VAIKUNTA EKADASHI

As per Hindu calendar Ekadashi is a Thithi that falls on the 11th day of both Sukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha in a lunar month. That means in a month we get two Ekadashi days. Ekadashi day has attained lot of prominence in Hindu religion as it is the most sacred, celestial and spiritual day for worshiping Sri Maha Vishnu. He is Padmanabha (11th name as per 24 Kesava Namas) meaning the one with a lotus navel. He is Maha Vishnu resting on the great serpent Adishesha. He is Anantha Padmanabha. He is the Supreme God, Para Brahma who has created this Universe including Lord Brahma. Vaikunta is the sacred abode and sanctum sanctorum where Lord Maha Vishnu resides. It is the ultimate place to enter and rest for all the souls.

As per Padma Purana Ekadashi is depicted as the female energy of Maha Vishnu who in the form of a damsel kills the demon Mura and protects the Indradi Devathas on this day. Pleased by the act of his Female energy He names her as Ekadasi. He also gave her a boon that whoever worship Ekadashi and observes fasting they would reach Vaikunta (His abode) and his doors will be open for such people. From time immemorial it is the Northern Gate known as Paramapada or Vaikunta Dwara is kept open for a single day and that day is known as Vaikunta Ekadashi Day.

Ekadashi that is falling on Sukla Paksha (waxing Moon) of the lunar Month Pushya coinciding with the Dhanur Maasa has attained lot of significance and is called as Vaikunta Ekadashi and is considered to be most auspicious. It is also the first Ekadashi before the onset of Uttarayana. It is also called as Mukkoti Ekadashi, or Mokshada Ekadashi. Relevant scripts are available in Padma Purana and Brahmanda Purana.

Mukkoti Ekadashi

Significance of Uttara Dwara Darshana

On this day 33 crores of devathas (Muppattu Mukkoti) will have darshana of Maha Vishnu. There is also another spiritual and yogic significance for the meaning of Mukkoti Ekadashi. Like we have geographical directions (North, South, East, & West) to the world, we also have similar directions to our body. North is towards our Head, South is towards our Feet, Front portion is East and back portion is West. We have on the top of the head (skull) a hole called Brahma Randhra (door) that is towards the Northern Direction which is not visible. Since it is on the northern direction it is called Northern door of the human body.

It is said that one should visualize the image of Sriman Narayana through the route of Ida, Pingala Naadi (left and right nostril) concentrated at the centre of the eyebrows called Sushumna Naadi (Gnana Nethra) and take it further upwards to the centre of the head where we have Brahma Randhra and have darshana of the Sriman Narayana through the door that gets opened. This is how one should have darshana of Sriman Narayana in daily prayers (dhyana) or whenever visits a temple. Since it is through the route of confluence of three naadis (Ida, Pingala and Sushumna) taken further northwards it is called Mukkoti and Northern Entrance darshana.

On this most auspicious day of Mukkoti Ekadashi one should have darshana of the Lord in this form and to give a meaning to this concept probably all the temples provide darshana of the Lord on this day through the Northern entrance.

There are 14 lokas in this Universe seven above the earth and seven below the earth. Seven above the Earth are called Uurdhwa Lokas in the Northern direction and Vaikunta is in the Northern direction. Darshana of the lord of Vaikunta Sri Maha Vishnu on this day which is very nearer to the Uttarayana the most auspicious time also catches significance for Uttara dwara darshana.

Mokshada Ekadasi: While fasting and worshiping on any Ekadashi day is very celestial, sacred and spiritual, fasting and worshiping on Vaikunta Ekadashi is still more meritorious and is also Mokshadayaka. It is a boon of Maha Vishnu on this day.

What can be done on this day?

Worshiping Sri Maha Vishnu during the early hours between 4-6 am during Arunodaya. Since Ekadashi is the female energy of Lord it is auspicious and sacred to worship Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi also on this day.

Why between 4-6 am: Because this is Dhanur Maasa and time before Sunrise is the most auspicious time to worship the God.

Fasting: It is said that fasting on Vaikunta Ekadashi day is equivalent to fasting on the remaining Ekadashi days of the Hindu year. Persons who are capable of may undertake total fasting, while others may resort to partial fasting by taking fruits or milk. Please avoid taking rice on this day as it is a curse that the demon dwells in rice on this day.


Prayer & Paarayana

Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Ashtothara, Purusha Sooktha, Vishnu Sooktha, Narayana Upanishad, Sree Sooktha, Lakshmi Ashtothhara can be recited on this day. Those who cannot read them can chant at least, Om! Namo! Narayanaya, Om! Namo! Bhagavathe Vasudevaya as many number of times as possible

It is said that “na Gaayathraya para manthra, na Mathru para dhaivatham, na Kaasya param theertham, na Ekadasya samam vratham”

That means there is no Manthra that is superior to Gaayathri Manthra, there is no dhaiva superior to Mother, there is no celestial and sacred Theertha better than Kaasi, and there is no vratha that is more sacred than Ekadashi vratha. Hence, so much of significance for Ekadashi and it is related to Maha Vishnu.

Special festivals are celebrated on this occasion in all the temples especially at Tirumala which is called Bhooloka Vaikunta. Lord Sri Maha Vishnu stays in Ananda Nilaya at Tirumala by name Srinivasa during this Kaliyuga. Hence, lot of significance for this festival at Tirumala Hills.

GURU PURNIMA- A day in reverence of 'Guru'

The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashada (July-August) is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Purnima, a day sacred to the memory of the great sage Vyasa. All Hindus are indebted to this ancient saint who edited the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavata. Vyasa even taught Dattatreya, who is regarded as the Guru of Gurus.

On this day, all spiritual aspirants and devotees worship Vyasa in honor of his divine personage and all disciples perform a 'puja' of their respective spiritual preceptor or 'Gurudevas'.

This day is of deep significance to the farmers, for it heralds the setting in of the much-needed rains, as the advent of cool showers usher in fresh life in the fields. It is a good time to begin your spiritual lessons. Traditionally, spiritual seekers commence to intensify their spiritual 'sadhana' from this day.

The period 'Chaturmaasa' ("four months") begins from this day. In the past, wandering spiritual masters and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discourse on the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic discussions.

Kabir wrote, "Guru is a washer-man, his disciple a cloth, soap the
creator, washed on the stone of knowledge, this gives out utmost light
brightness." This couplet of Kabir throws light on the relation of a guru
(master) to a disciple; Who washes away the dirt (bad element) in the mind of
the disciple and thus makes him clean, pure and pious. He expects from almighty
that by his blessings, he should enlighten his inner conscience.


Guru in Hinduism

The word guru means teacher in Sanskrit and other Sanskrit-derived languages
like Hindi, Bengali and Gujarati. It originated in a Hindu context and holds a
special place in Hinduism, signifying the sacred place of knowledge (vidya) and
the imparter of knowledge. The word comes from the sanskrit root "gru" literally
meaning heavy, weighty. Another etymology claimed in Hindu scriptures is that of
dispeller of darkness (wherein darkness is seen as Avidya lack of knowledge both
spiritual and intellectual), 'gu' meaning darkness, and 'ru' meaning
dispeller.

DAKSHINAYANA PARVA KALA (KARKATAKA SANKRAMANA)

Hindu calendar is broadly divided into two periods (Ayanas) of six months each comprising of six seasons (Ruthus) of two months each and twelve lunar/solar months of 30 days each (Maasas). The two broad periods around which all the spiritual and religious activities in Hindu philosophy rotate are referred to as Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. Sun is the focal point for all these activities and the movement or transit of Sun around the zodiac forms the basis for deciding a particular season or a month.

We have 12 houses in the zodiac (360 degrees) starting from Aries and ending with Pisces with each house comprising of 30 degrees. Sun moves one degree in a day of 24 hours and accordingly it takes 30 days for the Sun to move from one zodiac house to the other during which time we have 30 sittings and 30 settings of Sun. Movement of Sun from one zodiac house to the other is called as transit (Sankramana) of Sun and is denoted by the name of that particular zodiac house. Suppose, if it is Aries it is called as Mesha Sankramana, if it is Makara it is called as Makara Sankramana and if it is Karkataka it is called as Karkataka Sankramana so on and so forth.


What is Dakshinayana? And its significance

Broadly, Uttarayana or Dakshinayana comprising of six months each is the time taken by the Sun to travel from one house to the other during these periods. Starting from Makara (Capricorn) up to Mithuna (Gemini), the travel of Sun is called as Uttarayana and starting from Karkataka (Cancer) up to Dhanus (Sagittarius) it is known as Dakshinayana. We all know that Dakshina means South direction and Aayana means travel or movement. So accordingly the movement of Sun in the Southern direction is called as Dakshinayana. The time when the Sun leaves Mithuna Raasi (Gemini) and enters Karkataka Raasi (Cancer) is called as Karkataka Sankramana or Karkataka Sankranthi when the period of Uttarayana ends and Dakshinayana begins.

San means to come together and Kranthi means radical change. That means plenty of radical changes start taking place in the nature from this time onwards based on which the human activity depends. For example in case of Karkataka Sankramana that also marks the beginning of Dakshinayana coincides with the monsoon (rainy season) which is also a sowing season for crops when agricultural activities get activated. Similarly it also coincides with the winter season.

Spiritually the most auspicious period for performing austerities and rituals called Chaturmaasa (Sravana to Karthika Masam) falls during the period of Dakshinayana.

These four months are said to be very dear and pleasing to Lord Sri Maha Vishnu when He enters into Yoga Nidra (Divine slumber) on Aashada Sukla Ekadasi day called Deva Sayani or Hari Sayani Ekadasi. He gets up from Yoga Nidra on Kartheeka Sukla Dwadasi day called Uttana Dwadasi. Thus, when the Lord SriManNarayana is in yoga-nidra it is befitting to set aside mundane activities and participate in special religious pursuits.

Majority of the major Hindu festivals like Naga Chaturthi, Vara Maha Lakshmi Vratha, Upakarma (Sravana Pournima), Sri Krishnashtami, Sri Ganesha Chaturthi Rishi Panchami, Sri Anantha Chaturdasi, SharanNavarathri (Devi Navarathri), Vijayadasami, Deepavali occurs during Dakshinayana.

The period of Dakshinayana also coincides with Pitru Paksha the sacred time to perform sacred rites to the forefathers. It is believed and said that Uttarayana represents Devathas and Dakshinayana represents Pithrus. It is also said that Uttarayana is the day time and Dakshinayana is the night time for devathas. Dakshinayana is also called as Pitrayana. It is said and believed that Pitrus descend on Earth during the period of Dakshinayana awaiting their off-springs to perform sacred rites enabling them to attain better placement in the other worlds. Hence, lot of significance is given during this period for performing Pitru related activities.

However, generally we observe major festivals taking place during Dakshinayana. That means to say that Dakshinayana is sacred for both the Devathas as well as Pitrus.

During the period of Dakshinayana night will be longer than the day and power of Sun gradually decreases as he moves from Karkataka to Dhanus. When Sun transits into Libra he becomes debilitated. Astrologically, Libra is the house of debilitation for Sun.


What is to be done on the day of Dakshinayana?

Generally during any parva kala sacred bath, prayer, japa, charity, and tarpana to forefathers are prescribed.

Tharpana should be given to all the fore fathers (by those who have lost their parents) with black sesame seeds (thila) during parva kala. If it is coinciding with Ekadasi thithi tarpana should not be performed.

One should desist from sensual pleasures. Take only sattvika (vegetarian) food.

Charity can be given to the deserving in the form of Anna Dana (food charity), Thila Dana, and Vasthra Dana.

Worshiping Sri Vishnu, Sri Krishna, Sun God, and reciting Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothra, Purusha Sooktha, Aaditya Hridayam on this day is preferred.

Transit of Sun is not considered as auspicious as there will be certain disturbances in the organization of solar forces and generally such times are not recommended for any good work. On the contrary they are held to be auspicious for meditation, initiation into secret mantras and performance of certain religious rites which are held to purify both the body and soul.

Sun transit takes place every month but all transits are not considered as sacred ones. It is only when the transit coincides with the confluence or sandhi of two periods’ viz. Uttarayana and Dakshinayana it is known as Parva Kala and accordingly that particular moment becomes very sacred and celestial for performing certain austerities.

UTTARAYANA PARVA KALA (MAKARA SANKRAMANA)

One year of Hindu calendar consists of two Ayanas that signifies the direction of the Sun. It is broadly divided into two periods (Ayanas) of six months each. The two broad periods are referred to as Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. All the spiritual and religious activities in Hindu philosophy take place during these two Sun centric periods. Sun is the focal point and the movement or transit of Sun around the zodiac forms the basis for deciding a particular season or a month. Starting from Makara Raasi (Capricorn) to Mithuna Raasi (Gemini) travel of the Sun is known as Uttarayana (Northward journey). Similarly, travel of the Sun from Karkataka (Cancer) to Dhanus (Sagittarius) is called as Dakshinayana (Southward journey).

Uttarayana is a confluence of two words, UTTARA+ AYANA. Uttara means North and Aayana mean travel. Uttarayana means travel of Sun towards North. Zodiacally when Sun enters into Makara Raasi, Uttarayana starts and this moment is called Uttarayana Punya Kala (Parvakala) which is considered as holy and celestial. As per the scripts it is said that when Sun during his transit in Makara Raasi comes opposite to Sravana star the doors of Vaikuntam gets opened (Moksha Dwara)


What is a Parvakala (Punyakala)

The Vedic meaning of Parva is said to be a Knot, a Confluence, and a Celebration. Based on the meanings, the time of confluence of two periods is called as Parvakala. This we observe during Yuga Sandhi (ending of one Yuga and beginning of another Yuga). It is said that Sri Krishna’s Avatara had taken place in the Yuga Sandhi of Dwapara and Kali Yuga. This Sandhi period is said to be very celestial, holy and sacred since the Supreme God himself was present on the Earth. This sandhi period will have features of Krita Yuga (Where Dharma will prevail on four legs). Similarly the time of confluence (Sandhi) of two seasons Dakshinayana and Uttarayana is considered to be very holy, auspicious and celestial and is called as Parva Kala.


Significance of Uttarayana Parva Kala

It is said that Uttarayana represents Devathas and Dakshinayana represents Pithrus, and the significance is to seek the blessings of both at this transit time. Uttarayana is said to be the day time for Devathas.

In this Universe it is said that Vaikunta, the abode of Supreme Sri Maha Vishnu is in the Northern direction (Uttara) and the time of movement of Sun in the direction of Vaikunta is said to be very holy, celestial and sacred. This is coinciding with the last day of the Dhanur Maasa, most sacred and celestial period to worship Sriman Narayana. Vaikunta Ekadasi falls in Dhanur Masa only. The gate to Vaikunta (Swarga Dwara) is believed to open on the day of Makara Sankranthi. It is believed and said that, those who die during the six months period of Uttarayana will attain salvation.

During the days of Mahabharatha, Bheeshma Pitamaha waited on his death bed for the onset of this celestial period (Uttarayana).

Sun is the most visible personification of the Sriman Narayana on Earth and is called Prathyaksha Dhaiva. Purusha Sooktha says that Sun is represented as eyes of the Supreme Sriman Narayana (Chaksho! Suryo Ajayatha!). Sun directs our vision towards the pure, holy, sacred, divine and to dedicate our activities for a higher cause following the northward path. During this period of Uttarayana, Sun’s power gradually increases and the day will be longer than the night.


What is to be done on this day?

Generally during any Parva Kala one has to take sacred bath, perform prayer, Japa, penace, and give Charity/Dana (donation). Those who have lost their parents should also give Tharpana to their forefathers. This day one should desist from sensual pleasures, should not apply oil to the body/head, and should take only vegetarian food.

Shat Thila karma: It is said that on this day one should use Thila (Sesame) seeds in six ways viz…Thila Snana, Thila Deepa, Thila Homa, Thila tarpana, Thila Dana and Thila Bhakshana.

Worshipping Sriman Narayana and Surya Narayana is highly meritorious during this time. Parayana of Vishnu Sahasranama sthothra, Aaditya Hridaya, Purusha Sooktha, Sri Rama Raksha Sthothra and Gayathri Japa, are useful prayers suggested at this time.

Thila Dana: Donating Thila seeds on this day with dakshina is considered as very sacred and meritorious

Vasthra Dana: As per Maasa dharma being Pushya Maasa donating clothes to a Brahmin is sacred and meritorious.

Kushmanda Dana: Donating of Pumpkin on this day is also meritorious.


Calendar date of Makara Sankranthi (Uttarayana)

Invariably Makara Sankranthi falls on 14th day of January in any year. Sometimes due to the following of lunar calendar (Thithi bhedha), Adhika Maasa, it also occurs on 15th January. Research in Astronomy found that, 1500 years back Makara Sankranthi used to fall on 22nd December. This is said to be due to a concept called Precession or Ayanachalan that makes the seasons slide backwards with respect to the stars at the rate of one Indian star in about 950 years. Hence, the change in the calendar date and it is said that January 14th no longer represents the beginning of Uttarayana.

EKADASHI VRATHA

According to Hinduism, the eleventh day after the full and new moon is called Ekadashi.

There are two per month, one each in the Sukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha of the month.

Ekadashi is known as a sacred day. It is believed that loads of negative karmic reactions are removed if fasting, prayer and meditation is observed on this day. However, Ekadashi is an individual expression, one that is best approached with sound sense and an understanding of our personal capabilities.

Choosing to refrain from food is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline, tapas, that burns up habits of addictive behavior. If we are not sure about going without food or it is not an appropriate day for fasting (perhaps we need to be too active to go without food), we could use the day mindfully, to tune into awareness of a habit that we might wish to alter; -

To refrain from watching television

Choose not to use electricity

Choose not to speak or try not speaking excessively,

Perhaps switch off your phone or Refrain from texting

These are traditional days of spiritual quietude when we could choose to be mindful and seek to engage in peaceful pursuits, where possible refraining from strenuous work. Nurturing activities include meditation, reading soul-stirring literature, walking in nature, or enjoying the company of mindful friends.


Fasting: -

On normal Ekadashi, fast from beans, grains and cereals

On Nirjala Ekadashi: total fasting including fasting from water. (Though complete fasting from food and water on every Ekadashi is highly recommended)
Ekadashi fasting combined with yoga, leaves us feeling vibrant and healthy, not fatigued. Physically, fasting detoxifies the body, gives the digestive system a “rest”, and allows us an opportunity to set aside a day of healing and peacefulness during our otherwise busy lives.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, especially if one is fasting entirely, or even just taking water, the stools absorb the toxins in the body when fasting. So on the day the fast is broken it is a good idea to take a gentle laxative consisting of 50-50 warm milk and water, with some rock candy to sweeten it. Generally 4-5 cups are drunk (up to 7) and within half an hour to an hour one will expel the faeces.

Alternatively before fasting one can practice one of the Shatkarmas Laghoo shankaprakshalana, intestinal cleansing with warm salty water combined with exercises that wash into every pocket of the intestines, which gently clears out the whole digestive system, leaving the body feeling bright and wholesome; then, fasting is very easy indeed.

Nirjala Ekadashi: -

In all, 24 Ekadashi fasts are observed in a year, but there are some Ekadashi that are relatively of greater significance. Nirjala Ekadashi, observed on the Ekadashi day (11th day) of the bright fortnight of Jyaishtha (May-June) is one of these. Not only do people refrain from eating food on this day, but also water. In India the month of Jyaishtha is very hot and the days are long, and so observing fast, without even taking a drop of water from dawn to dusk means a great act of piety and austerity. Ekadashi vow and vigil enhances mental equipoise, tolerance and spiritual powers.

Being near to Paramatma: - The Sanskrit word for fast is ' upa-vaas ', which means staying close to Paramatma. The original concept of fasting entailed a deviation from the normal lifestyle and devoting one day to introspection. The fasting person was supposed to distance himself from the trivia of day-to-day life and think only about God. As any worldly pleasure would distract him from this purpose, he was supposed to follow a simple routine. Hence, rich food was avoided and a simple diet was taken to sustain the body. The intention was neither to starve the body nor to indulge it.


Mantras can be used to help keep the mind’s attention on inner goodness in whatever way you sense it. During Ekadashi you might try chanting this powerful Vishnu mantra:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya

Or chant with meditative attention on different areas of the body: -

Lotus Feet:

Om Damodaraya Namah


Thighs:

Om Madhavaya Namah


Private Parts:

Om Kamapataye Namah


Hips:

Om Vamanaya Namah


Navel:

Om Padmanabhaya Namah


Stomach:

Om Vishvamutaye Namah


Heart:

Om Jnanagamyaya Namah


Throat:

Om Srikanthaya Namah


Arms:

Om Sahasrabahave Namah


Lotus Eyes:

Om Paramayogine Namah


Forehead:

Om Urugayai Namah


Nose:

Om Narakeshvaraya Namah


Hair:

Om Sarvakamadaya Namah


Head:

Om Sahasrashirshaya Namah


The Vishnu Purana and the Markandeya Purana gives detailed description of the benefits resulting from the observance of Ekadashi vrata.

DHANUR MAASA - Sun transit to Saggitarius

Dhanur Maasa is not an independent month like the months of Chaitra etc. The start of the Dhanur Maasa is marked by the entry of the Sun in the Dhanur Raasi (Saggitarius) called the Dhanuh Sankramana; hence the name Dhanur Maasa for this month. During this month, the sun transits the Dhanur Raasi until it enters the Makara Rashi at the end of this month.

Dhanur Maasa is also known by the names Chapa Maasa, Kodanda Maasa, Karmuka Maasa etc. Chapa, Kodanda, Karmuka etc., in Sanskrit are synonyms of Dhanus; meaning a bow.

Dhanur Maasa starts with Margashirsha Shukla Ekadasi (the eleventh day in the bright half of the lunar month of Margashira) and extends up to the end of Dakshinayana. More appropriately, the start of the Dhanur Masa is marked by the entry of the Sun in the Dhanur Raasi (Saggitarius); this is called Dhanuh Sankramana.; hence the name Dhanur Maasa for this month. During this month, the sun transits the Dhanur Raasi and enters the Makara Raashi at the end of this month. So, the period extending between Dhanus Sankramana and Makara Sankramana is the auspicious Dhanur Maasa Period.

Our scriptures have set apart this month to be completely focused on devotional activities. Other non-devotional social activities (such as weddings) are prohibited during this month so that attention can be given exclusively to the worship of God without any diversions.

According to tradition, the Gods wake up early in the morning during the month of Dhanur Maasa. They perform special prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu during the auspicious period of “Brahmi Muhurta,” which is one and half hours before sunrise. During this month, devotees offer prayers to the Lord very early in the morning. The month of Dhanur Masa is considered a very special month for performing Pooja of Vishnu.


Importance of Dhanur Maasa

The importance of this Maasa is mentioned in the Dhanur Maasa Mahatmya of Pancharatragama, Agni Purana and also in a work called Smruti Muktavali.

In Pancharatragama, the Mahatmya of Dhanur Maasa is presented in 4 chapters, as conversation between Hamasa form of Supreme Lord and four-faced Brahma. The dialogue between Hamasa and Brahma is narrated by Sage Suta in response to a query by Shaunaka.

In the first chapter, Sage Suta hails the greatness of the Month of Chapa (Dhanus) and gives the fruits one would be blessed with by following the prescribed austerities in this holy month.

In the second chapter, the Hamsa – Brahma Samvada is given where Brahma asks Lord Hamsa to tell him the importance and greatness of Dhanur Maasa. The greatness of the Dhanur Maasa is brought out by the story of the King Satyasandha.

In the third chapter, giving alms during this auspicious period is hailed. The devotee is instructed to do pious deeds as per his capacity. Otherwise, he is warned of dire consequences.

In the fourth and final chapter, different ways of feeding Brahmins are discussed. Arranging for the meals of a Brahmin who cooks for himself is lauded as the best way. The importance of this is brought out by a small anecdote of the Pandavas.


Dhanur Maasa – rituals

During the entire month of Dhanur Maasa, special worship of the Lord should be conducted early in the day during the auspicious “Brahmi Muhurta”. The morning worship should be necessarily completed before sunrise, while the stars are still twinkling.

The morning worship is graded into three types depending on the time when it is conducted.

The worship which is conducted during Arunodaya time is said to be of highest quality.

The worship which is performed when the stars disappear is of medium quality.

The worship which is performed after sunrise is of lower quality.

The worship conducted during afternoon is said to be fruitless.


Dhanur Maasa – chantings

Chantings addressed to Vishnu such as Vishnu Sahasranama are specially recited during this period. Along with Vishnu, the worship of Sri Maha Lakshmi is also performed reciting the Bhadra Lakshmi stotra.


Dhanur Maasa – offerings

Special Mudganna (Moong Dal Rice) is offered to Lord Vishnu after worshipping him early in the morning.

The Pancharatra Agama gives three alternatives for preparing the Mudganna as follows

If rice and Moong Dal are in 1:1 ratio then the Mudganna is said to be of the highest quality and brings forth highest merits.

If rice and Moong Dal are in 2:1 ratio then the Mudganna is said to be of average quality and brings forth average merits.

If rice and Moon Dal are in 4:1 ration then the Mudganna is said to be of poor quality and brings forth poor merits


Dhanur Maasa - para kruti

It is said that Goddess Shashi, the consort of Lord Indra, performed special worship by offering Mudganna during this auspicious period and regained the riches.


Dhanur Maasa - phala shruti

Worshipping Vishnu on a single day during this auspicious period is equal to worshipping Vishnu with devotion for 1000 years. Every single step taken towards the nearby lake, river etc for morning dip during this month brings forth merit equal to performing an Ashvamedha Yaga.

KSHAYA MAASA - month skipped

In the process of synchronization between Lunar and Solar calendars there is also a possibility of adding more months over a longer period of time. Under this concept it is said that for 1920 solar months, 60 Adhika Maasas will be added when 59 would be adequate. Hence, in order to bring in further refinement and to suppress this excess in Adhika Maasas our ancient seers have also devised a concept wherein one month is reduced or dropped in the Lunar Calendar by ignoring the count of Lunar month at appropriate intervals. This concept of reduction or dropping of a Lunar month is known as Kshaya Maasa where, in such an eventuality there will be no new Moon (Amavasya) in a particular solar month. Sun’s stay in a particular Raasi or sign will be less than the duration of a Lunar month and it results in two Sankramanas or Solar transits taking place in a particular lunar month. It is said that Kshaya Maasa occurs generally once in 141 years and again after 19 years. It doesn’t occur at short intervals of time. Generally Kshaya Maasa occurs in one of the Lunar months of Kartika, Margasira and Pushya Maasa. In the year when Kshaya Maasa occurs there will be two Adhika Maasas, one before and the other after the Kshaya Maasa.

In simple terms an Adhika Maasa occurs when there are two New Moons in a Solar Month and there will be no Sun’s transit or Sankramana in that Lunar month. In such a situation we find Sun transit or Sankramana happening just before and just after the Adhika Maasa. In other words a Lunar month with no Sun transit or Sankramana is referred to as Adhika Maasa or Mala Maasa. Generally, Adhika Maasa occurs in the period from Chaithra to Aaswayuja the first seven months of the Hindu Lunar Calendar.

ADHIKA MAASA- Excess month

What is Adhika Maasa?

Literally Adhika means additional, extra and Maasa means a month. Adhika Maasa means an extra month. We would have observed that in Western Calendar there is a concept called Leap Year which occurs once in every four years when we find an extra day is added to the month of February and the calendar year will have 366 days instead of regular 365 days. Something similar to that, we find in Hindu Almanac where, a time compensation of one month is made to adjust the time movement and to make necessary corrections to the calendars we follow. This is something in vogue and followed in Hindu religion since time immemorial initiated by our ancient seers with their vision and forethought.

Generally we find only one new moon (Amavasya) and one full moon (Pournami) in a Luni - Solar month. If in any solar month two new moons occur, which normally does not, then both the Lunar months will have to be reckoned. When there are two new moons one at the commencement and other at the end of a solar month then two lunar months would be originating in the same solar month. Then both the Lunar months will have to bear the same name as of the solar month. Then the Lunar month that begins from the first new moon is deemed as an extra month. This is called Adhika Maasa or Mala maasa. The Lunar month beginning from the second New Moon is called as the real or pure and is referred to as Nija Maasa or Suddha Maasa with both the months bearing the same name. In short an Adhika Maasa is a Lunar month during which there is no Surya Sankramana or solar transit. Therefore, when Adhika Maasa occurs, Sun’s stay in a particular sign or Raasi will be longer than the duration of that Lunar month.

Sun and Moon are called Luminaries which are visible in our day to day life. Their phases viz… Full Moon (Pournami) and New Moon (Amavasya) helped our ancient seers to establish a suitable time division of Lunar Month on which our religious calendar (Almanac) is based. Lunar month commonly observed in our Lunar Calendar is known as Amaanta starting from the end moment of New Moon (Amavasya) to the end moment of the next New Moon. A Lunar month is a period starting from Sukla Prathama (Paadyami) and ending with Krishna (Bahula) Amavasya. Similarly another noticeable feature was the occurrence and recurrence of seasons known as Ruthus. These phenomena made our seers to notice the obvious movement of the Luminaries on a clear cut path known as zodiac that is divided into twelve signs or Raasis. Movement of Sun from one sign to the other in the zodiac is reckoned as Sankranthi or Sankramana. The period between two Sankrantis (transit of Sun from one sign or Raasi to the other) is taken as Soura or a Solar month. One complete cycle of Sun around the zodiac starting from Aries and ending with Pisces is known as a Solar year. Since Vedic times our ancient seers are perhaps the pioneers to combine successfully the solar calendar into the lunar one and take it as a Luni – solar calendar so that it can be used for both religious/spiritual and social purposes.

Technicalities of Adhika Maasa

It was found by our ancient seers that a Lunar month will have duration of 29 days 12 hours and 44 minutes that add up to 354 days and 9 hours in a year, falling short of the solar year of 365 days by about 11 days (approx). Accumulation of this difference of more than 30 days in a span of three years results in sliding of a Lunar month in relation to solar calendar. Such progressive recession of Lunar months leads to disparity in the celebration of festivals and the seasons they occur which are dependent on Solar Calendar.

Therefore in order to synchronize the Lunar months with Luni-Solar calendar and to keep in pace with the seasons our ancient seers have formulated a concept or technique of restraining Lunar months and devised an intercalary month for the Lunar Calendar. Thus, as and when there is an accumulation of recession by about 30 days, a Lunar month is added to the year. This extra month known as Adhika Masa occurs at regular intervals of 32 or 33 solar months to maintain the balance between Solar and Lunar Calendars. Thus it can be seen that an intercalary month (Adhika Masa) occurs once in two/three years in the normal course.


Significance of Adhika Maasa

Having understood the concept and technicalities of Adhika Maasa let us try to understand what Adhika Maasa signifies in a religious and spiritual way. Lot of solemnity is attached to the Adhika Maasa in Hindu religion and spirituality. Adhika is a Sanskrit word, that also means the best, the greatest, powerful, and extraordinary. It is measured more glorious than all other months in terms of its merits.

Sri Maha Vishnu is considered as the presiding deity of Adhika Maasa in the name Purushottama. Hence,

Adhika Maasa is also referred to as Purushottama Maasa. Purushottama is one of the thousands of names of Sriman Narayana. It means the best among the beings in the Universe. Sri Rama is called as Purana Purushottama. Adhika Maasa is the most sacred month dedicated to the most sacred person Sri Maha Vishnu.


Austerities during Adhika Maasa

Adhika Maasa is considered as the most auspicious month to perform certain austerities for spiritual advancement. Some of the austerities prescribed to be observed during Adhika Masa Vratha are,

Parayana: Reading of sacred scripts especially Bhagavatha during Adhika Masa is given high significance and considered as highly meritorious. Apart from this one can also read other scripts like Bhagavat Geeta, Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothra etc…during Adhika Maasa.

Naktha Bhojana: Eating one time meals at night with complete fasting
during day time and avoiding eating of Urad/Urad dal and preparations made
out of it during this period.

Eka Bhuktha: It is opposite of the above, eating only once during day time
and not taking any food till next day.

Uposhana: Completely avoiding meals and taking only milk and fruits
during the vratha period.

Mouna Vratha: Observing total silence and not talking to any one for a
specific period of time every day during the vratha period.

Akhanda Deepa: Lighting a lamp (Akhanda Deepa) in Pooja Room and
allowing it to glow continuously through out the vratha period (day and
night). Only Ghee or Thila Oil should be used for lighting of Deepa.

Dharana– Parana: Fasting on one day and eating on the next day during
the vratha period.

Apart from the above some of the other austerities include, eating food without salt, sleeping on the floor avoiding cot and bed, Lakshavarti (preparing one lakh cotton wicks and lighting lamps with it), avoiding cutting
of nails and hair etc…

One can also take up any other austerity that pleases Sri Maha Vishnu. In this regard one can consider writing of Sri Rama Naama during the Vratha period the simplest austerity with great benefits. While writing Rama Naama one should also recite the same silently.


Charities during Adhika Maasa

Lot of significance is given and is considered highly meritorious to give charity during Adhika Maasa. Adhika Maasa– Anantha Phalam. Charity should always be accompanied with proper Dakshina according to ones capacity. Some of the charities prescribed to be given during Adhika Maasa are as follows;

Apoopa Dana: Apoopa means a sweet dish made with Rice flour, jaggery and Ghee. Such sweet dish 33 in number should be given as charity to a Brahmin along with a Brass plate. According to ones capacity this can be given on every day or during specified days or at least on one of the specified days during the vratha period. This type of charity is considered to be highly meritorious and bestows significant results.

Phala Dana: Seasonal fruits or Banana 33 in number can be given as
charity as said above.

Thaamboola Dana: Betel leaves + Areca Nut + either a fruit or a Coconut
+ Dakshina should be given to Brahmin couple (33 in number) as said
above.

Other charities prescribed during Adhika Masa are Anna Dana, Deepa Dana, Baagina Dana, Pusthaka Dana (Sacred scripts like Bhagavatha), Sayya Dana (Bed Sheet + Blanket + Pillow) along with Lakshmi Narayana Prathima, Godana (donating a Cow), Thila Dana along with a Brass vessel, Vasthra Dana (Clothes), etc…

Apart from the above one can also give any other charity that suits to the season. For example Vaisakha Masa being a summer month one can donate Water, Umbrella and Chappals etc… according to ones capacity. Whatever you do it should be done with all sincerity, devotion and without expecting any results.

Specific days for giving charity are Dwadasi (both Sukla & Krishna Paksha), Pournami (full Moon day), Amavasya (New Moon day), Astami, Navami and Chaturdasi days during the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha), Vyatheepatha, and Vaidruthi days.
Pithru Karma during Adhika Maasa

Nitya Karma, Amavasya, Yugaadi, Manvaadi related Pithru karmas should be
performed both in Adhika Maasa as well as in Nija Maasa.

If annual ceremony of deceased known as Prathisaamvatsareeka Sraaddha falls during the month when Adhika Maasa occurs it should be performed in Adhika Masa provided the concerned Pithru had expired during Adhika Maasa. Otherwise it should be performed only during Nija Maasa. Also means to say that, in case the deceased had expired in Nija Maasa in normal course the shraaddha should be performed during Nija Maasa and not in the Adhika Maasa.

In case Adhika Maasa coincides with Maasika (monthly) ceremonies during
the first year of Pithru’s death, the concerned Maasika shraaddha should be
performed twice both in Adhika maasa as well as in Nija maasa.

In case if the 12th month ceremony coincides with Adhika Maasa then that Maasika ceremony should be performed twice both in Adhika Maasa as well as in Nija Masa and the first annual ceremony (Prathamaabdeeka) should be performed in the 14th month.

In case Adhika Maasa coincides with Dasa Dina Karma all the related ceremonies including Sapindeekarana should be performed only during Adhika Maasa.

In case the first annual ceremony happens to fall during Adhika Maasa it should be performed during Adhika Maasa only even though they had expired during Nija Maasa.


Adhika Maasa– Prohibited Activities

Adhika Maasa is also referred to as Mala Maasa (inauspicious month).
Though Adhika Maasa is considered as very auspicious and sacred for religious and spiritual pursuits it is considered as inauspicious for performing certain other rituals. Some of the activities to be avoided during Adhika Maasa are Upanayana samskara, Vivaha, Gruha Pravesa, Shasti Poorthi and Devatha Prathista etc… However, rituals like Garbhadaana, Pumsavana, Seemantha, Naamakarana, Annapraasana etc…can be performed during Adhika Maasa.

Brahmotsavam at Tirumala during Adhika Maasa:

We are aware that every year the annual Brahmotsavam of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy takes place at Tirumala during Kanya Maasa that coincides with Navarathri festival during the Lunar month Aaswayuja Maasa. If Adhika Maasa is coinciding with Aaswayuja Maasa then the nine day festival Brahmotsavam at Tirumala is held twice, both in Adhika Maasa as well as in Nija Maasa.

YUGAADI-The Hindu New Year

YUGAADI - THE NEW YEAR

Significance:

Yugaadi is basically a Hindu festival signifying the time element of the Universe which is celebrated as a new year day coinciding with the first day of Chaitra Maasa Sukla Paksha Prathama Thithi as per the Hindu Lunar Calendar called Chandramana. As per Chandramana the month is denoted by the star on the full moon day. For example when the full moon day is in the star constellation of Chitta (Chitra) that month is referred to as Chaitra Maasa whose beginning day is celebrated as Yugaadi.

It is a festival mainly celebrated in the southern part of India and Maharashtra. In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka it is celebrated as Yugaadi while in Maharashtra it is called as Gudi Padwa. In all the three states it is celebrated as per Chandramana. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala it is celebrated as per Souramana on the day Sun enters the Mesha Raasi in the zodiac called as Mesha Sankranthi which generally falls in March-April every year referred to as Solar New Year.

Vasantha Ruthu (Spring season) is the first among the seasons, Mesha Raasi is the first among the zodiac signs, Chaitra Maasa is the first among the Maasa, Sukla Paksha is the first among the fortnights, Prathama (Paadyami) is the first Thithi among the Thithis. The day coinciding with the confluence of the above is celebrated as Yugaadi. It is an occasion that also signifies the end of an era and also beginning of a new era. It also indicates the onset of spring season called Vasantha Ruthu first among the six seasons in a year (Vasantha, Greeshma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemantha, and Sisira).

The word Yugaadi is derived from the word Yugaadi (Yuga + Aadi). Yuga means the period or era and Aadi means the beginning. Yugasya Aadi = Yugaadi. Yuga means star movement, the day when creation was started, the day on which Yuga has commenced. It is the beginning of an Era/Yuga called as Yugaadi which specifically mentions the period in which currently we are living. Sakha calendar begins with the month of Chaitra Maasa which falls generally during March/April every year that marks the beginning of the New Year Yugaadi.

Yugaadi is said to be the day when Lord Brahma had commenced the creation called as Brahma Kalpa. Beginning of Kalpa is called Kalpaadi and beginning of Yuga is called Yugaadi. To commemorate the commencement of Creation, this day is celebrated as Yugaadi. In simple terms it is said to be the day when Kali Yuga had begun.

It is said that as per Valmiki Ramayana Sri Rama had killed the demon Ravanaa on the day previous to Yugaadi falling on the New Moon Day (Amavasya) of the last lunar Month Phalguna. To commemorate the victory and achievement next day is celebrated as a festival symbolizing the beginning of new period.

Yugaadi - The Time Element

Yugaadi means time analysis. As said earlier Yugaadi is treated as the beginning of Creation by Lord Brahma and it also signifies the present period in which we are living. Presently we are in the Era of Salivahana called Salivahana Sakha, of the first leg of Kali Yuga (the 4th Era of 28th Maha Yuga) in the 7th Manvanthara called Vaivasvatha Manvanthara of the Kalpa called Swetha Varaha Kalpa.

As per Vedamana it is believed that the creation had started approx 197 crore years back. As per Yuga pramana life span of Kali Yuga is 432,000 years out of which 5110 years have past. As per the Sakha calendar it is 1931 years since the beginning of Salivahana Sakha corresponding to the English calendar year 2009.

Chandramana Calendar has sixty year cycle and each year Yugaadi is denoted by a specific name starting from Prabhava and ending with Akshaya. After completion of sixty years the calendar starts anew with its first name again. Current Yugaadi year is called as SRI VIKRUTI Nama Samvatsara that is being celebrated on Friday the 16th day of March 2010.


TRADITIONS & CUSTOMS OF YUGAADI

Thailabhyangana

Lot of significance is given on this day to Head bath with Thila oil called Thailabhyangana. It is believed that those who do not take head bath on this day will go to hell.

Sun Worship

Yugaadi is once again a Sun centric festival. Sun is the soul of Kalapurusha (Lord of time). Without soul there is no existence of man, so also there is no time without Sun. Sun is said to be the seventh Manuvu in whose name the present Manvanthara is being called as Vaivaswatha Manvanthara the period in which we are currently living.

Lot of significance is given to Sun worship during this Manvanthara. On this day Sun sets his journey towards East and when he enters Mesha Raasi (Aries) becomes very powerful. Astrologically Sun in Mesha Raasi is said to be in exalted position. Sun worship and Surya Arghya on this day is very sacred and auspicious.

Nimbakusuma Bhakshana

Nimba means Neem and Kusuma means flower. Tradition is that on this day people eat in the morning after the bath a pickle (sauce) made with a combination of six ingredients that gives six different tastes (Shadruchi).

The ingredients are Neem flowers, raw mango, jaggery, new tamarind, dry/green chillies, and salt. In some places people use sugar cane instead of jaggery and pepper instead of chillies. It is popularly called as Yugaadi Pachhadi in Telugu, Bevu-Bella in Kannada.

It is a mixture of six different tastes viz. bitter (Neem), sweet (Jaggery), sour (Tamarind) salty (Salt), hot/spicy (Chillies/Pepper), and tang (Raw Mango). The philosophy in eating this sauce with six tastes is to say that life is not a bed of roses it is a mixture of sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise which has to be accepted together with equanimity. It is said that by eating this pickle on this day one gets courage to face obstacles in life.

There is also a scientific health message involved in eating this. Neem is good for diabetes, skin diseases and acts as a blood purifier. It is called as Sarva Roga Nivarini. Even today usage of Neem leaves is prevalent in rural areas whenever any one is infected with small pox/chicken pox. Jaggery helps in increasing the hemoglobin content of blood that help in curing iron deficiency, Tamarind helps in removing excess of kapha, vata, and pitta, raw Mango works in throat related problems and enhances the appetite, Salt gives energy, Chillies removes kapha and vatha, pepper helps in cold and works in throat related problems.


Panchanga Sravana

Panchanga means an almanac that contains the astronomical/astrological daily details mainly related to Thithi, Day (Vara), Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana called as Pancha Anga (five limbs or five elements) that helps in identifying various auspicious/inauspicious moments of electional astrology. Panchanga also indicates forecasts for eclipses, weather, monsoon, transit of planets, implications to individuals based on their birth stars, zodiac signs, raasi phala, and general trend with respect to economy, political scenario.

The almanac Panchanga involves lot of mathematical and geometrical calculations based on side real system, understanding of astronomical phenomena such as movements of heavenly bodies the Sun, Moon and other planets. Mainly Panchanga is based on Surya Siddhantha or Dhrugganitha. These panchangas are published by various authors in various regional languages based on different philosophies prevailing in Hindu religion.

On the day of Yugaadi people traditionally gather to listen from the learned, the recitation of Panchanga for the forthcoming year and the general forecast. In the present days of Television Technology this type of gatherings have come down as people listen Panchanga Sravanam from a live telecast by various regional Television Channels.

It is said and believed that by doing Panchanga Sravanam and praying the Navagraha at this moment on Yugaadi day, auspicious results can be attained.

Thithescha sriyamapnothi varaadayushya vardhanam
Nakshathradharathe papam, yogadroganivaranam
Karanathkarya siddhisthu panchangaphalamutthamam
Kala Vithkarma Kruddhimaan Devathanugraham Labheth

Meaning: Thithi (day) gives wealth, Vara (week) enhances the longevity, Nakshatra (star) removes the sins, Yoga (fortune) cures the diseases, and Karana (Half part of thithi) gives success in deeds. One who does the karma by knowing the above will have Divine blessings. That is why every day during Sandhya vandana (daily prayer) one is required to do Sankalpa where in, all the above five elements are recited.

Panchanga Sravana on the day of Yugaadi is very auspicious. It is said that it will give the result (phala) of taking bath in sacred river Ganges, blessings of Navagraha. Sun gives courage and glory, Moon gives status, Mars gives auspiciousness, Mercury gives intelligence, Jupiter gives knowledge, Venus gives comfort and happiness, Saturn removes sorrow and obstacles, Rahu gives popularity, and Kethu gives significance.


Prapadana (chalivendram)

Donating water starting from this day for 4 months (summer months) is said to be very auspicious and sacred.

Prapeyam SarvaSamanya Bhoothebhya: prathipaditha
PradanathPitharasarve Thrupyanthucha Pithamaha
Anivaarya Mithodeyam Jalammaasa Chathustayam

We would have observed in many towns voluntary organizations erecting the spots called Chalivendram where passersby are served with water stored in earthen pots covered with cloth during summer months. It is said that by doing this activity all the fore fathers gets pleased.


Udakakumbha daana

Udaka means water, Kumbha means pot. Giving charity of water stored in a pot made up of Copper, Silver, or at least earthen pot (made up of mud) covered with a new cloth to a Brahmin during this period is said to be very sacred that gives multi fold results.

* Yesha DharmaGhato Dhattoh Brahma Vishnu Sivathmaka
* Asya Pradhanathsakalam mamasanthu manoratha

Meaning this water pot called Dharma Ghata signifies the trinal lords (Brahma, Vishnu and Siva) bring unto me fulfillment of all desires.


Vasantha Navarathri

Sri Krishna said that Masaanaam Margasirshoham, Ruthunaam Kusumaakara meaning the month Margasira is the most sacred among the months and Vasantha (Kusuma) or spring season is the most sacred among the seasons.

Like we celebrate nine day festival during Dussera season, similarly a nine day spring festival is celebrated beginning with Yugaadi (Chaitra Sukla Paadyami) and ending with Sri Rama Navami. During these nine days Goddess Devi/Durga is worshipped. In some places it is celebrated as Rama Navarathri worshiping Lord Sri Rama during these nine days. People also perform parayana of sacred books during the nine days like Ramayana, Sundarakanda, and Devi Bhagavatham.


Gudi Padwa

Yugaadi is celebrated as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra state. Gudi means Dwajam and Padwa means the first day of the New Year. It is customary among the Maharastrian families to erect on this day in front of the house a bamboo stick topped with upturned silver/copper pot decorated with flowers, coloured silk cloth and coconuts. It is worshipped as Brahma Dwaja/Indra Dwaja indicating invitation to all the deities to the house on this day. It also symbolizes welcoming the New Year with victory or achievement, joy and happiness. On this day people also eat a mixture of neem leaves, tamarind, jaggery, gram pulse.

In Tamil Nadu Yugaadi is celebrated as Puthandu (Varusha Pirappuv) festival and in Kerala it is celebrated as Vishu festival. It is celebrated as a New Years day even in Punjab, Assam, West Bengal, Orissa states. In Punjab it is called as Baisakhi. In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka it is also marked by literary discussion, poetry recitations, honoring and recognition of authors of literary and poetic works, cultural programs, Kavi Sammelana etc. In the evening people gather together and exchange greetings.

In some of the regions especially in Andhra Pradesh there is a myth that how one live on the day of Yugaadi similar will be the way one live throughout the year. More than the myth the philosophy is we reap what we sow as the old saying goes. You sow the good then you reap the good. A good thought/action has a good result and an evil thought/action has a bad result. We are the makers of our own fate. As per Karma Philosophy we sow seeds of Karma for our future births through our thoughts and vision and plan for our Karma (Agami Karma) in future births. To attain good results, the foundation we lay for our thought/action should be good from day one perhaps from the Yugaadi Day.

THE HINDU TIME ELEMENT - KALPA

THE HINDU TIME ELEMENT-KALPA

The arithmetic's of Hindu time element and certain related terminologies that will help us in understanding the time element called Kalpa Para that refers to the life span of the Universe and Lord Brahma. Reference to Hindu time element is said to have been scripted in many Vishnu related Puranas like Bhagavatha Purana, Matsya Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Mahabharatha and Bhagavath Gita.

Hindu sages describe time as cyclic and an endless process of creation, preservation and dissolution. The Universe is cyclically created and destroyed. Hindu religion and philosophy which strongly believes in Vedas has clearly spelled out the time element of the universe at different levels. Understanding of time element in Hinduism is as old as the Hinduism itself. Several puranic texts have mentioned about the time element in Hinduism.

It is said that before commencement of Creation (Srushti) there was only water every where and Sriman Narayana the primordial person (Aadi Purusha) only was present in deep meditation. He Desired (Sankalpa) to start the creation, He first created the Universe and Omkara from where the Vedas got originated. It is also said that Vedas are (Swayambhu) which are Sriman Narayana himself. He then created Lord Brahma from his navel to take further the process of Creation.

A Kalpa is a Sanskrit word meaning an aeon (immeasurably long period of time) in Hindu cosmology. In Hindu philosophy a Kalpa is equal to 432 Crores of years. It is a day in the life of Lord Brahma. It is equal to 1000 Maha Yugas measuring the duration of the world. Each Kalpa is divided into 14 Manvantharas each one lasting 306,720,000 years. Two Kalpas constitute a day and night of Lord Brahma.

A Kalpa is also called as Vedanga, the hand of Veda Purusha. Kalpa is also referred to as the Sasthra that involves one to carry out the injunctions of Kalpa. Various kinds of spiritual rituals to be performed come under the province of Kalpa. Kalpa is one of the six disciplines of Vedanga.

YUGA

Yuga is a period or an Era in which we live. As per Kalpa Pramana there are four Yugas viz.

Krita Yuga known as Sathya Yuga which is also called as the Golden age an era of total virtue.

Thretha Yuga called as the Silver age an era of 3/4th virtue.

Dwapara Yuga called as bronze age with half virtue and half sin in its era, and

Kali Yuga called as iron age (Black age) with 1/4th virtue and 3/4th sin in its era.

Life span of these Yugas will not be equal. The Yugas get progressively worse from morality point of view as one proceeds from one Yuga to another. As a result each Yuga is of shorter duration than its previous one. It is as follows,

* Krita Yuga (Sathya Yuga) 1728000 years
* Thretha Yuga 1296000 years
* Dwapara Yuga 864000 years
* Kali Yuga 432000 years


MAHA YUGA

One cycle of four Yugas (Krita, Thretha, Dwapara and Kali) is called as Maha Yuga (Chatur Yuga); its life span will be 43, 20,000 years. It is also called as a Divine Yuga.


MANVANTHARA

During every Kalpa Lord Brahma creates 14 Manus one after the other, who in turn manifest and regulate the world. Manvanthara is Manu’s cycle the one who gives birth and govern the human race. Manvanthara is reckoned with the age or period of Manu. The period of each Manvanthara consists of 71 Mahayugas (Chaturyugas) that is 71 x 4320000 = 306,720,000 human years. After each Manvanthara there follows Sandhi Kala of the duration of Krita Yuga years. (1728000). It is said that at the end of each Manvanthara it is followed by a Pralaya during the Sandhikala.

There are 14 generations of Manus they are, Swayambhuva, Swarochisha, Outtama, Tamasa, Raivatha, Chakshuva, Vaivaswatha, Savarni, Daksha Savarni, Brahma Savarni, Dharma Savarni, Rudra Savarni, Deva Savarni, and Indra Savarni. At end of the 14th Manu, the cycle repeats again and Brahma creates fourteen additional Manus. Each Manvanthara will have a set of seven sages called Saptha Rishis who will live through out the Manvanthara period.


KALPA

A Kalpa is a day (12 hours) in the life of Lord Brahma. Each Kalpa is ruled by a succession of 14 Manus and the period of reign is called Manvanthara. A Kalpa (day period of Brahma) consists of a period of 17,28,000 years called Aadi Sandhi followed by 14 Manvantharas and Sandhi kalas that will be equal to 1000 Maha Yugas.

One day (Kalpa) of Brahma is also divided into 10000 parts called
Charanas equivalent to 1000 Maha Yugas of 10 Charanas each. Each Maha Yuga consists of 10 Charanas (Krita Yuga 4, Thretha Yuga 3, Dwapara Yuga 2 and Kali Yuga 1).

A day of Brahma is equal to 14 x 71 = 994 Maha Yugas + Sandhi Kalas (equal to 6 Maha Yugas) = 1000 Maha Yugas. Sandhi kala is arrived at as follows; For 14 Manvanthara 14 sandhikala periods equal to the age of 14 Krita Yugas = 1728000 x 14 = 24192000 + 1728000 (Aadi Sandhi period) = 2,59,20,000 /43,20,000 years = 6 Maha Yugas. In terms of number of years, a Kalpa will be of 1000 Maha Yugas x 4320000 = 432 crores of years.

A night of Brahma is of equal duration of another 1000 Maha Yugas = 432 crores years. Thus a full day (day + night) of Brahma is the period of Two Kalpas equal to 2000 Maha Yugas (864 crores years)

At the end of Brahma’s day time there will be a deluge (Pralaya) when the Universe will temporarily get dissolved by way of a Naimittika Pralaya. Then that will be the night time of Lord Brahma which will be equal to another Kalpa. During this time Lord Maha Vishnu reclines into meditative pose (Yoganidra) before Brahma starts recreation in the new Kalpa that will be the beginning of a new day for Lord Brahma. Thus in a full day’s cycle of Lord Brahma there will be creation during day time and destruction during night time.

There are 30 Kalpas as per Matsya Purana which gets repeated cyclically. They are Swetha, Neelalohita, Vamadeva, Rathanthara, Rourava, Deva, Bruhath, Kandarpa, Sadhya, Eesana, Tamah, Saraswatha, Udaana, Garuda, Kaurma, Narasimha, Samana, Agneya, Soma, Maanava, Tathpuman, Vaikunta, Lakshmi, Savithri, Aghora, Vaaraah, Vairaja, Gouri, Maheswara, and Pithru Kalpa. It is said that Vayu Purana gives a different list of Kalpas which are 28 in number.


Reckoning of time for Lord Brahma:

In Bhagavath Gita a day of Lord Brahma has been defined as 1000 Maha Yugas (Sahasra Yuga paryantham ahar-yad brahmano vidhuh meaning a day of Brahma is of 1000 Mahayugas)

According to Mahabharatha 12 months of Brahma is equal to 360 days that constitute his year and 100 such years is his life time and that is the life cycle of the Universe. Fifty years of Brahma are supposed to have been elapsed and we are now in the 51st year of Lord Brahma in Swetha Varaha Kalpa. At the end of the Kalpa, Brahma rests for one night that is equal to the day during which time the world is annihilated (destroyed) that is called as Pralaya.

As per Vedamana the life of Lord Brahma is said to be 100 years called as Brahma Kalpa. Though Brahma Kalpa had started from the day of his origin, first half of his life (50 years) was spent in knowing and understanding the Tattva of Sriman Narayana. As per the directions of supreme Sri Maha Vishnu, Brahma started creation in his 51st year that is the current year in the life of Lord Brahma. It is reckoned as follows in terms of human years,

*1000 Maha Yugas = 1 Kalpa = 1 day (12 hours) of Lord Brahma = 432 crores of years
*2000 Maha Yugas = 2 Kalpas = 1 day (24 hours) of Lord Brahma = 864 crores of years
*30 such days of Brahma = 30 x 864 crores of years = 259.2 billions years = 60 Kalpas
*12 such months (one year or 360 days) of Brahma = 12 x 259.2 billions years = 3.1104 trillions years = 720 (360+360) Kalpas
*50 such years = 1 Paraarddha = 50 x 3.1104 trillion years = 155.52 trillions years = 36000 Kalpas
*2 such Para Ardhas = 100 years of Brahma = 311.04 trillions years = 72000 Kalpas

According to this arithmetic life span of Lord Brahma will be 311.04 trillions years.


Reckoning for the Current Date:

(The time elapsed since the current Brahma has taken over the task of creation)

Some of the words in Sankalpa sloka that we recite daily during Sandhyavandana or before commencement of any divine prayer or ritual contain the time element viz. Aaadhya Brahmana, Dwiteeya Parardhe, Swetha Varaha Kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manwanthare, Kaliyuge, Prathama Pade, Salivahana Sakhe. In these words there is reckoning of the current date as per Vedamana since the birth of Lord Brahma.

Aaadhya Brahmana Dwiteeya Parardhe:

That means first half of the life time of Lord Brahma is over and we are in the 2nd half called Dwiteeya Parardhe in the 51st year of Lord Brahma (50 years of Lord Brahma is equal to 155.52 trillions human years)

Swetha Varaha Kalpe:

That means we are in the first day (only day) called Swetha Varaha Kalpa in the 51st year of Lord Brahma.

Vaivaswatha Manvanthare:

In Swetha Varaha Kalpa (first day of Lord Brahma) after passing through 6 Manvantharas out of 14 we are currently in the 7th Manvanthara called Vaivaswatha Manvanthara. In terms of number of years after taking into account the sandhi kalas we have passed through 185.2416 crores human years (4320000 x 71 x 6) + (17,28,000 x 7) during the previous six Manvantharas. And in the current Manvanthara (Vaivasvatha) we have passed through 27 Maha Yugas out of 71 and we are currently in the 28th Maha Yuga. That means in this Manvanthara we have passed through 11.6644 crores human years during the last 27 Maha Yugas.

Kali Yuge:

In the 28th Maha Yuga after passing through the three periods viz. Krita, Thretha, and Dwapara Yugas comprising of 38,88,000 human years we are currently in the 4th Yuga that is Kali Yuga, in which we have already passed through 5110 human years. As per scripts it is said that Kali Yuga had begun 3102 years BC. Counting from the beginning of the Kalpa it is (185.24 + 11.67 + 0.39 + 0.005) =197.30 crores human years since commencement of creation by Lord Brahma.

Salivahana Sakhe:

Further reckoning down based on the concept of Sakha, after passing through the Yudhistira and Vikrama Sakhas we are currently in the Salivahana Sakha 1931 years since its beginning in 78 AD.

Tabulating the above it is reckoned as (taking the year 2009 as the base)

* 311.04 Trillions human years is the life span of current Brahma
* 157.49 Trillions human years since the origin of current Brahma
* 197.30 Crores years since the beginning of the Swetha Varaha Kalpa (time since creation started)
* 12.06 Crores years since the beginning of Vaivaswatha Manvanthara
* 38.88 lakhs years since the beginning of this Maha Yuga (28th Maha yuga)
* 5110 years since the beginning of the present Kali Yuga
* 1931 years since the beginning of Salivahana Sakha

It is said that after the life span of Lord Brahma it will take another 100 Brahma years before a new Brahma is born. It is also said and believed that Lord Hanuman is going to be the future Brahma after the expiry of the life span of the current Brahma.

Universal repositioning takes place whenever celestial splendors like Eclipses occur. Astronomically lot of changes do takes place in the universe and all such may not and need not lead to a dooms day. Above arithmetic shows that still 18.61 crores human years have to pass through before end of the present Manvanthara when it is expected to be a deluge (Pralaya). So as per this study one can be assured that cyclical end of the Universe is far away and it is a long way to go for a dooms day.

One should always remember the fact that nothing is permanent in this world even the Universe, or even Lord Brahma (Creator). The only permanent entity is the Primordial Person Sriman Narayana the creator of Brahma.

In Phala Stuthi of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothra, Lord Brahma describes Lord Maha Vishnu as,

! Namostvananthaya Sahasramuurthaye! SahasraPaadaakshi Sirorubaahave!
! Sahasranaamne Purushaya Saswathe! SahasraKoti Yugadhaarine Namah!!

Salutations to the Infinite, one who has manifested as innumerable number of forms, who has innumerable feet, eyes, heads, arms, one who has innumerable number of names, who is an eternal person, and who holds thousands of crores of Yugas which are uncountable.


NOTE:

One billion = 1000 million = 100 crores
One trillion = 1000 billion = 100000 crores

Annexure

Sakha Karthas of Kali Yuga:
The legends says that in Kali Yuga six Kings will create new eras (Sakhas) which will be named after them. They are,

* Yudhistira Sakha (Dharmaraja): His calendar started in the year 3102 BC continued for 3044 years.

* Vikrama Sakha: His calendar started in 57 BC continued for 135 years

* Salivahana Sakha (current period): His calendar started in 78 AD and will continue for 18000 years.

* Vijayabhinandana Sakha (future coming): His calendar will start in 18078 AD and will continue for 10000 years.

* Nagarjuna Sakha (future coming): His calendar will start in 28078 AD and will continue for 4, 00,000 years.

* Kalki Sakha (future coming): His calendar will start at the end of Kali Yuga 4, 28,078 AD and will run for 821 years when the Kali Yuga will come to an end.


Time Element for other Entities


For Devathas:

One day for Devathas = One human year comprising of two half years
Brighter half of the day is called as Uttarayana
Darker half of the day is called as Dakshinayana

For Pithrus (Ancestors)

1 day of Pitru = One human month (comprising of two fortnights)
Brighter fortnight (sukla paksha) = day time for Pitrus
Darker fortnight (Krishna paksha) = night time for Pitrus

RATHA SAPTHAMI (Worship of Sun God)

RATHA SAPTHAMI

! Aadi Deva namasthubhyam Praseeda mama Bhaskara
Diwakara namasthubhyam Prabhakara namosthuthe!!

Ratha Sapthami is a highly auspicious festival dedicated to Sun God. In Hindu religion it is observed as a festival across the country falling on the seventh day of Magha Masa sukla paksha. Generally it occurs during the months of January-February. This day is also known as Surya Jayanthi, the day on which Sun is supposed to have taken birth to Aditi and sage Kasyapa. Sun centric events falls continuously during Pushya and Magha Masam including Dhanurmasam, starting with Vaikunta Ekadasi and ending with Ratha Sapthami. Worshipping Sun God during this period is very sacred and celestial.

Significance of Ratha Sapthami

Ratha means chariot. Sapthami is a thithi in a lunar month falling on the 7th day of both sukla and Krishna paksha. At the time of division of constellations each day or thithi is attributed to one deity/God. In the process Sapthami thithi was allotted to Sun God and hence it is his favourite day.

On this day of Ratha Sapthami, Northern movement of the Sun God is supposed to take definite effect after he commenced his journey towards Northern hemisphere entering Makara Raasi on Makara Sankramana Day. Traditionally it is regarded as the day on which the chariot of the Sun God is diverted towards the north by his charioteer called Aruna. On this day it is believed that Sun God ride on his chariot drawn by seven horses and move toward north east direction bringing the entry of spring season.

It is also believed and said that the chariot of Sun has only one wheel that represents kalachakra and the seven horses represent seven colours of light (VIBGYOR). It is also believed that the seven horses represent seven days in the week starting from Sunday the day dedicated to Sun God. The entire kala-chakra, or wheel of time, is established on the wheel of the sun-god's chariot. This wheel is known as Samvatsara. He is the lord of Leo in the Zodiac. He stays one month in each Raasi and takes 365 days or 12 months to complete a round of 12 Rasis. Following sloka from Suryaastakam describes the above.

Sapthaaswaratha maroodam prachandam kasyapathmajam
Swethapadmadharam devam tham suryam pranamamyaham

Bandhooka pushpasankasam harakundala bhushitham
Ekachakradharam devam tham suryam pranamamyaham


On this day worshipping Sun is very sacred, celestial and highly beneficial. He is the God, a living God, Aadi dhaivam, Sanatana, whom everyone can see, perceive and pray. Though he is visible, he also has been presented in a variety of forms. He is the divine light, life-giver and time-giver. The Vedas adore him as a witness of all actions (Karma Sakshi). He is said to be Trimurthi swaroopa.

Brahmaswaroopo udaye madhyahnethu Maheswaraha
Asthakale swayam VishnuH Trayimoorthi Diwakaraha

Lord Vishnu in his form as Surya Narayana is worshipped on this day.

VihaayasagatirjyotiH suruchirhutabhug vibhuh
Ravirvilochanah suryah savitaa ravilochanah

Above sloka from Sri Vishnu Sashasra Nama (sloka 94) describe Lord SrimanNarayana as the Sun God. Purusha Sooktha also describes Sun as born from the eyes of Lord SrimanNarayana (Chaksho! Suryo Ajayatha) and is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. Sun God is called by several other names. Popularly as Surya, Aaditya, Mitra, Ravi, Savita, Arka, Bhaskara, Marichi, Diwakara, Bhanu, Vivasvatha.

Sun is said to be the seventh Manuvu in whose name the present Manvanthara is being called as Vaivaswatha Manvanthara the period in which we are living now. Lot of importance and significance is given to Sun worship during this Manvanthara. Irrespective of the caste and creed all walks of people worship him as Pratyaksha Dhaivam.

Mythological scripts say that Sun God was worshipped by Lord Sri Rama before going to kill Ravana. Yuddhistira got the Akshaya bowl after worshipping Sun. Kunti Devi mother of Pandavas worshipped Lord Sun before giving birth to Karna. Sathrajith was blessed with syamanthaka Mani after worshipping Sun God. Sambha son of Lord Sri Krishna and Jambavathi got rid of his Leprosy after worshipping Sun. It is said that Sun was the guru to Lord Hanuman who has learnt Nava vyakarana from Sun. Bhishma Pitamaha of Mahabharatha fame waited for this day and had his last breath on the day after Ratha Sapthami called Bheeshmaastami.

Traditions & Beliefs on this Day

Bath with Arka Leaves: It is an age old custom and tradition that people on this day take special bath with seven Arka leaves by keeping one on the head, two on the shoulders, two on the knees and two on the feet. Arka is commonly called as Jilledu in Telugu, Ekka in Kannada, Erukku in Tamil, and Calotrope (bowstring hemp) in English. During the bath following sloka is chanted.

Yadhyajanma kritham papam maya sapthasu janmasu
Thanme rogancha sokancha makari hanthu sapthami!!

Yetatjanmakritham papam yachha janmanthararjitham
Mano vakkayajam yachha gnathagnathancha yathpunaha

Ithi sapthavidham papam snaname saptha sapthake
Sapthavyadhi samayuktham hara makari sapthami

Arghyam is given to Sun God on this day with the following sloka

Saptha sapthi vaha preetha sapthaloka pradeepana
Sapthami sahito deva gruhanargyam Diwakara

Some people even take bath in sacred rivers. It is believed that a bath on this day by using Arka leaves one will get rid of his/her sins coming from previous seven births.

Those who do not have parents should also give Thila Tarpana to their fore fathers (Dwadasa Pitru) on this day.

Hindu religion considers Sun as an important God to be worshipped. Several Vedic verses on Sun are incorporated into the Nitya Vidhi (mandatory daily routine) like sandhya vandana, surya namaskara, Gayathri japa, surya arghya.

Sun is called as Namaskara Priya. He blesses the devotees who offer him a simple namaskara with all sincerity and devotion. That is how the Surya Namaskara a yogic prakriya related to Sun has become very popular.

Sun worship is prevailing and being followed since time immemorial. Some of the useful prayers related to Sun are Suryaastakam, Aaditya Hridayam, Gayathri, Surya Sahasranama etc. Generally Sun worship will be very effective if it is done within one hour from Sun rise. Worship of this devatha on Sunday is supposed to bring in manifold benefits to the worshippers

Phala sruthi of Sun related sthothras says that Sun worship is Navagraha peeda pariharam, bestows progeny for the childless, helps in coming out of poverty, cures illness and gets rid of health problems haunting for the past seven births. Like Lord SriMann Narayana is the giver of Moksha, Sun God is said to be giver of Health. (Arogyam Bhaskaraddhicheth).

On this day people prepare kheer with beaten rice or avalakki (Tandulam) and offer as nivedana to Sun God.

In South India it is a tradition people draw with rangoli (colours) on the ground in front of their houses a picture of chariot and seven horses a symbolic reference to Ratha Sapthami and cow dung is burnt in centre of it. On the fire obtained they boil milk and offer it to Sun God. The ritual may vary from region to region.

Some people also observe fasting on this day and or observe mouna vratham.

Charity: Charity on this day will yield manifold benefits. Usually Kushmanda Dana (pumpkin) is said to be very sacred on this occasion. Since it happens in Magha Masa as per the Masa Dharma Thila Dana, Thila Paathra Dana, Salagrama Dana, Vasthra Dana, Blankets, Umbrella, Amalakki, (Amla) are all very sacred on this day.

Significance of Arka Leaf & Ratha Sapthami

In Hindu religion since Vedic days certain plants are associated with certain deities in performing rituals. Like Thulasi with Lord Maha Vishnu, Bilva with Lord Shiva, Durva (Garike) with Lord Maha Ganapathi. Similarly Arka plant leaf is associated with Sun God and since Ratha Sapthami is a Sun Centric festival its usage on this day has gained significance.

Arka is a Sanskrit word. Arka means a ray, a flash of lightning. It is believed that Sun God’s chariot is in perfect square shape and his shoulders are also in square shape (four angles). Configuration of arka dala also appears in perfect angle with one pair of leaves exactly opposite to the other and it is believed that Arka leaves represent the shoulders and chariot of Sun God

The name Arka is also related to Konark a place dedicated to Sun God in Orissa state. It is called as Arka Kshetra. There is a world famous Sun temple at Konark that attracts tourists from all over the world. Konark is a confluence of two words Kona and Arka = Konarka. Kona mean angle and Arka means Sun God. Konark means corner of the Sun dedicated to Sun God.

Arka plant has very good medicinal value in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is said that Arka is used in curing skin diseases, leprosy, tumors, joint pains, wounds etc., It is called as a healing herb like Sun God as a healer.

Arka leaf is also used in the worship of Lord Maha Ganapathi (Arka Maha Ganapathi), and Lord Hanuman. The stem of the Arka tree is also used as a samidha while performing Homa/yagna.

Celebrations at Temples

Special celebrations are held in Sun temples on this occasion at Konark (Orissa), Arasavelli (Srikakulam dt.Andhra Pradesh). This festival is also celebrated in all Vaishnavite temples especially at Tirumala and Sri Rangam. Suryanar Koil near Kumbhakonam is also very popular and dedicated to Sun God. In Tiruchanoor (Tirupathi) in the temple complex of Goddess Padmavathi there is a Sun temple. In Tirumala Hills Lord Venkateswara along with his consorts (utsava murthy) is taken out in procession seven times on this day starting from dawn as a part of the Ratha Sapthami celebrations.

To write about Sun God one attempt is not adequate. Please look forward for my future posts for astrological and other significances related to Sun

! Aadityam JagadeesaMachyuthaMajam
Thrylokyachoodamanim
Bahkthabheestavarapradham dinamanim
Marthandamaadhyam subham!!

May! Sun God - Sri Surya Narayana bestow on all
good health, peace and prosperity