(10.3.51) Indira Ekadashi / Indira Ekadashi Vrat 2016

When is Indira Ekadashi 

Aashvin Krishna  Ekadashi is known as Indira Ekadashi.

( click here (10.5.1) to know the date of falling Indira Ekadashi and other Ekadashis.)

Indira Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi :-

(For detail click here 10.3.33)

(1) The person who wants to observe Indira Ekadashi fast should get up early in the morning on Dashami Tithi, a day before Ekadashi. He should take a bath and perform his daily routine. He should have a single meal on Dashami Tithi.

(2) On Ekadashi, no meal is taken. (But if the health does not permit, one should take some fruits and milk.) In the night the Vrati should hear the religious discourses or read religious books.

(3) On Dwadashi Tithi, the Vrati should break the Vrat after feeding the Brahmins and giving them some Dan.

Importance of Indira Ekadashi Vrat:- 
Observing the fast on Indira Ekadashi washes away the sins of the Vrati. He comes out of the troubles as a result of this Vrat. Because of this Vrat the dead ancestors of the Vrati also get salvation.
Indira Ekadashi Vrat story - 
King Indarsen was the king of Mahishmatipuri. He ruled his kingdom righteously. He was the devotee of Lord Vishnu. One day while he was sitting in his court, the sage Narad came there.The king Indarsen got up from his seat and received the divine sage Narad with due respect.He worshiped him and gave him a proper seat to sit on. Then the king asked the sage the reason of his coming there. Narad Rishi said,"One day I went to the abode of Yam, the god of death. I saw your father there.He gave me a message for you". His message was ," O, dear son, as a result of the fault in observing the Ekadashi Vrat, I am in the Yamlok. So observe the Indira Ekadashi Vrat and offer its virtue to me so that I may go to heaven."
The sage Narad advised the king to observe the Vrat on Indra Ekadashi to fulfill his father's desire.The king acted upon the Rishi's advice and observed the Vrat on Indira Ekadashi and offered its fruit to his father. As a result of observing this fast, Indrasen's father mounted on Garud, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, and went to Lord Vishnu's abode.
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'astromuhurat.com' wishes you and your family a very happy Indira Ekadashi.

"May this Indira Ekadashi fulfill your wishes and bring you joy, peace and prosperity!"

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Other Posts you will like to read - 

(10.3.31) 26 Ekadashi and their names
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(10.3.33) Importance of Ekadashi and Vrat Vidhi

(14.6.2) Shiva Panchkashar Stotra For getting Shiva's blessings &Peace

'Shiva Panchakshar Stotra  For getting Shiva's blessings,happiness and peace of Mind

Benefits of reciting Shiva Panchakshar Stotra -

1. 'Shiva Panchakshar Stotra' is a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva. This stotra has five letters. The five letters are - ' Na, Mah, Shi, Vaa and Ya '. This stotra was composed by Shri Shankaraachaary.

2. Reciting of this Panchakshar Stotra gives mental peace to the person and fills his mind and body with positive energy.

3. The person who recites this stotra with devotion and faith, attains the Shiva Lok and feels delighted with Lord Shiva.

The stotra is as follows - 

1.  Naagendrahaaraay Trilochanaay,

Bhasmaangaraay Maheshwaraay.

Nityaay Shuddhyaay digambaraay,

Tasmai 'Na' Kaaraay Namah Shivaay.

Meaning - Lord Maheshwar, who is eternal, who has a garland of snakes around his neck, who has three eyes, whose body is covered with ashes, who is Digambar, who is pure and eternal. Salutations to that Shiva, who is similar to and analogized with the letter ' Na '.

2. Mandaakinee salil chandan charchitaay.

Nandeeshwar pramathanaath Maheshwaraay.

Mandaar Pushpa bahu Pushpa supoojitaay,

Tasmai ' Ma ' Kaaraay Namah Shivaay.

Meaning - Lord Maheshwar, who is worshiped with the holy water of the river Mandaakinee and Sandal, who is the Lord of Nandi and the Lord of Pramath Ganas (प्रमथ गण ), who is worshiped with Mandaar flowers and with many kinds of flowers. Salutations to that Shiva who is anologized with the letter - ' Ma '.

3. Shivaaya Gaureevadanaabjavrinda,

Suryaay dakhaadhvaranaashakaaya.

Shree Neel Kanthaay Vrishadhwajaay,

Tasmai ' Shi ' Kaaray Namah Shivaay.

Meaning -Lord Maheshwar, who is benefector, who is like the sun that makes the lotus like face of Gauri ( Parvati ) bloom, who is the destroyer of he yagya ( sacrifice ) of Daksh, who has blue throat ( Neel Kanth ) whose flag has a bull as the emblem on it. Salutations to that Shiva who is similar to and anologized with the letter ' shi '.

4. Vashishtha Kumbahobhdavagautamaarya

Muneendra devaarchit shekharaay.

Chandraarka Vaisvaa narlochanaay,

Tasmai ' Va ' Karaay Namah Shivay.

Meaning - Lord Maheshwar who is worshiped by the sages like Vashishtha, Agastya, Gautam and Indra and other gods. The sun, the moon and the fire are His three eyes. Salutation to that Shiva who is similar to and analogized with the letter ' Va '.

5. Yaksha swaroopaay, Jataa dharaay,

Pinaak hastaay sanaatanaay.

Divyaay devaay digambaraay,

Tasmai ' Ya ' karaay Namah Shivaay.

Meaning - Lord Maheshwar who has adopted the form of a Yaksha, who is Jataadhaaree ( has long and matted hair on his head ), who is holding a Pinaak ( a trident ) in His hand, who is eternal, who is divine primeval Lord, who is Digambar ( who has the entire sky as His garments). Salutation to that Shiva, who is similar to and analogized with the letter ' Ya '.

6. Panchaaksharmidam Punyam yah pathechchhavasannidhou.

Shivalokamavaapnoti Shiven sah Modate.

Meaning - The person who recites this five lettered holy Stotra i.e. Namah Shivaay, near Shiv ling, attains the abode of Lord Shiva and rejoices there with Him ( Lord Shiva ).

Other Posts you will  like to read -

(14.6.1) Shiva Gayatri Mantra ( for getting Lord Shiva's blessings) 

(8.3.6) Dwadash Jyotirling Strtra

(8) Remedy for various problems 

(14) Mantra, Stotra etc. dedicated to different gods and goddesses

(10.2.3) Teja Dashmi 2017 / Teja Fair 2017

Teja fair 20167 Teja Dashmi 2017 

When is Teja Dashmi / Teja Fair in 2017

In he year 2017 Teja Dashmi or Teja Fair is on Thursday, 31.08.2017. 

Imporant things About Tejaji - 

> Bhadrapad Shukla Dashmi is known as Teja Dashmi.
> Tejaji is worshipped as a folk deity in Rajasthan.
> Tejaji was born on Magh Shukla Chaturdashi of the Vikram Samwat 1130.
> The name of his father was Taharhji.
> His mother was Ramkunwari.
> His wife was Pemal.
> Tejaji was a man of courage. The cows of Lachha Gujari were taken away by the Mers.Tejaji fought bravely against the Mers and liberated the cows.
> Tejaji died of snake bite at Sursura near Kishangarh (Aimer).
> In the memory of Tejaji a fair is held at Parbatsar (Nagaur) Bhadrapad Shukla Dashmi.
> Tejaji is worshiped as  the god of snakes.
> It is believed that Tejaji protects the people against snakes.

(10.3.55) Rishi Panchami / Rishi Panchami Vrat 2016

When is Rishi Panchami

Bhadrapas Shukla Panchami is known as Rishi Panchami. 

In the year 2016 Rishi Panchami is on Tuesday, 06.09.2016.

Important things about Rishi Panchami -

(1) Rishi Panchami Parv and Vrat is observed by women to pay respect to the Rishis for their contribution to the society. 

(2) Sapt Rishis are established on a plank (Pata made of wood) and Panchapochar Puja is done. The Arghya is offered to the Rishis with the Mantra - 

Kashyapotrirbhardwajo vishwamitrothgoutam. jamdagnirvasishthshch saptairishay smrita. dhahntu papam me sarvm grihanntvarghym namo nam:

कश्यपोSत्रिर्भरद्वाजो विश्वामित्रोSथ गौतम:। जमदग्निर्वसिष्ठश्च सप्तैते ऋषय: स्मृताः।। दहन्तु पापं में सर्वं गृह्ण गृह्णन्त्वर्घ्यं नमो नमः।।

Then the Vrat is broken. This Vrat is observed for seven years.

(3) The people of Mahashwari community observe this day as Rakshabandhan. Sisters tie Rakhi to their brothers and observe Vrat  for the long life of their brothers. 

(4) On this day Paryushan Parv begins for Digambar Jain community.
Other Posts you will like to read - 
(10.1) Different Festivals 
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(10.3) Different Vrat and Tyohar

(14.3.10) Kusha Grass

Kusha - Sacred Grass ( A kind of grass)

What is Kusha 

Kusha is a kind of grass which is considered sacred and purifying in Hinduism. It is found near the banks of the rivers, ponds,valleys etc.The Pandits or Purohits or Hindu priests collect it on the Amavasya of Bhadrapad month and use it for the different rites and rituals.

Importance or uses of Kusha grass -

* Kusha, the sacred grass, has the power to purify the things which are used in religious activities.

* As Kusha is the purifying grass so the Brahmans and the Hindu priests keep it in their houses so that they may use it while performing rituals.

* During the solar eclipse or lunar eclipse, Kusha grass is put on the eatables with the belief that it keeps away the harmful effects of the eclipse, if any and keep the eatables safe from any kind of contamination.  

* While chanting any Mantra or performing any religious activities, people sit on the mat made of Kusha grass.

* Before starting any religious activity, people wear the ring made of Kusha grass on their right ring finger.

Other Posts you will like to read - 

(10.3.54) Kushotpatani Amavasya

(10.3.54) Kushotpatani Amavasya 2016

Kushotpatani Amavasya / Kush Grahani Amavasya /Saatiyan Kee Amavasya 

When is Kushotpatani Amavasya 
Bhadrapad Krishna Amavasya is known as Kushotpatani Amavasya. The other names for this Amavasya are Kush Grahani Amavasya and Saatiyan Kee Amavasya.
In the tear 2016 Kushopatni Amavasya is on Thursday, 01.09.2016.
Importance of Kushotpatni Amavasya -
On this Amavasya the Purohits or the Brahmans or Pujaris collect the Kusha grass for the rites and rituals for the whole year. Kusha Grass is considered holy grass and it is believed that it has the power to purify the things which are used in religious activities of the Hindus.This grass is found at the banks the rivers or ponds or valleys. They go to the place where it is found an uproot it with their right hand. While uprooting the Kusha Grass they keep their face towards north or east and chant the following Mantra -
"Viranchinaa Sahotpanna Parmeshthinnisargaj. Nud Sarvaani Paapaani Darabh Swastikaro Bhava Hum Fat."
" विरञ्चिना सहोत्पन्न परमेष्ठिन्निसर्गज। नुद सर्वाणि पापानि दर्भ स्वस्तिकरो भव।। हुँ फ़ट।" 
Other Posts you will like to read - 
(14.3.10) Kusha Grass
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(10.3.36) Shani Amavasya
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(10.3.35)  Somwati Amavasya
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(6.4.5) Bhaumavati Amavasya
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(10.3.37) Hariyali Amavasya 
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(10.3.22) Maghi Amavasya 
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(10.3.54) Kushotpatani Amavasya
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(10.5.7) Amavasya dates in the current year 

(10.3.53) Ub Chhat Vrat and Festival 2016 / Oob Chhat 2016

Ub Chhat Vrat and Festival / Oob Chhat Vrat and Festival 2016 ऊब छट 

When is Ub Chhat ? When is Oob Chhat

Bhadrapad Krishna Shashthi is known as Ub Chhat or Oob chhat .

In the year 2016 Ub Chhat is on Tuesday, 23.08.2016.

Important things about Ub Chhat/ Oob Chhat  - 

(1) In Rajasthan this festival is observed with joy and faith. 

(2) The Vrat on Ub Chhat is observed by married  women as well as unmarried girls.
(3) Married women observe this Vrat for the longevity of their husbands and the unmarried girls observe this Vrat to get a good husband.
(4) They take a bath in the evening and after bath the keep on standing till the moon rises.
(5) When the moon rises , they offer Arghya to the moon  and then they break fast.

(10.2.2) Goga Navami / Gogamedi Fair 2016

Gogamed Mela / Gogamedi Fair / Goga Navami / Who is Gogaji / Fair at Gogamedi 

When is Goga Navami / When is Gogamedi Fair
Bhadrapad Krishna Navami is known as Goga Navami..
In the year 2016 Goga Navami is on Friday, 26.08.2016.
Importance of GogaNavami 
Goga Navami is dedicated to folk god Goga ji. It is believed that worshipping of Goga ji protects the person against snake biting. It also reduces the deadly effect of the snake poison if the person is bitten by a snake.
Who was Goga Ji 
Goga ji was born in Chouhan Rajput dynasty. His father was Sanwar and his mother was Bachhal. He was born at Dadreva village in Churu district in Rajasthan. He was the pupil of Guru Gorakhnath. His Samadhi is at Gogamedi in Hanumangarh distrist in Rajasthan.
Gogaji, the god of snakes, is also known as Gogaji Chouhan, Gugga, Johar Peer etc. In the temple of Gogaji at Gogamedi, there are Hindu Pujari as well as Muslim Pujari. The Muslim Pujari worships
Gogaji for eleventh and the Hindu Pujari worships for one month in a year. This practice is an example of communal harmony.
Fair at Gogamedi - 
A fair is held in the honour of Gogaji at the village of Gogamedi in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. This fair is held on Bhadrapad Krishna Navami every year. This fair is dedicated to folk god Gogaji. People of all castes and religion from Haryana,Punjab. Madhya Pradesh, Gujraat and Uttar Pradesh come to visit this place to worship and pay their honor to Gogaji,the god of snakes.

(10.3.52) Chandra Shashti / Chandan Shashti 2016

Chandra Shashti Vrat / Chandan Shashti Vrat /चंद्र षष्ठी / चन्दन षष्ठी 

When is Chandra Shashti or Chandan Shashti -
Bhadrapad Krishna Shashti is known as Chandra Shashti or Chandan Shashti.
In the year 2016 Chandra Shashti is on Tuesday, 23.08.2016.
Important things about Chandra Shashti - 
(1) The Vrat on Chandra Shashti is observed by married women as well as unmarried girls.
(2) Married women observe this Vrat for the longevity of their husbands and the unmarried girls observe this Vrat to get a good husband.
(3) They take a bath in the evening and after bath the keep on standing till the moon rises.
(4) When the moon rises , they offer Arghya to the moon  and then they break fast.
(5) For this Vrat of Chandra Shashti, Chandrovyapini Shashti ( the Shashti which prevails at the time of the rising of the moon ) is taken.

(10.4.5) Hal Shashti / Balram Jayanti / Halshashti Pooja/Vrat 2016

When is Halshasti / Balram Jayanti / Har Chhat हर छट 
Bhadrapad Krishna Shashtami is known as Halshashti or Baldev Jayanti. At some places this  Shashti is also known as Lalai Chhat. This Chhat is also known as Har Chhat.
In the year 2016 Halshashti is on Tuesday,23.08 2016.
Important things about Halshashti -
(1) The festival of Hakshashti is celebrated as the birthday of Balramji, the elder brother of Lord shri Krishna.
(2) The women who have son(s), observe the Vrat on Halshasti for the good health of their son(s).
(3) The women who observe Vrat on Halshashti do not use the milk of cows that day.
(4) The Vrati women consume the milk of buffalo that day.
The Process of the Vrat and the puja -
After taking a bath , women who observe this Vrat , wear clean clothes and arrange for some cow dung. Then they paste the floor with the cow dung and dig a pit. In this pit they erect the twigs of Jharberi and Palash which is known as HarChhat which is the symble of plough , the weapon of Balram. Then they worship this Harchhat. After the worship they tell and listen to the stories associated with this Vrat.