UTSAVAS

There is a common practice amongst many people in India to perform Ghatasthapana / Kalashastapana / Golu and Avahana of Devi on Amavasya day, which is completely against Dharma Shastra. A day in which both Amavasya as well as Pratipada/Prathamai exist together, even on that day the Kalashasthapana should not be done even if amavasya tithi is over.



Dharma Shastra clearly has outlined that the day when pure Pratipada/Prathamai is existing in the morning at the time of Suryodaya/Sunrise should be the time for Ghatastapana. Devi Purana says those who establish Navaratri Kalasha /Ghatasthapana on the day of Amavasya despite my warning, I curse them and burn them into Bhasma, they will loose their wealth and eldest son. So please ensure you follow the Dharma Shastra which our Vedic Rishis have written and perform Ghatasthapana accordingly.


Next questions is when one can keep or arrange the Golu / Koluvu dolls (a South Indian Custom of arranging the dolls on steps) ? The answer is on Prathamai. However, there is no need to search only for Shuddha Prathamai(Prathamai during sunrise). If amavasya is there during sunrise and then later prathamai starts and then ends the next day , then u may keep the Golu in the afternoon or the next day whenever prathamai thithi exists. You can arrange the steps and keep the dolls because the Devi Avahana (invocation) is not done on these dolls, but once again as mentioned above the Kalasha / Kumbham and Devi Avahana and pooja should be done only on Shudha Prathamai as per the time mentioned in drik Panchang and perform avahana (invocation), pooja of Devi on the Kalasha.



How to keep the Kalasha is the next question ?
Dharma Shastra gives a detailed explanation on the Kalashasthapana. On prathamai, fill a big mud vessel (big open mouthed vessel) with mud. Sow a mix of wheat and barley in it (previous night) , you have to soak them in water in a cup, next day i.e., on prathamai put these soaked wheat and barley in the mud. You can put navadanya also as alternative. Keep this mud pot either on the first lowest step of the Golu step or in a separate peetam / palakai / peeth in front of the Golu. Those who don’t keep Golu dolls they can just do Ghatasthapana / Kalashasthapana.
On this mud filled vessel which has wheat and barley sowed in it, place a nicely washed empty Ghata/Kalasha made of Gold /Silver /Copper /Mud. Fill with fresh water now after placing over the mud, in the kalasha water put sandalwood paste/powder, put lavanga (clove), elaichi (cardamom), one or two durva grass/kusha grass (arugam pillu), Pancha pallava (5 twigs – Mango, peepal, banayan, white fig, cluster fig or palasha), camphor (pacchai karpooram) 1 gold coin, 1 silver coin and if navaratna (9 gem stones) if available put it inside, cover the sides of the Kalasha with a red cloth. To cover from the top you have two options.

• Cover it with a lid (same metal as Kalasha). Spread rice on the lid and keep and idol of Durga on top and then perform avahana and Pooja.


• Other option is to keep a coconut on top of the Kalasha/Ghata lid then keep Devi's face with coconut to balance the face, tie it around coconut, if Devi's metal face isn't available then make a small 1 inch cone of haldi and place on top of the coconut (this cone will be the substitute to the idol on top of the coconut). But please be careful that this cone doesn't break. Note the shikha / Kudumi /tuft of the coconut should be not facing upwards as many people do this, the coconut should be placed horizontally with the Shika / Kudumi / tuft of the coconut facing away from you as it is considered to be the hair of Devi. Therefore keeping the the Shika / Kudumi/ tuft of the coconut looking upwards towards ceiling will mean Devi is looking inside the Kalasha and not at you.

During Navaratri fasting / upavasam is an anga (subsidiary ritual) and the Kalasha Pooja is the pradhana (main ritual). Therefore if you cannot fast each day it is okay, but Pooja and neivedhya for the kalasha should be done daily. People who decide to fast can have one meal a day and in between fruits and milk in needed.



Now you perform Pooja for this Kalasha for the next 9 days, on the last day do Visarjanam (sending back the Devi who has occupied the Kalasha for 9 days) of Devi and remove the cover or coconut and then sprinkle the water from the Kalasha all over the house and yourself and members of the house.

 This article will give you the brief insight into the Navaratri Vrata Pooja so that beginners as well be people who have been performing the Pooja for many years will get an insight into actually how we should do the ritual.

Veda Ghosham aims to bring back our ancient Vratas and Nityakarmanushtanas recommended by our Rishis in Dharma Shastra in its original form and train and educate interested people to lead a Dharmic life.

Shukra is the Adhishtana Devata (Primary God) for Yajur Veda. When Shukra (Venus) due to certain planetary alignment with the Sun is too close to the Sun, then Shukra loses his power, it is called Shukra Moudyam (weak Shukra). It is also called Shukra Astamanam (setting down of Shukra). As per Dharma Shastra any Shubha Karma (Auspicious ceremony) should not be performed during this moudyam. Since the Devata for Yajurveda is Lord Shukra there arises a dosha on that day for performance of Upakarma. As any auspicious karma performed during moudyam will not yield results.
 So what does Dharma Shastra say? Our Rishis have given various alternatives for this. Dharma Shastra says that Yajur Upakarma should be done in Shravana month on Pournami thithi (full moon day) as per lunar calendar . Upakarma should be done as per lunar calendar as per Dharma Shastra. If there is a dosha during this time / day then Shastras mention to postpone the Upakarma to next month Pournami which is Badrapada Pournami. But unfortunately if even in the next month in Shukra moudyam prevails, Then Shastra advices that if this Pournami also is with moudyam then do it the month before, on Pournami, which is Ashadha month .
However, in a rare scenario, say like in the year 2019, Shukra moudyam was there on 19th Aug 2019(Shravana Pournami-the day when yajur Upakarma had to be done), so as per Rishi Vakyas, the next month (Bhadrapada pournami also had a moudyam),so the ashada month pournami had to be chosen (july 2019).Since there was Chandra Grahana (Lunar Eclipse) during July on Pournami even that day is not was not suitable to perform Upakarma. After we exhaust these two alternative options, Dharma Shastra says that if these 2 dates are not available then perform Upakarma on Shravana Pournami itself (15th August 2019) after performing Shukra Shanti.
Performing Shukra Shanti is like energising the Lord Shukra as he is weak on that day, and after the Shukra Shanti if Upakarma is done then it will be successful. So I request all the Yajur Vedi people performing Upakarma / Avani Avittam / Janivārada Huṇṇime / Janeu badalne ka din to ensure performance of Shukra Shanti then perform the Upakarma for full phal / Phalan /Merits if such a scenario exists . Please note that this Shukra Shanti is not for Rigvedis who has Upakarma on the same day and Samavedis . This instruction is only for Yajur Vedis.
Nowadays lot of people go to common places like temples / various community halls for Upakarma. Ensure that here Shukra shanti is done before you start the ceremony.



The word Upakarma means the “new beginning”. Anything which becomes old with time need to be changed / refurbished / re-energised. You can close your eyes and think about it. We change so many things, our clothes, household items, vehicle etc as time goes by and buy new things. As per Dharma Shastra the Vedas itself undergo a dosha called Yatayama Dosha (which means getting old as time passes). This is also the day for admission of children to Veda Pathashala to learn Vedas from the ancient times. When we perform this Upakarma the Veda itself get re-energised or is fortified and that is how our ancestors have been able to maintain the energy or power in the Vedas and the mantras therein. We perform many important rites during this Upakarma like

• Mahasankalpa Snana (for washing away all sins committed during the year),
• Kanda Rishi Tarpana (Offering water oblation to Rishis who were the Seers of Vedas),
• Kanda Rishi Homam (Offering oblations to these Rishis in fire) and then
• Vedarambham.

The answer is yes, it is necessary for you also. The reason being when you perform anything auspicious at home or outside, it could be a Pooja at home or temple or abhisheka or upanayana of your Son, or marriage of your son or daughter, your Vadhyar / Panditji asks you to repeat some mantras for performing the rites. Also if you chant Gayatri mantra (which is from Vedas), you perform Sandhyavandana (which has text passages from the Vedas) you are directly or indirectly using the Veda mantras somewhere or the other. These auspicious rites you perform will yield results only if your perform Upakarma. So it is important.
This is also the day when Lord Hayagriva restored Vedas to its glory after getting it from the demons Madhu and Kaitabha who stole it.



The following day of Upakarma is Gayatri Japa day, where we chant 1008 Gayatri.

Veda Ghosham is working towards bringing back our ancient practices back into vogue by explaining to the common man the importance of our karmas as recommended by our ancient Rishis in Dharma Shastras. Veda Ghosham also runs Sandhyavandana / Brahmayagna / Pooja and Abhisheka Paddhati / Samidhadana classes through camps at various cities to teach the importance and procedure for benefit of all.

This article will give you a complete Vedic perspective of celebrating Deepawali written down in our Dharma Shastras. Many of the points written down here will be something which you will be hearing for the first time in your lifetime. These deep meaning of each day of celebration of Deepawali have unfortunately dwindled away with time from the Vedic era. Veda Ghosham here makes an attempt to revive, teach and make the people understand and practice them by providing all mantras and procedure to observe this Deepawali each day. All the below instructions in audio / video form are available on Veda Ghosham YouTube channel also. Click here to see them.



This is a very important day for performing Pooja of a cow along with a calf. On this day in evening locate a cow with a calf. Apply Chandan (sandal paste) and offer flower mala to both and pour water on their feet. How to pour this water? Take a copper kalash/chombu fill it with water, flower, akshata (raw rice mixed with turmeric) and black til. Now pour this slowly on feet of cow and calf chanting the mantra

क्षीरोदार्णव संभूते सुरासुर नमस्कृते ।
सर्वदेवमये मातर्गृंहाणर्घ्यं नमोस्तु ते ।।

Kshiro-darnava sambhute surasura namaskrute.
Sarva deva maye matar-gruhan-arghyam namostute.

க்ஷீரோதார்ணவ ஸம்பூதே ஸுராஸுர நமஸ்க்ருதே
சர்வதேவமயே மாதர்-க்ருஹான் அர்க்யம் நமோஸ்துதே

Then offer urad dal vadas (10 or more number ulundu vadai) to the cow and calf each and while offering these vadas chant these mantras

सुरभि त्वं जगन्मातर्देवि विष्णुपदे स्थिता ।
सर्वदेवमये ग्रासं मया दत्तमिमं ग्रस ।।

Surabhi tvam jagan-matar-devi Vishnu pade stitah.
Sarva-deva-maye grasam maya dattamimam grasa.

சுரபி த்வம் ஜகன் மாதர் தேவி விஷ்ணு பதே ஸ்திதா
ஸர்வ தேவ மயே க்ரஸம் மயா தத்தாமிமம் க்ரஸா

The looking at the cow and calf once feeding is over chant the mantra

सर्वदेवमये देवि सर्वदेवैरलंकृते ।
मातर्ममा अभिलषितं सफलं कुरू नन्दनि ।।

Sarva-deva-maye devi sarva-devair-alankrute.
Matar-mama-abhilashitam safalam kuru nandini.

ஸர்வதேவ மயே தேவி ஸர்வ தேவைர் அலங்க்ருதே
மாதர்மமா அபிலாஷிதம் ஸபலம் குரு நந்தினி

. Thus praying to cow and calf as Kamadhenu on this day you are asking for all your wishes to be fulfilled as per the mantra. Pooja on this day will bring your success and good luck. This completes the Govatsa Pooja. This day you should avoid fried food, and all items which we get from cow, like milk, curd, butter, ghee, paneer and buttermilk. Have one time food only in night time which has urad dal in it and avoid bed to sleep. Sleep on a mat on floor.



This day is an important day for YAMADEEPADANAM, or offering lamp to YAMA for destruction of “apamrityu” (accidental/sudden death). This day after sunset, light a lamp with til oil (sesame oil) and keep it outside the house facing south direction (Yamas direction). Put enough oil so as to keep it buring for the full night. The mantra for lighting and keeping the lamp outside your main door is
मृत्युना पाशदाण्डाभ्यां कालेन श्यामया सह |
त्रयोदश्यां दीपदानात्सू्र्यजः प्रीयतां मम ||

Mrutyuna pashadandabhyam kaalen shyamaya saha.
Trayodashyam deepadaanaatsooryajah preeyatam mama.

ம்ருத்யுணா பாஷதண்டாப்யாம் காலேன் ஷ்யாமாய ஸஹ
த்ரயோதஷ்யாம் தீபதானாத் சூர்யஜஹா ப்ரியதாம் மம



On this day all who desire freedom from Naraka (hell) should take an oil bath. This bath should be before sunrise as on this day Goddess Laxmi resides in til oil and Ganga resides in water. Apply til oil (sesame oil) to head and body and take bath in warm water before sunrise (essential). Apply shikakai powder or Sugandit utna (Scented powder available for Deepawali in stores) and take bath. During this bath one more important karma in Shastras is as follows. In between the Narakachaturdashi snana/bath rotate leaves of “Apamarga” plant around your head by chanting the following mantra

सीतालोष्ठ समायुक्ता सकण्टक दलान्वित ।
हर पापमपामार्गं भ्राम्यमाण: पुनःपुनः ।।

Seetaloshta samayukta sakantaka dalanvita.
Hara papam-apaamargam brahmyamaanaha punah punah.

சீதாலோஷ்ட ஸமாயுக்தா ஸகண்டக தலான்வித
ஹர பாபம் அபாமார ப்ராம்யமாநஹ புன புனஹ

This will destroy the sins committed in the past.
 Apamarga is called Nayuruvi in Tamil, Chirchita in Hindi, Aghada in Marathi, Uttareni in Telugu and kannada and Prickly chaff in English. Also Shastra mention using Tumbi (bottle gourd) leaves and Prapunnata/Chakramarda leaves (Hindi name Chakavad/Pavand, Marathi name Takla, Tamil name Tagharai, Telugu Tagiri English name Cassia tora) These leaves can also be used with Apamarga during bath. But Apamarga leaves is the main to which the sloka is addressed in Shastra. So rotate these leaves clockwise 3 times while chanting the sloka and having a bath then discard. The Apamarga leaves are said to absorb all your sins during this bath.


Once you finish the bath and come out wear fresh clothes and perform Yama Tarpana (offering water and til to Yama) to please Lord of death. You have to sit facing south and offer arghya (oblations) 3 times chanting each name. For this you should keep and Kalash/Chombu filled with water, add black til to it and chanting each name 3 times offer water each of the 3 times individually, for these 14 names of Lord Yama and his account keeper Chitragupta .

यमाय नमः - यमं तर्पयामि (3 times)
धर्मराजाय नमः - धर्मराजं तर्पयामि (3 times)
मृत्यवे नमः - मृत्युं तर्पयामि (3 times)
अन्तकाय नमः - अन्तकं तर्पयामि (3times)
वैवस्वताय नमः - वैवस्वतं तर्पयामि (3 times)
कालाय नमः - कालं तर्पयामि (3 times)
सर्वभूतक्षयाय नमः - सर्वभूतक्षयं तर्पयामि (3 times )
औदुम्बराय नमः - औदुम्बरं तर्पयामि (3 times)
दध्नाय नमः - दध्नं तर्पयामि (3 times)
नीलाय नमः - नीलं तर्पयामि (3 times)
परमेष्ठिने नमः - परमेष्ठिनं तर्पयामि (3 times)
वृकोदराय नमः - वृकोदरं तर्पयामि (3 times)
चित्राय नमः - चित्रं तर्पयामि (3 times)
चित्रगुप्ताय नमः - चित्रगुप्तं तर्पयामि (3 times)

Yamaya namaha – Yamam tarpayami
Dharmarajaya namaha – Dharmarajam tarpayami
Mrityave namaha – Mrityum tarpayami
Antakaya namaha – Antakam tarpayami
Vaivasvataya namaha – Vaivasvatam tarpayami
Kalaya namaha – Kalam tarpayami
Sarvabhootakshyaya namaha – Sarvabhootakshyam tarpayami
Audumbaraya namaha – Audumbaram tarpayami
Dadhnaya namaha – Dadnam tarpayami
Neelaya namaha – Neelam tarpayami
Parameshtiney namaha – Parameshtinam tarpayami
Vrikodaraya namaha – Vrikodaram tarpayami
Chitraya namaha – Chitram tarpayami
Chitraguptaya namaha – Chitraguptam tarpayami

This should be done by all men and boys who have undergone upanayanam even those who have father. Shastra recommends one more bath after this called Tula Snanam or Kartika masa snanam.



On this evening light a lamp with four wicks and donate it to a temple or mutt or keep it outside your house. This is for destruction of past sins committed. Mantra for lighting and keeping this lamp is
दत्तो दीपश्चतुर्दश्यां नरकप्रीतये मया ।
चतुर्वर्तिसमायुक्त: सर्वपापापनुत्तये ।।

Datto deepas-chaturdashyam naraka-preetaye maya.
Chaturvarti-samayuktaha sarvapapa-pannutaye.

Each family member needs to chant it and keep one lamp with 4 wicks for themselves. Eating curry/sabzi made of urad dal leaves is recommended as per shastras this day. Donating multilayered lamps in temples on this day is considered to fetch lot of punya (merits). Apart from these lamps please light regular Deepawali diyas/Agal villaku and keep outside your house. Keeping these agal villaku and lighting crackers on this day (Narakachaturdash) and Deepawali day on amavasya (laxmi pujan day) has a very big significance.



On this day once again oil bath is recommended in the morning followed by Parvana Shraddha / tarpana for deceased ancestors in the noon time and evening after sunset lighting of lamps and Laxmi Pooja / Pujan. On this day ladies should observe Kedara-Gowri Vratham where Kalasha with water, mango leaves and coconut is established and Ardhanareeshwara roopam of Shiva is worshipped with puja and neivedhya. This is the vrata which Parvati observed to become a part of Shiva in the Ardhanareeshwara roopam. Though vrata is started 21 days before this amavasya day (which becomes culmination day of the vrata) those who can’t do it can do it here for a single day. Full day fasting and Pooja is recommended.



Shastras says that those ancestors who have come to earth to your house during Mahalayam/Pitru paksha period in September, lighting lamps and sparkles outside your house shows them the road back to go to their world which is Pitru Loka. Therefore the lamps we light during Deepawali act like flood lights from the earth to the ancestral world (Pitru Loka) and shows them the path to return back to their abode. Similarly the sparkles which we burn and raise up and down shows them the way to go back to their dwelling place. Lighting bombs with big sound should be completely avoided in order to avoid terrorizing our ancestors while their departure. This is the Dharma Shastra explanation for keeping lamps outside house or donating the lamps during Deepawali. Dharma Shastra also says light lamps in temples, prakaram, streets, gardens, goshalas, horse and elephant stables and also quotes slokas/mantras which should be chanted while lighting and keeping these lamps and crackers.
अग्निदग्धाश्च ये जीवा येप्यदग्धा: कुले मम ।
उज्ज्वल ज्योतिषा दग्धास्ते यान्तु परमां गतिम् ।।
यमलोकं परित्यज्य आगता ये महालये ।
उज्जवल ज्योतिषा वर्त्म प्रपश्यन्तु व्रजन्तु ते ।।

Agni-dagdhaascha ye jeeva yepya-dagdhaha kule mama.
Ujjwala jyotisha dagdhaastey yaantu paramaam gatim.
Yamalokam parityajya aagataa ye mahalaye.
Ujjwala jyotisha vartma prapashyantu vrajantu tey.

அக்னி த்க்தாச்ச யே ஜீவா யோக்யதக்தா: குலே மம
உஜ்வல ஜ்யோதிஷா தக்தாஸ்தே யாந்து பரமாம் கதிம்
யமலோகம் பரித்யஜ்ய ஆகதா யே மஹாலயே
உஜ்வல ஜ்யோதிஷா வர்தம ப்ரபஷ்யந்து வ்ர்ஜந்து தே

Then we should perform Laxmi Pooja with white new clothes and have only one meal in full day and that is dinner.



This day Govardhana Krishna Pooja is performed as Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhana Parvata this day. In olden days in many parts of the country Bali Pooja was performed on this day (similar to onam of Kerala) Then on this day other festivities like Gokridanam, Margapali Bandanam, Vastikakarshanam/Yashtikakarshanam etc are done. Some of these are not followed anymore, but anyone who needs explanation of these can call/write/ whatsApp separately.



-On this day Yama brother of Yamuna had food at her sister’s house. Yamuna gave a blessing of long life to Yama while Yama blessed Yamuna with Soubhagya or long married life. So this day every brother should visit her sister in the afternoon and have food from sister’s hand. Incase if someone doesn’t have sister Dharma Shastra recommends to go to friend’s sister’s house and have food. Give gifts like new clothes, ornaments etc to sister in return. Before the sister feeds the brother on this day, the sister should offer arghya with water to Yama facing South with the following mantra

एह्येहि मार्तण्डज पाशहस्त यमान्तकालेक धरामरेश ।
भ्रातृद्वितीया कृतदेव पूजां गृहाण चार्घ्यं भगवन्नमस्ते ।।

Yeh-yehi martandaja pashahasta yamantaka-loka dharamaresha.
Bratru-dviteeya krutadeva poojam gruhana cha-arghyam bhagavan-namaste.

This arghya will please Yama who will bless in return. Then before feeding the brother she should look at the brother and chant the following mantra
भ्रातः स्वानुजाता अहं भुङ्क्ष्व भक्तमिदं शुभम् ।
प्रीतये यमराजस्य यमुनायां विशेषतः ।।

Brataha svanujata aham bhungkshva bhakta-midam shubham.
Preetaye yamarajasya yamunayam visheshataha.

and then feed brother .

Veda Ghosham aims to bring back ancient Vedic rituals back for benefit of common people who are engrossed in the current problems of the modern world with nobody to guide them on the path of Dharma. Veda Ghosham also believes that by properly following instructions of Vedic Rishis prescribed in Sanatana Dharma Shastra will help people uplift themselves on a higher spiritual planes leading towards development of a better human being. This article is available along with attachments of Deepawali Mantra Manjari PDF on our Facebook webpage VEDA Ghosham. Else feel free to mail vedaghosham@gmail.com.
Om Lakshmyai Namaha !

In Kali yuga due to ignorance and lack of guidance we have moved from several Vedic practices recommended in Sanatana Dharma Shastra in the ancient times, to just eating Pongal/Til gul/Gajak etc and other savouries at home and thinking that Sankranti / Pongal is only about activity of eating and celebrating. Veda Ghosham aims to bring back the ancient austerities which our Vedic Rishis have told us through the Dharma Shastra Grantha (books).

 Makara Sankranti / Pongal is also Uttarayana Punyakala as per our traditional panchanga, which signifies the beginning of day time in Deva loka (Gods' abode / heaven). 6 months of human year, is half a day for Gods and 6 months of human year, is night time of Gods. Hence 1 human year is 1 day/night in Deva loka. Therefore Makar Sankaranti, being Uttarayana kala, it is the Sunrise in Deva loka and all Gods are eager to see the austerities being performed by human beings on earth. But since Dharma Shastra mentions that if this movement of Sun in Makara occurs then perform all austeries related to Sankranti as the pooja, Tarpana, danam all rituals on Makara Sankranti is recommended only in morning when Surya is shining brightly.

So what should we do on this day ?


This day apart from morning bath, Sandhya etc, post sunrise one more bath needs to be taken. with Black Til (black sesame seeds) added to the water we are going to have bath with, instead of soap to scrub the body we need to apply or rub our body also with Black Til (sesame seeds) and have a bath. All members to follow the same procedure including ladies and children. Now ladies should after bath, light lamp with til oil in front of God and proceed to kitchen to cook Pongal.


Men who don’t have father/ father and mother will perform Tarpana (oblation to manes) after bath and Sandhyavandanam in morning itsellf.


After Tarpana, the Pongal (rice and jaggery sweet porridge) which has been prepared will be the offered to Surya Bhagawan with pooja / worship. As per shastra you should also make ellu sadam (til rice) for neivedhyam. Also ellu urundai (til laddu)if prepared for neivedhyam is vishesham. This ellu /til rice and ellu urundai /til laddoo should be made with white ellu or white til. If you do not have a photo of Surya in the house, then draw a Rangoli of Surya bhagawan and offer flowers and neivedya to this image. Listening and chanting Aditya Hrudayam and Suryashtakam is very auspicious. Then the fast is broken with this Pongal, ellu sadam (til rice) and Til laddoos, both of which should be consumed.
Dharma Shastra says that the one who does not have bath during Sankranti will be born in poverty and diseases for 7 births.


Another important karma on this day which is highly recommended is Vastra Danam for Brahmins (Giving new clothes to Brahmin) which carries mahaphalam (big merit). Danam in terms of money will also fetch punya, as dan is important karma recommended on this day.


Also as per Dharma Shastra on this day if we perform Abhisheka of Shiva with Cow Ghee we will get all desired blessings of Shiva. Lighting lamps with Til oil this day, at temples is considered very auspicious.

Following the above procedure will fetch you lot of Punya (Merits) and special blessing of Surya Bhagawan and Lord Shiva to be disease free and healthy.

Dharma shastra clearly tells how we should do Sarawathi avahana and pooja. The meaning of this sloka is as below:
“Do avahana of Saraswati Devi on the day of Mula Nakshtram, continue the pooja on the following day during Purvashadha (pooradam) nakshatram, on Uttarashadha (uttaradam) nakshatra make special neivedhyam which includes items made of Urad dal (ulundu) like vada etc and on Shravana (thiruvonam) Nakshtra do the visarjanam”

So on day of Mula nakshatra we should put a palaka (wodden plank) and draw kolam on it. Gather all spiritual, vedic books, school books of your children, college books, office books etc. Apply chandanam and kumkumam on cover page of each of these books and stack them one above another on the palaka (wodden plank). Cover it with a white cloth (new white dhoti or silk cloth in white if you have). If you have a Sarawati idol or photo keep it over these books. In olden days they would keep a mud Saraswati idol which on last day they will do visarjanam in water (that is what is also mentioned in the end of sloka). Offer a garland over these books, idol and perform avahana (invocation) and pooja of book stack. Shastra says goddess Saraswati comes and resides in these books during these 3-4 days read your books and blesses them. Devi Sarawati likes white flowers so your archanai can include white flowers. As per shastra we should not read any books during these days as they are read by Goddess Saraswati and she blesses these books when she leaves on the last day.

In the South Indian custom however we have not followed this and are keeping books on Navami and then on Vijayadashmi we call Vidhyarambam and we read these books kept in the pooja on Vijayadashami day. Though Shastra recommends continuous daily pooja from Mula nakshatra to Sharavana but here due to certain reasons probably our children having to go to school daily, we having to go to office daily, compulsion of reading books everyday for exams, tutions , office meetings etc we have created our own Shastra and follow the current practice. So those who can follow the real recommendations of Shastras as per shastra pramana welcome to do so as per this article.
So on the last day Vijayadashmi (Vidhyarambam) day bring all members of family near the Sarawati pooja place. Perform pooja, harathi and then those members of the house whose books you have kept including yours make them read their books and your read your books. Read 1-1 paragraph or 1-1 line from each books. This will stimulate your intelligence and ability to succeed as these books were blessed by Saraswati as she stayed in them and accepted your poojas these 3-4 days and after her you are reading it on this auspicious day. Before reading the books one by one chant the below sloka then start reading



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SPECIAL RITUAL TO BEGET CHILD BY FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE WRITTEN IN DHARMA SHASTRA

On 18th August 2022, Thursday post midnight (that is 19th Aug early morning, we will be set to celebrate the 5249th birthday of Lord Sri Krishna. Following this Krishnajanmashtami vrata which not only will bring enormous amount of punya (merits) in your spiritual account with destruction of papas (sins), but also Shastras suggest that celebrating Balakrishna Janmashtami with specific mantras addressed to Chandra Deva during this time will be the best time to ask for a boon to beget a child for yourself like Balakrishna.


On 18th August 2022 midnight, we will celebrate Krishnajanmashtami. This is the midnight of 18th and dawn of 19th Aug 2022 joining together. Devotees must have only one meal on 18th Aug 2022 and should break their fast on 19th August 2022 post Sunrise. If you are elderly or have health problems do not observe strict fast, therefore you can consume fruits, milk. Before the midnight you need to do some preparations.


Dharma Shastra says prepare the pooja room in such a way that it looks like a “Sutikagruha” or “Delivery Room” of Devaki (see picture section of this post on VEDA Ghosham Facebook page). In your pooja you need to either place an Oonjal/Joola/Palna/or a small rectangular peetham/asan cover it with silk cloth or any good cloth and place the moorthi/vigraha/idol or photo of Balakrishna. Dharma Shastra says the idol of Balakrishna can be of eight types. Gold, silver, copper, peetal, mud, wood, mani (pearl) or drawing by hand. Draw or make in clay idols of Devaki, Vasudev, Nanda, Balarama, Yashoda, Gopis, cows, calves, elephants and rakshasas with weapon, Kalia snake with Krishna standing on it in river Yamuna. Draw all this and decorate it in the pooja area. If anyone has Golu set of Krishna’s life it is the best as will save all the drawing. If the Oonjal/Joola/Palna is big, place drawing/idol of Devaki along with Krishna in a sleeping position as though breast feeding Balakrishna. Even draw a Laxmi image/idol sitting and a lotus and place it near Devaki’s leg as if Laxmi is pressing the leg of the divine mother Devaki who has delievered the divine child. Keep Chandan, Kumkum, fruits, flowers, tulasi leaves, incense (Dhoop), camphor, ghee lamp, water, butter in a katori (kinnam) ready before pooja starts.


The main pooja muhurtha/muhurath is from 12.20am of 19th Aug 2022 to 01:04am of 19th August 2022. Before you start the pooja at 12:20am all the above preparations can be done after having a bath.


Now comes this special anushtan for those who are wanting to have a child. You should take a conch (Shankh), fill it with water mixed with Chandan, on top keep Kusha/Durva grass and flowers, go out of the house (either out of house/to balcony) just after midnight, look at Chandra (Moon), kneel down on ground/floor and pray to Chandra deva and his wife Rohini by offering arghya (the water in conch) with contents while chanting these arghya mantras (see picture section of this post on VEDA Ghosham). Seek Chandra and Rohini’s blessing for begetting a child.


Then you come to pooja room and perform Sri Krishna pooja right from offering, Water, Chandan, Kumkum, Garland and perform Tulasi archana of Balakrishna. You can either chant “Om Sri Balamukundaya Namaha” or “Om Sri Balakrishnaya namaha” 108 times, and each time you take the name offer tulasi leaves 108 times. You can also chant Sri Krishna Ashtottarashata Namavalli and offer tulasi with each name. This Krishna Ashtottarashata Namavalli is freely available on google. Show Dhoop/Agarbatti, Ghee lamp, offer Neivedya (Prasad), Butter, fruits and show Karpoor (camphor) Aarti to Lord Krishna. Those who know Shodashopachara Padhatti for pooja can also do it as per their way.
Dharma Shastra also mentions staying awake the entire night and singing Bhajans and praises of Lord Krishna or telling stories of Krishna.
In case of mud idol or drawing of Balakrishna for which pooja has been done, you can do visarjana in flowing water of any river.

Dharma Shastra quotes an episode of a conversation between Arjuna and Lord Sri Krishna where Arjuna asks Lord Sri Krishna, how should I celebrate your Janmadina (birthday)? The above procedure is exactly what Sri Krishna told Arjuna around 3153 BC towards the end of Dwapara yuga which is also documented in Puranas.

There isn't a single reference in Dharma Shastra which says that on Akshaya tritiya we need to buy gold or buying gold will increase our gold savings in the locker.

Akshaya tritiya is the first day of Treta Yuga, of our Vedic calendar. After Krita Yuga (also called Satya Yuga), comes Treta Yuga, then Dwapara Yuga and now we are in the final and last yuga for this cycle which is Kali Yuga. We are in the 5125th year of Kali yuga and we have more than 4,27,000 years for Kali yuga to end. The only way to ensure that we and our future generations survive the onslaught of Kali yuga which distracts people from path of dharma is to follow our Nitya Karma anushtana and Vratas mentioned in Dharma Shastra. Infact Akshaya tritiya is a Vratam to be followed by men and women.


Have an early morning usual bath at home. Then later Sea bath (Samudra Snanam) is considered to be highly meritorious on this day. It will give benefits of Sahasra Go Danam (1000 cow donation) and Bhumi Danam (donating a land) in Kurukshetra as per shastras. If you cannot go to sea, then river bath, temple theerta (temple holy tank) bath is also meritorious. If not have a bath at home. While having bath keep some akshata (rice mixed with turmeric) on head and have a bath.


Men should perform Sandhyavandanam after bath, while women should take bath and prepare for Sri Laxminarayana Pooja on this day. Preparing neivedhyam and doing the necessary arrangements for the Pooja. While women do this men should start preparing for tarpana.


Men should perform tarpana, as doing tarpana on this day will satisfy the pitrus (ancestors) for 2000 years immensely and they would bless you with long life to perform more Dharma Karyas.


Then as a couple both husband and wife (if both not available at least either one) should perform Lord Laxminarayana Pooja with with Chandan (sandalwood paste) and flowers and lot of Akshata (raw rice mixed with turmeric). If elaborate or even short Pooja rituals are not known by you then just by chanting “Om Laxminarayanaya namaha” either 11, 21, 51. 108, 1008 times offer flowers and Akshata at the feet of Laxminarayana. You can do archanai with Ashottaram (108 names) for Vishnu and Laxmi too if you know. Show neivedhya, camphor and finish the Pooja. One who know Vishnu Sahasranama can chant it. Pooja Muhurtham for this day is from 06:08am to 12:35pm.


This day a special highly meritorious act is mentioned in Dharma Shastra which is “Jalakumbhadana” or donating 1 or 2 water filled pot to a Brahmin. So how this should be done?

• One water filled pot for satisfying Devatas and
• another water filled pot for satisfying Pitrus (ancestors) should be given to same/different Brahmin/s.

Pot should be made of Bronze/Brass/Copper/Mud.

• Water Pot for satisfying Devatas – Fill the pot with water, tie thread around it, apply chandan/kumkum on pot. Along with the pot keep fruits, pan(betel) leaves, flowers, chandan, turmeric, kumkum, coconut, barley, some money, dhoti etc and give it to the Brahmin by chanting the below mantra. Before giving the pot to Brahmin do this Sankalpa
  
  “Mamopatta samasta durita kshya dvara Sri Parameshwara Preetyartam udakumbha-dana-kalpokta-phalam-avaptyartam brahmanaya udakumba danam karishye”.
  
  Below is the mantra to be chanted while giving this water pot with other items mentioned to the Brahmana. Face EAST while giving danam. This danam can be done by ladies also.
  
  
  “Yesha Gharmaghato dato, brahma-vishnu-shivatmakaha,
  Asya pradanat-sakala, mama santu manorataha”
  
  एष घर्मघटो दत्तो ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवात्मकः ।
  अस्य प्रदानात्सकला मम सन्तु मनोरथाः ।।
  
  
  By doing this, all your desires in your heart (manorataha) will get fulfilled as signified in the mantra.



• Water pot for satisfying Pitrus (manes/ancestors) – Fill the pot with water, add into the pot water, sandal wood paste or powder, flowers, black til. Keep along with the pot some sugarcane, raw rice, fruits, curd rice, umbrella, hand fan etc and donate it to a Brahmin. The sankalpa for donation is
  “Mamopatta samasta durita kshya dvara Sri Parameshwara Preetyartam kalpokta-prakarena pitrunam-akshyya-truptyartam-bramhanaya udakumba danam karishye”.
  
  Then chant the below mantra and give the above items with the water pot. This should be done only by men who don't have father. This danam cannot be done by ladies
  
  
  “Yesha gharmaghato datto, brahma-vishnu-shivatmakaha,
  Asya pradana truptyantu, pitharopi-pithamahaha,
  Gandhodhaka tilairmishram sannam kumbha phalanvitam,
  Pitrubhya sampradasyami akshyyam-upathishtatu”
  
  एष घर्मघटो दत्तो ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवात्मकः ।
  अस्य प्रदानात्तृप्तयन्तु पितरोपि पितामहाः ।।
  गन्धोदकतिलैर्मिश्रं सान्नं कुम्भंं फलान्वितम् ।
  पितृभ्य: संप्रदास्यामि अक्षय्यमुपतिष्ठतु ।।
  
  

By chanting this mantra and donating all the above items with the water pot will satisfy your ancestors/pitrus forever
Doing all these Danams during the current times is not possible physically due to lack of vadhyar coming come. therefore whatever the cost of all these items and dakshina could be can be transferred online to Vedic Brahmin or to one who works for good cause of upliftment of Sanatana Dharma.
After this have lunch in the afternoon as you will be fasting from morning all this time, night time meals should be skipped, liquids can be consumed. This day only one lunch should be had and no dinner.
This would complete “Akshaya Tritiya” austerities and Vrata for ladies/gents/both. Dharma Shastra says the more you give/donate in Akshaya Tritiya the more will come back to you. If you buy things for yourself due to self-interest like gold bars, jewellery etc then your punya will decrease. This is a day of giving danam / donating to brahmins/Dharma Karyas is the most important karma on this day and it is not a day for buying things for self. So giving danam on this day will help increase your punyas and give you many fold in return for your good deeds

Veda Ghosham is a unique center of Vedic knowledge which aims to revive Sanatana Dharma and its practices in the true, original way as written by our ancient Rishis. All our sufferings today are because we have left out Nitya Karmas (daily duties) recommended by Dharma Shastras and are indulging in what is not recommended at all and which are of no use or are of temporary happiness. If you need the path to permanent happiness and want to return to the path of Sanatana Dharma and protect your future generation and children from the bad effects of Kali yuga then for more information visit VEDA Ghosham on Facebook.
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This is the day when Brahma started creating the world. This was the 1st day of creation of our world billions of years back as per Dharma Shastra.
Following is the list of things we need to do as per Sanatana Dharma Shastra on Tamil New year

1. Snanam
2. Sandhyavandanam
3. Mesha Sankranti Tarpana after 9:00 am
4. Panchanga Pooja and Navagraha Pooja
5. Madhyanikam at 12 noon
6. Brahmayagnam
7. Panchanga Patanam in evening (reading of the panchangam to check the predictions of the year ahead)

Some details for 14th April 2023 - The day when Sun moves in Mesha rasi signifying new year

A small explanation of Tarpana mentioned in point 3 is that punyakala for Mesha Sankramana (entry to new year) which is happening on 14th afternoon. Dharma Shastra says 6 hours before actual Sankramana time punyakala begins. Once tarpana is done then move to point 4 in the list. Sankramana means transition of Sun into next Rashi signifying entry into new Year and month.


8. Danam : It is very meritorious to start the new year with Danam or giving away money or any various things like cow, donating land, gold, ghee, tila, etc. Dharma Shastra says doing a danam this day fetches immense benefits and amplifies the phalan (merits) by lakhs. Since due to the current situation if is difficult for you to find a suitable Brahmin do a direct Danam an online money transfer can also be equally meritorious in order to support Sanatana Dharma



Some details for 14th April 2023 Morning as below

After Snanam and Sandhyavandam perform tarpana post Sunrise and then do pooja keeping the new Panchangam (Almanac) in front of you. Put the new panchanga in a Palakai / wooden base then apply chandanam and kumkuma and put some flowers and pray for good year ahead.

• This year which is called as Shobhakrit year in Sanskrit ,will turn out to be auspicious. Sri LakshmiNarayana , is the Devata for year, Bhudhan is the Raja and Mantri is Sukran. Make payasam neivedhyam. Pray to Navagrahas (9 planets to be benevolent to you this year). You can chant Brahma Sooktam and Navagraha Stotras during this day.
  
• Uda Kumba danam: Apart from the danam mentioned above it is also auspicious to give a water filled pot (brass/bronze/copper) to a Brahmin as Danam with fruits, rice and money. If possible invite him and also feed him at your house or else take some prasadam to him at his house. (If possible). Earlier Vedic times this day people used to set water distribution pots for public use or used to set up drinking water fountains for public use.
• Bhojanam (food) which should include Vepampoo pachadi (Neem pachadi) and Mango pachadi. Other dishes as per customs.
  
  Below sloka is the mantra to chant while consuming Neem/mango pachadi -
  
  

  शतायुर्वज्रदेहाय सर्वसम्पत्करायच।
  सर्वारिष्टविनाशाय निम्बकन्दळभक्षणम्॥
  
  

  ஶதாயுர் வஜ்ரதேஹாய ஸர்வஸம்பத் கராயச౹
  ஸர்வாரிஷ்ட வினாஶாய நிம்பகந்தளபக்ஷனம்॥
  
  

  Shatayurvajradehaya Sarvasampatkaraya cha.
  Sarvarishtavinashaya nimbakandalabakshanam
  
  
• Sayam Sandhyavandanam before Sunset.
• Visit to temple if time permits
• Consuming prasadam/Phalaharam
• Thinking about entire day's activity and how could it be improved next time. Asking for kshama/pardon (mannipu) for any missed /wrong karma. Praying for well-being of family and all during Plava Samvatsaram.
• Sayanam (Sleeping)

Vishu Kani is on 15th Morning

There is a famous story in the Puranas which mentions that once Brahma and Vishnu had an argument on who is supreme amongst Gods and each were proclaiming themselves to be superior. At that time, from the earth rose a huge, immeasurable brilliant column of light equaling the radiance of a crore Sun, which put up a challenge to them, and said “the one who wins this challenge which I set in front of both of you, will be proclaimed as the Supreme God of the Universe”. Lord Brahma was asked to find the topmost end of the brilliant column of light and Lord Vishnu was asked to find the bottom most end of this brilliant column of light. The one who is able to find it first would be declared as the Supreme God of the Universe. Lord Brahma rose up to find the top and Lord Vishnu went below earth into patala to find out the bottom of this column of light. Neither of them could find the top/bottom of this column of light. Both returned back to the place from where they started their journey. The voice from the pillar of light asked “Could you find my ends?”. Lord Vishnu truthfully accepted he couldn’t while Brahma’s ego came in between and he lied that he went upto the topmost end and he has reached and seen it. With a loud roar Lord Shiva/Rudra erupted from the brilliant column of light (the first appearance of Shivalinga in the form of column of brilliant light and fire) and cut of one of the original 5 heads of brahma (which was on top, therefore now Brahma has only 4 heads) as punishment for lying, while blessed Lord Vishnu for his truthfulness. Both Lord Brahma and Vishnu bowed in front of Shiva who emerged from this brilliant shining Shivalinga and declared Lord Shiva/Rudra as the Supreme Lord of the Universe.
This incident occurred on Krishna Chaturdashi (14th night, after Full moon/Poornima) of Magha/Falguna month. This day was the day when Shiva gave Darshan to the universe as huge, radiant, immeasurable Shivalinga which we celebrate as Mahashivaratri. So Shivaratri is the first appearance of Shiva as Shivalinga in the form of column of light and fire.
 He proclaimed that on this day he will appear in each person’s house who worships him with true Bhakti in the same time in midnight as he appeared millions of years back in front of Lord Brahma and Vishnu. This special time of appearance of Shiva is called “LINGODHBHAVA KALAM” (time of appearance of Shiva from the Shivalinga).



On 18th Feb 2023 which is Trayodashi you should have only one meal by afternoon then start fasting.

On same day 1st evening when the Sun sets you should take a bath, wear fresh clothes and start preparation of Shiva pooja like arranging the Shivalinga/Shiva photo, flowers, lamp, dhoop (agarbatti), fruits, Chandan, kumkum, karpoor (Camphor). If you have a Shivalinga, keep the Shivalinga on an abhisheka peeth/large plate for Abhisheka (ceremonial bath) or if you have only a photo then no need of abhisheka, but put the photo on a wooden plank and decorate it with flowers.
From the sunset on 18th Feb 2023, to sunrise on 19th March 2023 you need to perform what is called 4 Prahar pooja or 4 Yama pooja in Shivaratri.
What does this mean?
Let us take for example the sunset on 18th Feb 2023 occurs at 06:30pm and sunrise on the next day will occur at 06:30am on 19th Feb 2023, this 12 hour duration should be divided in 4 halves. Each quarter is 1 Prahar/Yama. For each Prahar/Yama you have to repeat the entire Shiva pooja from start to end. Which means as per above example on 18th Feb 2023 evening from 06:30pm to 09:30pm will be the 1st Prahar/Yama pooja. From 09:30pm to 12:30am will be the 2nd Prahar/Yama pooja. From 12:30am to 03:30am will be 3rd Prahar/Yama pooja. And from 03.30am to 06:30am will be 4th Prahar or Yama pooja, thus will end on 19th Feb 2023 morning. Each Prahar or Yama we have to repeat the full abhisheka and pooja. Perform abhisheka to Shivalinga with sandalwood oil, panchagavya (prepared with a combination of milk, curd, ghee, cow urine and cow dung), panchamrut, ghee, milk, curd, honey, sugarcane juice, fruit juice (orange, mosambi, lemon), coconut water, sandalwood paste, vibhooti/bhasma and water. If you cannot get all these items, whichever you can manage to get you can perform abhiseka with it. This abhisheka cannot be done if you have a photo of Shiva, in which case you can keep all these items in front of the photo and dip a flower in each of these and keep in on the base of the photo of Lord. While performing abhisheka you can chant Sri Rudram/Chamakam or any Lord Shiva related mantras you know. If you do not know any of them do not worry as the most favourite mantra for Lord Shiva is the Shiva Panchakshari which is “Om Namah Shivaya” which you can keep repeating as you do the abhisheka. Then apply chandan, kumkum and then if you know different names of Lord Shiva (like Shiva Ashtottara shatanamavali/sahasranamavali etc which are also available on google search) you could perform archana (offering) with bilva leaf or flowers on the Shivalinga or the photo after each name you chant (For example “Om Rudraya Namaha” offer one bilva/flower. Then next name and so on…). If you don’t know all this then chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times and offer bilva or flower after each time you chant it 108 times. Then show dhoop, ghee lamp, offer banana, coconut and other fruits along with other Prasad, show karpoor (camphor) and offer akshata (raw rice mixed with turmeric/haldi). This completes one set or 1 Prahar/Yama pooja. This entire set should be repeated 4 times as shown in my above example. If you are due to some reason you are unable to follow or perform pooja 4 times in the 4 Prahars or Yamas then you should at least perform pooja during the “Lingodbhava Kalam” (Linga Udhhava Kal - The time when Shiva appeared as Shivalinga in the Universe, the brilliant column of light). In Shivaratri the “Lingodhbhava kalam" comes during midnight. You can do a Google search for lingobhava kalam for your city. This is the time when Shiva is present in each and every Shivalinga/Murti / photo on earth, as this is the exact time when Shiva appeared as Shivalinga. So people who are unable to perform the 4 times pooja, should at least perform 1 time pooja during this time. If still this is not possible for you to do this, then you can visit a Shiva temple and participate in the Pooja there and stay awake the full night and come back home early morning.
And if still not possible to do any of the above then you could just stay awake to full night and chant mantras or slokas like Lingashtakam /Bilvashtakam/ Shivashtakam if you know. If you search in google you will find all of these in audio and pdf. If you don’t know any of these then just chant the powerful “Om namah Shivaya” full night. Waking up and chanting the name will give you all the phal/punya of maintaining the complete Shivaratri Vrata Pooja. On 19th Feb 2023, morning you can break your fast anytime after Sunrise.

 But it is important not to sleep on entire 19th Feb 2023 also during day time. If you are going to office and driving your own vehicle please be careful and do not drive yourself if your didn’t sleep the full night as you may fall asleep while driving. The sunset and the sunrise time for each of your cities can be found on google very easily and accordingly you could perform the poojas and obtain the blessings of Lord Shiva on this day.

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Dharma Shastra says "Ratha Saptami" is a day which can wipe away sins committed by a person in his past 7 births (Sapta Janma), if you follow the simple procedure recommended by our ancient Vedic Rishis


You know that with the Sun entering Makara Rashi, Uttarayana i.e., day time for Gods in heaven has begun, which has happened in January 2023. On 28th Jan 2023 Surya Bhagawan (Sun God) who rides in his chariot drawn by 7 horses will turn towards the north eastern direction in the northern hemisphere. This celestial event which happens only once a year on Ratha Saptami day when Sun is most powerful. If we follow and perform the rituals mentioned in Shastras on this day, we will get the punya (merit) of performing rituals of Surya Grahana (Solar eclipse) and this day Lord Surya shines equivalent to the power of 1 crore Sun.

“Surya grahana tulya Ratha Saptami and Kotibhaskara” says Dharma Shastra.
This day is also called as Surya Jayanti (birthday of Lord Surya) or Arogya Saptami (Health Saptami) as if you worship Lord Surya this day you will be relieved from your diseases and sins (papas).

As you know heat and water can remove dirt. Imagine a greasy vessel you are finding difficult to clean, if you heat it with water the grease loosens. Similarly on this day when you have a bath with mantras addressed to Surya, these mantras will burn your sins which you have accumulated like grease in your body, and the water will wipe you clean externally. The sins you committed in your last 7 birth are said to be destroyed by this early morning bath as per our Shastras. So what do you have to do on (28th Jan 2023 )?

• Get up early in the morning before Sunrise. Finish your early morning activities like brushing your teeth, going to toilet etc.
• Wear a clean dhoti and an Angavastra/Uttareya (uparna) for men. Sari for women. Children small dhoti/towel. You need to have bath with these clothes on, but before that….
• SNANA WITH ARKA LEAVES
  
  You need to get 7 Arka leaves per person, who wants to perform this Snana Anushtana. Arka is called Aakh ke patte in Hindi, Rui in Marathi, Erukkam elai in Tamil, Jilledu in Telugu, Aakonda in Bengali, Neela Erukku in Malayalam. This leaves are offered to Hanuman as mala too on Saturdays. Please note that if these leaves are plucked fresh they release a milky white sap (liquid), which should not go in your eyes or mouth else it will cause irritation. If you buy these leaves one day before then no sap will come so it is safe. But caution to be used if any sap seen in the end of leaves then it should not go into eyes or mouth. If you don’t get Arka leaves then you can use 7 Badari leaves. Badari is called Ber ke patte in Hindi, Bor che paan in Marathi, borehannu in kannada, Lanta in Malayalam, Regi in telugu, illandai elai in Tamil, Vadar in Bengali
• You should keep 7 Arka leaves or 7 Badari leaves or both together, on top of your head and chant “Ratha Saptami Snana Mantras”
  
  
  रथसप्तमी स्नान मन्त्राः
  
  सप्त सप्ति प्रिये देवि सप्त लोक प्रदीपिके।
  सप्त जन्मार्जितं पापं हर सप्तमि सत्वरम् ॥
  
  यद्यत् सर्वं कृतं पापं मया सप्तसु जन्मसु।
  तन्मे शोकं च मोहं च माकरी हन्तु सप्तमी ॥
  
  नौमि सप्तमि देवि त्वां सर्व लोकैक मातरम्।
  सप्तार्क पत्र स्नानेन मम पापं व्यपोहय ॥
  
  Ratha Saptami Snana Mantra
  
  sapta sapti priyē dēvi sapta lōka pradīpikē.
  sapta janmārjitaṁ pāpaṁ hara saptami satvaram
  
  yadyat sarvaṁ kr̥taṁ pāpaṁ mayā saptasu janmasu.
  tanmē śōkaṁ ca mōhaṁ ca mākarī hantu saptamī
  
  naumi saptami dēvi tvāṁ sarva lōkaika mātaram.
  saptārka patra snānēna mama pāpaṁ vyapōhaya
  
  
  and have a bath. These are set of 3 slokas only and simple to chant. As the water flows from these leaves on your head through your body it purifies you and the mantras you chant at this time wipes away sins of your last 7 births. Arka is another name for Surya, so on this day these leaves get the power and energy of Surya. Once you finish chanting these mantras you can allow the leaves to fall on the floor or in case of river you can allow it to float away then finish your bath. The Snana Mantras
• This bath has to be performed between early morning 72 mins onwards before Sunrise on 28th JAN 2023.
• Once the bath is over you should wipe yourself and wear dry clothes. And offer Arghya (water) to Surya bhagavan at sunrise time. Mix some akshata (raw rice grains with turmeric), flowers, kusha grass and sandal/chandan in this arghya water before offering it facing Surya once sunrise has occurred. Arghyadan mantras (which you need to chant while offering Arghya to Surya):
  
  
  रथसप्तमी अर्घ्य मन्त्राः
  
  सप्त सप्ति रथ स्थान सप्त लोक प्रदीपक।
  सप्तम्या सह देव त्वं गृहाणार्घ्यं दिवाकर॥
  दिवाकराय नमः अर्घ्यं समर्पयामि ।
  
  Ratha Saptami Arghya Mantra
  
  sapta sapti ratha sthāna sapta lōka pradīpaka.
  saptamyā saha dēva tvaṁ gr̥hāṇārghyaṁ divākara
  divākarāya namaḥ arghyaṁ samarpayāmi.
  
  
• Women should draw outside their house a Rangoli/Kolam of Surya Ratha (Chariot of Surya) which has a single wheel. A sample photo of this rangoli attached in VEDA Ghosham. In center of this Rangoli of Surya Ratha you draw Surya Bhagavan and light camphor/Kapoor/karpooram on a cowdung cake/kanda/varati or in a mud lamp to signify his actual presence of Lord Surya in the form of Agni (Fire) in the center of chariot and worship him with family praying for good health and wealth. You can chant Aditya Hrudayam or Suryashtakam (available in PDF in google search and youTube). In ancient time people would perform full Surya pooja to this Rangoli outside the house. But currently in flat system it is not possible. So in your pooja room draw another similar Rangoli and do pooja and offer Neivedya/Prasad of Rice Kheer which is well cooked. Surya bhagavan is said to be “Adantakaha” or without teeth as mentioned in Vedas, so he likes well cooked soft Prasad. Consume this Prasad with family and pray to Surya Bhagavan.
• This will complete the purificatory “Ratha Saptami Papahara Snana” which will destroy your sins of 7 births and will give you progress in life as you are pure now.

We face failure in life because of Papas (sins) we have accumulated. No one likes to touch a greasy vessel. Once we are clean and start doing good deeds as recommended in Dharma Shastra we will get success.

Bheeshmashtami” (28th JAN 2023) the day when Bheeshma Pitamaha’s soul departed from the earth after Mahabharata war. This day Dharma Shastra recommends all men to perform tarpan/tarpanam to Bheeshma Pitamaha to obtain his blessings for our family. Performing this tarpan will help childless couple to get a child and those who already have children will get blessings for Vansha Vriddhi/good progeny in future. At noon time sit facing east direction, change your yagyopaveeta to apasavya/prachinaveetam (the yagyopaveet/poonal/janeu should rest on right shoulder and come below left arm). Mix black til with water in a copper vessel/brass vessel/kalash and by chanting the below slokas offer tarpana 3 times for each mantra.

The water should flow from Pitru theerta which is between your right hand thumb and index finger/forefinger. As per Dharma Shastra this should be performed by all including the people who have their father’s alive. Only those boys/men whose father is alive don't mix black til, just use plain water, Which means including children can perform this karma to obtain blessings of Bheeshma Pitamaha on this day.

It is a continuous endeavour of Veda Ghosham to bring back ancient rituals and practices of Sanatana Dharma recommended by Vedic Rishis, back into practice and bring people out of their ignorance of our cultural heritage, misery and suffering and lead them to a happy spiritual life. Please like and share and spread this message so that you will earn some punya (merits) by propagating our Dharma. In case of any doubts, please feel free to email on vedaghosham@gmail.com.
Click here to watch/ hear full procedure in our YouTube channel.