Ruler Mars in the passive sign of Pisces may put you in a reflective, soul searching mood; however - pushing yourself out the door may be your best move. Your luck lies in numbers now; meaning that friends or groups can assist your needs. By the end of the month the new Moon in Aries provides an excellent opportunity to take charge of a daunting situation!

TAURUS:
April 20th - May 21st

Don’t dismay if even your best plans fail to produce results just now. The planets say you need more time. You should be reviewing your options and even your relationships, while your ruler Venus back pedals in retrograde motion. This is a good time to meet up with old friends, yet wait till next month to begin anything new!

GEMINI:
May 21st - June 21st

There couldn’t be a better time to make a good impression. Whether you’re looking for a new position or just ready to take on more responsibility, Mars at the top of your chart brings your leadership qualities to the fore. Others notice your talents and appreciate you more than ever!

CANCER:
June 21st - July 22nd

A new Moon in Aries can help you navigate a difficult situation. If you feel that someone or something has been holding you back, you’ll soon discover a way around them. Retrograde Venus at the top of your chart indicates your boss could be moody but it also means you benefit from an past work connection.

LEO:
July 22nd - August 23rd

You benefit most from keeping a global awareness, even if it means simply keeping in touch with others that live in far away places. What your discover about the lives of others can have a great effect on your future plans. Travel is favored, so is studying or taking an exam that qualifies you for a future position. Your luck lies in being observant!

VIRGO:
August 23rd - September 22nd

A full Moon in your sign brings relationship issues to the fore. Because the Full Moon is at odds with so many Pisces planets, it’s important that you learn the art of cooperation. If you listen carefully to what others say, you may discover something important about yourself. Retrograde Venus helps to patch things up, so use this month to smooth out relations!

LIBRA:
September 23rd - October 23rd

Ruler Venus, retrograde in your house of partners could uncover a secret about a loved one. It could also bring a dispute of some kind. Although you love peace and harmony, it will be hard to find it now. Knowing this, it’s best you focus on things you can do by yourself. Your relationships will improve next month, till then pay attention to your health.

SCORPIO:
October 23rd - November 22nd

You’re more than happy to roll up your sleeves and pitch in when required, yet sometimes you wonder if it’s worth it. This month Mars in Pisces allows you to rack up some good karma by doing good deeds, yet some of your efforts could go unnoticed. The Virgo full Moon marks a time when no good deed goes unpunished, so don’t expect to be fully appreciated!

SAGITTARIUS:
November 22nd - December 21st

Faith is one of your finer qualities and perhaps your greatest gift to offer others. With both Jupiter and Neptune active in your communication sector it’s important to share your strength and hope more than ever. Family members may depend on you this month. Retrograde Venus in you romance sector may rekindle an old flame.

CAPRICORN:
December 21st - January 20th

Ruler Saturn at odds with planets in your communication sector could cause worry, doubt and misunderstandings. Take care to choose the right words when discussing important issues and pay attention to details - especially those involving the law. Retrograde Venus at the bottom of your chart favors family reunions.

AQUARIUS:
January 20th - February 19th

Being optimism can be a good thing, but not when it comes to money. With Jupiter and Neptune in your sign you are able to attract good fortune, but also capable of acting foolishly. The full Moon in your money houses reminds you not to count your chickens before they hatch or that a rainy day could be just around the corner!

PISCES:
February 19th - March 20th

It’s finally time to get ahead. With Mars in your sign you may push yourself, even others more than usual. With new found confidence and courage you dare to do more, therefore are likely to succeed. However retrograde Venus in your money house could cause impulsive spending - try to stick to your budget!

Vasant Panchami is also denoted as Basant Panchami or Shree Panchami is Hindu Festival celebrating Saraswati and also foretells the arraival of spring season . In 2009 the Vasant Panchami is on January 31^st . It is also the day when Saraswathi Devi puja is performaed in North and Eastern Parts in India. Vasant Panchami is celebrated mainly in North India, Vasanth season is the period between sun’s entry into the Meena Rashi and its entrance into the Vrishaba Rashi. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says that ‘Vasanth’ is one of his forms.

Traditionally during Vasant Panchami children are taught to write their first words; brahmins are fed; ancestor worship (Pitr-tarpan) is performed; the god of love Kamadeva is worshipped; and Students place their books before the idol and worship her to bless them with knowledge and power. The family priest guide the youngest child in writing the first alphabet,symbolising an initiation into the realm of knowledge. The color yellow also plays an important role in this festival, in that people usually wear yellow garments, Saraswati is worshipped dressed in yellow, and yellow sweets are consumed within the families.

Also known as Saraswati Puja (Bengali: shoroshshoti puja), shoroshshoti puja is celebrated in Nepal, India and Bangladesh to invoke wisdom and consciousness in human beings. Apart from wisdom, Saraswati is also the deity for fine and performing arts. In West Bengal saraswati puja is celebrated in Hindu households and also in schools and colleges. Bengali men are usually dressed in traditional paijama and punjabi. Women are dressed in yellow (basanti) coloured sari.

According to history, Goddess is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is believed that devotees, those soulfully pray her are bestowed with powers of speech, wisdom and learning. Her appearance very well explains her nature. She is always dressed in white symbolizing the purity and the light of knowledge. White Swan is her vahana representing Sattwa Guna or purity and discrimination. Each of her arm represents a thing. The four arms represents four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She has vedas or sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus in the second. With her other two hands she plays the string instrument called the Veena.

Another legend says that Saraswati literally means ‘the flowing one‘and hence she represents a river and the deity presiding over it. The `flowing one’ in allegorical sense may mean speech also; perfect speech which denotes intelligence. Puranic legends identified her with Speech and said that Saraswati is the consort of Lord Hayagriva, and should not be confused with the Brahma’s wife Saraswathi. Hayagriva represents the essence of the Vedas, and she is the sound of this essence.She is dressed in white (sign of purity) and rides on a white goose (swan). The swan is known for its pecliar characteristic of being capable of separating water from milk, indicating that we should possess discrimination in separating the bad from the good. The seat being a lotus or peacock implies that the teacher is well-established in the subjective experience of truth. When sitting on a peacock she reminds us that wisdom suppresses ego.

Like Brahma, she is not worshipped much in temples. However, every year Saraswathi Pooja (Navarathiri ) is celebrated by people all over India, be it students, workers, craftsmen, businessmen offering their prayers for a successful and fruitful year. However, Saraswathi does have a temple in Koothanur in Tanjavur district (Tamil Nadu).There is an important Saraswati Temple in Basar at a distance of 40 km from Nizamabad in Adilabad District, Andhra Pradesh on the banks of Godavari River.

]]> http://voiceoftemples.com/vasant-panchami/feed/ http://voiceoftemples.com/religious-festivals-of-india/ http://voiceoftemples.com/religious-festivals-of-india/#comments Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:56:48 +0000 admin http://www.voiceoftemples.com/?p=55 India presents a cultural potpourri of number of religions with their own festivals and celebrations but the four major religions followed in India are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Sikhism in the descending order. There are a number of regional festivals which are celebrated in particular areas only. Bright colors, brightly lit religious places, illuminated houses, sweets and traditional dresses and dances and unwavering enthusiasm are the characteristics of all the festival holidays in India. Cuisine, dresses and ornaments, especially of the Indian women, with the profusion of golden, red and yellow colors, cultural and traditional performances and music, chariot and car procession of the deities and interesting folklores give the Indian festivals their universal appeal.

This Full Moon, your ruler, Mars, is in Capricorn and in sextile to Venus in Pisces. Patience and good craftsmanship is important in any project you are creating or re-creating. Victory lies not in speed but in durability and imagination. On the Solar Eclipse, Mars is still in Capricorn still in sextile to Venus AND Uranus in Pisces. In addition, Mars is kissing retrograde Mercury and in trine to Saturn, retrograde in Virgo! Expect many meetings with business associates as well as family members to gather ideas that equate to steady progress toward goals for the future. Surprising and spontaneous solutions to long standing problems are seen! Give and receive respect.

TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 21

Your ruler, Venus, is in Pisces and sextile to Mars in Capricorn this Full Moon. Your creative imagination and good humor can complement even tasks that require great patience. The Sabian symbol for Venus at this degree of Pisces is “A Swam on Flowing Water”. Expect that time will flow by as you get into the “Zen” of daily activities. On the Solar Eclipse, Venus is still in Pisces, conjunct Uranus and in sextile to both Mars and retrograde Mercury in Capricorn as it opposes Saturn retrograde in Virgo! Group projects are seen in the numbers and much editing and fine tuning or words and presentations. Be creative and innovative with resources both at work and at home.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 21

This Full Moon, your ruler, Mercury is in Aquarius and aligned with the Dragon and conjunct Jupiter. Much quick thinking and innovation is seen! This can be a fabulous social time, in person, by phone or in electronic mediums! Conversations are more informative and friendly than emotional at this time. On the Solar Eclipse, your ruler has gone retrograde and has re-entered Capricorn and is conjunct Mars. Reclaiming work situations on a different level is seen. Mercury is also trine to Saturn in Virgo (Retrograde) and sextile to a Uranus/Venus conjunction in Pisces! Those in authority will appreciate your intentions and questions1 Expect to work with those who are brilliant or eccentric - or both!

CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 22

This Full Moon is in your sign of Cancer opposing the Capricorn Sun and in trine to Uranus in Pisces! It is time for you to laugh and play as a child again and embrace some spontaneity and impulse power! Expect a revelation experience about how you fit in the World and the wonders of Creation. Look at all you have accomplished and brought to fruition and languish in being a part of something greater than yourself! At the Solar Eclipse, your ruler, the Moon, is joined by Sun and Jupiter, the Great Benefactor of the Zodiac. This Eclipse signifies the very re-birthing of your Soul as Jupiter is in attendance. Just BE! Disappointments fade in the gleam of new possibilities!

LEO JUL 22 - AUG 23

Your ruler, the Sun, is in Capricorn opposing the Cancer Moon in the Full Moon chart and in trine to retrograde Saturn in Virgo while in sextile to Uranus in Pisces. The desire to provide and sustain is very strong in this cycle with some pleasant surprises with your work and finances. At the Solar Eclipse, your ruler is kissing both the Moon and Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and abundance. As the Sun fades from view we see its aura still! This is an excellent time to give Light to your underlings and to be generous with praise. It is also a good time to remember your own humble beginnings and increase your mentorship by applying not only your knowledge but your experience.

VIRGO AUG 23 - SEP 23

This Full Moon, your ruler, Mercury, is in Aquarius aligned with the Dragon with Jupiter approaching! This cycle can offer powerful opportunities for you to advance in knowledge and technological innovations. There can be great enlightenment in this cycle as well and a desire to leave the disappointments of the heart far behind. On the Solar Eclipse, your ruler is now retrograde and has moved back into Capricorn, conjoining Mars and in trine to Saturn now retrograde in your sign. Drawing upon your past experience, it will be easy for you to guide others and make more powerful and forthright decisions. Sextiles to both Uranus and Venus in Pisces assures you followers.

LIBRA SEP 23 - OCT 23

Your ruler, Venus, is in Pisces and in sextile to Mars in Capricorn this Full Moon. Artistic projects on the job or in the home go quite well! This is a time you will also appreciate the beauty around you and your affinity toward music is also increased. On the Solar Eclipse, your ruler is kissing Uranus and opposing retrograde Saturn in Virgo. This cycle shows you trying to bring back some family traditions as well as starlight of happier times! Venus also forms a sextile to both retrograde Mercury and Mars in Capricorn. Little people and pets will appreciate your kindness and good humor. One word of warning! Take care if you are on slippery surfaces! Keep your balance!

SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 22

Both of your rulers, Mars and Pluto are in Capricorn all month! Pluto is very quiet! This Full Moon reveals that it is best to go with tenured companies especially for home insurance and home repairs. Mars is sextile to Venus in Pisces, so it is also important to compare prices if you are beautifying your environment. On the Solar Eclipse, Mars is being approached by retrograde Mercury in Capricorn, in trine to retrograde Saturn in Virgo and in sextile to both Uranus and Venus in Pisces! Unexpected changes in kitchen, bathroom and weather can cause you to go back to the drawing board if you are renovating! On a lighter note, the beauty and unique design you have been dreaming of will materialize!

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21

Your ruler, Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and abundance enters Aquarius early this month. At Full Moon, Jupiter is approaching Mercury in Aquarius showing a flurry of new ideas and an increasing progressive desire to keep up with the latest fashion and technology! They seem almost married in this cycle! On the Solar Eclipse, Jupiter is in attendance! This magnificent bright planet bears witness to a re-birthing of higher mind over pre-existing limitations! Jupiter is so close to the Lights, it may not be visible as the Sun disappears from view - but they are both still there! Faith that the Sun will return to shine and good fortune comes round again is the essence of this lunation! Lead the way!

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20

Saturn, you ruler, is retrograde in Virgo all month! On the Full Moon, Saturn forms a beautiful trine to the Capricorn Sun and a sextile to the Cancer Moon as it opposes Uranus in Pisces! If after the holidays you have made a commitment to keep in closer contact with those you love, you will be amazed how they have grown and what they are establishing! On the Solar Eclipse, your ruler is in trine to retrograde Mercury and Mars in Capricorn. Re-evaluation of resources, particularly on the job is seen. You will find yourself on the Board or on a committee! Saturn also opposes Uranus and Venus in Pisces. Look to spend time with those who encourage you to simply be yourself!

AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 19

Your ruler, Uranus, is in Pisces and opposing Saturn retrograde in Virgo all month! On the Full Moon, much frustration is seen on the job and the same challenges keep appearing in new form. Fortunately, your ruler is also forming a trine to the Cancer Moon and a sextile to the Capricorn Sun. Documentation is the key to keep track of the patterns and others will see your intention. On the Solar Eclipse, Uranus is kissing Venus in Pisces as it opposes retrograde Saturn and in sextile to retrograde Mercury and Mars in Capricorn. If you are not in a relationship, someone from the past can come forward and sweep you off your feet! If you are currently in a relationship, you can fall deeply in love all over again! Enjoy!

PISCES FEB 19 - MAR 20 Your ruler, Neptune, is kissing Chiron, the wounded healer all month in Aquarius! This month it will prove true that you will be able to heal others as well as yourself. The more you extend and intend, the brighter you become. At Full Moon and on the Solar Eclipse, Neptune forms an inconjunct angle to retrograde Saturn in Virgo. In matters of medicine and business ethics, the blending of the old and new work best. Negotiations and fine tuning visions for the future are seen. On the Full Moon, the emphasis is on those you dearly love. On the Solar Eclipse, the emphasis is on the community where you live and have your livelihood. Kindred spirits unite!

ARIES (MESH)

CANCER (KARK)
Domestic finances are in a minor state of crisis. It’s essential to make everyone in the family understand the situation to elicit cooperation. Each family member must contribute to the overall welfare.

LEO (SINH)
Be aware of your ideals. You can be powerfully persuasive as long as you maintain decorum and charm. Attempts to force your will on others will not turn out well; your goals and methods must harmonize.

VIRGO (KANYA)
Investigation is a strong theme for you in this month. You dig deep into complex information, or follow leads with no obvious conclusion. Some may benefit by inheritance or insurance now.

LIBRA (TULA)
There can be differences of opinion between you and partners in this month. You may not gain the upper hand in disputes, however. Basic philosophic differences get in the way of coming to agreement now.

SCORPIO (VRISHIK)
You can gain clarity of purpose, which galvanizes action. You see a reason and direction for achieving a goal. An organizing principle now begins to direct your thoughts and activity.

SAGITTARIUS (DHANU)
You turn attention to having fun and being among friends. Social gatherings are an excuse to make friends and live it up. You have a hard time being serious, but it’s easy to enjoy yourself.

CAPRICORN (MAKAR)
Exercise your will to begin the day productively. You must make an extra effort to remain on course with your intentions. There are many temptations and excuses to allow events to get out of control.

AQUARIUS (KMUBH)
Your situation requires you to manage people, but do so kindly and tactfully. Let your will be known, and firmly direct people in the right direction. Inducements are more effective than threats now.

PISCES (MEEN)
There is a special need to take care of finances and investments in this month. Retain your own judgment, and don’t let selling points sway you too much. Take extra time to investigate claims carefully.

Every Hindu festival has a spiritual message. This nine-day festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. In fact the theme of the entire Vedas is reflected in the Navaratri festival: first remove all negativities; then purify the mind and cultivate positive virtues; and finally gain spiritual knowledge and transcend all limitations.Nava means nine and ratri means night. During these nine nights the Mother Goddess is worshipped in her variously manifested forms as Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati.

On the first three nights Durga is invoked for her strength and ferocity which are required to cut out from the mind it’s strong rooted, deep-seated negative tendencies. Goddess Laxmi is (then) worshipped on the next three nights. She is invited to bring in her wealth of noble values to nourish and purify the cleansed mind. Finally Goddess Saraswati is invoked on the last three nights to bestow the Higher Knowledge of the Self-possible only after cleansing and purification have taken place. With the dawn of spiritual wisdom the little ego is destroyed. This destruction is commemorated on the 10th night with (by) the burning of an effigy. This 10th day is called Vijayadashmi (Vijaya-victory,dashmi-ten); or Vidhyarambha (Vidhya-wisdom, knowledge, rambha- joy) Victory Day or the Joy of Enlightenment respectively.

Why is the Navaratri Festival celebrated at night? The spiritual message of night-time worship is that “you have lived long enough in the sleepy realm of tamas, it is time to get up now. Please, wake up!!”

Basically the first three days are for Durga, the second three days are for Lakshmi and the third three days are for Saraswati. Let me tell you the basic idea behind this. It is not just Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, but Shakti, Prosperity and Vidya. If you go still deeper, a lot of other things are added to it and it requires a lot of time to write in detail about all that.

Now about the Nine Days Puja, the deities are as follows;

1. Skanda Mata - Goddess of Fire.
2. Kusumanda (or Kuchamanda) - Goddess of Solar System.
3. Sailaplutri - Goddess of embodiment of power of Trimurtis.
4. Kalaratri - Remover of darkness (ajnana), giver of freedom from
fear, adversities, death, etc.
5. Brahmacharini - Giver of moksha
6. Mahagowri - 8 year old girl - Giver of peace - She is the peace
component of Durga.
7. Katyayani - Goddess of Vatsalya, Love, etc. (Goddess of Brindavan)
8. Chandraghanta - Apostle of bravery, drives away evil doers and
demonic incarnations.
9. Siddidhatri - Giver of siddhies, bestower of accomplishment /
achievements and ultimately moksha.

As per the local legend,anyone desirous of seeking a wish fulfillment from chilkur Balaji must first make 11 pradakshinas at the temple and after it’s granted, one must return to perform 108 pradakshinas as a way of expressing gratitude. And by the look of it, wishes are granted aplenty here. Those doing the rounds at almost a frenzied pace to reach the 108 target far outnumber the first-timers who amble along at a more relaxed pace.
Cash donations are neither expected nor accepted. offer donations in kind instead-like kukkum rice,sugar,etc.

Floral/coconut offerings are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum nor accepted by thepriest. So, be ready to crack the coconut yourself.

Don’t forget to carry a pen and take the numeric card (given free).It will make your circumambulatory thanks to the lord that much easier to carry out.

Eat,especially before you start off on the 108 pradakshinas.The Lord or His servents should not be blamed if you can’t sustain the physical exertion.

Take regular breaks beetwen the circumambulations.It’s only human if you head’s spinning from going round and round, so rest.

Last, but not the least ,remember not to close your eyes during darshan . Balaji idol here has four hands