Author: admin

  • How to Detect Negativity in Your House?

    Are you frequently facing money crisis? Are fighting and annoyance commonly occurring among your family members? Is the sickness victimizing your family members again and again? Are your frequent efforts failing to get job or promotion?

    Problems do occur in everybody’s life. But isn’t it unnatural if one particular problem persist and slap you more frequently? It is actually.

    What is Vastu Shastra?

    Where there science fails, Vastu Shastra emerges as an ultimate solution. It is proven. So, calling vastu Shastra as an architectural science is absolutely correct.

    ‘Vastu’ means the place to live and ‘Shastra’ stands for teaching/knowledge. Together it implies the knowledge of the living place.

    A nest comprises a lot of energies. Mainly, these are categorized into two, i.e. Negative and Positive energy. Our house is like a sponge. Its walls, doors, furniture, ceiling and various in-house objects are its pores through which the energies travel. But negativity occupies its place at any corner or object. This is why the house is segregated according to this shastra.

    How do we trace the impact of negativity?

    The influence of these energies is reflected from the emotions, behaviour, thoughts, occurrences and anxiety of inhabitants. Relentless fighting with neighbours, accidents, litigation, theft and broken relationships are a few symptoms of negativity.

    Let’s say the outbreak of fighting and arguments among your family members has become a routine. Despite repetitive efforts, everybody fails to avoid it. It symbolizes the dominance of negativity.

    How can we check where the negativity is? 

    Many Hindus have firm faith in ancient architectural science. Negativity is what they detest the most. To combat it, they put in every effort. Thereby, harmony can be settled down there. For example, a staunch Vastu believer hires a priest in Australia since his resident country is this continent. He follows religious rituals as well as some scientific tricks to burn or dispel negative energies.

    But you too can detect it by self. Follow these steps to do so:

    • Take an empty glass.
    • Put it at an untraceable corner where you suspect the negativity abides.
    • Fill one-third of the glass with sea-salt since it is capable of absorbing such evil vibes.
    • Pour one-third water & vinegar respectively in it without moving that glass.
    • Cover it with a lid.
    • Keep it there for 24 hours.
    • If many bubbles appear on its wall and the solution become translucent, it marks negativity.
    • Flush out that solution.
    • Repeat the same procedure again until the glass appears transparent.

  • How Chhath Pooja is Celebrated?

    Diverse people have diverse beliefs. India portrays its biggest example. In terms of religions and culture, it is the richest of all. Festivals stream the whole year to exhibit its richness. One of such religious riches is the festival of Chhath.

    What is Chhath?

    It’s a Vedic fest that symbolizes the significance and importance of the god ‘Sun’. We all know it’s the life-giver. Our ancestors, too, were well aware of this fact. However, most of the people celebrate it due to its mythological aspect. This aspect influences them to worship Chhathi Maiya-the wife of the Sun.

    Devotees get the spiritual reason to thank the Sun for sustaining life on the earth through this festival.

    When does it fall?

    What a coincidence it is that Chhaths fall twice & follow the biggest Hindu festivals!

    Devotees observe it in summer and winter. During summer, it falls on the Chaitra Shashthi which follows Holi-the festival of colours.

    Every year in the month of Kartika-the Hindi month, or October/November as per Gregorian calendar, the biggest Chhath is observed with reverence. Its occurrence can be forecasted easily since it falls on the sixth day following Diwali-the festival of light, celebration of Govardhan Pooja and Bhai Dooj.

    It is not the one day’s ritual but lasts for four days arduously.

    What’s the reason of celebrating this festival?

    Let’s open the pages of mythology first to know the reason behind its celebration. North Indians dedicate this day to Chhati Maiya. She is the beloved & younger wife of the Sun as per mentions in the Vedas.  Like her, he has two more wives, namely Usha and Pratyusha.

    According to Rig Veda, Usha signifies the first rays of dawn while Pratyusha is its last ray. Both names have Usha in common. This word is considered as the awakening of consciousness. Both provide the sun its energy. This is the concrete reason beneath their worshipping along the sun.

    There is one more extract from Mahabharata exhibiting this fest’s prevalence. Obeying the instructions of sage Dhaumya, Draupadi observed fasting and worshipping the sun. Her all grievances ended afterwards and her husband got dynasty of Indraprastha.

    According to one more account from epic Ramayana, lord Rama and his wife Sita observed fasting on this very day to thank the god Sun for ending their grief of 14 years’ exile. Both restored the peace in life afterwards in their kingdom ‘Ayodhya’.

    How people celebrate it?

    Since it is dedicated to the sun, women keep fast and abstain from water. In return, they want his blessings and long life of their husband and son.

    So, houses, their surroundings and riverbanks are spruced up. They are decorated like a newly-wed bride for performing related tantrum or rituals.

    Nahay Khay/Arwa Arwain:

    As foretold, it lasts for four days. The first day is called Nahay Khay or Arwa Arwain since devotees dip in the river water in the dawn. This way the fasting begins. The Vratins (Women on fasting) can eat dinner on that day.

    Lohanda & Kharna

    It’s the second day when the Vratins keep fasting. Like first day, they have a meal but only after offering it to the sun and the moon in the evening. Puffed pooris, Kheer (of rice) and bananas are eaten as the dinner. It’s the prep prior to the severe fasting of 36 hours long.

    Sandhya Arghya or Pahela Aragh

    It’s celebrated no less than a colourful and pompous carnival. The females with their entire family hurry to the riverbanks for offering Arghya to the setting sun. The folks sing folksongs to chant this occasion’s significance in verses.

    Usha Argyha or Dusra Aragh

    The last day is the most significant as the Parvaitins (fasting women) along with their pan family flock the banks of the water bodies in the dawn. They submerge the water while offering Thekua (Prasad), five different cereals (like parch gram, wheat), fruits and vegetables to the sun.

    They end fasting after distributing the prasad to their neighbours, relatives and friends in the evening.

  • How Hindus Celebrate Govardhan Pooja?

    Festive season brings cheers on the faces of all. Pomp and show attract a lot. Preparations accommodate people and they keep scheduling shopping and gifting frequently. Diwali is the grandest of all festivals of Hindus. It does not fall alone but brings many festivals along. Govardhan Pooja falls next to this pompous celebration.

    In Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and many north Indian states, this festival has its own significance.

    When is Govardhan celebration?

    Govardhan Pooja is also known as Annakut. It falls on the fourth day following Diwali which is the first lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik (as per Hindu calendar).

    What Hindu mythology states?

    As the mythology goes, the demigod ‘Indra’ was in fury. Blinded by his own power of controlling the nature, he cursed the villagers of Mathura. For proving his worth, he caused torrential rain incessantly. The whole Mathura village was on the verve of submerging. It’s all streets were waterlogged. As a rescue ranger, lord Krishna appeared. He directed the folk to the mountain Govardhan. Obeying his instructions villagers followed.

    Then the miracle occurred. The lord lifted the mountain high on his small finger so that the entire folk and cattle could shelter under it. All were scared while seeing the fury of the god of rain. But the rain did not cause any harm to them. Eventually, the demigod bowed down before lord Krishna accepting his defeat.

    To recount that charisma of the lord, this day has been celebrated.

    How to celebrate this festival?

    People carve a structure of a man with cow-dung in the early morning. The small hillocks of dung are also carved out. They are decorated with the branches and flowers. At the navel area, an earthen lamp, fruits, water, Kheel and sweets are kept.

    It is observed in the afternoon or evening. For Annakut, all family members gather at one place. They massage with sesame oil early in the morning before taking bath. Afterwards, all members clad in new dresses. A mound of grains is made. This hillock of grain symbolizes the mountain Govardhan. To recount the miraculous gallantry of the lord, this festival is observed with fervor and whole spirit. The eldest one worships the hillock while circumambulating it. The youngsters follow his footprints while copying the similar rituals.

    Worshipping on this day brings wealth, prosperity, child and happiness to the family. But watching the moon at this night is assumed inauspicious. So, it is prohibited.

  • Is It Necessary to Match Horoscope for Vivah?

    What’s the common practice that Hindus follow before making a match? It’s matching the horoscopes of the would-be spouses. The parents, grandparents and relatives call a priest to do so.

    Reading horoscope requires expertise. Only a qualified astrologer or an acknowledged Hindu priest can read it properly. However, the world has no lack of imposters. This is why families have their own priest who takes care of religious needs time to time.

    Why is it necessary to match the horoscope of the would-be spouses?

    Why horoscope matching is required? Is it mandatory to do so? These are the common questions that incite in the heart of many people. It’s true that Hindus believe in Astrology. They find it a mandatory custom to follow before finalizing the would-be spouse of their marriageable daughter or son.

    What Astrology states about horoscope reading before vivah?

    According to Astrology, there are 36 gunas. Each child is born with them. Before marriage, the parents match horoscopes of their ward with the selected bride or groom. Their priest studies them intensely. It is an assumption that at least 16 gunas (qualities) of the would-be bride and groom must match.   

    What do gunas imply?

    Gunas depict compatibility of the would-be couple. How much understanding the couple would be having- they determine them. With them, one can’t predict how would be their marriage life.

    Actually, the planetary moves, houses, ascendants, lagun and many more things are thoroughly examined from the horoscopes. The nadi plays pivotal role in match-making. Final decision is driven from the planetary matching of the girl and boy.

    What is Nadi?   

    Ashta koota identifies the social, emotional and psychological relationship of spouses with each other. Ashta stands for eight and Koota means criteria or dimensional. According to these koota, the horoscopes are matched for vivah.

    Varan, Vashya, Tara, Yoni, Grahamatri, Ganamatri, Bhakoota and Nadi comprise to form Ashta Kootas. Nadi koota expresses the psychological or hereditary factors. It transfers through genes. The personal relations of any individual are controlled by the heart and emotions. So, it can be the root cause of any inherited disease or problem. This is why it is exponential in match-making.

    If the marriageable girl or boy belongs to the similar nadi, it is considered as a nadi dosha as per astrology. It can be the responsible cause of hereditary problem.

    Why horoscopes are matched?

    Horoscopes consist of the planetary movements that were during his/her birth in the space. The astrologers draw that configuration of the planets on the paper. It is known as horoscope or kundali or birth chart.

  • Spiritual & Scientific Reasons to Celebrate Navratri Fest

    Hindus celebrate Navratri festival every year religiously. Why? There are only a few who clearly know its genuine reason. Most devotees observe it as a customary tradition. And, many have nothing to say but the only excuse, i.e. to follow the footprints of their ancestors blindly.

    Spiritual Reasons:

    • Invoking positivity:

    Our ancestors found reasons for everything. They were scientifically as well as spiritually aware. They saw infallible force in divinity. It’s not hidden from them that solar & climatic changes influence our body profoundly. This is why they took shelter in devotion & meditation to level up energies.

    According to them, Bhadro (in Bengali language) is the month when we notice great dip in our energy level. Sorrow, grief, stress, greed, jealous and hatred overlap our positive energy. To end it, our ancestors invoked lord Ganesha by performing Ganapati Puja for 10 days in the same month.

    Even today, people dedicate these days to the sweet memory of spending good times with ex-grandparents. They don’t forget performing special rites and rituals from anywhere. Let’s say devotees in Brisbane hire priest for Tarpan (a ritual).  It results in bumping positive energy.

    Likewise, the first 9 days of Ashwin month are dedicated to the source of power, i.e. Devi Durga. She killed Mahishasura (a demon) who embodied Kaam (lust), Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment), Ahankaar (ego), Darr (fear), Irshyaa (jealous), Jadta (inertia), Nafrat (hate) and Pashchaataap (guilt).  All these negativities low the energy level in a human body. This is why each night of Navratri ends these evils. And when the 10th night falls, people celebrate victory of good (positivity) over bad (negativity) on Dussehra or Durgapuja.

    • Pulling life force:

    Each night of this festival kills an evil thought in us. Why is it observed in night? The actual reason behind it is clear. It’s peaceful. The evil thoughts begin to grip amid such peaceful environment. It’s also believed that negative forces travel at night. This (peace) is the reason. When we light the lamp and meditate, our mind revives and gains focusing power.

    Autumn season ends while leaving several germs and disease-causing microbes. The chanting of mantras (hymns), sound of conch & bells and fragrance of incense kill germs in the air. The aura of devotees improves. It begins to repel negativity. Positivity sweeps it fully within 10 days.

    Apart from these spiritual reasons, there are some facts that confirm its advantages. Let’s catch them also.

    Scientific Reasons

    • Detoxification: Detoxify means free from toxin. Hindus abandon eating spicy food. They swap ginger, garlic, onion, non-vegan food with complete Satvik (fruit diet) food. Since winter onsets with this festival, the body needs detoxification according to Ayurveda. Otherwise, our immunity weakens. For gaining power to fight diseases, it’s better to take off from the routine diet. The fruit diet works as a cleanser & purifies the body.
    • Correct metabolism: Metabolism keeps our body in function. It is our body’s mechanism that can stop working. Careless munching produces extra kilos. Consequently, the fat deposits under skin.

    Fasting helps in shedding those kilos. In the absence of diet, our body breaks down the deposited fat to fuel up. Thereby, extra calories get burnt. Our metabolism gets invigorated.

    • Self-awareness: It’s common to feel like starving now & then. Hunger pangs everyone. But untimely gobbling is the root cause of obesity. Indigestion and acidity can make a person bed-ridden anytime.

    So, fasting is recommended. It’s what the saints advocated for. They entrusted us the secret to inflow the pure thoughts. We receive mindfulness while fasting. It makes us feel good. We feel in love with self. It bestows us a chance to come closer to divinity that dispels negativity. Thereby, confidence boosts up and brain regains sharpness.

    • Self-discipline: Suspending the daily pattern of eating showcases miraculous results. The fasting person learns how to welcome the changes for wellness. It’s a positivity that he embraces. Junk or spicy food is termed as taamasik diet. Eating it regularly incites ego, jealous, anger, hatred, and greed. By accepting satvik food, one sheds demon self and becomes a disciplined person.

    Remember, as you eat as the thoughts come in.

  • Do’s & Don’ts to Observe Navaratri in South Indian Style

    Navaratri is a nine days festival. Hindus celebrate it with joy and happiness. It is also known as Bommla Koluvu in Andhra Pradesh. People keep fast during these days. They reject consuming non-vegan food. They clean the house and puja ghar. Every entrance is decorated with the festoons made of mango leaves. South Indians draw kolam and place kolu along with betel leaves, areca nut, rice, turmeric powder and sandalwood paste. Young girls are fed with neividya and prasadam. Its observance invites positivity, prosperity, health and wealth in the house.

    Navaratri

    (Nine days dedicated to goddess Durga)

    Do’s:

    Pre-night preparations:

    • Clean the house & puja room.
    • Decorate doors with mango leaves’ festoons
    • Repair or buy new Kolu (dolls)

    Navaratri Pooja:

    • Draw kolam
    • Put Kalasha at the kolam
    • Place Kolu beside Kalasha
    • Light incense sticks & camphor
    • Give hoomam
    • Place betel leaves in front
    • Put cloves, areca nut, turmeric powder, rice on the leaves
    • Anoint coconut with turmeric powder and rice
    • Offer it to the goddess and break it
    • Light earthen lamp
    • Chant the hymn for Durga

    Don’ts:

    Pre-night preparations:

    • Leave the house unclean.
    • Worshipping with the broken kolu
    • Decorating festoons of other plants

    Navaratri pooja:

    • Not drawing kolam
    • Keeping nothing on it
    • Placing kolu on the left side
    • Forget lighting earthen lamp, camphor
    • Forget offering homam
    • Offering broken coconut
    • Offering broken areca nut
    • Offering torn betel leaves
    • Skipping things for pooja
    • Bringing devilish thoughts in mind
    • Attending pooja with no reverence