Dev Utthāni Ekādaśī

PRABODHINĪ EKĀDAŚī

प्रबोधिनी एकादशी

Artwork: Pinterest

Bali: 11/11 21:17 – 11/12 18:35 | USA PST: 11/11 5:17 – 11/12 2:35

On the Ekādaśī (11th lunar day) of the waxing fortnight in the month of Kārttik (October/November), Dev Utthāni Ekādaśī is observed. This Ekādaśī holds immense spiritual significance, as it marks the conclusion of Cāturmāsya, a four-month sacred period of tapas (austerity) and introspection.

Prabodhinī Ekādaśī, specifically, is the twenty-fourth of the twenty-six Ekādaśīs mentioned in the Garga-saṃhitā (4.8.9), highlighting its special place within the cycle of lunar days. Its importance is further emphasized by the fact that it marks the awakening of Lord Viṣṇu from His yogic sleep, a time when the cosmic energies shift and encourage spiritual renewal.

The Ekādaśī tithi (lunar phase) is said to be dear to Lord Viṣṇu, the sustaining energy of the universe. It is believed that He enters a state of yogic sleep on Śayanī Ekādaśī (June/July) and awakens on Prabodhinī Ekādaśī. This awakening symbolizes not only Viṣṇu’s return to active duty but also the restoration of divine balance. It serves as an invitation for individuals to awaken to their own spiritual awareness and renew their commitment to dharma.

Ekādaśī (happening twice a month) is a pivotal day in Vedic astrology, occurring on the eleventh lunar day, when the moon's gravitational pull influences our inner tides. It is said that the atmospheric pressure is at its lowest on Ekādaśī days. This tithi enhances our connection to the divine, making it an ideal time for fasting, purification, and spiritual practices.

Observing a fast (abstaining from grains and beans) and turning one's attention inward on this sacred Ekādaśī is believed to mitigate pāpa karma (negative actions, such as causing suffering or unhappiness to others) accumulated from previous lives, thereby accelerating spiritual growth and fostering a deeper connection to the divine.

The fast can vary in degrees: from complete abstinence of water, to drinking only water, to taking one meal at lunch (without grains or beans), or having a meal only at supper time. Personally, I will take one meal consisting of fruit. Chanting or listening to the Viṣṇu Sahasranāma is another powerful practice that helps attune oneself to the energies of the day. Many devotees also choose to stay awake all night and steep themselves in prayer and devotion.

Today, Tulasī Vivāha is also celebrated, marking the sacred marriage of the Tulasī plant and Lord Viṣṇu (in His form as Śrī Kṛṣṇa). Tulasī, revered as an incarnation of the goddess Lakṣmī, embodies purity, devotion, and healing properties, earning her the title of the “queen of herbs.” This marriage is not merely a ritual; it symbolizes the profound interconnection between nature and divinity, with Tulasī serving as a bridge between the earthly and spiritual realms. It also heralds the beginning of the auspicious wedding season according to Sanātana Dharma, inviting blessings of prosperity and harmony into our lives.

ॐ नमो नारायणाय

Aum Namo Nārāyanāya

New Moon in Svāti: The Star of Self Actualization

NEW MOON अमावस्या

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The new moon (amāvásyā) today aligns both the sun and moon in the Vedic lunar mansion of Svāti स्वाति (in the heart of Libra), the Star of Self actualization and the seat of vāyu.

Svāti holds the energy or power to “scatter like the wind” — thus, we must stay adaptable yet firmly grounded. Loosen your grip on the idea that you have control over the outcome of your actions and act from a place of balance and responsibility — neither accepting nor resisting. Move beyond the idea of accomplishment and failure, winning and loosing and know that big shifts take time. 

Saturn, renowned for his measured approach and capacity for restraint, finds exaltation in the constellation of Svāti. When our thoughts and focus disperse, our energy becomes scattered and immunity diminishes — be actually become quite vulnerable. When gathered, we're unstoppable. Saturn, ruler of the pañcavāyus (five winds), encourages us to exercise control over our breath, thereby harnessing our focus and cultivating a strong foundation.

According to Maharishi Vālmīki, Hanūmān Jayantī is celebrated in Northern India on the caturdaśī (14th lunar day) in the month of Kārttik (Oct/Nov), commemorating Sītā Mātā's bestowal of immortality upon Lord Hanūmān. This story resonates with Svāti's essence, illustrating the power of unwavering devotion and focused purpose. Hanūmān's dedication to serving Lord Rāma exemplifies the asterism's call for full attention and commitment, arising through devotional intent.

With Mars in Puṣyā (Cancer), emotions may surge with intensity, churning the waters of our innermost needs and desires. True desire reveals itself when our commitment persists beyond fleeting moments, and when obstacles arise, a deeper force compels us to remain devoted to a person, purpose, or experience.

This cycle may invigorate the quest for clarity regarding your direction and purpose, calling for unwavering commitment. As you contemplate your path, consider what sacrifices you're willing to make in service of your higher purpose. True dedication often requires letting go of what no longer serves your evolving vision while remaining adaptable to new circumstances and insights.

To navigate this cycle, anchor yourself in patience, allowing inner stability to take root before action. The greatest strength now lies in mindful restraint, compassionate self-discipline, and the cultivation of dhāraṇā (focused concentration).

Consider grounding, breath-centered yoga practices, breathwork, prāṇāyāma, and meditation to harness your focus. As you attune to the current energies, reflect on this pivotal moment: where will you consciously choose to direct your commitment? What are you willing to sacrifice to honor this commitment? Take this opportunity to discern what truly warrants your unwavering dedication, recognizing that meaningful growth often requires releasing the old to embrace the new. 

“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” - Bruce Lee

VEDIC ASTROLOGY CONFERENCE

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Date: Friday, November 22nd 7 pm est | Format: Online

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Festival of Lights: Dīpāvali

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: DĪPĀVALI दीपावलि  

Celebrated on the Amāvásyā tithi (new moon) in the Vedic lunar month of Kārttik (October/November), today marks the revered festival of Dīpāvali, the most significant day of the five-day celebration. This festival began with Dhanteras (festival devoted to Dhanvantari - father of Āyurveda) and culminates with the new moon, which is considered the new year in Northern India.

On this occasion, we celebrate the victory of light over darkness. We honor Gaṇeśa, the remover of obstacles, and invoke goddess Mahālakṣmī for her blessings of prosperity. We also commemorate Lord Rāma's triumphant return to Ayodhya after his victory over Rāvana. This year, Dīpāvali coincides with Kālī Caudaś (Kālī pūja), where the dark goddess is revered as an awakening and purifying force.

Dīpāvali embodies themes of cleansing, renewal, and prosperity. Families clean their homes, don new attire, set intentions for the year ahead, and illuminate their spaces with diyas—symbols of hope and enlightenment—to welcome Mahālakṣmī, the eight-fold embodiment of abundance. It is said that her energy resides in harmonious spaces free from conflict. The exchange of gifts and sweets further enhances the joy and connection shared during this time.

As we gather in joy and reflection, let us embrace the energies of renewal and prosperity that accompany this festival. Wishing everyone a joyful and prosperous Dīpāvali!

With love all ways 

शुभ दीपावली | ॐ श्रीं महा लक्ष्म्यै नमः