Goddess Saraswathi Birthday on 1Øth Feb 2Ø19

                                       

PRAYERS WITH ENGLISH MEANING

Saraswathi Namasthubhyam, varade Kama roopini,

Vidhyarambham karishyami, sidhir bhavathu me sada.

My salutations to Goddess Saraswathi,

Who can take any form,

Who is the bestower of all boons,

And I start learning now,

With the prayer to her,

To make it very effective.

Worshipping Mother Saraswati on fifth date of Thai month, Shukla Paksha is of great importance. According to astrology, the fifth house of horoscope is called the house of education. Starting education from 5th date makes a person successful in fields of education. Mother Saraswati is the Goddess of 64 arts and knowledge. Her blessings bring consciousness in the life and our increased wisdom helps us in achieving wealth.

Children are taught their first words on this day (as an auspicious beginning to learning). Schools, colleges etc., (places of learning) organise special worship of Saraswathi.

With Her grace, the mute, it is believed, have been able to speak and people have been blessed with the ability to write or compose poems. Musicians sing here and many even choose to perform here first. Instrumentalists have puja performed for their instruments here. Apart from art and culture, Goddess Saraswathi also showers Her blessings for the education of children.

According to scriptures, Lord Brahma blessed Shri Krishna that he will be worshipped on the day of Thai Month Shukla Paksha Panchami.

Notebooks, pencils and pens are kept at the Devi's feet for blessings and then used by the students. A noticeboard asks the students to write their names, address and the roll number on a piece of paper and put it in the hundi after praying for success! It is believed the Goddess blesses them for good and positive results.

Goddess Mookambikai

The Auspicious Muhurtham to Start Education

The Birthday of Goddesses Saraswathi is also known as Vasanth Panchami. This day is also known as the Abujha Muhurutham (most auspicious day). On this day, starting of education is considered favorable. There is no need to apply any more rules of Muhurutham to perform this Sanskaram. Because of this reason Mystics in India started the custom of Saraswati Pujai on the day of Vasanth Panchami.

Lord Hayagriva

Goddess Saraswati is extremely pleased when you worship Her Guru, Lord Hayagriva. For learning, Hayagriva is the most important God to worship. Hayagriva is a horse-headed Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Hayagriva restores wisdom to its rightful place and is thus worshiped as the God of knowledge and wisdom. On this day worship Goddess Saraswathi and recite her mantra Hmmm Aim Saraswathiye Namaha and follow by with her Guru's mantra Hmmm Hayagriva, Hayagriva, Hayagriva Namaha.

                             

                             Vidya Arambam ritual at Kollur Mookambikai temple

Those who want to master the 64 arts need Goddess Saraswathi's blessings. How to receiver her blessings? By taking food not more then half stomach at a time. Drink water 1/4 stomach at a time so that the remaining 1/4 of stomach will be empty always. So to invoke Goddess Saraswathi you should not over load your stomach. In tamil we say ''athigama saptaka butthi manthama agum". Along with this diet system you can take 'vallarai' 2 times p/day and recite "Aim" 108 times by placing your palm on your stomach after shower every morning. ~ Vijayakumar Alagappan www.iksacademy.com

The Significance of Thai Poosam Festival : 21st Jan 2Ø19

Significance of Thai Poosam
The Month of 'Thai", is very famous for 'Thai Poosam' or 'Day of Light'. This event/festival occurs on the full moon day of the "Poosam" Nakshatra Day. Thai Poosam is the most powerful day to pray to the Vel and Muruga for destruction of all enemies, diseases and debts. This is a time for ascension from a material to pure spiritual domain. It is one of the best opportunities to enhance our thought patterns so that we are holistically much better than before.

Why Should I Participate?
It is the day when Lord Muruga was given the powerful 'Lance' or 'Vel,' (Divine Spear Weapon) by Mother Goddess Parvathi to assist in His battle with the demon Surapadma. The vel has a lot of significance in the transition from the physical into a life beyond, or in other words attaining a 'light body'.

- Pushya means "nurture". Pushya is in the sign Cancer owned by the Moon, the Mother. The deity associated with Pushya is Brihaspati, the 'Guru'/ Teacher. Brihaspati has a property of enlightening spiritual growth. "Poosam" or "Pushya" is considered by many to be the most auspicious star for spiritual development.

The Story of Lord Muruga:
This is the story of the birth of Muruga or Kumara and the fulfillment of the purpose of His divine incarnation. "Tormented by the asura (demon/anti God) Sura padma, the devas with Indra as the leader, went to the world of the creator" (dated back to the history of Kumara Sambhava 2.1) The creator said “only the spark of Shiva can produce the hero who will defeat the powers of the evil" Unfortunately, Shiva The king of the yogis was lost in a deep state of meditation. None of the Devas dared to disturb him... least of all convince him to create a progeny.

The deity associated with Pushya is also Brihaspati, the 'Guru' or teacher and so it has a property of enlightening spiritual growth.

Upon Brahma's suggestion, they sought the help of Parvathi and Kama (the god of love). Parvathi agreed to help and engaged herself in severe penance to attract Shiva's attention. Kama also agreed to help and engaged himself in the suicidal mission of arousing Shiva from His state of Samadhi.
The penance of Parvathi and the sacrifice of Kama paid off. Shiva was aroused from his Samadhi. However, none could bear the sparks of His fiery seed. Thus Saravanabava was born. He was also Skanda - Shiva's power of chastity preserved through penance. Skanda was raised by the six mothers of the divine constellation of Krithika (Pleiades). Karthikeya divided himself into six babies to be nursed by six mothers. When Parvathi gathered all the six babies, He became Shanmukha - the one with the six faces and one body. Shanmukha became Kumara - the powerful virile adolescent who was also the beautiful and the handsome (Muruga). Indra was restored to his kingdom and gave his daughter Devayanai or Devasena in marriage to Skanda.

Who is Lord Muruga?
Lord Muruga, the younger brother of Lord Ganesha, is the protector of our earth plane. He has always been concerned about the progression of human beings and the planet earth we live in. Muruga is also the Lord of the Pleiades (A star cluster in the constellation Taurus). Lord Muruga is associated with the birth star Krithika; a very precious birth star. Thus, he is an epitome. He represents the primordial energy and force in its own imagery. Muruga is also addressed as "Lord Subramanian/ Aarumugam (the six faced deity), Karthikeyan, Muthu Kumaran" and so on. As per the myths and Indian epics, he is well known for having played a major role in taming the humans towards a higher life. He is basically a celestial warrior, constantly involved in killing demons that prevent good things (the grace of light) from entering the earth plane.

The Significance of the Vel/Lance:
It is believed that in every Yuga, only one incarnation is the most powerful. Muruga is one such incarnation who is currently powerful. His main role is to diffuse bad karma, whether it is money, health or relationship. One can access the energy of Lord Muruga through his weapon called the Vel (spear/ lance). The Vel is not just a killer weapon; it also destroys ignorance and bad karma. Worshipping the Vel will keep away one’s bad karma; a great device towards the righteous path of life, which is matchless in power.

Why you should pray to Lord Muruga?
Lord Muruga (Nyana Kadavul), as an ascetic reminds us to control the demonic mind and its tricks, thereby guarding oneself against jealousy, anger, lust and other undesirable qualities. He is known to bestow both material and spiritual abundance to His devotees.

It is believed that during the Nine Nights of the Goddess (Navaratri), the three goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi get involved in destroying the dark forces; and from the start of October, Lord Muruga takes over - Lord Muruga the Protector and Guardian Angel for our peaceful living!

Secrets of Murugan’s Worship
Modern science divides the dormant area of the brain into ten parts, whereas in kundalini yoga we divide it into six. The qualities or manifestations of the brain are also six fold, e.g. the psychic powers, These manifest in different individuals according to the degree of awakening in the corresponding areas of the brain. Lord Murugan is also known as Shanmukha because He has six heads which represents the 6 parts of our brain. With the right Murugan’s worships you can invoke Him in the form of Vel ( the spear) which symbolizing the ascension of Kundalini energy along spinal column and activate the whole brain (naturally by birth we will only use 1 / 6 of the brain, the rest 5 / 6 part of the brain can be activated only through chakras activation ).

In Kundalini yoga it was discovered that the different parts of the brain are connected with the chakras. Certain areas are connected with mooladhara chakra, others with swadhisthana, manipuraka, and so on. When you want to turn on a electric lamp, you don't have to touch the lamp itself, you operate it by means of the switch on the wall. Likewise, when you want to awaken the brain, you can't deal with it directly, you have to flick the switches which are located in the chakras. Sa Ra Va Na Ba Va is one of the mantra to invoke our six chakras. You need to close your eyes and consciously concentrate on mooladhara chakra while reciting ‘Sa’ for 4 seconds / counts, then concentrate swadhisthana and recite Ra for 4 seconds, and so on. You can ask your Guru to reveal further on the secrets of Mururugan’s worships.

The Shatkonam's Significance of Lord Murugan
The Shatkonam or the 6-konam of Murugan denotes the merging of Shiva chakra and Shakti chakra. The bless of the goddess Shakti comes down from the sky and is denoted by the triangle which is coming down. The mind of sadhaka which always wants to get the higher things (thinking of the grace of Devi) (i.e., always in nishta) denotes the Shiva chakra (the triangle which goes up), when both these triangles merges the Shiva-Shakti aikyam (union ) happens and where lord Murugan appears. This is what the Somaskandhan Thatvam also explains. The sadhaka who gets the grace of both Shakti and Shiva remains always young as Kumaran and beautiful like a star like Karthigeya.

On this day Lord Muruga showers his divine grace to his devotees 

on the earth plane, abundantly. One is advices to chant the mantra

 “Hmmm / Om Saravanabava” to help facilitate his divine 

blessings!

~ ~  Vijayakumar Alagappan #www.iksacademy.com #Ondre Kulam Endru Paduvom, Oruvane Devan Endru Potruvom #Anbe Shivam #Shivoham

Surya Jeyanthi 12thrd Feb 2Ø19 - The Birthday of Sun God

Surya Jayanti is the birthday of Lord Surya, festival of Sun-God. This festival is also known as Ratha Sapthami which means the seventh tithi after the Ammavasai (new moon) tithi in the month of Thai (mid January - mid February). This year it falls on 12th February 2Ø19. On this day Arokya Saptami vratam is observed to get relief from major health problems and disorders.

Lord Surya
The Sun is the God – whom everyone can see, perceive and pray. The Sun in astrology called Ravi or Surya. He is the life-giver and time-giver. He is the lord of Leo in the zodiac. He stays one month in each rasi and takes 365 days or 12 months to complete a round of Rasis. Worship of this God on Sunday is supposed to bring in manifold benefits to the worshippers.

There are innumerable references to sun worship in the Puranas. The Ramayana speaks of Sage Agastyar initiating Rama into sun worship through the Aditya Hridayam mantra.

He has two wives, Sanjana and Chhaya. The first one is the daughter of Vishwakarma. After her marriage she found that she could not bear the power of this god’s rays. She therefore, made an image of her own, imparted life to it and left it with Surya the Sun god. Later on she turned into mare and was adopted by Surya again.

Surya has several sons. The lawgiver, Manu, the lord of death, Yama and the river Yamuna were born of Sanjana. According to Mahabharata, the great warior Karna was this god’s illegitimate son by Kunti, the mother of Pandavas. Surya is also the father of the monkey chief, Sugriva, who was the ally of Lord Rama.

As per the scriptures one who performs the Surya Namaskaram daily does not get poor in a thousand births

click below for more about Lord Surya and Surya Namaskaram Practices :

http://indianknowledgesystemacademy.blogspot.com/2013/01/surya-namaskaram-sun-salutation.html

Ratha Sapthami day ritual bath ~ IKS Academy students

If widow fast on this day, they get rid of the widowhood from next birth on wards..

How to Fast
Observe the fasting from Thursday day night and you can break the fasting with light food on Friday after Sun set. If you are not fit to take fast then you can observe water fasting or fruit fasting. Tender coconut water for water fasting and banana for fruit fasting is highly recomended. Avoid taking citric acid fruits like orange or apple if you want to take fruit fasting since it can ignite your hidrocloric acid and disturb your stomach and fasting.

This day is also powerful to offer Tharpanam to departed Ancestors.

Tantric Ritual
The center piece of worship procedure on Ratha Sapthami day is the ritual bath. The leaves of the erukku (Calotropis gigantea) form an important part of the Ratha Sapthami ritual bath. Siddhar Agasthiar says that these leaves have an innate spiritual force that is similar to the one derived from the energy knots on the head and thus they can be used to achieve spiritual effects similar to those obtained from the kundalini activation. The erukku leaves are arranged one on top of the other in seven layers. On Ratha Sapthami day, devotees wake up before sunrise and seat facing east. Placing the seven layer erukku leaf arrangement on their heads, they have their ritual bath with their minds fixed on Surya the Sun God. After the ritual bath, they perform Soorya Namaskaram and recite Agasthiar’s Aditya Hrudayam hymn.

Watch the video below and read hymn that will appear in English translation to understand the mystical powers of Lord Surya :

Lord Surya is also Hanuman's Guru
Hanuman sought to educate himself and for this purpose he chose Surya the sun god as his guru saying: "You see everything there is to see in the universe and you know everything there is to know. Please accept me as your pupil." Surya hesitated. "I don't have the time," he said. "During the day I ride across the sky, and at night I am too tired to do anything."

He who takes a bath at the time of sunrise on Ratha Sapthami is purified like Mother Ganges.

"Then teach me as you ride across the sky during the day. I will fly in front of your chariot, facing you from dawn to dusk." Impressed by Hanuman's zeal and determination, Surya accepted him as his pupil. Thus Hanuman flew before the chariot of the sun god, withstanding the awesome glare, until he became well versed in the four books of knowledge (the Vedas), the six systems of philosophies (darshanas), the sixty-four arts or kalas and the one hundred and eight occult mysteries of the Tantras.

Daily Tantric Practices
Wake up every day at least 1 hour before Sun rise and take cold bath to wake up your senses and regulate blood flow through out your whole body and practice Surya namaskaram during Sun rise (Sun salutation exercise) follow by 'Hmmm Suryaye Namaha' or Gayathri manthra for 18 / 108 times or listen to Aditya Hridayam mantra  if you want more success in every sphere of your life, showers of material comforts and builds your reputation in career. The best time to observe this practices is one hour from Sunrise time at place. You can ask your guru to disclose the secret of Aditya Hridayam to achieve greater prosperity or enlightenment and he will give the guarded secrets of this mantra when you are ready.

~  Vijayakumar Alagappan #www.iksacademy.com #Ondre Kulam Endru Paduvom, Oruvane Devan Endru Potruvom #Anbe Shivam #Shivoham

Thai Masam Amavasai Tharpanam - 4th Feb 2Ø19

The secret of overcoming your problems!
~ By Vijayakumar Alagappan

All human beings on this earth are born with three Rinas (Debts) such as Deva Rina (Gods & Goddesses), Rishi Rina(12 level of Gurus) and Pitru Rina(departed ancestors).  Deva Rina is a kind of debt owed to Lord that can be paid off by leading Dharmic way of living, visiting temples and doing self-less service to Lord and following customs and rituals.  Rishi Rinas are the debt owed to Rishis which can be cleared by living a life of morality and following the rules prescribed in the Siddhantam and sacred scriptures.  Finally, Pitru Runas are the debt owed to ancestors can be well paid off by performing homage to ancestors in the form of Tharpanam rituals.

According to Siddhas (South Indian Mystics) another main reason for all of our everyday problems besides planets is the departed spirits of our ancestors. Our role is that we should constantly connect to the departed ancestors to live a peaceful life.

Our departed forefathers / ancestors cannot come to this world whenever they think, except on Amavasai ( New Moon ), the starting day of every month and during Mahalaya Paksha. So they all will come in sookshma (means not visible to naked eyes) dehas and if we offer them the sesame (gingili) and water they accept that, and bless us directly.

The best blessings and worst curses come from your departed parents, grandparents and ancestors. If your ancestors decide to help you, they can change your life instantaneously.

There are only three times a year that we can strongly influence and help our departed ancestors elevate to higher plane where in return they will bless us for our well being.

- Thai Masam Amavasya :New Moon (15 Jan to 15 feb)

- Adi Masam Amavasya : New Moon (15 July to 15 Aug)

- Purattasi Masam Amavasya : New Moon (15 Sept to 15 Oct)

This coming Thai Masam Amavasai (New Moon) on 16th January 2018 the departed souls will visit the earth plane to bless their relations. Performing tantric rituals for them on this special day is very important for both our material and spiritual enhancement. They can bless us with greater health, wealth, prosperity and enlightenment. Tarpanam on Thai Masam Amavasai is best performed by trained priests.

The blessings of your deceased ancestors, both maternal as well as paternal, are a major reason why you do or do not succeed in this life. 

To perform the daily (Nithya Tharpanam) and monthly Tantric Tarpanam ritual by yourself you can learn in our Tantric Astrology Consultation - for appointment call +6012 910 7301

Clarifications

Tharpanam is done only for departed beings, that is, those who have passed on. Tharpanam is not done for those who are alive. If you don't know the name of an ancestor, that is fine. Just state the relationship alone and offer tharpanam for that ancestor.

Can one do tharpanam for more than 12 departed ancestors?

The answer is yes. But that is a more advanced procedure.

When to do Tharpanam?

Tharpanam should be done at sunrise. There is a tradition that says that tharpanam should be done at noon. If this is your tradition, please do follow that.

Where to do Tharpanam?

You can do tharpanam right in the comfort of your home.

But it is that much more effective to do it in temples and on the banks of sacred rivers.

If you can do tharpanam in the Pitru Moksha temples and sacred spots, that would be the best.(Rameswaram Temple is one of the most powerful spot for tarpanam ritual)

If your ancestors are not resting peacefully, then they can cause much disruption and hardship in your life.

Can the son do tharpanam if the father is alive?

The most serious misconception regarding tharpanam is the idea that if the father is alive, the son should not do tharpanam. The son has a pitru debt just as the father does. So it is important to shed this misconception rightaway. The father can do pitru tharpanam and so can the son and the son's son. In fact, if all three do it together, the pitrus will be very pleased!

Can women do tharpanam?

Women can do pitru tharpanam just as well as men. Think of this key point: If there are no sons in a family, does that mean the ancestors should be starved of tharpanam? The answer is NO. The daughters can certainly do tharpanam. Preferably women should use white sesame seeds in their tharpanam.

The Process of Rebirth and The Cycle of Birth and Death

The ancestors must always be worshipped first…Hell and Heaven is right here among the species…we all must account for our actions-if you bark at people you will become a dog in the next life or gossip a lot will become a frog…when these ancestors are caught up in the lower levels of life then the cycle of birth and death ceased, and women in the family are unable to give birth to babies…causing extinction of the family.

TO AVOID CHILDLESS COUPLES AND GUARANTEE SUCCESSFUL LIFE THE ANCESTORS MUST BE WORSHIPPED AND REMEMBERED BY PERFORMING PITRU PUJA OR HONOURING OF THE PAST SOULS DURING THE TIME OF PITRU PAKSHA. ( MUCH LIKE THE CHINESE HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL AND AMERICAN HALOWEEN FESTIVAL )

Perform Tharpanam rituals with IKS Academy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

- Limited to 9Ø people only

- Rm 71 ( Moksha Vilaku, Thachanai to priest, Annadhanam + Vastradhanam + Thachanai at old folks and Children homes are included)

- Dress code : Saree and Veshti

- Bring along your family members to the ritual so that they also will get your departed ancestors blessings

You can call and confirm with us to take part in this special tantric ritual with Indian Knowledge System Academy @ 013 35Ø 59Ø3 

Click below to follow and know more about our event on Thai Tharpanam at KL :
https://www.facebook.com/events/756212827794708/?context=create&previousaction=create&source=77

PLEASE READ THESE POINTS CAREFULLY BEFORE DOING THE PITRU THARPANAM 

1. Pithru Tharpanamis done only for departed beings, that is, those who are dead. Pithru Tharpanam is not done for those who are alive.

2. If you don't know the name of an ancestor, that is fine. Just state the relationship alone and offer

Tharpanam for that ancestor.

3. If you know the gotra lineage of a person, say it just before you mention the relationship, e.g., Sri Vatsa Gotra great grandfather Muruga or Vadhoola Gotra friend Suresh in the examples above. If you do not know the gotra of the person or you do not know what gotra is, just ignore this step.

4. For those who wear the sacred thread, change it to your right shoulder at the beginning of the Pithru Tharpanam ceremony and back to the left shoulder at the end of the ceremony. There are special mantras for this step. If you don't wear the sacred thread, ignore this step.

5. Can also do Pitra Tharpanam for more than 12 departed ancestors.

6. There are special mantras for each specific ancestor. These special mantras will have their special effect for sure.

7. The Pithru Tharpanam has to be done at the Sunrise; some people follow the procedure of doing this around noon.

8. The Pitra Tharpanams could be done in the comfort of your house. It is very wonderful to do in the designated temples or on the banks of sacred rivers. It gives very good results, if it is done at Pithru Moksha temples or sacred spots.

9. Pithru Tharpanam or Pitra Tharpanam can be performed by the following peoples. Elder Son/ other Son/ Wife/ Daughter/ Second wife/ Son or daughter of the Second wife/ Son or boy born out of wedlock.

Do's and Dont's while doing Pithru Tharpanam:

1. Never do this Pithru Tharpanam without taking head bath and your body & mind should be clean and calm.

2. Must do this Pithru Tharpanam on empty stomach (no coffee/water too)

3. Never eat Non Vegetarian foods on the day that you do this ritual.

4. It is highly sinful to offer Non Vegetarian foods / alcohol to the departed souls.

5. It is highly damaging to mix sesame seeds with any non vegetarian foods.

6. Should not take bath (for the whole day) after completing Pithru Tharpanam / Pujas.

7. It is always good to offer foods to those who are in really need of it.

8. Never do Pithru Tharpanam on your Jenma Nakshatras.

9. It is good to visit temples after completing the Pithru Tharpanam.

Regards,
IKS ACADEMY TEAM

May Your Ancestors Bless You with Good Health, Wealth, Prosperity and Enlightenment

15 January 2Ø19 - Pongal day is the Actual New Year of Solar Calendar.

Pongal day is the New Year festival of Solar Calendar in Siddha tradition of South India.The modern science has made it clear that without the Sun, no life can exist on the Earth. In India, the Sun-worship is prevalent from time immemorial. In traditional Indian calendar, there are 2 solstices. One is the northward movement of the Sun and the other is the southward movement. The north movement starts somewhere in January, hence the most important one as per as the renewal of the world is concerned. It is called the dawn for the God and Goddesses.

With the end of the wet month of Margazhi (mid December to mid January) the new month of Thai (mid January to mid February) heralds a series of festivals. The first day of this month is a festival day known as "Pongal Day". Pongal means the "boiling over" of milk and rice during the month of Thai. This year it starts from January 15th.

The act of boiling over of milk in the clay pot is considered to denote future prosperity for the family.

People celebrating Pongal should be aware of the meaning & significance of the important rituals associated with this harvest festival. Pongal or Thai Pongal is also called Makara Sankaranthi, since it is celebrated on the first day of Thai when the Sun enters the Makara Rasi (Capricornus). This signals the end of winter and the onset of spring throughout the northern hemisphere. For the next six months, the days are longer and warmer. The Sun begins its journey northward as it transits into the constellation of Makaram (Capricorn), signaling the return of ever increasing daylight and the Sun going to start drive out the darkness.

The period is referred to as Uttarayan Punyakalam and is considered auspicious. Legend has it that the Devas wake up after a six-month long slumber during this period. And so it is believed that those pass away during Uttarayanam attain salvation. In fact, Bheeshma the grandsire in the epic Mahabharatham is believed to have waited for the dawn of Uttarayana before he gave up his life.

This transit is a powerful opportunity to change your old ways and rewrite the rules for the next year. Your old ways might not have brought you the affluence or poignant happiness that you have been yearning for. The celebrations associated with this transit carry a strong vibration which can stir up your awareness and help you receive what you rightly deserve.

Accelerating the benefic effects of the Sun using remedies can augment your good luck time, like sailing with the wind at your back.

Customs & Celebrations of Pongal festival

Bhogi Pongal

The morning of January 14th prior to the transit is the time to clean your homes and your mind. Clean your closets and throw out old items from the past that no longer has a place in your life. Spiritually this is the time to overhaul of your current self and getting ready for a higher self. This festival celebrates leaving behind the old way of doing things, be it relationship, money matters or health habits.

Pongal

Pongal generally includes customs & celebrations that are the expression of jubilation over life's renewal. On Thai Pongal, the family begins the day early. Every member of the family gets up early in the morning, bathes, puts on new clothes and gathers to cook the traditional Pongal (rice pudding). The front garden is pre-prepared for this ceremonious cooking. A flat square pitch is made and decorated with kolam drawings, and it is exposed to the direct sun light. A fire wood hearth will be set up using three bricks. The cooking begins by putting a clay pot with water on the hearth.

It is interesting to know that even Indra, the king of heaven, rejoices during this time of abundance, fun, luxury and happiness.

A senior member of the family conduct the cooking and the rest of the family dutifully assists him or her or watches the event. When the water has boiled the rice is put into the pot - after a member the family ceremoniously puts three handful of rice in first. The other ingredients of this special dish are chakkarai (brown cane sugar) or katkandu (sugar candy), milk (cow's milk or coconut milk), roasted green gram (payaru), raisins, cashew nuts and few pods of cardamom. When the meal is ready it is first put on a banana leaf and the family pray for few minutes to thank the Sun. Then the meal (Pongal) is served among the family.

New clothes: Traditionally, the New Year is always begun by wearing new clothes, because it denotes that you have a steady flow of new clothes throughout the year

Worship: Since the New Year is the time of fresh beginning; it is believed that praying to the God before starting anything new is always better. This popular tradition adds a spiritual touch, giving mental satisfaction and peace of mind.

Clocks: Watches and clocks are corrected in order to endow the house with good fortune and also to ensure good times a head!

Money: New Year should never begin with unsettled amounts and unpaid bills. To do so, is a sure way that you will be paying out all year long. It is believed that all money settlements should be dealt with, before Old Year closes in, since it is the time to burry the foregone and begin afresh. hence make sure that all bills are paid off before 13th of January!

Breakage: Crying or breakage things on a New year day is considered inauspicious. It is believed in order to avoid setting the same pattern for the rest of the year.

Storing up: Wallets and purses are filled up with money and kitchen cupboards are stocked up with food, as they are believed to bring prosperity in the year ahead. It is believed that empty pockets or empty cupboards portend a sign of poverty!

~ By Vijayakumar Alagappan #www.iksacademy.com #Ondre Kulam Endru Paduvom, Oruvane Devan Endru Potruvom #Anbe Shivam#Shivoham

"Wishing Everyone Happy Ponggal and a New Year. May all your wishes come true and GOD bless you with Greater Health, Prosperity and Enlightenment this year !" ~ from IKS Academy Team

Lord Hanuman's Birthday is on 5th Jan 2019

Birthday of the Gods and Goddesses are important as the stars resided by the particular deity is close to the Earth plane on that day and it provides you with an opportunity to establish a heart connection with the deity. Lord Hanuman is the eleventh Rudra or the divine incarnation of Lord Shiva who symbolizes strength and loyalty. Lord Hanumans divine power also provides you with courage and inner peace. The Monkey Faced God helps protect you from both foreseen as well as the unforeseen dangers. Curses and 'evil eyes' are no match for him. His blessings will protect you in all of your endeavors. In India he is considered to be a 'Guardian Deity'.

He is the epitome of devotion and dedication. The devotees of Lord Rama start their prayers by first offering their salutations to Lord Hanuman. This was a unique status he acquired purely based on his unparalleled devotion and dedication to Lord Ram.

He was born on Moola Nakshatra, on the Ammavasai (New Moon) day in Margazhi month (December 15 - January 15). This day represents one of the most powerful days to attain Lord Hanuman's blessings and bring positive changes into your life. He has the power to change your destiny and remove your karma. Praying and offering ritual to him directly, indirectly influences Saturn to stop influencing you!

One who is devoted and constantly prays to Hanuman gets his many blessings covering the material and spiritual, of strength, intelligence, skillful speech, good name and fame, courage, protection, good health, longevity, and energy.

Hanuman's Guru
As he grew up, Hanuman sought to educate himself and for this purpose he chose Surya the sun god as his guru saying: "You see everything there is to see in the universe and you know everything there is to know. Please accept me as your pupil." Surya hesitated. "I don't have the time," he said. "During the day I ride across the sky, and at night I am too tired to do anything."

"Then teach me as you ride across the sky during the day. I will fly in front of your chariot, facing you from dawn to dusk." Impressed by Hanuman's zeal and determination, Surya accepted him as his pupil. Thus Hanuman flew before the chariot of the sun god, withstanding the awesome glare, until he became well versed in the four books of knowledge, the six systems of philosophies, the sixty-four arts or kalaigal and the one hundred and eight occult mysteries of the Tantras.

Hanuman's Yogic Mastery
If yoga is the ability to control one's mind then Hanuman is the quintessential yogi having a perfect mastery over his senses, achieved through a disciplined lifestyle tempered by the twin streams of celibacy and selfless devotion (bhakti). In fact, Hanuman is the ideal Brahmachari (one who follows the path of Brahma), if ever there was one. He is also a perfect karma yogi since he performs his actions with detachment, acting as an instrument of destiny rather than being impelled by any selfish motive.

Hanuman is the 1st Teacher for Pranayama and Surya Namaskaram Practices
Pranayama is the ability to control one's breath so that the inhalation and exhalation of air is rhythmic. Vayu, the god of air and wind, first taught pranayama to his son Hanuman, who in turn taught it to mankind.
The Surya Namaskaram (salutation to the sun) too, was devised by Hanuman as a greeting for his teacher Surya.

Hanuman's Ashtama Siddhi Mastery
Tantra represents the occult science of Hinduism. With the aid of mantras and yantras TantricYogis (practitioners of Tantra) channelise the powers of the cosmos for the advantage of humanity. Tantric Yogis believe that Hanuman is the most accomplished of their lot having achieved the much-sought after Ashtama Siddhi (eight occult powers):

1). Anima - The ability to reduce his size.
2). Mahima - Ability to increase his size.
3). Laghima - The ability to become weightless.
4). Garima - Ability to increase weight.
5). Prapti - The ability to travel anywhere and acquire anything.
6). Parakamya - Irresistible will power.
7). Vastiva - Mastery over all creatures.
8). Isitva - Ability to become god like with the power to create and destroy.

The Ramayana abounds with tales illustrating Hanuman's mastery over each of these siddhas (occult powers). Not surprisingly, he is reverently deified as a Mahsiddha.



The legend behind Hanuman’s immortality
According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Hanuman was sent to Sri Lanka to know the state of Mother Sita to assure her that Lord Rama will soon come over to save her. Hanuman reached Sri Lanka and saw a very worried Mother Sita sitting in a garden. He appeared before Mother Sita and tried to convince her bringing all the details of her life with Rama. But, Sita took him as Ravana in disguise and did not believe her words until he gave her the ring of Sri Rama. She became overwhelmed with joy and memories of Lord Rama on seeing the ring. Mother Sita felt sorry for suspecting Hanuman. She at once called him Maruti and blessed Hanuman that he will be immortal as long as the world exists. It is believed that Hanuman the power of humility is still around us.

One who is devoted and constantly prays to Hanuman gets his many blessings covering the material and spiritual, of strength, intelligence, skillful speech, good name and fame, courage, protection, good health, longevity, and energy.

Lord Hanuman Controls Saturn
Hanuman’s powers are so great that even Saturn fears to influence him and his devotees. In fact those who surrender at Lord Hanuman's feet will never be troubled by any of the 9 planets. He is considered the greatest of the greatest heroes as well as the servant of servants. He is totally selfless and without his own agenda. His power is so great that he controls Saturn with his tail!

Recite any of the manthras below for 108 times or more to connect with Hanuman and receive His special blessings.

Hmmm/Om Hanumantaye Namaha

Hmmm/Om Anjanayaye Namaha

Hmmm/Om Shree Maruthi Hanumantaye Nammaha

Legends have it that during the warfare of Ramayana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, Lakshman, was injured seriously and was suffering for life. To save his life, Lord Rama ordered Lord Hanuman to bring the medicine from Sanjeevi Hills (a hill well known for its medicinal quality) which could heal the wound. Lord Hanuman started his journey towards Sanjeevi at once. On his way to the hills, Lord Saturn appeared in front of Hanuman claiming that Lakshmana would have to experience the effect of Saturn transit at this particular time. He also stopped Hanuman from continuing his journey to the hills. Hanuman on hearing the reason put forth by Saturn tried explaining him the importance of Lakshmana's presence in the combat.

Neither Saturn was ready to lend his ears to Lord Hanuman's explanations; nor Hanuman was not able to control his rage in turn. This is when Lord Hanuman took full control of Saturn's power by stepping onto Saturn under his mighty feet. This incident stands proof enough to show that lord Hanuman was so powerful that he could control even the most fierce Saturn!

There are only 2 Gods with the power to control the 9 planets, and especially the influence of Saturn one is Kala Bhairava and the other is Lord Hanuman.

Hanuman's Bhakti Yoga
Once Sita gave Hanuman a necklace of pearls. After a while, the residents of the city observed him breaking the necklace and inspecting each pearl minutely. Intrigued they asked him the reason. "I am looking for Rama and Sita," replied Hanuman. Laughing at his apparent naivety the spectators pointed out to him that the royal couple was at the moment seated on the imperial throne. "But Rama and Sita are everywhere, including my heart" wondered aloud the true bhakta. Not understanding the depth of his devotion, they further teased him: "So Rama and Sita live in your heart, can you show them to us?" Unhesitatingly, Hanuman stood up and with his sharp talons tore open his chest. There, within his throbbing heart, the astonished audience were taken aback to find enshrined an image of Rama and Sita. Never again did anyone make fun of Hanuman's devotion.

Hanuman has two forms, namely, Hanuman the servitor and Hanuman the courageous one. The servitor form is the one in which Hanuman stands in front of Rama with His hands folded in obeisance, His tail resting on the ground. The stance of Hanuman as the courageous one is that of an energetic warrior ready for battle. His tail is upright and His right hand is turned towards His head. Sometimes even a demon or a malefic such as Saturn affliction is depicted as being crushed under His feet . To overcome problems of possession, black magic, etc. Hanuman is worshipped in the courageous form.

Hmmm / Om Sri Panchamuga Maruthiye Pothri ........