Being Aashadamasa, in Order to Please the Lord, Masaniyamaka

ASHADA MASA VishESha Dharma 2013

Being Aashadamasa, in order to please the Lord, Masaniyamaka

Sri Vamana,

one may perform Danam by giving Chappals, Salt,Nelli kayi (Amla) (Gooseberry)

Normally it is expected that one would take food only once.

If, it is done in this way for the whole Aashadamasa month, he will be blessed with Dhana , Dhanya and Putra Labha.

Those

interested

have a mind

will do

able to do alone

Should sacrifice

taking

a) Ghee

b) Salt

c) Tamboolam and

d) Juice

by leaving all these

things, there are effects also.

Dharana parana;

Paraka

Lakshya Batti

Lakshya Pradakshina

Lakshya Namaskara

Gopadma etc.

obtains Vishesha Punya.

AshaDa shukla ,2013

(9th July to 22nd July 2013)

16th July 2013. AshaDa shukla AshTamyam TUESDAY

Karka SankaramaNa.

DakShNAYANA

From afternoon 3-56 till sunset Parva KaaLa.

Bhageerati enters Tungabhadra.

18th July 2013. AshaDa shukla Dashamyam ThursDAY

DharaNa ParaNa Vrata AraMbha:

DharaNa-ParaNa means

One Day Upavasa- Next Day Bojana.

This could be done, If possible, for 4 months in Chatur MAsa. When one has no ability it is considered as great (ShrEShTa) doing in AshADa Masa or KArteeka MAsa.After doing PuNyaha, peform starting with sankalpa.

On ParaNe Day, Argya to NarayaNa to be given 108 times and then alone ParaNe to be done.After finishing this Vrata Udyapana to be performed.

Lakshmi NarayaNa Idol to be brought, perform Panchamruta, abhisheka, worship, in the night do PuraNa shravaNa and JAgaraNe Next Dat Brahmin

to be invited.

If one performs 30 days i e one month, Fasting, 15 people to be invited for Bhojana. 2 months means 30 people, 4months means, minimum 20 Brahmins to be fed and any number more than 20 is allowed. UdyaapaaaM Homa

details to be got from learned Pundits and performed.

19th July 2013. AshaDa shukla Ekadashyam FRIDAY

EKADASHI ACHARAnE (SHAYANI)

BhAgavatAnA Ekadashyam

UPAVASAM for MADHWAS-(Tapta

MUdra DhaaraNa )

Shayani Ekadashi-

ii) Prathama Ekadashi also-

iii) Sudarshana

Homa-Panchagaya Praashanam

General :

The Four Holy Months with the advent of July, the atmosphere is heavy with moisture.

This is a time of waiting.

Waiting for the downpour of cooling rain.

Waiting for the carpet of summer flowers on wet forest floors.

Waiting for the sounds of thunder and the flash of lightning. Waiting for the distant clouds on the silver-lined horizon to overcome the sky with expectancy.

In this noisy season of storms,

Vishnu, the god who protects and preserves the universe, lies down to rest and sleep after having made the earth a green vision with plenty of food grains, fruits and vegetables.

The 11th day of the bright half of Ashadh is known as Shayani Ekadashi.

It is the beginning of Chaturmaas, the four auspicious monsoon months, which are full of festivals and celebrations.

At the end of this festive period comes Prabodhini Ekadashi, a sacred day on which Vishnu awakens again to take Control of the cycle of the universe.

India, where a large number of rivers and lakes depend on rainfall, is a country, which worships the concept of water falling from the heavens.

Apo nArA iti proktA

Apo vai nara-sUnavaH |

ayanaM tasya tAH

pUrvaM tena nArAyaNaH smR^itaH ||1-1-28

Waters are called

'nAra’, because thy are the fundamental principle emerged from nArAyaNa, from which the living-beings have also emerged, nArA iti asya vyAkhyAnam –nara sUnavaH iti; and because the almighty has firstly entered waters, he is known as nArAyaNa,

i.e., nAra= waters; nArAyaNasya= of

nArAyaNa; ayanam=

pravesha sthAnam - entry point, abode.

[From mahAbhAratam tasya khila bhAgho

harivamsham ]

Rain is variously called neha, vnshti or varsha.

The dark clouds are considered manifestations of Krishna and rain is his mercy flowing from the heavens.

No wonder then that the monsoon is the holiest season in the Hindu calendar.

Much of India's folk, as well as classical dance, music and literature, are replete with descriptions of rain, which is an omen of prosperity, love and romance.

Monsoon lore in Indian legends and mythology is abundant, clouds on dark and rainy nights to keep trysts to make love.

The fields glistening in the rare sunlight, sport numerous shades of green and with their heavy heads of grain, are harbingers of plenty.

In these four months, from Ashadh to Kartik, almost every day is a cause for celebration and every night is a time to feast.

In between these festive occasions however,there are fasts, disciplined days of homage to the almighty, times reserved for family and children, and various other facets of life.

Many Indians remain vegetarian during this time and the fabulous variety of foods and sweets for breaking fasts; turn these months into a veritable moveable feast.

Each day is reserved for one deity or another.

Temples are decorated with flowers and fragrances fill the air.

Deities are bathed in sandal water or anointed with saffron paste and dressed in gorgeous robes of silk and gold.

Thunder on the distant horizon brings India's landscape to vibrant life with the first showery spells.

The monsoon dance of peacocks is a magnificent sight.

Dark clouds, gray skies and monsoon imagery are extensively and skillfully used in the tradition of miniature paintings.

The guru's first instruction to a pupil is to search for truth and the recognition of its absolute power. This instruction is contained in the Gayatri mantra or chant which is holy to all Hindus.

Every temple brings out its treasure of jewellery to decorate the deity for worship and celebration. sandal water or anointed with saffron paste and dressed in gorgeous robes of silk and gold.

Thunder on the distant horizon brings India\quotes landscape to vibrant life with the first showery spells

Temple bells ring out. The sound of Nadaswaram and drumbeats reverberate in the air.Nadaswarams play lilting music to call devotees for worship and

prayer.Cattle are decorated. Animals and birds are fed with berries, sugarcane, nuts and fruits.

Some Facts about Sayana EkAdasii

(Deva-sayana - PadmA

Ekadasi)

Fasting on this EkAdasii purifies one of all sins and fulfills all ones desires. Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred fast day is a good candidate for entering into hell. AshADha-shukla EkAdasii is also famous as PadmA EkAdasii.

Just to please the

Supreme Lord Deva-sayani, or Vishnu-sayani, indicates the day when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep with all the devas (demigods).

It is said that after this day one should not perform any new auspicious ceremonies until DevotthAni EkAdasii (Haribodhini (Probodhini) Devotthaani (Utthana) EkAdasii), which occurs during the month of KArtika (October -

November), because the devas (demigods), being asleep, cannot be invited to the sacrificial arena and because the Sun is traveling along its Southern course (Dakshinayanam).

a) Chaturmaasa Arambham.

b) GopadmaVratha,

c) Prathama Ekaadashi,

d) Sri ViShNu Shayanotstava,

e) Shaaka Vratha AramBha,

f) Bramharatha at Phandarapur.

g) Tapta Mudra DharaNa,

h) ShakaVratha Arambha,

i) DharaNa PaaraNa Vratha arambha.

For one month, Coconut, Plantain,(Banana) vegetables

are not offered to the Lord as Neaivedya

I.) Chaturmasa Arambham .

General:

Being AashaDamasa, in order to please the Lord, Masaniyamaka Sri Vamana, one should do Danam by giving Chappals, Salt, Nelli kayi (Amla)(Gooseberry).

One is expected to take food only once.

If, it is done in this way for the whole AashaDamasa month, he will be blessed with Dhana Dhanya and Putra Labha.

Those interested, has a mind - will to do - able to do, alone, should sacrifice taking Ghee, Salt,.Tamboolam and Juice. By leaving all these things, there are effects also.

Dharana parana; Paraka ; Lakshya Batti ; Lakshya Pradakshina ; Lakshya

Namaskara ; Gopadma etc.- obtains Vishesha Punya.

Chaturmasya Vrta

Sankalpa and Vishnu Shayanotstava=

In order to purify the body, all Vaishnavas perform Sudarshana Homa. If possible, they may go to their Matadeesha and get Tapta Mudra (Chakra and

Shanka).Then one should do Vishesha pooja-

Must offer prayer by reciting the following

sloka:" Supte Twayi Jagannathe JagatsuptaM BhavedidaM|

Vibuddhe Twayi Buddyeta tatsavarvaM sacharacharaH|

Then folding the Hands:

"Chaturo VarshikanmasaN Devasyotthapanavidhi|

Shravane Varjaye Shakam Dadhi Bhadrapade Tatha||

Dugdama Ashyujae Masi karthike Dwidala tatha|

Imam Karishye Niyamam Nirvignam Kuru Mes Achyuta ||

Idam Vratam Maya deva GrihitaM puratastava|

NirvignaM Siddhimayatu Prasadaat Te Ramapate ||

Grihites Asmin Vrate

Deva PanchatvaM Yadi Me BhaveT|

Tada Bhavatu

SampoornaM Prasadaatte JanaaRdhana||

By reciting the above

Mantram give Arghy to God from the Shanka (Conch)

Now Chaturmasa Sankalpa has been done:

Kindly take VISNU's

Pratime (idol) and make the Lord to sleep on the furnished Cot in the Devara

pooja room.

Do Vishesha pooja-

1) Supte Twayi

Jagannnathe- repeat the slokas again and offer prayer to God-

2) Please be awake the

whole Ekadashi night by singing hymns, keerthanas, doing Bajan etc ;

3) On Dwadashi day

after performing punaH pooja do PaaraNe, and

4) On Trayodashi day

do again pooja and have food after worshipping lord with instruments etc

This type of doing pooja (TridinatmakaUtsava) is called VISNU

SHAYANOTSAVA.

II.) "Shakahara Vrata Sankalpa"

From to day

onwards for a month, ( Aashada Shudda Dwadashi to Sharavana Shuddha Dashami)one should not offer Vegetables, Plaintain, Coconut , fruits as Neivedya or Hastodaka to God and also he should not eat.

Shakavratam Maya Deva

Grihitam Puratastava|

Nirvignam Siddimayatu

Prasadatte Ramapate ||

III). "Dharana Parana Vrata:"

During the Chaturmasa,

in the first month OR in the fourth month Or during the four months period,

doing UPAVASAM (Abstinence) on alternate days and doing Parane on alternate

days is called " Dharana Parana Vrata"

You should give 108 Argya to Bhagavantha.

Every month one should do Udyapane or at the end.

Just to control the body, mind and for Sarva papa parihara

(Absolution) this Dharana Parana Vrata is done with all sincerity and

effort.

IV. "Lakshya Pradakshina Vrata "

During Chaturmasa, one should do Lakshya Pradakshina Vrata. Starts from Aashadamasa and ends at the completion of Karthika Masa.

One should do Pradakshina Namaskara uttering the papas ( sins ) he has done and repenting ( Paschayattapa poorvaka -in a

penitent mood) before God to be merciful -repenting to condone for the

sins done- seeking forgiveness

(absolution) and do Uddayapane after completing Lakshya Pradakshina.

V. "Pradakshina Mantra "

Anantavyaya Vishno Sri

Lakshminarayana Prabho|

Jagadeesha

NamastubhaM, Pradakshina Pade Pade ||

Bramha Hatyadi papas,

Varna Sankaradhi Doshas, papas on account of

'Patitya';

'Abhakshyabhakshana roopa Papa'; and all sorts of papas (sins) are washed away by so doing

VI. Lakshya Pradakshina Namaskaram

is the way according

to Maha Vishnu. The significance of this Vrata is that it

removes, piquancy or papa from

the darkness and burns all papas by sincerely doing the Vrata.Poorva Janama

papas are also washed out by doing with greater sincerity-

It is also said that

papas in this Janma as well as papas going to be done in future Janma are also

likely to be taken care of ., to wipe out, by doing the great Vrata.

VII. "Lakshya Namaskara Vrata"

From

Aashadamasa Shuklapaksha Ekadashi, this Lakshya Namaskara Vrata isstarted to please the Sri Hari who is considered to be Shamadamadiyukta and

Devadeva called as Chakrapani.

Even Sumangalis and widows could do this Vrata.

Sankalpa Mantra:

Mama Lakshya namaskara

Vratasya Purushottama|

Nirvignena VrataM SangaM

Kuru twaM Krupaya Hare ||

Papa Panka NimagnaM

MaaM Papa Vyshasya BhajanaM|

Vrata Nanena SupreetaH

Samuddara Jagatpate ||

Argya mantra:

Deva Deva Jagannatha

Sarva Phala Prada|

Vrate Nanena Supreeto

Grihanrghyam MayaarpitaM||

VIII. "Gopadma Vrata"

From

Aashadamasa Shukla Paksha Ekadashi to Karthika Masa ShuklaDwadashi, this

Gopadma Vrata is performed.

Everyday,

one must clean the place where cattle's are reared.

Must clean,

wash,

sprinkle with

cowdung water, and

at a neat place write,

or

paint or put

rangavalli (Kolam),

the picture of a COW

and

write on it 33

numbered poems and

do pooja with

Haldi,Kunkumum, sandal paste, flower etc.

With the same 33

number give Arghya,-

Do 33 Pradakshina,-

33 Namaskaram- .

Prepare 33 Apoopa ( Rice flour mixed with jaggery with Elakakai and

,"Gasagase (

Poppy seed )" sprinked above –

And fried in pure Ghee) mix it with rice powder using the mixer.

Keep the dough in a box outside for a day for it Making of Appupa:

Soak two cups of rice

in water for two days. On the third day dry it for two hours, after throwing

excess water.

Grind the rice in the mixer and sieve it. Put 1.5 cups of jaggery, to ferment.

Next day make it in to small balls.

Take one flatten it, roll it over khus khus(poppy seeds) seeds and deep fry.

It will be soft when

you take it out of the oil but it will become crisp later. and do danam to a Satprapta Brahmin.with dakshine of Rs 33/-

Argya Mantra:

Ashta Dravya

SamayuktaM Swarna Patra Smitam JalaM|

Arghyam Grihana

Devesha Bhaktanama Abhaya Pradha ||

This Vrata to be done

for five years and afterwards udyapana to be done.

Those Grihastas and

Sumangalis who perform this Vrata are sure to get the Phala

This is the day of the

huge "yatra" or pilgrimages to the god Vithoba of Pandharpur, a town

in south Maharashtra, situated on the banks of the Bhima River, a tributary of the Krishna River.

Ashadhi Ekadashi is

more of a religious procession festival and is celebrated during the months of

June- July (Aashaadh Shukla paksha).

Ashadhi Ekadashi is

the day of fast and on this day people go walking in huge processions to

Pandharpur singing the Abhangas (chanting hymns) of

Saint Tukaram and

Saint Dnyaneshwar to see their God Vitthal.

The yatra starts in

Allandi and ends on Guru Poornima day at Pandharpur. The Feast of Ashadhi Ekadashi is celebrated with great solemnity at Pandharpur. Hundreds of thousands go in procession from different parts of Maharashtra, some carrying palanquins with the images of the great saints of Maharashtra.

These Bhaktas are called “ VAARAKARI” –

[Courtesy: Pundit Che.E.KAvali-Sachitra Bharateeya HabbagaLu-Page 97]

20th July 2013,Ashada shukla ,DWDASHAYAM,Saturday

1) PAraNe

2) Sri Sootha Puranikara Punya Dina(PaLLI PaaLyam)

3) Sri Vamana Pooja

4) Shaaka Vrata starts-

Coconut, plantain, vegetables are not

offered fora month for Hasthodhaka.

22nd July 2013,Ashada shukla ,PorNimyaaM MONDAY