Vishnupathi - November 16, 2008

What is Vishnupathi? Why is Vishnupati important? Click here to read more...

November 16, 2008 - Third Vishnupathi of the Sarvadhari Year -
Sri Seetha Lakshmi and Lord Kodanda Rama Temple in Sitthanakkudi. Click here to read more...

Vishnupathi

What is Vishnupathi? Why is Vishnupati important? Click here to read more...

November 16, 2008 - Third Vishnupathi of the Sarvadhari Year -
Sri Seetha Lakshmi and Lord Kodanda Rama Temple in Sitthanakkudi. Click here to read more...

What is Karthigai Deepam?

Karthigai Deepam is: Divya Jothi - Divine Light! Gnana Jothi - Wisdom Light! Satya Jyoti - The Light of Truth! Prema Jyoti - The Light of Divine Love! Arunachala Jyothi - The Light of Arunachala! It is that divine effulgence that can remove every trace of the darkness of ignorance and illusion! Karthigai Deepam = Ultimate Divine Grace! Click here to read more...

Karthigai Deepam Festival

The Most Blessed Event!

The Most Potent,
Most Spiritual Time
in the entire year!

We request everyone everywhere,
wherever you may be,

to immerse and dissolve your mind
in the boundless ocean that is
the Lord's divine grace

during the 30 minutes
centered around this time!

Click here to read more...

More on Jyeshta Devi

We have updated our article on Mother Jyeshta Devi with more info.

...the worship of Jyeshta Devi and meditation on Her selflessness can be a great help to those work selflessly for others.

...it is because of this that even during testing times he did not lose the 64 auspicious attributes like his wisdom, courage, devotion, health or equanimity.

...we pray: "O Mother Jyeshta Devi, May Your exemplary selflessness be an eye opener even to those who seek You only for the riches of this world."

Click here to read more...

Jyeshta Devi - July 2008 issue

Click here for some of
Sathguru Venkataraman's
revelations on
Mother Jyeshta Devi
featured in the July 2008
issue of Sri Agasthia Vijayam,
the monthly magazine of the
Agasthiar Ashram.

Mother Sri Jyesta Devi - Removing the misconceptions regarding Jyeshta Devi

Links:

http://www.Agasthiar.Org/AUMzine/0022-Jyestha-Devi.htm

http://www.Agasthiar.Org/AUMzine/0002-kaar-mega.htm

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Over the years, we have published some of Sathguru Venkataraman's revelations on Mother Sri Jyesta Devi in the Agasthiar Ashram monthly magazine.  

An example is this Jyesta Devi article from 1999 in our website too.  

There is a prevalent misconception that Mother Jyesta Devi is to be shunned.  Sathguru Venkataraman worked hard to correct this misconception.  He asked a simple question: "If Jyeshta Devi is to be shunned, why are there shrines for Her in temples?"  He pointed out that Mother Jyeshta Devi is to be worshipped, not shunned.

But why the prevalent notion that She should be shunned?  Sathguru Venkataraman explained that it was Kali Purusha who cast his maya spell on the people of Kali Yuga to make them shun Mother Jyesta Devi.   And of course it took a Siddha like Sathguru Venkataraman to point out to us the truth that She is to be worshipped, not shunned.

Sathguru Venkataraman taught us that Mother Jyeshta Devi is NOT a creator of poverty!  Rather, She is One who ensures that poverty never ever appears in the lives of Her devotees.

Sathguru Venkataraman pointed out that Mother Jyesta Devi is a symbol of tyaga (sacrifice) which is one of the most important qualities a true bhakta must have. In many families, there are  elder sisters who sacrifice their personal desires for the sake of their younger siblings. Mother Jyeshta Devi is this proverbial elder sister who sacrifices Herself for the glory of Her younger sister.  

We have published only a fraction of what  Sathguru Venkataraman taught us about Sri Jyesta Devi.   There is much more!  Refer to the July 2008 issue of Sri Agasthia Vijayam, our Ashram monthly magazine, for further info on Mother Jyesta Devi.

Pooram Nakshatra Siva Lingam - Birth Star Shiva Linga for Poorva Phalguni Nakshatram

The birth star Shiva Lingas (janma nakshtara siva lingams) were given to us by Sathguru Venkataraman.  This is the 25-th nakshatra linga featured so far.  Click the image for a larger pic.

www.Agasthiar.Org

Utthiram Nakshatra Siva Lingam - Birth Star Shiva Linga for Uttara Phalguni Nakshatram

The birth star Shiva Lingas (janma nakshtara siva lingams) were given to us by Sathguru Venkataraman.  This is the 24-th nakshatra linga featured so far.  Click the image for a larger pic.

www.Agasthiar.Org

Navarathiri 2008 - Days 8 and 9

ThiruChelur Machapureeswara Temple
next to Devarayanpettai which is near Papanasam - Pandaravaadai
Sri Vajreswari Devi, one of the Adi Moola Dwara Palaki gate keepers of the Mother
Mother Sri Sugandha Kundhalambika
Lord Sri Machapureeswara (Matsyapureeswara)


Mellatur Unnathapureeswara Temple
on the Thanjavur - Thirukarukavur route
Sri Makuteswari Devi, one of the Adi Moola Dwara Palaki gate keepers of the Mother
Mother Sri Sivagami
Lord Sri Unnathapureeswara

Click here to read more...

www.Agasthiar.Org

ThiruPullamangai - Navratri 2008

Pullamangai
1 k.m. from Pasupati Kovil which is next to Aiyampettai on Thanjavur Road
Darshan of the divine serpents on Siva's neck
Sri Chamundi Devi, one of the Sapta Mathas
Mother Sri Alliyankodhai also known as Soundara Nayagi
Lord Sri Brahmapureeswara
Ashta Naga Devas
300 million Nagalinga flowers
Naga Shakti temple

Click here to read more...

www.Agasthiar.Org

Thazhamangai - Navarathri 2008

Thaazhamangai
very close to Pasupati Kovil which is just after Papanasam on Thanjavur Road
Darshan of Siva's Crescent Moon
Sri Indrani Devi (Mahendri), one of the Saptha Matrikas
Mother Sri RajaRajeswari
Lord Sri Chandra Mouleeswara
peace in the family

Click here to read more...

www.Agasthiar.Org

Pasumangai - Navarathri 2008

Pasumangai
Pasupati Kovil near Papanasam on Thanjavur Road
Darshan of Siva's Drum
Sri Varahi Devi, one of the Saptha Mathas
Sri Kamdhenu
Mother Sri Paal Vala Nayaki
Lord Sri Pasupathiswara
Pasu Pathi Pasam resolved here.

Click here to read more...

www.Agasthiar.Org

Nandimangai - Navaratri 2008

Nandhimangai
Nallicheri near Ayyampettai
Darshan of Siva's Leg Ornament
Sri Vaishnavi Devi, one of the Saptha Maathaas
Mother Sri Akhilandeswari
Lord Sri Jambukeswara
Lord Sri Nandiswara

Click here to read more...

www.Agasthiar.Org

Chakramangai, Arimangai, Soolamangai - Navaratri 2008

Chakramangai.
Chakrapalli near Ayyampettai.
Shiva's Third Eye.
Sri Brahmi Devi, one of the Saptha Maathas.
Mother Sri Devanayaki and
Lord Sri Chakravaageswara

Arimangai
near Ayyampettai.
Ganga on Siva's Head.
Sri Maheswari Devi, one of the Sapta Mathaas.
Mother Sri Gnaanambika and
Lord Sri Hari Mukteeswara

Click here to read more...

Soolamangai.
Soolamangalam near Ayyampettai.
Siva's Trident.
Sri Kaumari Devi, one of the Saptha Maathaas.
Mother Sri Alanakaravalli and
Lord Sri Keertivaageeswara.
Lord Sri Astra Deva

www.Agasthiar.Org

Saptha Maathaa Shakti Navratri - Navaratri of the Sarvadhari Year - September, October 2008 - Nine Nights of the Mother Goddess

What is Navaratri?

Nava = Nine. Ratri = Night. Thus Navaratri = Nine Nights.

The nine nights of Navaratri are particularly important for the worship of the Universal Mother.

The first nine thithis of the waxing moon phase that immediately follow Mahalaya Amavasya are referred to as Sharada Navaratri. This generally occurs in the September/October timeframe each year.

Similarly there is Vasanta Navratri in spring and two other Navaratris each year. Of these four, the Sharada Navaratri is the most popular. These days, it seems to be the only one that people celebrate! What should be an once per month observance has been relegated to once per year!

Maasa (Monthly) Navaratri

Over the years, Sathguru Venkataraman taught us that the first nine thithis of every waxing moon phase must be celebrated as maasa Navratri or monthly Navaratri. This monthly Navarathri observance is that much more important for Devi Upasakas (devotees of the Mother Goddess).

Sathguru Venkataraman was an expert non pareil in all facets of the worship of the Universal Mother. His sadhana started at the tender age of eight and he went on to master the most secret Vaalai Manonmani Yoga under the tutelage of his Siddha Sathguru. Devotees would do well to heed Sathguru Venkataraman's advice to observe monthly Navaratri and hasten their own spiritual uplift. 

In this Sarvadhari year, Navaratri starts on September 29 2008 IST and lasts till October 9, 2008 IST. Refer to the Agasthiar Panchang Spiritual Calendar for other time zones.

Saptha Maathaa Shakti Navaratri

The special feature of Navaratri 2008 is the Universal Mother Goddess's advent along with the seven Saptha Matrika Devis and two Adi Dwara Palaki gate keepers on the nine nights of this Sarvadhari Navaratri.

Siddha worship procedures for each of the nine nights... Click here to read more.

www.Agasthiar.Org

Pitru Moksha Spots Worshipped by Lord Sri Rama - Ideal for Pitru Worship

There are Pitru Shakti spots imbued with the spiritual potency of exalted Pitru Deva Beings. And then there are Pitru Mukti spots - places so holy that they are able to grant moksha to even these exalted Pithru Devas!  

We have mentioned Seshambadi near Kumbakonam and Poovalur near Trichy as some of the best Pitru Mukti spots in the entire world.  

Sathguru Venkataraman has revealed hundreds of these important pitru moksha temples/spots for our benefit.

 Lord Sri Ram Himself did tarpana pooja for His father Dasaratha and His Soorya dynasty ancestors at more than 108 of these Pitru Moksha spots in Tamil Nadu alone. These include Rameswaram, Nedungudi, Thilatharpanapuri, Innambur, Theerthandapuram and Kekkarai just to mention a few. 

 Considering the whole of the holy land of India, Sathguru Venkataraman taught us that there are more there are more than 1008 Pitru Mukti kshetras including the well known ones such as Varanasi, Prayag, Gaya, Kedarnath and Badrinath. 

 In all these Pitru Moksha spots, the exalted Pitru Devas themselves accept your tarpana, argya and sraddha offerings at all times, but particularly during the Mahalaya Paksha fortnight. Furthermore, they themselves are engaged in serious worship at these spots.

Thus these pitru mukti temples and sacred spaces are the best places in the world for conducting your pitru worship and pitri karmas.

Click here to read more...

Mahalaya Paksha and Mahalaya Amavasya of the Sarvadhari Year - September 2008

We published the Siddha worship procedures for the coming 2008 Mahalaya Pitru Paksha a few days ago on our Website.  Click here to read that article.

A few excerpts from that article:

In this Sarvadhari year, Mahalaya Amavasya falls on September 29 2008 IST. The 2008 Mahalaya Paksha starts at 2:44 p.m. on Monday September 15, 2008 IST and lasts till 1:42 p.m. on Monday September 29, 2008 IST. Refer to the Agasthiar Panchang Spiritual Calendar for other time zones.

As the Sathguru, Guru Mangala Gandharva Venkataraman has taught us for many years, we should commit ourselves to pithru pooja (worship of ancestral beings) at least during this fortnight.

The word Pithru means ancestor beings. It is spelled variously as pitru or pitri or pitr and so on.

Pithru tharpan pooja is a way of showing our gratitude to our ancestors who have made us what we are today. We should realize that all the happy events that happen in each family is the result of blessings from those ancestors in that family that have become exalted pitru beings. Once you understand this, you can understand the importance of pitru pooja.

Sathguru Venkataraman, over the decades, instructed us to do daily tharpanam pooja for pithrus. If this is not possible, one should at least do tharpan pooja on the 96 sraddha days each year. But those who can't do even that should at least do tharpan during all days of the Mahalaya paksham fortnight. Readers should understand that this relaxation of rules is meant for first timers only. After the first time, you should move on to the daily nitya tharpanam pooja.

The Agasthiar Ashram has published many books that show how anyone can do tharpanam easily. Furthermore, our monthly magazine Sri Agasthia Vijayam has regular features on tharpan pooja.

Make use of the material put out by the Agasthiar Ashram and learn how to do tharpan pooja. Once you have learnt this, do daily tharpanam and gain the blessings of your very own pithru beings.

Click here to read the rest of the article including Siddha worship procedures for each day of the 2008 pitru paksha.

Arunachala Girivalam Dates and Timings

Om. Click here for Arunachala Giri Valam Dates and Timings.

For our recent posts, click here. Om

Daily Mantra Hymn for 2008

Daily Mantra Hymn for 2008 given by the Siddhas of the Agasthiar Lineage.

Composed by Kunchithapaadha Kaviraya Siddha and given to us by Sathguru Venkataraman, this is a hymn that glorifies the Lord of 2008, Sri Shiva Tripura Samhara Thandava Moorthi.

Recite this hymn daily throughout 2008.

Click here for a short clip that contains a recitation of this mantra by an Agasthiar Ashramite.

Agasthiar Ashram located in holy Arunachala.

www.Agasthiar.org

Om

27 Names of Mother Sri Ayur Devi

Mother Ayur Devi Revelation

In the course of ten lectures during the 1992 Navaratri festival at the Veleeswarar temple in Mylapore, Chennai, Sathguru Venkataraman, the founder of the Agasthiar Ashram, reintroduced the worship of Mother Ayur Devi which humankind had gradually forgotten over the past few yugas. He concluded the lecture series by revealing the Mother's unique divine form, which you see here. Click here for more info.


Here are 27 names of Mother Sri Ayur Devi that you can use in your worship:

1.	Om Sri Akilaandesvaryai Namaha
2.	Om Sri Anna Vaahinyai Namaha
3.	Om Sri Adbhuta Chaarithraayai Namaha
4.	Om Sri Aadhi Devyai Namaha
5.	Om Sri Aadhi Paraasakthyai Namaha
6.	Om Sri Eesvaryai Namaha
7.	Om Sri Ekaantha Poojithaayai Namaha
8.	Om Sri Omkara Roopinyai Namaha
9.	Om Sri Kaala Bhairavyai Namaha
10.	Om Sri Kritha Yuga Chit Sakthyai Namaha
11.	Om Sri Chakra Vaasinyai Namaha
12.	Om Sri Siddh Purusha Thathvaayai Namaha
13.	Om Sri Shiva Shakti Aikya Svaroopinyai Namaha
14.	Om Sri Lalitha Paramesvaryai Namaha
15.	Om Sri Trimurti Svaroopinyai Namaha
16.	Om Sri Nava Kara Roopinyai Namaha
17.	Om Sri Nava Mudra Samaaraadhyaayai Namaha
18.	Om Sri Padmaasanasthaayai Namaha
19.	Om Sri Yogaambikaayai Namaha
20.	Om Sri Durga Lakshmi Saraswathi Nishevithaayai Namaha
21.	Om Sri Vishnu Roopinyai Namaha
22.	Om Sri Veda Mantra Yantra Shaktyai Namaha
23.	Om Sreem Hreem Aim Subaayai Namaha
24.	Om Sri Shiva Kutumbinyai Namaha
25.	Om Sri Arunachala Merusthaayai Namaha
26.	Om Sri Kara Peeta Vara Prasaadinyai Namaha
27.	Om Sri Aayur Devyai Namaha

Source: http://www.agasthiar.org/AUMzine/0008-ad.htm#namavali

If you chant this set of 27 names four times, that will equal one ashtotara (108 names). Repeating this ashtotara ten times will be a sahasranama (1000 names) and that is highly recommended. 10 sahasranamas per day is the royal road to the Mother's grace!

Doing archana (offering flowers at the Mother's lotus feet with the recitation of every name) with gold/yellow colored fragrant flowers is highly recommended. This is the way to get sarva mangala sowbhagya - all auspiciousness and prosperity.

Click here to see these 27 names of the Mother in Tamil script.

Daily Darshan for 2008

Shiva Tripura Samhara Thandava Moorthi.
Click here for more info.

Click on the image below for a larger picture.

Shiva Tripura Samhara Thandava Moorthi

Shiva Tripura Samhara Thandava Moorthi is the worshippable Lord for the year 2008 says Sathguru Venkataraman of the Agasthiar Lineage of Siddhas. Click here for more info.