Pournami on 8th / 9th January, 2012 !! Varaha Puranam - Nrusimha Dwadashi Vrutam !!

Jai Sriman Naryana !!

Varaha Puranam describes Nrusimha Dwadashi Vrutam as follows.

Worship of Lord Vishnu's fourth incarnation as - Nrusimha washes of ones sins committed.  The austerity should begin from the twelvth day of bright half of the month - Phalgun.  As a part of the austerities the worshipper undertakes fast on this day and worship Lord Narasimha with utmost faith and devotion. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Shravan Amavasya on 30th July, 2011 !!Varaha Puranam - Vamana Dwadashi Vrutam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes 'Vamana Dwadashi Vrutham'.

Worship of Lord Vishnu's fifth incarnation as Vamana (Dwarf) on this day.  The austerity begins on the 12th day of bright half of the month - Chaithra.  Worship of Lord Vamana on this day with utmost faith and devotion, following austerities and fast on this day protects the worshipper from all the dangers.   

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Amavasya on 30th June & 1st July, 2011 !! Varaha Puranam - Budhha Dwadashi Vrutam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes 'Budhha Dwadashi Vrutam'.  Sri Budhha is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 

The austerity begins on the eleventh day of bright half  month Shravan.  Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day, as praising the glory of His Feet (Damodhara), Waist (Hrishikesha), Abdomen (Sanatana), Chest (Srivasta Dhariney), Arms (Chakrapanaye), Throat (Haraye), Head (Manjukeshaya) and Shikha or hairlocks (Bhadrey).

At the end of the ritual, the idol of Lord Vishnu along with alms are donated to a Brahmin.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Jamadagnya Dwadashi Vrutam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes Jamadagnya Dwadashi Vrutham.

The austerity begins on the 12th day of bright half of the month Vaishakh, with the worship of the idol of Lord Parasurama with flowers, fruits, sandle paste and Bhog.  The worshipper fast on this day and keep awake in the night.   As a concluding part on the next day, the idol of Lord Parasurama should be given to a Brahmin along with alms. 

It is believed that the fasting and worship of Lord Parasurama on this day provides all the desires comes true and attain Brahmaloka. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !! 

Varaha Puranam - Varaha Dwadashi Vrutam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes Varaha Dwadashi Vrutham.

Varaha is the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu in order to save  Lord Prithvi from the clutches of the demon Hiranyaksha.  Sri Hari took the form of a wild boar to save Prithvi and plunged into the sea and the fierce battle began with the demon Hiranyaksha.  At the end of the battle, Sri Hari killed the demon Hiranyaksha and effortlessly lifted Lord Prithvi with His sharp pointed projection like horn.   Worship of Lord Varaha on the twelvth day of bright half month - Magh with flower, incense, sandle paste, bhog  is treated as auspicious.   As a concluding part of the austerity, the invited Brahmins are fed and alms are provided.   

Whoever worship Lord Varaha and observe fasting on this day, would attain good health and prosperity all through their life.  The piety earned continues to follow them to attain the heavenly abode of Sriman Narayana.

Jai Sriman Narayana!! 

Varaha Puranam - Kamya Vrutham !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes ' Kamya Vrutham' for the fulfilment of desires in one's life.

It is believed that worship of Lord Karthikeya on the bright half of the month - Pausha brings abundance of piety which includes the fulfillment of all the desires in one’s life.  As a part of the austerity observe fasting by consuming fruits on the Sixth day of the month - Pausha.  Whoever continues to perform fasting on the Sixth day of Pausha (bright half of the month) through out the year and concludes the same by giving alms to Brahmin and serve them with food, acquire the piousness which is capable to fulfill all their desires. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Mandar Theertham !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes the glory of  Mandar Theertham. 

Mandar is a celestial tree.  The scared land of Mandar Theertham is situated on the foothills of Vindhyachala Parvatham/Mount Vindhyachal.    There is a huge Mandar Tree on the foothill which is visible only on the auspicious days of  Dwadashi and Trayodashi .   There are many holy places situtated on the vicinity of this Theertham.  They are:  Prapan , Modhan , Baikunthakaran etc..

There is one more Mandar Theertham known as Syamantha Panchak, situated in the Mount Meru.  The main characteristic of this holy land is that, there is a huge mountain rock which resembles the Mace, Wheel, Conch and Plough.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Someshwar Linga !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes the origin of Someshwar Linga at  Somnath Temple .

Lord Chandra who installed the Linga and underwent severe penance to get relieved from the curse of his father-in – Law (Daksha Prajapathi).  At the request of Chandra, Lord Shiva decided to dwell on the Linga and blessed Him.  There is a Pushkarani  on the South of Someshwar Temple.  It is believed that whoever take holy dip in this theertham liberates from the cycles of Birth and Death.
 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Glory of Maya Puri - Haridwar !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes the Grandeur of Maya Puri - Haridwar.


Lord Varaha narrates the glory of this  sacrosanct place to  Lord Prithvi. 

In the city of Mayapuri there lived a Brahmin - Somasarma, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Hari.  He had a  desire to see  Lord Hari  and His Vishwaroopa with the mortal eyes.    Though he knew the  fact that Lord Hari's Viswaroopa could not be envisioned with the naked eyes, his yearning  made him anxious  .  One day he went to take a  holy dip in  the Ganges,  Somasarma experienced  the pain of birth from the womb of a nishad woman.  Apparently, he realised the divine powers of Lord Sri Hari.

Soma Sarma born as a nishad baby girl in his next birth and started to lead a normal life.   The baby girl grew up as the  years passed by and married to a young man with many children.  One  day the nishad woman went to take a dip in the Ganges.  As soon as she plunged into the holy waters of Ganges, she got transformed into an ascetic. 

The Ascetic (Somasarma)  came out of the river and started to meditate.  Soon there arrived a group of Sanyasins searching for him.  The assembled Sanyasins informed him that they were searching for him for the last few hours.   Though Somasarma memorized clearly what had happened to him in his previous births, he was utterly confused of his identity.  The surrounded Sanyasins informed  that he was absent only for few hours.   It made Soma Sarma puzzled and he fought  hardly to recognise himself.  After seeing  his  miserable state, Lord Hari decided to remove the spell on him. The most compassionate Lord Hari inquired Somasarma whether he could visualise  His divine powers,  Somasarma with great respect and humbleness prostrated and praised the glory of Sri Hari.  Somasarma realized and stated that nobody could visualize the divine powers of Almighty with mortal eyes.

Later on Maya Puri known as today's Haridwar.  Whoever visits this sacrosanct place will be detached from   the material life and be liberated.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Kubjaamrak Theertham - Hrishikesh !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes  the glory of  Kubjaamrak Theertham


Lord Varaha narrates to Prithvi about the origin of the holy Theertham known as Kubjaamrak -  Hrishikesh.

In Thretha Yuga, Lord Prithvi  submerged into sea by the  wickedness of the demon Hiranyaksha.  All the deities prayed to Lord Vishnu to save the Prithvi in order to restart the creation in the Universe.  Lord Vishnu killed  the demons Madhu and Kaitaba  to save the Earth.  After  killing the two demons  Lord Vishnu found  an ardent devotee of Him - Sage Raimya.   The Sage was undergoing severe penance.   The Lord was pleased at the devotion of the Sage and hence  continued to watch him hiding behind a mango tree.  While watching,  Lord Vishnu placed his hands on the mango tree  and due to the heaviness of His hands the tree made a sharp bend.  Soon Sage Raimya realised the presence of Lord Vishnu and praised His glories.  The  Sage revealed his wish and prayed to  Lord to make the place as one of the holiest theerthams.  That is how the Kubjaamrak Theertham came into existence.



There are lot of holy theerthas located in the vicinity of Kubjaamrak Theertham.  They are: Manasa Theertham, Maya Theertham, Sarvakamyak Theertham, Puranamukh Theertham, Agni Theertham, Shukra Theertham, Manasasaras Theertham and Sapthasamudra Theertham.

The  holy dip in these theerthas is capable to provide  the highest of  merits in human life - Salvation.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Dharani Vrutham !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes the glory of  Dharani Vrutham. 

This Vrutham can be observed in the month of Karthik and Sri Krishna Dwadashi (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Ashada.

The austerity begins in the month of Karthik with chanting the glory of Sri Hari,  praising from  His head to toe .  Worshipping  Lord Hari's  Shirass (Sahasra Shirsha) ,  Arms (Purusha:), Throat (Vishwaroopiney), Weapons (Gyanashastray), Chest (Shri Vatsaya), Abdomen ( Jagadagra Shishanave), Waist ( Divya Murthaye) and Feet (Sahasrapadhey).

It is believed that worship of Lord Krishna with utmost faith and devotion, fasting on this day brings abundance of merits. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Dhanya Vrutam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes Dhanya Vrutham to acquire prosperity.



The austerity begins on the first day of bright half of  the month - Aghan (Margashirsha). 

Worship of Lord Agni - who is the embodiement of Sri Hari, performance of sacrificial fire and chanting the names of Lord Agni are part of the austerity.    The worshipper observes fast during the day  and break the day long fast at night,    consume only Kheer made out of pure ghee   in the month of Chaithra - Ashda and food items prepared with Gram-flour  in  the month of Shravan - Karthik.    The worshipper continues to observe fast and follow austerity according to the  instructions prescribed  in the scriptures for the  whole year and followed by fasting on the first day of every month.   As a concluding part,  the Idol of Agni made out of Gold is  worshipped and donated to a Brahmin.  It is believed that, the Dhanya Vrutham brings good fortune to the worshipper.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Kanthi Vrutham !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes Kanti Vrutham to obtain  pleasing and charming Personality.

The austerity begins from the bright half of the month - Kartik and it continues for a year, on every second day of the following successive bright half months.   Worship of Lord Krishna along with Sri Balarama treated as part of austerity.  Strict fasting should be oberserved  during the day and fast can be broken at night by  consuming  meals made out of Barely-flour and   preferably  Kheer from the month Phalgun for another  three months.

Perfomance of sacrificial fire in the month of Margashirsha and Karthik,  offering rice and seasame in the sacrificial fire  are treated as part of it.  As a concluding part,  the idol of the worshipped deities of  Lord Krishna, Lord Balarama and Lord Moon  are donated to a Brahmin along with alms.  It is believed that by oberserving Kanti Vrutham the worshipper blessed with  the ever lasting youth and charming personality. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Shourya Sarvabouma Vrutham !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes Shourya Sarvabouma Vrutham  to achieve unbeatable courage in all endeavors.



As a part of the Vrutham, worship of Goddess Durga begins on the ninth day of bright half of the month - Ashwin.  The rituals starts from the day of Saptami with fasting and 'Sankalpam'.  On the day of  Ashtami the worshiper breaks his fast with  fruits.  Worshipping Virgin girls  (Kanyaka Pooja)  treated as a part of austerity to please Goddess Durga to attain strength and courage.   Fasting from the tenth day of bright half month Karthik  and practises of the same  continues  till the tenth day (bright half),  a year long  worship of Goddess Durga in this way brings abundance of merits.  Worship Goddess Durga in ten directions and make sacrifices are the part of the austerity.  It is believed that the worshiper attains  unconquerable power from the Shourya Sarvabouma Vratham. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Subha Vrutam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes Subha Vrutham for the  life long Prosperity.

The austerity begins from the First day of the month - Margashirsha.  Worship of Lord Vishnu on the day of Ekadashi along with Lord Prithvi with utmost devotion and faith, Giving alms to Brahmin, fasting on this day, keep awake in the night are treated as part of the austerity.  On the  day of Dwadashi as a concluding part, 24 Brahmins should be invited and served with food and alms.  Donations in the forms of Apparels, Sandals, Umbrella, ornaments, cow, walking stick also provided to the Brahimins with the alms.  It is believed that whoever observes Shuba Vrutham would be blessed with  prosperity in their entire life.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Sradhha Kalpa - Part II Amavasya on 2/3 February, 2011 !

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes Sraddha Kalpa by Sage Markandeya to Sage Gurmukh. 

The number of Brahmins invited for Sradhha Kalpa should be in  Odd numbers - like one, three, five.  While performing the Sradhha of Maternal Grand Father, it is compulsory  to perform Vaishyadeva Sradhha simultaneously .  While performing  Sradhha Kalpa related to the deities, the Brahmins should have their food facing East.   In case of Sradhha Kalpa related to the ancestors, the Brahmins should have their food facing North. 

During the entire course of Sradhha rite, the Yagjyopaveetham should be worn in the opposite position.  The offerings of sesame seeds, water and Kusha grass (Dharba) are made for the sradhha rites of ancestors. The performer of Sradhha should be seated on the Kusha Grass.  It is customary to scatter the sesame seeds on the place where the Brahmins were fed.  It is believed that the food partake are for the ancesstors to satiate them.  Chanting of 'Rakshodhana Mantra' is also compulsory. 

Offering of 'Pinda' with sesame seeds and water on the Kusha grass is one of the important parts of the ritual, placing them on South.  The Pinda is offered  in the name of the deceased and their ancestors. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Salagrama Kshetra !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

In Varaha Puranam, Prithvi requests Lord Varaha to explain about the austere penance of Sage Shalankayan.

Sage Shalankayan underwent severe penance under a Sala Vruksha praying to Lord Vishnu.  The Sage was unaware of the fact that Lord Vishnu dwells in the SalaVruksha.  When Lord Vishnu appeared in front him, he requested for a boon to have a child having all the qualities of Lord Shiva.  Lord Vishnu explained to Sage Shalankayan that an immortal son  - Nandikeshwara was already born and presently in Vraja (Mathura).   Lord Vishnu reiterated that the Sage was ignorant to know the fact that Sala Vrukha was dear to Lord Vishnu.  The place had become ' Sala Grama Theertham ' the devotees who visit this holy land will be liberated from all the worldly bondages. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - The Significance of Sradhha !!Amavasya on 3rd January/Solar Eclipse on 4th January 2011 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Amavasya falls on 3rd January and the Solar Eclipse on 4th January, 2011 from 2.38 PM to 4.18 PM  (India) partial eclipse in U.A.E from 12.09 PM to 2.32 PM.

Varaha Puranam describes the Significance of Sradhha rituals. Sage Markandenya arrived at Naimisharanya Kshetram and paid a visit to Sage Gaurmukh's hermitage. After paying obeisance to Sage Markandeya, Sage Gaurmukh requested him to throw light on the importance of Sradhha rituals (last rite).

Sage Markandeya narrated, Lord Brahma created 'Saptharishis' from His mind.  They are known as Manasaputras (Vaimanik ) - Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulaha, Pulastya, Vashishta and Kratu (Brihat Samhita).  Lord Brahma  instructed them to worship Him.  The arrogant Saptharishis started to worship themselves.  After seeing this, Lord Brahma cursed them to deprive from all their knowledge.  In the meantime, the Saptharishis had children.  After the demise of the Saptharishis, their children performed Sradhha rituals for their fathers to rest the departed souls in peace.   

The Pitras (Prithukkal) who live in  Heaven - Soma Pitras who enjoy all the priviliges in Heaven and Sage Marichi belong to this category.  Who is believed to have all the honour enjoys the Somarasa.  Who worshipped 'Maruthganas' and the life span of Marichi is one Kalpa. 

The Pitras who are known as 'Vairaj' were honoured by Marthuganas.  Sage Sanaka (Manasaputra of Brahma) belongs to this category.  Some of the major Pitras are - Vasu, Kashyap, Marichi and Sanaka.  People of any caste can worship 'Pitras' with the appropriate custom-made rituals with the consent of the Brahmin who is going to perform the rituals.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Sradhha Kalpa !! Part I !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes the 'Sradhha Kalpa' by Sage Markandeya to Sage Gurmukh.  The Sage explains about the eligibility to be in charge of Shradhha Kalpa.  Brahmins in the category of Trinachiket, Trimadhu, Trisuparna who are well versed with the  Vedas can perform the Sradhha rituals.

Sradhha rituals can be performed by any one of the relatives of the deceased, other than son of a maternal nephew,  Grandson (daughter's), Father - in -Law and Son - in - Law of the deceased, maternal uncle of the deceased.

The Brahmins who are invited for the Shradhha Kalpa should not be a - deciteful person, dishonest, Criminal or who is married to a shudra, or who is working as a priest in temples for livelihood.

The Brahmins should be invited in advance with due respect.  Any Brahmin who arrives on the day of Sradhha  without any prior invitation should be received with respect.  The Brahmin who is supposed to perform the Sradhha rites should wash the feet of the  Brahmins who are invited and help them with 'Achamanam'.  Finally the Brahmins who are  invited should be fed and given alms, once the rituals are over.

Will be continued.....................


Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Sowbhagya Vrutham !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes the Sowbhagya Vrutham to avail success and good fortune in the present life and for the successive seven births. 

The austerity begins on the third day of bright half of the month - Phalgun.  And the observance of Vrutham continues on every third of bright half of the  following months  of the year.  As a part of the austerity, the devotee worships  Lord Shiva & Parvathy or Lord Narayana & Lakshmi.   Fasting is treated auspicious on this day.  Performance of sacrifices at the end of the year, offerings of Honey and Ghee in the sacrificial fire  is a part of the austerity.   Finally, the worshipped idol is donated to  a Brahmin along with the alms.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!