Get Your Bhoomi Pujan Done in March 2017

Planning on getting a construction done soon? May it be a house, office, or any other construction on a piece of land, having a Bhoomi Pujan done before starting any form of construction is of utmost importance for the Hindus. So, if you possess a land and want to start a construction sometime soon, you must be aware that you have only two auspicious dates waiting for you, or else you will have to wait only until the month of May! Considering auspicious dates for performing the Bhoomi Pujan is important for positive results. And for the month of March 2017, the two favourable dates are 3^rd and 10^th. After that, the entire months of March and April have no auspicious dates! So, if you don’t want to keep waiting till May, hurry up and get in touch with MakeMyPuja Pandits right away and book them for 3^rd or 10^th of March 2017.

Why do you need to perform Bhoomi Pujan?

It is believed that Bhoomi Pujan is done to ask for permission from the Mother Land to build the structure there as there will be many changes in the natural state of the land during construction, which will disturb the earth’s equilibrium, while also disrupting the habitat of innumerable tiny creatures living on the land. Thus, taking permission and seeking forgiveness from the earth is considered important by Hindus. This is because Earth (Prithvi in Hindi) is considered as one of the five important sacred elements – Jal, Agni, Akash, Vaayu and Prithvi. Therefore, Hindus personify the Earth as their Mother and worship it like any other goddess. Along with seeking permission and forgiveness, this Puja is also believed to seek the blessings of Mother Earth to ensure safety of those who will be residing within the structure. The farmers in India also do a Bhoomi Pujan before they start tilling the land. So, you can see how important this Puja is for the Hindus all across the country.

What things are considered while performing the Bhoomi Pujan?

Bhoomi Pujan is done strictly on the norms of Vaastu Shastra – the ancient Indian science of architecture that illustrates the layout, measurements, geometry, and directions of a space. This Puja includes a series of rituals like Ganpati Sthapna, Bhoomi Pujan, Navgraha Shanti Puja, and Havan. By performing all these rituals in the right manner, all sorts of Vaastu Dosh are eliminated so that good fortune and luck is brought in.

For future requirements of Bhoomi Pujan on your piece of land, you can always count on MakeMyPuja Pandits to help you with the right dates and muhurats, where they can help you perform the correct rituals in the most appropriate manner to bring positive results for your construction. Remember that you can always perform the Bhoomi Pujan during the months of Shraavan, Kartik, Margshirsh, and Paush of the Hindu calendar. On the other hand, the Adhik Maas, Zero Month, and Lunar Month should be avoided.

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How and Where Is Mahashivratri Celebrated in India?

India is known for its rich and diverse culture, where a number of Gods and Goddesses are seen to be worshipped, and a number of festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Every festival, whether big or small, is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm, and Mahashivratri is no exception. Different regions of the country celebrate this grand day in different manners because of the various legends associated with this special day. The most common rituals carried out at all Shiv temples across the country include Abhishekam, Aartis, and Havans. But, there are certain rituals that are specific to certain cultures. And to enjoy this diversity, you must make it a point to visit the below mentioned places on this festive day – one different region every year.

North India

Shiv’s consort – Goddess Parvati – is believed to be the daughter of the Himalay. Therefore, the mountainous regions of India engage in grand and magnificent Mahashivratri celebrations. Every Shiva temple is thronged by both locals and tourists on this day. The festivities in certain places go up to even a week or fortnight! The Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh has the famous Bhootnath temple, which is the highlight of the week long Mandi festival taking place in this region on Mahashivratri. This festival is a 500 year old tradition, and attracts tourists from different places across the globe. Another temple one must visit is the Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir in Rishikesh, which is situated at th every place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that was produced from the Samudra Manthan. A grand fair is organized by this temple on this day, where visitors throng to participate in the celebrations. If you are anywhere in Kathmandu, Nepal, you mustn’t miss out on visiting the grand and culturally rich Pashupatinath temple, located on the banks of the river Bagmati.

South India

As much as in the North, Lord Shiva is also a beloved one in the South. In some parts of South India, shiva is referred to as Yogiraj and Adiguru. This is why people in this region who belong o the dance and music field please Lord Shiva by performing Tandava and Lasya dances. The Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh is devoted to the Mallikarjun avatar of Lord Shiva. This temple has both the Jyotirling and Shakti Peeth, thus signifying the strong bond of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Another famous temple, the Thrikkuratti temple in Kerala, hosts a special dance program known as the Sivarathri Nrutham on the grand occasion of Mahashivratri. The performances are inspired from Shiva’s dances, and thus are called Anandatandava.

East India

Mahashivratri is of utmost importanc to the devotees of Lord Shiva in East India because this region is home to many Jyotirlings and the King of Jyotirlings – The Lingaraj, where lakhs of visitors throng on Mahashivratri. People are seen to offer Abhishekam and prayers to the Lord; and local processions are also seen. The Tilbhandeshwar temple in Varanasi organizes a special 5 hour long wedding procession, where participants dress up as divine deities, dance, and play with colours. This procession is due to the fact that Mahashivratri in this region is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva married Parvati. The Lokanath temple in Odissa has the Shivlings immersed in a natural water fountain throughout the year, where the water is drained only on Mahashivratri so that the devotees can see the Shivling and offer their prayers.

West India

The regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra also see lots of devotees worshipping the Shivling and offering water, milk, belpatra and fruits on this auspicious day. People here also observe the Mahashivratri fast, wherein they consume only water, milk and fruits all day long. The Somnath temple in Gujarat is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirling shrines of Lord Shiva, where he is believed to have appeared as a fiery column of light. This temple is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot of Gujarat, not only on Mahashivratri, but all throughout the year.

You can see how Lord Shiva is respected and prayed to with immense faith and devotion throughout the country of India, no matter what the region. Make it a point to visit any of the above mentioned places every Mahashivratri to pray to the Lord, along with enjoying the festivities. However, if you are unable to visit these places, don’t be disheartened. You can attain the same amount of blessings of the Lord by performing a simple Mahashivratri Puja right at your home, in the presence of the most professional and qualified MakeMyPuja Pandits.

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Mahashivratri – The Biggest Day of Worshipping Lord Shiva

‘Mahashivratri’ – As the name itself says, is the day of Lord Shiva. We can break it up into three words – ‘Maha’ meaning Great, ‘Shiv’ meaning Lord Shiva, and ‘Ratri’ meaning night. Therefore, the word ‘Mahashivratri’ means the great night of worshipping Lord Shiva. This is the most important day for all those who believe in and pray to Lord Shiva. It is the biggest festival for Shiva devotees.

What is the legend behind Mahashivratri?

There is not one, but two important legends associated with this great day.

Samudra Mathan – The ‘Samudra Mathan’ is a very well-known legend of Hinduism, wherein the churning of the oceans resulted in the emerging of a pot of poison that could destroy the world. This is why to save the world, Lord Shiva drank the poison from the pot, which was then held up in his throat. This is why he is also known as ‘Neelkantha’ and is greatly worshipped on this day revering him for what he did.

Shiv-Parvati wedding – Another common legend associated with this day is that it is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, thus marking their union. This is why it is not Lord Shiva alone, but also Goddess Parvati who is worshipped on this day in every Shiva temple.

What do devotees do on Mahashivratri?

There are various ways in which devotees can please Lord Shiva on this day.

Through ‘Abhishek’ – Devotees are seen to be cleansing the Shivlinga in Shiva temples on this day with milk and water. They then apply vermillion paste and adorn the Shivlinga with wood apple or belpatra. Incense sticks and lamps are them lighted, and fruits are offered to the Lord. All this is done to please Lord Shiva so that he can bless his devotees with materialistic pleasures.

Through fasting – The devotees of Lord Shiva observe fast on this day, where they are constrained from consuming certain types of foods. There are some who keep a Nirjara Vrat, meaning they have nothing for the entire day – not even water! Others observe fast where they can drink only water. And then there are others who observe fast where they can consume only milk, fruits and sago. Fasting in any of these ways with complete faith and devotion helps attain the blessings of Lord Shiva, and also helps one get rid of all past sins. Married women observe this fast for peace and prosperity of her family members, and longevity of her husband. On the other hand, single women do so for getting a husband like Lord Shiva himself.

Through meditation – Lord Shiva is considered as a great practitioner of meditation. On the night of Mahashivratri, the position of the celestial bodies in the Northern Hemisphere is said to encourage spiritual energy of humans to extreme levels. So, those following the path of spiritualism, meditate all night long to seek enlightenment of the soul and blessings of the Lord.

Whatever your reason may be, and whichever way you decide to please Lord Shiva, but if you are a true Shiva devotee, you must conduct the holy Mahashivratri Puja. MakeMyPuja Pujaris will help you conduct this Puja in the most righteous manner to attain the blessings of the Lord so that you are blessed with peace, prosperity and harmony all your life.

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Significance And Rituals Of Vijaya Ekadashi

Vijaya Ekadashi occurs during the waning phase of the moon in Krishna Paksha of the Hindu calendar; and this year it is to fall on 22^nd February. The significance and prominence of this Ekadashi is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. King Yudhishtira was seen to ask Lord Krishna about the significance of this remarkable Ekadashi, and also Lord Brahma was seen to give the same understanding to Narada. They both taught the same thing that Vijaya Ekadashi is the greatest of all the Ekadashis observed throughout the year, and observing fast on this day and worshipping Lord Vishnu brings great benefits.

Legend of Vijaya Ekadashi

The legend of Vijaya Ekadashi is related to Lord Rama. As per the legend, when Lord Rama was heading towards Lanka to free Sita from the abduction of Ravana, he confronted a huge sea and didn’t know how he would cross the water. It was Lakshmana who then took him to Sage Bakadalabhya, who advised Lord Rama to observe a fast, and told him that observing this fast will help him to be victorious over the evil powers of Ravana. Thus, Lord Rama observed the fast and successfully rescued his wife Sita. Ever since, the Vijaya Ekadashi fast is observed by devotees of Lord Rama and Lord Vishnu with tremendous zeal, faith and enthusiasm. It is believed that this fast helps to remove all guilt associated with sins committed in the past and also helps in attaining victory by removing all obstacles.

How to observe Vijaya Ekadashi?

The Vijaya Ekadashi fast is observed just like any other Ekadashi fast by following the same rules, customs and rituals. Devotees are required to fast for 24 hours, wherein they are allowed to eat only one meal in the entire day. They are refrained from consuming grains, rice and honey. Fruits, vegetable, nuts and milk products can be consumed. The fast begins from the night before Ekadashi and is broken on the morning after Ekadashi, after praying to Lord Vishnu and lighting a lamp.

Why should you observe Vijaya Ekadashi?

There are many incidents and qualities of Lord Rama’s life that inspire devotees to learn how to lead a life. And, this should be just one of them. Lord Rama had observed this fast to defeat the demon Ravana. Similarly, we must observe this fast to defeat the demons sitting within our mind, which are lust, greed, anger, ego, attachment and fear of death. We need to overcome these demons to attain peace and joy in our life, and salvation after death. Observing Vijaya Ekadashi and performing all the rituals in the right way is one step in helping  you achieve all of this and success in every phase of life. There are many other rituals, customs and Pujas that Hindus can perform to get rid of worldly problems and attain peace and success in life. For any kind of Puja or assistance regarding what kind of Puja you must perform for your individual benefit, you can get in touch with MakeMyPuja Pandits to help you.

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Vijaya Ekadashi

Lord Vishnu is one of the most significant Gods worshipped by the Hindus during Magha Maas that falls between January-February every year. People take dips during early mornings in the holy river of Ganga during these months, and especially on Magha Purnima. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in this holy river during this auspicious time and blesses all those who bathe there to get rid of their sins. After Magha Purnima comes Vijaya Ekadashi, another auspicious day when Lord Vishnu is worshipped. Vijaya Ekadashi as known in North India is known as Pankoddhar Ekadashi in Orissa, Mukkoti Ekadashi in Andhra Pradesh, and Baikuntha Ekadashi in South India.

Vijaya Ekadashi falls on the day of the waning phase of the moon in Krishna Paksha; and this year it is to fall on 22^nd February. Millions of Hindus fast on this day to please Lord Vishnu. It is believed that those who perform Vijaya Ekadashi can overcome their fears and conquer their senses. It strengthens individuals to overcome any kinds of difficulties. It is also believed that those who fast on this day are blessed to enter Vishnulok – the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Legend of Vijaya Ekadashi

It is believed that Lord Rama, before marching towards Lanka with his 'vaanar sena', observed this Vijaya Ekadashi fast. When Lord Rama could see no means to cross the mighty ocean to reach Lanka, he began praying and decided to observe fast, as advised by sage Bakadalabhya. The sage also told Lord Rama that his fast would be a source of inspiration for millions of Vishnu devotees, and that his victory will be for sure. Also, in Skanda Purana, Lord Brahma narrated to sage Narada the importance of fasting and praying on Vijaya Ekadashi.

How to perform Vijaya Ekadashi?

Vijaya Ekadashi is to be strictly followed for 24 hours. Devotees are advised to take bath with coconut oil and turmeric. People take bath in the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, Padma and Mahanadi early morning on this day to begin their fast. Fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on the other 23 Ekadashis of the Hindu calendar. This fasting liberates an individual from the cycle of birth and death. Due to this, it is also known as Mokshadeyi Ekadashi. Devotees chant the Gayatri Mantra and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Lamps of ghee are lit. The Vishnu Sahashranama is recited. Fasting includes abstinence from evil actions, bad thoughts and worldly pursuits. Brahmins are offered food and alms to get rid of past sins. Devotees who observe this fast are only allowed to consume fruits, nuts and milk on this day. Also, chick peas and jaggery are allowed. The fast is broken at dawn by consuming cereal and jaggery.

Vijaya Ekadashi ensures purity of mind, body and soul in various ways. If you are looking for such kind of peace and purity in life, you must also perform this fasting and prayer. Not only Lord Vishnu, but whichever God and Goddess you worship and whichever kind of Puja you are looking for, you can always rely on MakeMyPuja to help you with any kind of assistance. You can also hire MakeMyPuja Pandits to help you perform all sorts of Pujas in the most appropriate manner to help bring the best outcomes.

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The Importance And Religious Beliefs Of Magha Maas

Magha Maas is the 11^th month of the Hindu calendar that begins somewhere after mid-January and goes up to a little after mid-February. This month begins on either the new moon day or full moon day of the month, and the name is given so because of the star cluster called ‘Magha’. It marks the end of the dry winter season, and brings in the most awaited spring season with fresh new leaves and flowers blooming all around. Also, this month is considered auspicious to perform ceremonies of marriage, house warming, thread ceremony, and many other important events of one’s life. The major ritual of this month is the ‘Magha Snanam’ meaning holy dips in holy rivers.

The ‘Magha Snanam’ ritual

There is special significance of taking bath in holy waters during this month; and this ritual is known as ‘Magha Snanam’. It starts from Pushya Shukla Purnima/Amavasya and ends with Magha Shukla Purnima/Amavasya. During this period, the devotees believe to take early bath in the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, or any other holy river before sunrise. This is because it is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in the holy waters during this auspicious month and blesses all those who perform this ritual by having them rid of their sins.

The ‘Samudra Snanam’ ritual

Another ritual followed during this month is the ‘Samudra Snanam’ wherein the devotees take bath in sea waters. On account of the cold during winters and lack of sunshine, the human body becomes weak. During the Magha Maas, the Sun’s rays provide more heat and energize the Sea waters, destroying the bacteria. Also, common salt in the sea acts as an antibiotic and cleanses the skin. Taking all of this into consideration, the Hindu sages prescribed people to perform ‘Samudra Snanam’ and spend one Ghadiya or a period of 48 minutes in the sea during Magha Maas. This results in the energy of the Sun’s rays embedded in the water to spread within our body. Therefore, this can be an answer for those looking for scientific reasons to bathe in the waters during this month.

Worshipping Gods in this month

Many Gods and Goddesses are believed to be associated with this auspicious month. Goddess Saraswati, Surya Dev, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu are mainly worshipped during this month. The major festivals seen falling in this month every year are mentioned below.

·        Vasant Panchami – The female divine energy of learning, wisdom and knowledge – Goddess Saraswati – is worshipped on this day as it is considered to be her birth day. She is worshipped to help get rid of lethargy, sluggishness and ignorance.

·        Ratha Sapthami – The Sun God, who rides in his chariot of seven horses (representing the seven colours of the rainbow and the seven days of the week), is worshipped on this day as it is believed to be his birth day. On this day, the Sun God is believed to commence his journey towards the North-East direction, bringing in the spring season.

·        Magha Purnima – Lord Vishnu in his Satyanarayana avtaar is worshipped on this day. After taking bath in a holy river, donations are made to the poor and the Brahmins, after which the Satyanarayana Katha is performed to seek the blessings of purity, peace, happiness and wealth from Lord Vishnu.

·        Maha Shivratri – Devotees observe fast and worship Lord Shiva on this day by bathing the Shivling with water, milk and honey. They offer belpatra to him as it symbolizes purification of the soul.

You can see how important and auspicious the Magha Maas is for the Hindus. If you want to benefit from this auspicious month and conduct any of these Magha Maas rituals within your home, you can get in touch with MakeMyPuja Pandits. They are highly experienced and professional, and can help you perform all the rituals in the most appropriate manner to help you gain success, peace, health and wealth in your lives.

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Importance, Rituals And Legends Of Magha Purnima

Magha Purnima is the full moon day in the month of Magh of the Hindu calendar, which falls in January-February every year. Magha is considered to be one of the most sacred months of the Hindu calendar; and Magha Purnima is one of the most important days of this month, and this year, it is to fall on 10^th of February 2017. You can make this day sacred, pious and fruitful for you by performing the rituals associated with this day.

On this day, people are observed to take an early morning bath in the holy river of Ganga. People who do not have the opportunity of taking a bath in the River Ganga take bath in any other holy river, stream or pond that is accessible. If that isn’t possible too, then they pour a little Gangajal into ordinary water, and bathe with it. In fact, a number of bathing festivals are held on the banks of many holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri, Krishna and Tapti. People also take a dip in the sea at Kanyakumari and Rameshwaram. Bathing in the Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan is also considered highly religious on this day.

The legend behind this bath, according to Brahmavaivartpurana, is that Lord Vishnu himself resides in the River Ganga during this month, and a dip in this holy water helps you get rid of sins and attain salvation. After bathing, people worship Lord Vishnu as the entire month of Magha is dedicated to Him. People then distribute food, money and clothes among the poor and needy; and also donate the same to Brahmins. It is believed that charities and donations made on this day helps one get rid of multiple sins and gives fruitful bliss. Some people observe fast on this day, and also offer tarpan to their ancestors. All of these rituals provide peace of mind and purity; and Lord Vishnu blesses his devotees with contentment, peace, happiness and wealth.

Lord Satyanarayana being an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, people also perform the Satyanarayana Katha on this day. The Lord is offered fruits, banana leaves, pan, til, supari, etc. Panchamrat is made with milk, honey, sugar, tulsi, gangajal and banana. Wheat and sugar are mixed and roasted to make a special prasad for the Puja. In fact, many temples organize Satyanarayana Katha on this day. You may take part in organizing it, or at least make it a point to attend this Katha. Or, to have a Satyanarayana Katha in your home, you can book a MakeMyPuja Pandit to help perform it in the most auspicious manner while completing all the rituals correctly.

Another important festival is celebrated on this day in Tamil Nadu, which is known as the ‘float festival’. Lavishly decorated idols and images of Lord Sundeshwara and Meenakshi are mounted on floats, and are taken to the Mariamman Teppakulam Sarovar, a large sacred tank in Madurai.

Make sure to take the benefits of this sacred day by performing at least the bathing ritual, praying to Lord Vishnu, and making some charity and donations, no matter where you may be on this day.

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Surya Jayanti – Most Auspicious Day For Worshippers of The Sun God

Surya Jayanti, as the name itself says, is the birth day of Lord Surya - one of the most important Gods of the Hindus. This day falls on the seventh day of the bright half of the moon - Shukla Paksha - in the Magha month of the Hindu lunar calendar. Lord Surya is seen driving his chariot that is driven by seven horses. Therefore, this day is also known as 'Ratha Saptami' - Ratha meaning the chariot in Hindi, and Saptami meaning the seventh day. This year, this auspicious day falls on the 3^rd of February, when Lord Surya, the son of sage Kashyapa and Aditi is heartily worshipped.

Lord Surya and his chariot – The representation

Ratha Saptami, meaning the seventh day of the chariot, depicts Lord Surya turning his chariot towards the Northern hemisphere in the Norht-East direction. This chariot is driven by seven white horses. Some believe that these horses represent the seven colours of the rainbow (VIBGYOR) while other believe that they represent the seven days of the week, starting with Sunday – the day of Lord Surya. Lord Surya’s chariot is seen to be having 12 wheels, which represent the 12 astrological signs that form a complete year, known as ‘Samvatsara’. The Sun begins the year by residing in his own house – Leo. He then keeps moving to the other 11 houses – a new one every month, thus covering all the 12 astrological signs in one year. As he shifts to each different house, he affects the natives of those astrological signs respectively in an astrological manner.

Importance of Surya Jayanti for Indian farmers

As and when the Sun shifts to different signs, his movement indicates the varying temperatures across the country. The day of Surya Jayanti symbolizes the change of temperature such that the season changes from spring to the harvesting season. Therefore, this day is one of great joy and enthusiasm for the farmers in India as this event indicates harvesting and the beginning of sowing for another great season. This is why the farmers highly worship Lord Surya on this day to thank him for the season he has blessed them with.

Legend associated with Surya Jayanti

There are many legends associated with the significance of Surya Jayanti. However, there is one very important and popular belief which goes like this. King Yashovarma of the Kamboj Empire was not able to attain a son for many years after marriage. He was worried as to who would rule his kingdom after his death. After years of performing religious rituals and praying to Lord Surya, he was finally blessed with a son. However, the child was terminally ill. Sage Kashyap advised him to have his son perform the Surya Jayanti Puja to get rid of all his past sins and recover from his health. As said, the king’s son started performing the rituals, and he finally recovered. He was thus ultimately able to rule his kingdom well for his entire lifetime. Ever since, the rituals of Ratha Saptami or Surya Jayanti Puja have been performed by the Hindus.

If you are looking for betterment of your health and mental state, or if you want to gain strength to overcome difficulties and attain victory, you must also worship and pray to Lord Surya to bless you. You may visit a Surya temple on the occasion of Surya Jayanti or offer a small Puja at home by applying kumkum on the forehead of Lord Surya’s idol and offering him milk, white flowers, fruits and prasad. However, for any other Pujas you want to perform to get rid of all the ill-effects that the inappropriate planetary alignments in your horoscope have on your life, you can get in touch with MakeMyPuja to help you. The MakeMyPuja Pandits will check on your horoscope and let you know the right kind of Pujas you need to perform to remove the ill-effects and help you live a peaceful and successful life ahead.

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