jyotisha - Vaastuyogam

u
April 2013
6
Belief Is Relief - Part Two
This is the second and final part of the article "Belief is Relief". Part one of this was published last month. In the first part we
have dealt with the grahas Surya, Chandra, Budha. Readers are requested to kindly read both the part as a single whole.
jyotisha
Brihaspati – Planet Jupiter
I salute Brihaspati, Guru, dazzling like
gold, teacher of the gods and rishis.
-Navagraha Stotram
Brihaspati also known as Brahmanaspati is
the guru of Devas and is praised in many
hymns of Rig Veda. He is the fifth of the
Navagrahas. Brihaspati is described to be
yellow or golden in color, holding a stick, a
lotus and his beads. Jupiter symbolizes
knowledge, love and spirituality. The planet
rules the thighs, flesh, kidney, liver, fat and
the arterial system. The day of Jupiter is
Thursday and the gemstone is Sapphire.
Dhanu Rashi and Meena Rashi are ruled by
Brihaspati.
In Hinduism, Brihaspati has been revered
for ages not only as the officiating priest, the
Purohita, of the Devas but also as their
teacher and guide; hence the appellation,
“Guru”. He bestows upon his devotees
excellence in education and the fine arts,
oratory skills and success in the workplace.
His very name Vachaspati alludes to Vach,
the primordial world that emerged from
Brahma’s head. In the Rig Veda, Guru, is
described as being pure and beautiful in
form, having a clear voice, seven mouths, a
lovely tongue, sharp horns, a hundred wings
and holding an iron axe. He is considered
the most compassionate of all the grahas.
When Brihaspati is not well placed in one’s
natal chart, the person shows a tendency for
the following afflictions:- obesity, problems
with the ribs, blood, muscles or nerves,
diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems,
hearing impairment and breathing problems
like asthma. Praying at Guru shrines is
believed to keep these afflictions at bay.
The Navagraha
Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Alangudi
Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Alangudi,
one of the Navagraha Temples in Tamil
Nadu, is about 17 km from Kumbakonam on
the way to Needamangalam, in Tiruvarur
District of Tamilnadu. The main deities are
Lord Abathsahayeswarar or Aranyeswara,
accompanied by his consort,
Ezhavarkuzhali or Umai Ammai. The temple
is regarded as a Guru Sthalam (the temple
of Planet Jupiter) where Lord
Dakshinamurthy (The Guru or teacher form
of Lord Shiva) is held in great reverence. A
special feature is that Lord Guru or
Brihaspati (or Brahmanaspati) is engraved
on the wall and is not in the form of a
separate idol, reunited with Shiva. It is
believed that Adi Shankaracharya and Sage
Agastya had worshipped Lord Guru here.
Temple Architecture - Features
Located on the south of the river Cauvery,
the Alangudi Temple occupies a large area
surrounded by lofty walls. There are around
15 theerthams in this temple and the one
which is located inside the temple is referred
to as Amrita Pushkarini.
Abathsahayeswarar Temple is the abode to
shrines of Lord Surya, Gurumoksheswarar,
S o m a n a t h a r, S a p t a r i s h i n a t h a r,
S o m e s w a r a r, V i s h n u n a t h a r a n d
Bhrameesar, Kaasi Viswanathar and
Visalakshi. The inscriptions that date back to
the period of Vikrama Chola (1131 AD) refer
to Alankudi as Jananatha
saruppedimangalam. The details of the
Chidambaram Natarajar temple are also
seen here. The Poolaivala River, runs east
of the temple.
History of Abathsahayeswarar Temple
Legend says that once, the Devas and the
Asuras tried to churn the celestial ocean,
'Parkadal' (sea of milk). They used the
celestial snake 'Vasuki' as the rope and the
mount 'Mandara' as the rod to obtain the
nectar. The snake emitted deadly poison
(Ala Visham) which the Lord swallowed to
safeguard the universe. Hence Lord Shiva
came to be called as 'Abathsahayeswarar',
meaning 'savior' for having consumed the
poison and the place came to be known as
'Alangudi'. Goddess Parvati is said to have
been reborn on the banks of Amrita
continued on page 7
u
April 2013
6
Belief Is Relief - Part Two
This is the second and final part of the article "Belief is Relief". Part one of this was published last month. In the first part we
have dealt with the grahas Surya, Chandra, Budha. Readers are requested to kindly read both the part as a single whole.
jyotisha
Brihaspati – Planet Jupiter
I salute Brihaspati, Guru, dazzling like
gold, teacher of the gods and rishis.
-Navagraha Stotram
Brihaspati also known as Brahmanaspati is
the guru of Devas and is praised in many
hymns of Rig Veda. He is the fifth of the
Navagrahas. Brihaspati is described to be
yellow or golden in color, holding a stick, a
lotus and his beads. Jupiter symbolizes
knowledge, love and spirituality. The planet
rules the thighs, flesh, kidney, liver, fat and
the arterial system. The day of Jupiter is
Thursday and the gemstone is Sapphire.
Dhanu Rashi and Meena Rashi are ruled by
Brihaspati.
In Hinduism, Brihaspati has been revered
for ages not only as the officiating priest, the
Purohita, of the Devas but also as their
teacher and guide; hence the appellation,
“Guru”. He bestows upon his devotees
excellence in education and the fine arts,
oratory skills and success in the workplace.
His very name Vachaspati alludes to Vach,
the primordial world that emerged from
Brahma’s head. In the Rig Veda, Guru, is
described as being pure and beautiful in
form, having a clear voice, seven mouths, a
lovely tongue, sharp horns, a hundred wings
and holding an iron axe. He is considered
the most compassionate of all the grahas.
When Brihaspati is not well placed in one’s
natal chart, the person shows a tendency for
the following afflictions:- obesity, problems
with the ribs, blood, muscles or nerves,
diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems,
hearing impairment and breathing problems
like asthma. Praying at Guru shrines is
believed to keep these afflictions at bay.
The Navagraha
Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Alangudi
Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Alangudi,
one of the Navagraha Temples in Tamil
Nadu, is about 17 km from Kumbakonam on
the way to Needamangalam, in Tiruvarur
District of Tamilnadu. The main deities are
Lord Abathsahayeswarar or Aranyeswara,
accompanied by his consort,
Ezhavarkuzhali or Umai Ammai. The temple
is regarded as a Guru Sthalam (the temple
of Planet Jupiter) where Lord
Dakshinamurthy (The Guru or teacher form
of Lord Shiva) is held in great reverence. A
special feature is that Lord Guru or
Brihaspati (or Brahmanaspati) is engraved
on the wall and is not in the form of a
separate idol, reunited with Shiva. It is
believed that Adi Shankaracharya and Sage
Agastya had worshipped Lord Guru here.
Temple Architecture - Features
Located on the south of the river Cauvery,
the Alangudi Temple occupies a large area
surrounded by lofty walls. There are around
15 theerthams in this temple and the one
which is located inside the temple is referred
to as Amrita Pushkarini.
Abathsahayeswarar Temple is the abode to
shrines of Lord Surya, Gurumoksheswarar,
S o m a n a t h a r, S a p t a r i s h i n a t h a r,
S o m e s w a r a r, V i s h n u n a t h a r a n d
Bhrameesar, Kaasi Viswanathar and
Visalakshi. The inscriptions that date back to
the period of Vikrama Chola (1131 AD) refer
to Alankudi as Jananatha
saruppedimangalam. The details of the
Chidambaram Natarajar temple are also
seen here. The Poolaivala River, runs east
of the temple.
History of Abathsahayeswarar Temple
Legend says that once, the Devas and the
Asuras tried to churn the celestial ocean,
'Parkadal' (sea of milk). They used the
celestial snake 'Vasuki' as the rope and the
mount 'Mandara' as the rod to obtain the
nectar. The snake emitted deadly poison
(Ala Visham) which the Lord swallowed to
safeguard the universe. Hence Lord Shiva
came to be called as 'Abathsahayeswarar',
meaning 'savior' for having consumed the
poison and the place came to be known as
'Alangudi'. Goddess Parvati is said to have
been reborn on the banks of Amrita
continued on page 7
u
April 2013
10
continued from page 9
jyotisha
causing discomfort and tension in the
relationship, leading to severe disharmony
among the spouses and eventually to other
bigger problems. This is attributed to the
"fiery" nature of Mars, the planet of war. Also,
if two mangliks marry, the negative effects
are believed to cancel each other out.
However, Mars is not the only planet in Vedic
astrology that is supposed to affect the
relationship and these effects should be
seen in a broader perspective of the overall
astrological compatibility.
There is also a belief that the negative
consequences for a single-manglik
marriage can be resolved if the manglik first
performs a ceremony called a kumbh vivah,
in which the manglik "marries" a banana
tree, a peepal tree, or a silver or gold idol of
the Hindu God Vishnu. However, this belief
is gradually being eroded.
The bad effects of Manglik dosh can be
reduced with the help of astrological
remedies which would generally include the
application of puja, mantras, gemstones
and charity. These remedies are different for
each individual depending upon the
horoscope. You are advised to consult an
expert Vedic astrologer in order to evaluate
the level of dosha.
Shani - Planet Saturn
My salutations to Shani, son of the Sun
and his consort Chaya , Brother of
Yama and of the complexion of a blue
eyed collyrium.
-Navagraha Stotram
Saturn, known as Shani in Indian astrology
is the sixth planet from the Sun and the
second largest. In Roman mythology,
Saturn is the god of agriculture. In Greek
myth, he is the father of Jupiter and is the
root of the English word “Saturday.”
Shani Dev is the Lord of Saturday and is
embodied in the planet Saturn. As one of his
legs is shorter than the other, Shani walks
slowly and is hence named Shanaischara or
Saneeshwara. Due to his slow pace Shani
takes about 30 years to revolve around the
sun.
Shani Bhagavan, one of the 9 Navagraha
Planets, is reputed both as a giver and as a
destroyer. Lord Shani is regarded as a
troublesome god and is capable of breaking
fortunes by his influence and position in the
planetary system. He is considered to have
a malefic influence on events, though this is
not always true.
Lord Shani is generally shown with four
hands, riding upon a chariot or a buffalo or a
vulture. Shani is seen holding a sword,
arrows and two daggers. Saturn is often
referred to as a ‘dark planet’ and symbolizes
longevity, misery and grief. The day of
Saturn is Saturday and gemstone is blue
sapphire. Kumbha rashi and Makara rashi in
the zodiac signs are ruled by Lord Shani.
The Agamas describe Shani as dark in color,
short statured, lame in a leg, wearing black
clothes, holding a sword, arrows and two
daggers and seated in a lotus seat or
mounted on a vulture. Vulture is Shani’s
vahana and as the protector of property,
Shani is able to suppress the thieving
tendencies of these birds. However, in Tamil
Nadu, Shani’s vehicle is said to be a crow.
The grain associated with him is sesame
which can be offered with the flowers - vanni
and blue kuvalai; or rice mixed with sesame
powder. Special pujas and abhishekams are
performed on Saturdays as this day is
considered special for the Lord
Saneeswara.
Being lean and lank, he is called Nirmamsa
Gatra, Sushka and is the lord of the west.
Shani is also known as Chayaputra as he is
the son of Lord Surya, the Sun God and his
wife Chhaya. Yama, the God of death is his
elder brother. A person’s life is rewarded or
punished appropriately during his lifetime
according to his present and past deeds.
Shani is known as a great teacher and the
impact of Shani is so much that when Shani
opened his eyes for the first time while he
was a baby, the Sun went into an eclipse.
Shani punishes those who follow the path of
evil hence he is considered as trouble-giver
The bad effects of
Manglik Dosh can be
reduced with the help
of astrological
remedies which
would generally
include the
application of Pooja,
Mantras, Gemstones
and Charities and
these remedies are
different for different
individuals
depending upon their
horoscopes. You are
advised to consult an
expert Vedic
astrologer in order to
evaluate the level of
dosha and malefic. It
is important to know
the level of Mangal
dosha in order to
come up with the
right remedies with
the help of your
guide and or an
expert Vedic
astrologer.
as well as the well-wisher.
Saneeswaran – Effects in the Horoscope
When Lord Shani (Saturn) passes through
the ‘Janma Rasi’ in one's birth chart, he is
said to cause difficulties to a person and
when he passes through the eighth house
from one's Janma Rasi (Ashtamathu Sani)
he casts more challenges. However, the
adverse effects of Shani can be relieved
continued on page 11
u
April 2013
10
continued from page 9
jyotisha
causing discomfort and tension in the
relationship, leading to severe disharmony
among the spouses and eventually to other
bigger problems. This is attributed to the
"fiery" nature of Mars, the planet of war. Also,
if two mangliks marry, the negative effects
are believed to cancel each other out.
However, Mars is not the only planet in Vedic
astrology that is supposed to affect the
relationship and these effects should be
seen in a broader perspective of the overall
astrological compatibility.
There is also a belief that the negative
consequences for a single-manglik
marriage can be resolved if the manglik first
performs a ceremony called a kumbh vivah,
in which the manglik "marries" a banana
tree, a peepal tree, or a silver or gold idol of
the Hindu God Vishnu. However, this belief
is gradually being eroded.
The bad effects of Manglik dosh can be
reduced with the help of astrological
remedies which would generally include the
application of puja, mantras, gemstones
and charity. These remedies are different for
each individual depending upon the
horoscope. You are advised to consult an
expert Vedic astrologer in order to evaluate
the level of dosha.
Shani - Planet Saturn
My salutations to Shani, son of the Sun
and his consort Chaya , Brother of
Yama and of the complexion of a blue
eyed collyrium.
-Navagraha Stotram
Saturn, known as Shani in Indian astrology
is the sixth planet from the Sun and the
second largest. In Roman mythology,
Saturn is the god of agriculture. In Greek
myth, he is the father of Jupiter and is the
root of the English word “Saturday.”
Shani Dev is the Lord of Saturday and is
embodied in the planet Saturn. As one of his
legs is shorter than the other, Shani walks
slowly and is hence named Shanaischara or
Saneeshwara. Due to his slow pace Shani
takes about 30 years to revolve around the
sun.
Shani Bhagavan, one of the 9 Navagraha
Planets, is reputed both as a giver and as a
destroyer. Lord Shani is regarded as a
troublesome god and is capable of breaking
fortunes by his influence and position in the
planetary system. He is considered to have
a malefic influence on events, though this is
not always true.
Lord Shani is generally shown with four
hands, riding upon a chariot or a buffalo or a
vulture. Shani is seen holding a sword,
arrows and two daggers. Saturn is often
referred to as a ‘dark planet’ and symbolizes
longevity, misery and grief. The day of
Saturn is Saturday and gemstone is blue
sapphire. Kumbha rashi and Makara rashi in
the zodiac signs are ruled by Lord Shani.
The Agamas describe Shani as dark in color,
short statured, lame in a leg, wearing black
clothes, holding a sword, arrows and two
daggers and seated in a lotus seat or
mounted on a vulture. Vulture is Shani’s
vahana and as the protector of property,
Shani is able to suppress the thieving
tendencies of these birds. However, in Tamil
Nadu, Shani’s vehicle is said to be a crow.
The grain associated with him is sesame
which can be offered with the flowers - vanni
and blue kuvalai; or rice mixed with sesame
powder. Special pujas and abhishekams are
performed on Saturdays as this day is
considered special for the Lord
Saneeswara.
Being lean and lank, he is called Nirmamsa
Gatra, Sushka and is the lord of the west.
Shani is also known as Chayaputra as he is
the son of Lord Surya, the Sun God and his
wife Chhaya. Yama, the God of death is his
elder brother. A person’s life is rewarded or
punished appropriately during his lifetime
according to his present and past deeds.
Shani is known as a great teacher and the
impact of Shani is so much that when Shani
opened his eyes for the first time while he
was a baby, the Sun went into an eclipse.
Shani punishes those who follow the path of
evil hence he is considered as trouble-giver
The bad effects of
Manglik Dosh can be
reduced with the help
of astrological
remedies which
would generally
include the
application of Pooja,
Mantras, Gemstones
and Charities and
these remedies are
different for different
individuals
depending upon their
horoscopes. You are
advised to consult an
expert Vedic
astrologer in order to
evaluate the level of
dosha and malefic. It
is important to know
the level of Mangal
dosha in order to
come up with the
right remedies with
the help of your
guide and or an
expert Vedic
astrologer.
as well as the well-wisher.
Saneeswaran – Effects in the Horoscope
When Lord Shani (Saturn) passes through
the ‘Janma Rasi’ in one's birth chart, he is
said to cause difficulties to a person and
when he passes through the eighth house
from one's Janma Rasi (Ashtamathu Sani)
he casts more challenges. However, the
adverse effects of Shani can be relieved
continued on page 11
u
April 2013
12
continued from page 11
jyotisha
Harishchandra , who was afflicted by Sade
Saathi - did not abandon the truth. Only then
was God Shani pleased and restored him to
the throne, giving him progeny and wealth
and made him pure again. He gave him the
strength to do penance.
When one is affected by Sade Saathi, one
should make use of prayer as a boatman
and cross the river of bad times. One should
not resort to falsehood, theft, robbery, vices,
bad habits etc. One should remember that
there is no role of God Shani in Sade Saathi .
He cleanses us of the sins of our previous
births and brings us closer to the divinity of
God. During the period of Sade Saathi, if we
As per astrology,
Shani’s Sade Saathi
is understood in
three parts. One is
from Lagna, the other
is from Moon and the
third is from Sun.
Over a period of
thirty years, every
chart is affected by
Sade Saathi once,
whether he is a lion
or a king. Sade
Saathi touches every
birth chart. It is
estimated that at any
one time one-twelfth
of the population is
suffering from
Saturn’s malignant
effects.
take the help of our prayers, penance and
‘mantras’ and hold on to the truth, we will
emerge stronger.
Darbaranyeswarar Temple at Tirunallar
Sri Darbaranyeswarar Temple is one of the
most famous Lord Shani (Lord Saturn)
temples in India. It is located at Tirunallar
(Thirunallar) which is about 5 km west of
Kaaraikal, on the Karaikal-MayiladuthuraiKumbakonam bus route, in Karaikal District,
Tamilnadu. Similar to the other Navagraha
S t h a l a m s i n Ta m i l n a d u ,
Sri Darbaranyeswarar Temple also
enshrines Lord Shiva as the main deity. Lord
Shiva is known as Darbaranyeswarar here
and Goddess Parvati Devi as
Pranamambika or Bogamartha
Poonmulaiammai.
The magnificent shrine dedicated to
Saneeswarar (Lord Shani or Saneeswaran)
is near the inner tower known as `Kattai
Gopuram'. He faces east with `abhaya
varada hastham' and is considered the
'Anugraha Murthi' (one who bestows good
things). His idol is placed in between the
presiding deities.
According to a legend, King Nala was badly
affected with numerous problems due to the
adverse effects of Saneeswaran. He took a
holy dip at the temple tank Nala Theertham
and was relieved of the evil effects.
It is customary to first perform pradakshina
(circumambulate) of the temple and worship
Lord Shiva, then Ambal and lastly worship
Shani.
History of the temple
Nayanmar Tirunayana Sambandar had
sung the praises of the Lord of this temple.
So too did Tirnnavukkarasu and later
Sundarar (9th century AD) The temple was
expanded and renovated by the Chola king
RajaRaja II in 1173 AD and Kolatunga Chola
III in 1195 AD.
Temple Festivals
Apart from daily worship services which are
p e r f o r m e d f i v e t i m e s d a i l y,
Darbaranyeswarar Shani Temple hosts a
number of festivals throughout the year. On
Tamil New Year's day (Tamil Puthandu),
(marked by the transition of the Sun from
Pisces to Aries according to the Indian
astrological system) Tyagaraja is taken in a
procession. An eighteen-day festival is
performed in the Tamil month of Vaikashi
(when the sun resides in the sign of Taurus).
Festivals related to Nataraja (the Lord of
Dance) are held during the month of Aani
(Gemini). Several special services are
performed to the emerald Lingam on the full
moon night in the month of Purattasi (Leo).
Besides, Navaratri, Kartikai Deepam and
Panguni Uthiram are also celebrated here
with much devotion.
How to Reach Darbaranyeswarar
Navagraha Temple By Bus
Tirunallar is located near Karaikkal (5 km)
and Nagapattinam, and is well-connected
by road to many other towns. Direct bus
services are also available from Karaikal
and even Chennai. Thirunallar to Bangalore
(Karnataka) is around 298 km. Tirunallar is
59 km from Kumbakonam, 35 km from
Mayavaram (Mayiladuthurai), 140 km from
Pondicherry, 100 km from Thanjavur, 150
km from Trichy. Tirunallar can easily be
accessed from Mayiladuthurai or from
Nagapattinam.
Shani Shingnapur (Maharashtra)
The Shani Shingnapur shrine is in
Maharashtra which is also very famous. It is
situated in the village of Shingnapur or
Sonai in Ahmednagar district of
Maharashtra. The idol of Lord Shani here is
a Swayambu, which is a five-and-a-half foot
high black rock, installed on an open-air
platform. At the side of the image is a trishula
(trident). A nandi (bull) image is to the south.
There are small images of Lord Shiva and
Lord Hanuman in the front. The uniqueness
of Shingnapur is that no house in the village
has doors, but only door frames. No theft is
reported here and villagers never keep their
valuables under lock and key. It is believed
that Lord Shani punishes anyone attempting
theft. A curtain is the only barrier they use to
keep out stray animals.
Shingnapur is situated about 6 km from
Ghodegaon, on the AurangabadAhmednagar Road. Shani Shingnapur is
about 84 km from Aurangabad, 65 km from
Shirdi, and 35 km from Ahmednagar.
continued on page 13
u
April 2013
12
continued from page 11
jyotisha
Harishchandra , who was afflicted by Sade
Saathi - did not abandon the truth. Only then
was God Shani pleased and restored him to
the throne, giving him progeny and wealth
and made him pure again. He gave him the
strength to do penance.
When one is affected by Sade Saathi, one
should make use of prayer as a boatman
and cross the river of bad times. One should
not resort to falsehood, theft, robbery, vices,
bad habits etc. One should remember that
there is no role of God Shani in Sade Saathi .
He cleanses us of the sins of our previous
births and brings us closer to the divinity of
God. During the period of Sade Saathi, if we
As per astrology,
Shani’s Sade Saathi
is understood in
three parts. One is
from Lagna, the other
is from Moon and the
third is from Sun.
Over a period of
thirty years, every
chart is affected by
Sade Saathi once,
whether he is a lion
or a king. Sade
Saathi touches every
birth chart. It is
estimated that at any
one time one-twelfth
of the population is
suffering from
Saturn’s malignant
effects.
take the help of our prayers, penance and
‘mantras’ and hold on to the truth, we will
emerge stronger.
Darbaranyeswarar Temple at Tirunallar
Sri Darbaranyeswarar Temple is one of the
most famous Lord Shani (Lord Saturn)
temples in India. It is located at Tirunallar
(Thirunallar) which is about 5 km west of
Kaaraikal, on the Karaikal-MayiladuthuraiKumbakonam bus route, in Karaikal District,
Tamilnadu. Similar to the other Navagraha
S t h a l a m s i n Ta m i l n a d u ,
Sri Darbaranyeswarar Temple also
enshrines Lord Shiva as the main deity. Lord
Shiva is known as Darbaranyeswarar here
and Goddess Parvati Devi as
Pranamambika or Bogamartha
Poonmulaiammai.
The magnificent shrine dedicated to
Saneeswarar (Lord Shani or Saneeswaran)
is near the inner tower known as `Kattai
Gopuram'. He faces east with `abhaya
varada hastham' and is considered the
'Anugraha Murthi' (one who bestows good
things). His idol is placed in between the
presiding deities.
According to a legend, King Nala was badly
affected with numerous problems due to the
adverse effects of Saneeswaran. He took a
holy dip at the temple tank Nala Theertham
and was relieved of the evil effects.
It is customary to first perform pradakshina
(circumambulate) of the temple and worship
Lord Shiva, then Ambal and lastly worship
Shani.
History of the temple
Nayanmar Tirunayana Sambandar had
sung the praises of the Lord of this temple.
So too did Tirnnavukkarasu and later
Sundarar (9th century AD) The temple was
expanded and renovated by the Chola king
RajaRaja II in 1173 AD and Kolatunga Chola
III in 1195 AD.
Temple Festivals
Apart from daily worship services which are
p e r f o r m e d f i v e t i m e s d a i l y,
Darbaranyeswarar Shani Temple hosts a
number of festivals throughout the year. On
Tamil New Year's day (Tamil Puthandu),
(marked by the transition of the Sun from
Pisces to Aries according to the Indian
astrological system) Tyagaraja is taken in a
procession. An eighteen-day festival is
performed in the Tamil month of Vaikashi
(when the sun resides in the sign of Taurus).
Festivals related to Nataraja (the Lord of
Dance) are held during the month of Aani
(Gemini). Several special services are
performed to the emerald Lingam on the full
moon night in the month of Purattasi (Leo).
Besides, Navaratri, Kartikai Deepam and
Panguni Uthiram are also celebrated here
with much devotion.
How to Reach Darbaranyeswarar
Navagraha Temple By Bus
Tirunallar is located near Karaikkal (5 km)
and Nagapattinam, and is well-connected
by road to many other towns. Direct bus
services are also available from Karaikal
and even Chennai. Thirunallar to Bangalore
(Karnataka) is around 298 km. Tirunallar is
59 km from Kumbakonam, 35 km from
Mayavaram (Mayiladuthurai), 140 km from
Pondicherry, 100 km from Thanjavur, 150
km from Trichy. Tirunallar can easily be
accessed from Mayiladuthurai or from
Nagapattinam.
Shani Shingnapur (Maharashtra)
The Shani Shingnapur shrine is in
Maharashtra which is also very famous. It is
situated in the village of Shingnapur or
Sonai in Ahmednagar district of
Maharashtra. The idol of Lord Shani here is
a Swayambu, which is a five-and-a-half foot
high black rock, installed on an open-air
platform. At the side of the image is a trishula
(trident). A nandi (bull) image is to the south.
There are small images of Lord Shiva and
Lord Hanuman in the front. The uniqueness
of Shingnapur is that no house in the village
has doors, but only door frames. No theft is
reported here and villagers never keep their
valuables under lock and key. It is believed
that Lord Shani punishes anyone attempting
theft. A curtain is the only barrier they use to
keep out stray animals.
Shingnapur is situated about 6 km from
Ghodegaon, on the AurangabadAhmednagar Road. Shani Shingnapur is
about 84 km from Aurangabad, 65 km from
Shirdi, and 35 km from Ahmednagar.
continued on page 13
u
April 2013
14
continued from page 13
jyotisha
position, status, business, faithfulness,
Shashti (October or November), Sivaratri
winning over opposition, overseas travel
(February - March), Navaratri and Sekkizhar
and for mantra power. It is believed that by
Vaikasi Pooja (June).
doing milk abhishekam here for Rahu during
Rahu kalam (period of one and a half hours
occurring every day), delays in getting
Temple Features
Occupying a
married, childlessness, troublesome
vast
area,
the
Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple has vast
prakarams, towering gopurams, and
married life, ill-effects of Kalasarpa Dosha
(affliction), Kalasthra Dosha and Sarpa
Dosha are all cured.
several mandapams. There are four entry
towers with fort-like walls which surround
the outermost prakaram.
There are twelve sacred water heads in this
Special Feature
An important aspect of Rahu Temple at
from 1 PM to 5 PM and from 7 PM to 9 PM.
The temple conducts six pujas daily
ushakala puja (6 am), kalasandhi puja (9
am), uchikkala puja (1 pm), sayaratchai puja
(5 pm), irandam kala puja (7 pm) and
arthajama puja (9 pm).
Thirunageswaram is that during milk
How to reach Sri Naganathaswamy Temple,
abhishekam, the milk when poured over the
Thirunageswaram
Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple is on the
place, namely, Suriya Pushkarani,
idol, turns blue which is clearly visible. Large
Gowthama Theertham, Parasara
numbers of devotees throng here to perform
Theertham, Indira Theertham, Prugu
Temple Timings and Daily Pujas
The temple opens daily from 6 AM to 9 AM,
the abhishekam. On every occasion of Rahu
Kumbakonam-Karaikal bus route and is just
7 km from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.
Theertham, Kannuva Theertham and
moving to the next Raasi (Rasi) which
Vasishta Theertham. Suriya Pushkarani is
happens once in one and a half years in anti-
inside the temple compound and is very
clockwise direction, special abhishekam
sacred. The theertham is built in Chola style
with homam is performed at Sri Arulmigu
of a comet and fierce in appearance, Oh
and is square in shape with 'double-bat'
Naganathaswamy Temple. Lord Rahu is
Ketu, I bow to you.
roofing. Legend says that the mythological
taken in procession in sesha vahanam.
Ketu
Red like the Phalasa flower with the head
-Navagraha Stotram
serpents Aadi Seshan, Dakshan and
Karkotakan worshipped Shiva here.
Effects of Rahu
Rahu is said to be the cause of one's good
In Sanskrit, Ketu (Dhuma Ketu) means
Temple Festivals
Other major festivals celebrated here are
comet. It is a shadowy planet and is depicted
Brahmotsavam (November or December),
as the tail of a demon snake. He is usually
Thiruvathirai (December – January), Kanda
shown with a pock
marked body, riding
upon a vulture and holding a mace. Lord
Ketu is the representation of the karmic
collections both good and bad, spirituality
and supernatural influences. The gemstone
of Ketu is cat’s eye.
Ketu is believed to have been brought up by
a Brahmin named Mini. According to
Vishwakarma’s classical text on sculpture,
Ketu is black in colour, he carries a mace in
one hand while offering grace to his
devotees with the other. His chariot is said to
be drawn by ten horses. He is considered
great among the asuras while being a gem
among sages and seers who have
conquered the senses and controlled the
mind. He is angry by temperament and tall in
stature. Ketu has eight children.
Ketu Navagraha Temple
The Ketu Naganathaswamy Temple or Ketu
Rahu and Ketu
continued on page 15
u
April 2013
14
continued from page 13
jyotisha
position, status, business, faithfulness,
Shashti (October or November), Sivaratri
winning over opposition, overseas travel
(February - March), Navaratri and Sekkizhar
and for mantra power. It is believed that by
Vaikasi Pooja (June).
doing milk abhishekam here for Rahu during
Rahu kalam (period of one and a half hours
occurring every day), delays in getting
Temple Features
Occupying a
married, childlessness, troublesome
vast
area,
the
Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple has vast
prakarams, towering gopurams, and
married life, ill-effects of Kalasarpa Dosha
(affliction), Kalasthra Dosha and Sarpa
Dosha are all cured.
several mandapams. There are four entry
towers with fort-like walls which surround
the outermost prakaram.
There are twelve sacred water heads in this
Special Feature
An important aspect of Rahu Temple at
from 1 PM to 5 PM and from 7 PM to 9 PM.
The temple conducts six pujas daily
ushakala puja (6 am), kalasandhi puja (9
am), uchikkala puja (1 pm), sayaratchai puja
(5 pm), irandam kala puja (7 pm) and
arthajama puja (9 pm).
Thirunageswaram is that during milk
How to reach Sri Naganathaswamy Temple,
abhishekam, the milk when poured over the
Thirunageswaram
Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple is on the
place, namely, Suriya Pushkarani,
idol, turns blue which is clearly visible. Large
Gowthama Theertham, Parasara
numbers of devotees throng here to perform
Theertham, Indira Theertham, Prugu
Temple Timings and Daily Pujas
The temple opens daily from 6 AM to 9 AM,
the abhishekam. On every occasion of Rahu
Kumbakonam-Karaikal bus route and is just
7 km from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.
Theertham, Kannuva Theertham and
moving to the next Raasi (Rasi) which
Vasishta Theertham. Suriya Pushkarani is
happens once in one and a half years in anti-
inside the temple compound and is very
clockwise direction, special abhishekam
sacred. The theertham is built in Chola style
with homam is performed at Sri Arulmigu
of a comet and fierce in appearance, Oh
and is square in shape with 'double-bat'
Naganathaswamy Temple. Lord Rahu is
Ketu, I bow to you.
roofing. Legend says that the mythological
taken in procession in sesha vahanam.
Ketu
Red like the Phalasa flower with the head
-Navagraha Stotram
serpents Aadi Seshan, Dakshan and
Karkotakan worshipped Shiva here.
Effects of Rahu
Rahu is said to be the cause of one's good
In Sanskrit, Ketu (Dhuma Ketu) means
Temple Festivals
Other major festivals celebrated here are
comet. It is a shadowy planet and is depicted
Brahmotsavam (November or December),
as the tail of a demon snake. He is usually
Thiruvathirai (December – January), Kanda
shown with a pock
marked body, riding
upon a vulture and holding a mace. Lord
Ketu is the representation of the karmic
collections both good and bad, spirituality
and supernatural influences. The gemstone
of Ketu is cat’s eye.
Ketu is believed to have been brought up by
a Brahmin named Mini. According to
Vishwakarma’s classical text on sculpture,
Ketu is black in colour, he carries a mace in
one hand while offering grace to his
devotees with the other. His chariot is said to
be drawn by ten horses. He is considered
great among the asuras while being a gem
among sages and seers who have
conquered the senses and controlled the
mind. He is angry by temperament and tall in
stature. Ketu has eight children.
Ketu Navagraha Temple
The Ketu Naganathaswamy Temple or Ketu
Rahu and Ketu
continued on page 15
u
April 2013
16
Conclusion to "Belief is Relief”
The Navagraha Remedies
Don’t Blame the Grahas
what he wishes to be. The horoscope will not
First and foremost, a Graha (planet in be in any position to help him until he puts in
astrology) has no agenda to punish you. The his effort to reach his goal.
wrongs and sins you had committed in your
earlier lives come back to you as adverse The last one-third is in the hands of the place
planetary positions in your birth chart in this where he lives and where he works. The
life. An astrologer merely holds up a light latter two control his actions in the form of
that shows the things in store for you in the temperament, decision-making and thinking
years ahead and how you might reduce their process.
ill effects.
The complete picture emerges as a result of
a reaction to an action. You need to
Astrology, Karma and Destiny
Astrology (Jyotisha) is nothing but the understand the above clearly.
language of karma (action and reaction to
the earlier action). A horoscope (kundali, Remedies in Astrology
chart, jataka) that is plotted at the time of the Remedies in astrology are of two types –
birth of the native indicates his nature, that which is possible and that which is not
character and the events that will take place possible. Possible remedies come from the
in his life. It is like a blue print. To say that the smallest to the largest. Visiting temples,
horoscope causes everything that takes japa, daan, worship, wearing rings,
First and foremost, a
Graha (planet in
astrology) has no
agenda to punish
you. The wrongs and
sins you had
committed in your
earlier lives come
back to you as
adverse planetary
positions in your
birth chart in this life.
place in one’s life by using the English word gemstones, reciting slokas and so on.
it is definitely possible to heighten its good
“destiny” is only partially correct, just as it is
effect or reduce the impact of its ill-effect.
partially wrong. This word fails to convey the
meaning of the word “karma” as the word
karma means reaction to an action. It also
says action, as result is not there without
action. It is different thing that from your
viewpoint the result is favorable or adverse.
Some problems may not have any remedy, One can do this by propitiating the
or the graha may not allow the native to see Navagrahas. Our ancients have shown us
the remedy. Instead, it makes the native the way - visiting holy temples dedicated to
undergo pain or suffering. Again, remember the Navagrahas, making offerings of cloth
that the graha has made its decision based (vastram), grain, oil, and flowers specific to
on its position in your birth chart. In this the Navagraha. Also, our ancients have
manner, the graha itself causes the native’s guided us on the number of lamps that must
disbelief
towards a particular remedy, be lit, the number of circumambulations to
The real meaning is that your karma as
be made around the shrines; regarding
indicated by your horoscope is only one- turning him away by his own wish.
third of your life’s baggage. You are still left
with the majority portion, two-thirds to play
with and to seek relief. This two-third portion
of your life is also indirectly controlled from
your birth chart. It is divided into two sets of
The assimilation of all the one-third parts
along with the native’s dedication and will to
seek remedy brings solace in his life.
Astrology cannot go wrong, but the
bathing in the holy waters in the tanks and
wells at the temples, reciting the appropriate
holy verses and wearing the appropriate
gem stones.
astrologer, depending on his ability, Worship of the Navagrahas benefits the
one-third each.
knowledge and interpretation along with the devout and the dedicated persons. One
native’s
participative interest (shraddha) needs to be sincere in effort when
The second one-third is in your hands in
may
limit
the
remedy.
performing the things listed above. Devotion
terms of acquiring qualifications, education,
to the lord is of the greatest importance.
The Navagraha Remedies
Without this virtuous element, it is not
As I have mentioned above, it is of course
possible to obtain relief from suffering.
instance, a qualified doctor can opt to
impossible to escape from one’s karma, but
become a trader or a banker. He can choose
training, apprenticeship and so on. You can
choose this one-third as you wish. For