Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh or Mahalaya Paksha, is a 16-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors with prayers, food, and rituals to ensure the peace of their souls. Hindus believe that during this period, the souls of ancestors descend to Earth to bless their descendants, and performing Shradh rituals is crucial for their liberation and salvation. In 2024, Pitru Paksha will be observed from September 18 to October 2.
Each day of Pitru Paksha has specific rituals dedicated to individuals who passed away on corresponding lunar days. For instance, Purnima Shradh on September 18 is for those who died on a full moon day, while Pratipada Shradh on September 19 is for those who passed on the first lunar day, and so forth until October 2, which marks Chaturdashi and Amavasya Shradh. The rituals typically involve food and water offerings, tarpan (water offering), and special prayers to honor the departed souls.
Key practices during Pitru Paksha include offering tarpan, performing Pind Daan (offering rice balls mixed with sacred items), feeding Brahmins and the poor, following a strict vegetarian diet, and offering food to crows, believed to be messengers of the ancestors. By adhering to these customs, people seek the blessings of their forebears for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth.
Read more...Putra-Ekadashi, observed on the 11th lunar day of Shravana month’s waxing moon, is a revered Hindu fasting ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Particularly important for those seeking progeny, this sacred day involves fasting, prayers, and reading related scriptures. Observing this fast with devotion is believed to bring the blessings of children, spiritual growth, and the fulfillment of desires.
Preparations for Putra-Ekadashi include cleansing the home, purifying oneself, and taking a vow (Sankalp) to fast sincerely, aiming for the blessings of progeny. The fast can be a complete (Nirjala Vrat) or partial one, avoiding grains and non-vegetarian foods, and includes worship through offering flowers, chanting Vishnu hymns, and reading scriptures. The fast is broken the next day after sunrise with prayers, and doing charity enhances the fast's benefits.
The next Putra-Ekadashi will be observed on August 14, 2024, with the specific timings provided for different regions including India, Europe, and the United States. We invite you to join us in this sacred celebration, embracing the spirituality and joy that Putra-Ekadashi brings, connecting with family, friends, and community in devotion and prayer.
Read more...Embrace the transformative power of Naga Panchami, a sacred day of reverence for serpents, deeply significant to Kundalini Yoga practitioners. Observed on August 9, 2024, this festival embodies transformative energies aligning with the essence of Kundalini Shakti. Engaging in key rituals—like chanting the Shiva Panchakshari Stotram, practicing pranayama, and making charitable donations—on this day can enhance your spiritual journey by connecting you with these mystical energies.
Understanding the influence of the lunar nodes, Rahu and Ketu, and their connection to serpent energy is essential for mitigating karmic challenges and attaining balance and prosperity. Honoring the Nagas on Naga Panchami can help address issues related to Rahu and Ketu, facilitating smoother spiritual progress and material well-being. Through rituals and devotion, you can harness the blessings of these cosmic forces to purify your karma and awaken the dormant Kundalini within you.
Embrace these practices on Naga Panchami, and let them guide you towards enlightenment, inner strength, and a deeper connection with the divine. Share this sacred wisdom with others to inspire growth and transformation on their spiritual paths. Join us in celebrating and nurturing your Kundalini journey with powerful rituals and devotion.
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