As per Uttaradimatta Panchanga, this year in Virodhi Nama Samvatsara(ವಿರೋಧಿನಾಮ ಸಂವತ್ಸರ), Dhakshinayana(ದಕ್ಷಿಣಾಯನ), Hemantha Ruthu(ಹೇಮಂತ ಋತು), Pushya Masa (ಪುಷ್ಯ ಮಾಸ) starts from December 17th 2009 and ends on January 15th 2010
December 28th 2009 – Ekadashi, Vaikuntha Ekadashi
December31st 2009 – Poornima Hunnime
January11th 2010 – Ekadashi
Januray 14th 2010 – Makara Sankranthi
January 15th 2010 – Amavasya
P.S: To know the exact dates of events happening in your city, take a look at the following link provided by Ms. Shalini Rao.
Vaikunta Ekadashi falls in the month December-January. This year it falls on December 28th 2009. This is observed with all solemnity in the temples of Lord Vishnu. Vaikunda Ekadashi is of great significance at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, and also all Balaji temples. They prepare what is called a “Swargada Bagilu” also called as ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the heaven‘ This gate is opened on this day. This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta in the temples.
Orthodox Madhwa people in South India observe complete fasting on ordinary Ekadashi day. For the devotees of Lord Vishnu, every Ekadashi is a very sacred day
No rice should be eaten on Ekadashi days. This is very important. Those who are unable to fast completely can take some light fruit and milk.
So you may ask why we shouldn’t eat rice, so here comes the story for the same.
The sweat that fell down from the head of Brahma assumed the form of a demon and said to the Lord, “O Lord! now give me an abode to dwell.” Brahma replied, “O demon! go and dwell in the rice particles eaten by men on Ekadashi day and become worms in their stomach.” For this reason rice is prohibited on Ekadashi.
If you don’t believe in this story, just think of all the benefits you can from fasting. Fasting makes a man strong, both spiritually and mentally.Fasting controls passion. It checks the emotions. It controls the senses also.
It is good to fast once in a while as it recuperates the body. Ekadashi observance cleans our body and the digestive organs get much needed rest.
Those people suffering from ailments and on medications should take the advice of a doctor before fasting. Never torture your body in the name of religion. There is nothing wrong in having fruits or milk. And you can bring a certain amount of flexibility in the way it is observed.
If you can’t fast completely here are some quick and simple recipes you can choose from on Ekadashi day:
I very well remember my mother singing this song on Sri Raghavendra Swamy after finishing all the pooje, and just before singing “Thugire Rayara” song. Today being Thursday, I decided to post this song here as well. This song is composed by Sri Jaganatha Vittala Dasaru.
It has been a long time since I posted anything here. It has become crazy busy at work, and I really didn’t have anytime to update the blog. Thanks for all those who kept emailing me about my whereabouts. Appreciate it so much.
So, here comes my favorite dal, my Mom used to make and I prepare almost regularly. Every time I visit the Indian Store, I get a bunch of Methi leaves. It costs less than $2. And I usually prepare either this Dal or Methi paratha, or Aloo Methi.
Ingredients:
1 bunch Methi Leaves, washed and finely chopped.
1 cup Toor dal
4-5 tsp grated fresh coconut
2 tsp Jaggery
For seasoning : Mustard seeds, Hing, Turmeric, Jeera, Red Chillies, curry leaves.
Salt for seasoning, and 2 tsp oil
Method:
Wash and finely chop the Methi leaves.
Pressure cook the Toor Dal.
In a pan, heat oil and add all the ingredients listed in seasoning.
Next, add Methi leaves and let it cook for a few minutes until done
Add the cooked dal, salt to taste, coconut, jaggery and let it boil for a few minutes.
Serve with rice or chapathi.
P.S: If you want to serve with chapathi, and less water while cooking the dal.
As per Uttaradimatta Panchanga, this year in Virodhi Nama Samvatsara(ವಿರೋಧಿನಾಮ ಸಂವತ್ಸರ), Dhakshinayana(ದಕ್ಷಿಣಾಯನ), Hemantha Ruthu(ಹೇಮಂತ ಋತು), Marghasheersha Masa (ಮಾರ್ಗಶೀರ್ಷಮಾಸ) starts from November 17th and ends on December 16th 2009.
November 28th 2009 – Ekadashi, Geetha Jayanthi
December 2nd 2009 – Poornima Hunnime
December 12th 2009 – Ekadashi
December 16th 2009 – Amavasya
P.S: To know the exact dates of events happening in your city, take a look at the following link provided by Ms. Shalini Rao. Thanks so much Shalini.
For those of you who are devotees of Shri Raghavendra Swamy, this Sunday is a great day to please him. This Sunday, is the day when Pushya Nakshatra is, and Rayaru will be very pleased if you devote some time performing meditation, saying his Ashtotras or just doing Japa and saying ” Sri Raghavendraya Namaha”.
To quote from the email I received from my Sister Suma,
We have a golden opportunity this Sunday to please Sri Raghavendra SwamigaLu.
As the saying goes “make hay while sun shines”, Sunday 11/08/2009, there is Pushya naxatra and Sri rAyaru will be extremely pleased with jnAna kAryas.
Sriamdh AppanAcharya in Shri rAyara sthora says:
“sOma sUryO parAgEcha PushyArkAdhi samAgame”
which means when pushya naxatra and Sunday intersects, performing Sri rAyara stothra, asthothara, jnAna kAryas etc . will please our Shri rAyaru.
We can get the blessings of Shri rAyaru by doing (yathA shakthi) pArAyana / Punascharana of Sri rAyara Sthotra, reciting Sri rAyara AstOthara and doing the pArAyana of Sri rAyara gramthas.
PS: All times and dates are per USA time zones.
In the seva of Sri Hari, vAyu and gurugalu,
Bala Krishna
So, what are you waiting for, wake up early on Sunday, and meditate and get the blessings from our Beloved Rayaru.
Lalitha Aunty sent me this song since today is Tulasi Pooje. This Devaranama is from Purandara Dasaru in Raga Kalyani and Adi tala. Thanks so much, Aunty.
ಒಲ್ಲನೋ ಹರಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳನೋ
ಒಲ್ಲನೋ ಹರಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳನೋ
ಎಲ್ಲ ಸಾಧನವಿದ್ದೂ ತುಳಸಿ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಪೂಜೆ-
ಒಲ್ಲನೋ ಹರಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳನೋ ||
ಸಿಂಧು ಶತ ಕೋಟಿ ಗಂಗೊದಕವಿದ್ದ್ದೂ
ಗಂಧ ಸುಪರಿಮಳ ವಸ್ತ್ರವಿದ್ದೂ
ಚೆಂದುಳ ಆಭರಣ ಧೂಪ ದೀಪಗಳಿದ್ದೂ
ಬೃಂದಾವನ ಶ್ರೀ ತುಳಸಿ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಪೂಜೆ -
ಒಲ್ಲನೋ ಹರಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳನೋ ||1||
This is yet another Tulasi Sankeerthaney. The lyrics and audio are provided Ms. Rekha S Srinivasan. Rekha was able to record this song with the help of her Husband, and also her friend Muthu Kumar. Thanks Rekha & Family and also to Mr.Muthu Kumar for providing us with such a rare song.
Ms. Rekha S Srinivasan has recorded this song for us. The lyrics are also provided by Rekha, which again is posted on the blog. Rekha was able to record this song with the help of her Husband, and also her friend Muthu Kumar. Thanks Rekha & Family and also to Mr.Muthu Kumar for providing us with such a rare song.
Sweet Pumpkin also called as Sihikumbalkayi in kannada is often prepared in Madhwa houses for many occasions. This palya was prepared in my Brother-in-laws house for Mahalaya Amavasya. It is very tasty, and very simple to make also. They use a lot of coconut in Bangalore, I would completely eliminate this quantity, and just use 2-3 spoons of coconut.
Ingredients:
* 1 sweet pumpkin or sihikumbalkayi chopped evenly by removing the skin and the seeds
* 2-3 red chillies
* 1/2 fresh coconut finely grated
* 2-3 sprigs finely chopped cilantro
* for tampering: 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, pinch of hing, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp channa dal, 1 tsp urad dal, 2 tsp oil, salt to taste
Method:
* Wash, peel the skin, remove the seeds and chop pumpkin evenly.
* In a pan, add oil. When the oil is heated, add mustard seeds, hing, turmeric, channa dal, urad dal and red chillies.
* When the dal changes color next, add the pumpkin and a few spoons of water. Cover and let it cook.
* When the pumpkin is soft, add salt to taste. Mix well.
* Finally, add coconut, and chopped cilantro.
* Serve with rice or even with chapathi.
* Tastes very good with Rasam and Rice (Saaru Anna) .
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