saturdays and worship of Anjaneya on Saturdays

4)Donation of Thil oil at Sani temples or Anjaneya temples would also give solace 5)For those of you who are prone to ill health , accidents and mishaps are advised to wear Mrithunjaya yantra and recite Mrithunajya mantra daily 108 times without fail.

To book your remedies for Sani Peyarchi online, click here

Go back to << Part 2 - Predictions for All zodiacs 

Go back to Part 1 : << Go to Part 1 - What is Shani Transit , is it harmful 

Continued from Part 1 : << Go to Part 1 - What is Shani Transit , is it harmful 

Cancer: Winning over opposition and help from partners and spouse would make this transit positive for the cancer natives. Purchase of ready built or used houses and vehicles and vintage cars for collectors would be forthcoming. Disturbance at work place and delay in completing the planned projects could result during the transit period. Propitiation of the Lord Saturn as given at the end of this write up need to be resorted to.

Leo:Saturn is a natural enemy of the lord of this sign and as such is not favorable. However being placed in an upachaya and that too in its exaltation sign the current transit is favourable for the natives. All the natives of this rasi is getting relieved from the dreaded seven and a half Saturn period during the current transit and that itself is a solace .One need to be careful in matters of communication and also in the relationship with the siblings. Unexpected damages for the gadgets and electronic equipments and loss of such devices could happen. Health of children especially the elder one ,need to be taken care of. This transit is auspicious for the natives of Simha rasi and they could have a sigh of relief for another three years.

Virgo: Having undergone the trauma of the Janma sani for the past 2 and a half years the kanya rasi people would have slight relief in all matters. Health would improve for the sick and students would fare better. However there would be drained income and unexpected arguments and strained relations at home and work place. Problems with property and vehicles and ill health for mother or mother like women could manifest during the transit period. One's own health and damaging speech need to be watched and precaution taken to avoid mishaps. Career front also need attention and things might not move on the expected lines. In short Virgo born people still have to wait for 3 more years to get relieved from the wrath of the task master. However Saturn being in exaltation the results would be far better when compared to the rest of the transit of Saturn, through the second house from rasi.

Libra: Theoretically speaking the Libra born people is under the full grip of the 7 and half Saturn or sadesathi. However the Libra born are always favoured by the great judge and righteous master due to their past good deeds. Though Janma sani would bring ill health, laziness, delay in all matters and separation and ill-will with the spouse and partners, the current transit would reduce all these negative factors and would do good for the natives provided the natal Saturn is favourable and the present dasa bhukthi support the native. Un wanted short travels and expenditure , acceleration of chronic ailments, delay in all matters , problems in the health of spouse or mate and also in career front could be the indications . Wherever the aspect of Jupiter pacify the transit Saturn, ie during the first 6 months of trasnit and also for a full year from the middle of 2013 , results would still be better and as such these natives could have a sigh of relief of having the 7and a half Saturn being mild in its journey through the Janma rasi. Regular and systematic worship of lord Saturn and performing of the suggested remedies scrupulously by all the natives of this rasi would mitigate the negative indications to a great extend.

Scorpio: Mounting expenditure because of unexpected and unwanted reasons would drain out the savings or could end up in debt. Natives of this rasi are well advised to have restrained for the wants and not to borrow money for luxuries and also for carnal pleasures. Unless the natal chart shows exemplary financial strength the transit could end up in debt and borrowings. Expenditure for acquiring of House or of residence and also for children and spending for the spiritual extravaganza could lead to borrowings. Ill health and acceleration of chronic ailments could disturb the natives. Since the following 5 year period is also under the strong influence of Saturn these natives are well advised to have proper control over their expenditure .

Sagittarius: Increased income and gains in business, eloquence and favor from elders, success for marketing personnel etc. all are good indications. This is one of the best transit of Saturn for the natives of the Dhanu rasi and they would gain all round during the next 3 years. Help from younger siblings and peers, abundance at home could also manifest. However slight disturbance from children and ill health for the self are the negative indications.

Go to >> Part 3 - Capricon, Aquaris and Pisces & Remedies

Go back to Part 1 : << Go to Part 1 - What is Shani Transit , is it harmful