The Ardra Festival ( Thiruvathira )

Today is Thiruvathira Festival, which occurs during the month of Dhanus.


It symbolises the union of Purusha and Prakriti, of Siva and Sakthi. It is said that Eros or Kama Deva was burnt to ashes by the Lord, t...hereby destroying the Lust that binds man to the sublunar world.


This festival is prevalent in the Nair and Namboothiri communities in Kerala.

Actually this Festival starts on the day of Aswathi.


On Rohini day, women pray for the overall welfare of the family.


On Makiryam day, mothers fast for the well being of the children.


On Aridra day, women fast for the well being of their husbands.


They wake up at 0400 AM and go to the nearest Lord Siva shrine, before Sunrise. This is called Ardra Darshan.

Special food, koova payasam or arrowroot pudding is taken in with steamed bananas. I remember my mother giving me such food during childhood


Happy Thiruvathira to all !

The Inseparability of Life and Love

Life and Love are inseparable.


In Vedic Symbology, the Rishies represented it as the biune principles of Siva and Sakthi.

Siva represents Universal Life and Shakti is emblematic of Universa Love.

The poet Kalidasa averred

Inseparable as Word and Meaning
So are the Two in One
Consciousness and Force
The Infinite and the Finite
Absolute and Relative
The One and the Innumerable
The Formless and a delirium of forms
The Universal and the Individual
Purusha and Prakrithi
Brahman and Maya
Creative Nature and Created Nature
Being and Becoming
In Life Practical
Love and Universal Life!



Vagartha iva Sampruktau
Vagartha Prathipathaye
Jagatha Pitharau Vande
Parvathee Parameswarau

The Literature of India

Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to mankind

Left to the posterity of those that are yet unborn. – Dante

By Vedas no books are meant. This perspective is contrary to what people think. They are eternal truths cognised by the Seers in higher states of Consciousness.


Books have great value. Reading maketh a full man, said Bacon. Writing a precise man and Conference a ready man.

There are so many books in Vedic Literature. The Rishies meant that Knowledge is the main criterion for success, Vidya Dhanam Sarva Dhanal Pradhanam. Knowledge is that which cannot be stolen, that which cannot be taxed, that which cannot be shared and that which is not burdensome. When compared to mundane wealth, Divine Wealth or Wisdom is greater ! Wisdom has her blessings unknown to Wealth.

We have heard about Dante and Goethe, but not Aurobindo or Tagore. We know Laplace and Lagrange, if not Liebniz, but not Aryabhata or Bhaskara. We know Shakespeare, but not Kalidasa ! Beethoven and Mozart we know, but not Thyagaraja.

It is our aim to disseminate quality information about the vast Indian literature and the literatuers and the poets who adorned this great ocean. Let us enjoy Kalidasa and Magha ! Let us revel in the intellectual brilliance of Aryabhata, Varaha and Bhaskara. Let us immerse ourselves in Thyagaraja. Let us be inspired by Aurobindo and Tagore !

Astro Meterology Articles on Astrologia Vedica

I just moved all my Astro Meteorology articles from Eastro Vedica

to Astrologia Vedica , as Eastro Vedica was getting immense traffic. 22 GB. I removed all unnecessary links from Astrologia Vedica, which now functions as an Astro Meteorology site. Those who have got ideas about Astro Meterology are welcome to contribute articles to Astrologia Vedica. We can develop this science. There are only two well known books on the subject, the Mysterium Cosmographicum by Kepler and Krishi Geetha by Parasurama.

Sachin back in action !

Many called for his retirement but Sachin is Sachin. He scored a glorious 76 which initiated Indian scoring over 300. England may lead but Sachin had a point to prove.

Why should he retired just because Ponting has retired ? Still runs can flow from his blessed bat !

India needs him and with him around Indian batting looks formidable ( particularly in India ).

Transit of Saturn through Sidereal Libra

  

( Saturn entered Libra  on Nov 15 , 2011  and is there for 2 ½ years ) Saturn teaches us frugality, simplicity and humility. He teaches us the value of time. He is a great taskmaster and He brings in a sense of discipline in our lives. He is not an evil Karma account keeper, as most  imagine. If you take a loan, you have to pay interest. Similarly you have to  pay for your wages. Saturn purges you of your sins and leads you to Self Actualisation ! Most of the things that have gone wrong with the world - the Great Recession & political chaos - can be attributed to Saturn. Financial stringency and crisis, chaotic weather, accidents that were frequent, high failure rates of governments responding to crisis are all the works of Saturn in Libra Here we give the effects of Transit Saturn in Libra for different signs. Moon Sign - Is the Zodiacal Sign where your Moon is posited in your sidereal horoscope in Astrology Vedic.  Moon Sign Virgo -   This is the last phase of Elarata Saturn. The first five years were intensely agonising and the next 2 1/2 years ( this phase ) will give some relief. But you are forewarned that Elarata Saturn is not over. Again there will be many tests and tribulations till 2006. Destruction to wealth and happiness indicated ( Sukhartha Vihathim ). Loss of position, great expenditure, health hazards and transfer to some other place indicated. Emaciated physical appearance, loss of comfort, acquisition but not enjoyment of wealth. Moon Sign  Leo -  Saturn turns benign and blesses you with many favours.  There will be gain of position and subordinates ( Sthanartha Bhrithyadhikam ). Financial condition improves. All that you lost during his stay in the 12th, Ist and 2nd  will be redeemed. You get political connections and favours from politicians. Luck in gambling indicated. Stock exchange, jackpot and lotteries should be tried. Why not take advantage of this benign Saturnine stance ? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Moon Sign Cancer  -  Saturn turns adverse in the 4th. There will be a dearth of happiness ( Sthree Bandhastha Sukhachyuthim ). Mental peace and happiness takes a beating. Thisperiod is known as Angular Saturn or Kandaka Sani. The 4th Refers to domestic happiness . Domestic happiness becomes a scarce commodity. Relatives become enemies and mental tension increases. Separation from friends and family members, suspicious nature, crooked behaviour and wicked acts. Moon Sign Gemini -  Separation from sons, loss of money and frequent quarrels. Fall from Wealth and happiness ( Dhana Sukha Bramsam ). Mind becomes a pot of mental turmoil as the planet of Melancholy marks your for his own. Gloomy mood always. You need not worry as the next phase of Saturn will give you whatever you have lost including happiness. Moon Sign Taurus -  Saturn turns benefic in the 6th. All the blocks and hindrances on the path to progress vanish. You get the favour of politicians and powerful people. There will be luck in gambling. Enemies get destroyed as the planet which gives all round happiness becomes favourably posited. Favour from enemies and diseases & association with the fair sex. All your enemies will be subjugated ( Sapathna Kshayam ). Moon Sign Aries  -  Saturn is in the adverse 7th now. This is called Kandaka Sani or Angular Saturn.  Mental peace and happiness gets affected. Misunderstanding with loved ones cannot be ruled out. As the seventh house represents spouse, Saturn's position therein is not good from the perspective of conjugal happiness. Separation from wife and children and aimless roaming about. There may be tendencies for long travel and to move away from one's own place.  Moon Sign Pisces  -  Saturn is extremely malefic in the 8th. All sorts of impediments and obstacles crop up in your path. Melancholy marks you for her own during this dark phase .Misunderstandings with loved ones. Enemy trouble indicated. You are forewarned to avoid arguments and unnecessary speculation. This is not the ideal time to speculate. Also be careful in handling human relations. Indulgence in mean activities is the result and you will be bereft of happiness. There will be sorrow and loss in the financial sphere ( Analpa Dukha Nichayam ). Dhanakshayam or unnecessary expenditure will characterise this period.  Moon Sign Aquarius  -  Saturn may cause financial tightness. Obstacles and mental worry. Suffers from hatred ,heart trouble and even imprisonment. There will be tendencies to move away from Wisdom and the Law ( Dharma Pranasa Mayan ). This is the ideal time for Meditation and to enjoy the bliss of the Self. Moon Sign  Capricorn  -  Saturn causes loss in the financial sphere ( Daridram ). Be careful about speculation and investment. Gets new avocations but loses money and fame. This is a bad phase temporarily and is called Angular Saturn. Mind becomes perturbed as a result of an adverse Saturnine stance.  You can recourse to Remedial Astrology for solace. Moon Sign Sagittarius  -  This is a prosperous period as Saturn turns benign and blesses you with financial and educational gains. Your assets will increase. And so will goodwill and reputation. Your merits will be extolled. If you speculate, you may come up with flying colours. Monetary windfall can be expected from the stock market. Birth of a son and general happiness. If you take the proper calculated risks, you can get gain from the stock market and jackpot. ( Dhana labham ).  Moon Sign  Scorpio  -  In the 12th, Saturn marks the beginning of Elarata Saturn ( His 7 1/2 adverse period.) Everything goes topsy turvy. Do not take unnecessary risks as this period is highly adverse. Dangers to health & wealth indicated. Transfer to some other area is also possible.  Be careful about handling money as Saturn can damage your purse ( Artha Vihathim ). Be careful about calumny, misunderstandings, enemy trouble and problems from the jealous, which can upset your mind.  Moon Sign  Libra  Saturn is highly adverse in the First. All sorts of strife and afflictions will visit you. ( Nana Roga Shucham ). Fear from poison or fire, of friends and family members., fear of incarceration, travel to foreign lands, loss of money ,near and dear ones. Fear of vicious enemies, destruction of agriculture, monetary quarrels and litigation, loss in agriculture, separation from kith and kin and suffering from insults. You become gloomy and melancholic as problems overwhelm you. Melancholy will mark you for her own. Waste of time, waste of money, waste of effort etc characterise this Saturnine period. There may be change of location, dissipation of wealth and factors detrimental to health crop up. Be careful about health and wealth as Saturn, the melancholy planet, can devastate you.  Misunderstandings will be caused by this destiny planet and it can affect your Love life, thus proving that Astrology affects Love ! Astro-Therapy for Saturnine Transit  Saturn is the second biggest planet in the solar system. ( 700 earths can be fit into Saturn ) & his transit is indeed very important to the astrological fraternity.  As he is the planet of Ayus or Longevity, his transits can make or break you, healthwise.  He also rules Death & diseases.  In Medical Astrology, he rules the Vayu Tattwa, the Air Principle in the body physiologic ( as the human body is made up of the Five Great Elements ). Arthritis,  paralysis & epilepsy, loss of appetite & the diseases caused by deficiency of the Air Element are caused by him. He represents Sorrow, the Sorrow of the Cosmic Man, the sorrow inherent in the act of Manifestation. He represents the masses and is the planet of Democracy and Communism. He is the Celestial Judge of all actions. He is the planet of Boundless Time, Eternity.  He is also the Death planet (Mrityur Vyadhischa Dukham Shanirapi Gadhitham ). He can elevate you to dizzy heights and at the same time hurl you into the abyss of dissolution. He creates fear of enemies. He causes quarrels related to money and destruction of agriculture. His satellite Gulika ( mythologically represented as his son ) is another highly malefic planet. ( Akhila Mrityu Samhara Karako Mandi ).  In Horary Astrology, if both Saturn and Gulika are together, it spells big trouble for the querent. If they are together in the 4th, it can indicate a disease of the location, like cancer ! ( "Cancer is a disease of the location" - Dr Hartman )

Jove in the 11th good for me !

Some guys who are newbies are using my articles on Gemology. I caught ten of them and wrote to them to give me credit.” At least mention the source”, I told them. The Resource Box must be intact if one is to publish somebody else’s article.

Meanwhile I am redesigning, optimising www.eastrovedica.com ,as I feel that this site is affected by Penguin and Panda ! Unnecessary links, keywords etc are removed. I have never done keyword stuffing in my life. So my articles are free from that blemish.

Traffic is picking up at my sites on Deerfield server and the article sites are coming of age. I do not get sufficient time to work on Facebook and Youtube, because of the redesigning work.

My time has changed. Even though Jupiter in the 11th is good for career, Saturn in the 4th is not. Transit Saturn is creating obstacles and impediments, denying the much needed mental peace. Jupiter will be there in the lunar 11th and so I dont have to worry till May 31st, when He moves over to Gemini. Then there is scope for alarm and despondency, as He will be in my adverse twelfth !

Free Transit Astro Software for Transit, Moon Sign

Moon Sign - Otherwise known as the Lunar Ascendant, this Sign is the Sign where the Moon is posited in your sidereal horoscope.

You dont know your Moon Sign ! No problem. We have arranged a Free Software which can be downloaded from


http://www.eastrovedica.com/html/zastro.zip

You can also know the Transit Forecast. This freeware is in Dos


Happy downloading !

The Moon Sign is of paramount importance to Astrology Vedic as the Sun Sign is to Astrology Western

See the Diamonds in Blue !

See the Diamonds in Blue. Glorious lights in a blue background. The Full Moon occurs there during the lunar month of Karthika and we call this Festival of Lights, Deepawali !

The constellation of Karthika are the Pleiades, the Seven Sisters in the Western. In the Indian they are the seven wives of the Seven Sages or Sapta Rishies !
Long live the Eternal Law, the Sanatana Dharma !


In Western Mythology, the Seven Sisters were loved by Orion, the Hunter. At their behest, Jupiter converted them into doves and placed them in the heavens. In the Indian, they are the wives of the Seven Rishies. Arundhathi or Alcyone is the central Star. There is a theory in Astronomy that our Sun is revolving around Alcyone, the Grand Central Sun !

In the Indian tradition, the bride is always shown Mizar, Vasishta and Arundhati. Arundathi was an Exemplar of Chastity. These two bright stars are always seen in the heavens. It is Vedic belief that they will not be seen when Death is approaching !

Grape Juice drives the Cardiologist away !

It is said that a glass of grape juice keeps the Cardiologist away.

The resveratrol present in the seeds and skin of grapes and the flavonoids are responsible for this phenomenon.

Grapes , whether it is green, red or black, do reduce B P.

The antioxidants present in grapes removes free radicals ! Grapes is undoubtedly a divine fruit !

Grape Juice, to keep the Cardiologist away !

It is said that a glass of grape juice keeps the Cardiologist away.

The resveratrol present in the seeds and skin of grapes and the flavonoids are responsible for this phenomenon.

Grapes , whether it is green, red or black, do reduce B P.

The antioxidants present in grapes removes free radicals ! Grapes is undoubtedly a divine fruit !

NE Monsoon graces Kerala !

Despite criticism that Thula Varsha or the North East Monsoon is far away, she is dot on time. It rained heavily in Trichur yesterday. It rained heavily in Madras the day before.

Tamil Nadu receives more rains than Kerala in this North East Monsoon phase. In Kerala rains are less this year, with the result we have unwanted power cuts. 

We hope it pours heavily again. If not Kerala is in for more power cuts. 

The N E Monsoon has a direct bearing on the economy, as Mr Monsoon is the Finance Minister of India !

Kerala graced by N E Monsoon

Despite criticism that Thula Varsha or the North East Monsoon is far away, she is dot on time. It rained heavily in Trichur yesterday. It rained heavily in Madras the day before.

Tamil Nadu receives more rains than Kerala in this North East Monsoon phase. In Kerala rains are less this year, with the result we have unwanted power cuts. 

We hope it pours heavily again. If not Kerala is in for more power cuts. 

The N E Monsoon has a direct bearing on the economy, as Mr Monsoon is the Finance Minister of India !

North East Monsoon strikes Kerala !

Despite criticism that Thula Varsha or the North East Monsoon is far away, she is dot on time. It rained heavily in Trichur yesterday. It rained heavily in Madras the day before.

Tamil Nadu receives more rains than Kerala in this North East Monsoon phase. In Kerala rains are less this year, with the result we have unwanted power cuts. 

We hope it pours heavily again. If not Kerala is in for more power cuts. 

Dr Earth can cure you

Are you suffering from high cholesterol ? Dr Earth can cure you !



Prthvi Upasana or Healing by Dr Earth.

The Five Great Elements are the Five Doctors.


Prithvi Upasana in Naturopathy means healing by Dr Earth. Fruits and vegetables which cometh from Nature have healing properies.


Cholesterol is derived from animal products. Fruits and vegetables do not have Cholesterol.

Here are some fruits and vegetables which reduce the bad cholesterol, LDL.



Red Grapes

Apple

Tomatoes

Mango

Lime

Mushrooms

Walnuts

Dry Fruits

Peanuts

Oats

Dates

Green Peas

Green Beans

Garlic

Olive Oil

Fiber Food

Watermelon

Vegetables



Here are some Niacin rich foods, which increase the good Cholesterol, HDL.



Sapotas

Guavas

Breadfruit

Green Leafy Vegetables

Tomatoes

Carrots

Broccoli

Celery

Dates

Mushrooms



Dr Earth can cure you !

The Mathematical Ability of the Indians

I am convinced that everything has come down to us from the banks of the Ganges, - astronomy, astrology, metempsychosis,.. It is very important to note that some 2,500 years ago at the least Pythagoras went from Samos to the Ganges to learn geometry...But he would certainly not have undertaken such a strange journey had the reputation of the Brahmins' science not been long established in Europe...

said Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire (French writer and philosopher)



Indians are a formidable software super power due to mathematical ability. Indians are the persons who saw beyond the Pythagorus Theorem


Perpendicular = Purusha

Base = Prakriti

Hypotenuse = Divine Man, Divya Purusha.



In Egyptian Symbolism,



Perpendicular = Orisis

Base = Isis

Hypotenuse = The Divine Child, Masonic Christ.



H^2 = a^2 + b^2



where H is the hypotenuse.



If 3 dimensional



h^2 = a^2 + b^2 + c^2



So the mathematical and philosophic ability of the Indians cannot be doubted, as they invented Zero.

The future is India's !

Kerala lags behind !

Shaw's definition of democracy ( Elected by Fools and ruled by rogues ) is true of Kerla. Today is a total hartal day. Nobody is working. The Keralite gets one more holiday in addtion to the 70 odd holidays he gets in one year. Kerala is only 9th, with her GDP stagnating at around 58 billion.


Hartals have become a common phenomenon. The Court banned Bandhs and so the politicians replaced it by an other word, Hartal.

"It is a game of force and fraud " said Veblen about democracy. It is a farce, as intuition and experience tell us.

Now it is a open confrontation between two groups and God alone knows what will happen.

When will India be liberated from this farce, which is goi in the name of democracy ?

Raina and Irfan pull India to victory. ( Hats off to Gautham too )

http://youtu.be/xTfrvWA9bhE




India needed a good allrounder at No 7 and Irfan proved just that. He along with Raina pulled Indian from a possible defeat into a victory.

Glorious batting by Gambhir ( 102 ) gave India the much needed start, as she chased 288 runs in the allotted 50 overs. 

India score 314./6.

Sehwag scored 96 and Kohli a dashing century in India's score of 314/6 off 50 overs. Raina was also belligerent at the end and smashed 50.

173 was the glorous  partnership between Sehwag and Kohli. One cannot say that 314 is a match winning score but then if India bowl well, the match can be hers !

Irfan has just trapped Dilshan lbw and the score is 7/1. India seems to be in the driver's seat !

Solar Transit of Pollux !

Right from morn, it has been raining. If not heavily, drizzling. More rains have to come. Otherwise Kerala is in for power cuts !

The Solar transit of Pollux ( Punartham Njattuvela ) will end on 19th and unless we have heavy rains, we are in for trouble. How ridiculous for a state to depend on rains for electricity !

An improvement in Punartham Njattuvela

We are receiving some of the fiercest rains for the last half hour, thus
proving the aphorism " Punartha thadiyan Poozhi therippikkum", as Punartham
Njattuvela is in full swing. We need more, more rains and the catchment
basins at idukki and Sabari Giri should be full. It seems Kerala is covering
up ! 

Climate Change ?

Even though it rained decently yesterday , still that feeling of alarm and despondency is not over. Now at the moment there are no rains in Gvr. There are reports from the North that Mausum has not even started ! That Monsoon is deficient by 31%. A scary prospect. More rains are needed in the next four days. Otherwise there will be power cuts in Kerala. If that is the situation in Kerala, what about the rest of India !

Global Warming may be affecting astro meterological trends and may be responsible for climate change ! Let us watch and see for the next four days !

Lack of heavy rains in Kerala !

The situation is precarious in Kerala. The water catchment basins at Idukki and Sabari Giri have only water for five days. Heavy rains have not yet lashed Kerala. During the fag end of Makiryam Njattuvela, it rained, but there were no heavy rains. Fierce rains have not made their presence felt so far.

For 15 minutes, it rained cats and dogs in Guruvayur just now. But the duration was not long. If fierce rains do not take over, I shudder at the prospect of power cuts !

I wont to be able to work on FB for longish hours !

We hope the fag end of Thiruvathira will be characterised by heavy rains. If not, Kerala is doomed !

At night

Alarming situation in Kerala.

It rained decently from 0800PM to 0900 PM, but then this is not enough to fill the Idukki and the Sabari Giri reservoirs. It is drizzling now. Hope there will be heavy rains.

People will laugh when they come to know that a state depends on Monsoons to generate electricity. No monsoon, no power, that seems to be the situation in Kerala. 

Hail the voters who elected this Govt !

Solar Transit of Alpha Orionis or Aridra

It has been raining incessantly in Trichur. Not heavy rains. Those who yearned for heavy rains are disappointed. This is Thiruvathira Njattuvela in full cry. Heavy rains can destroy crops and houses. Crores of loss will be reported if heavy rains take over. But then drizzles are good, as it is good for groundwater recharge, No surface runoff ! Ideal climate is always sunny days and rainy nights !

Waste Recycling

This is how the Trichur Corporation is solving the problem of waste. Two tubes are given for less than 100 INR. The real cost is 893 INR.  90% is subsidy. 75% given by Shuchithva Mission and 15% by Corporation.

The householder gets two tubes for less than 100. He can put waste in one tube and close it with a lid. After one week when the tube becomes full with waste, he can fill the other tube. ( On top of that waste, buttermilk, cowdung, curd can be put ). Meanwhile the first tube will be full of fertiser and that fertiliser can be used as manure for farms ! Tubes have 8 inch diameter and 1.3 meter length. Initially tubes will be given to 20 K homes.

Distribution of tubes have begun. Not a great engineering idea, but maybe it will suffice !

About Monsoon Express

The famous Thiruvathira Njattuvela or the Sun's transit of Alpha Oriionis began today. There was a heavy downpour at 0700 AM for half an hour and then there is a sunny interlude now. Now it is sunshine , but at any moment the sky can go dark. Thiru muriyathe peythu nirayunna thiruvathira. It will rain ambrosia in Aridra !

Rains galore in the month of Gemini in Kerala

The rains have been continuing for two days and now there is a break. It rained almost for 48 hours. Unlike last year's Makiryam Njattuvela, there were no fierce rains. In some places in Kerala, the rains took on the Dance of Destruction, destroying some homes and wells. The dams must have got enough water. Kerala was under the threat of power cut.

Despite its demerits, Rain is a beauty Goddess, evoking memories of wet experiences. She generates beauty and is responsible for the green landscaping effectuated by Nature. She gives grace to this tiny province and is the manifestation of Grace !

.

Vizhinjam - The proposed ICTT Terminal

A 5500 cr Port is proposed. Vizhinjam is a Deep Sea Port. It is on the Asia - Europe route. There is a natural depth of 18 metres here. This Port will be able to accomodate ships with displacements about 300, 000 tonnes. Other ports are hard pressed to accomodate ships of even 200,000 tonnes ! A 5 metre dredging can mean that Vizhinjam can accomodate the biggest ship in the world, with a displacement of more than 564 K tonnes !

The Vizhinjam Port can handle supertakers and the biggest container mother ships with ease.  This Port is closer to the international shipping line than any other Indian port, which makes it all the more economical for ships to call here. This opens up avenues for refueling or bunkering of ships as well as ship repair. On the crude transshipment front, a transshipment facility with a storage complex and docking piers will reduce the turn around time for ships. Crude is India's biggest import and Vizhinjam lies very close to the Persian Gulf - Far East shipping lanes used by most supertankers.

VALLARPADAM, the Lovely Island

Vallarpadam is one of the two main islands of Kochi, the other being Willingdon Island. It is situated next to Bolgatty Island on the West and linked to the mainland by the Goshree Bridges. It is about 3.5 km in length in the north south direction and hosts a population of 10 K people. It is about one km away from the mainland.

Vallarpadam and the proximate island New Vypin holds tremendous development potential. because of its nearness to the international east west trade route between Asia and Europe. It is situated in the 200 km long Vembanad Lake, known as the Lake of Kochi.

Vallarpadam is connected via Rail with the Edappally Railway Station with a 4620 m long Rail Bridge. This rail connectivity is for transporting containers from the ICTT.

These are some of the photos of the ICTT at Vallarpadam

Vallarpadam is flanked on the east by Bolgatty Island.

and on the West by Vypin Island.

These are two beauteous islands  on the Kochi Lake, the Wembanad Lake. Tourists find these islands heavenly. Experience it for yourself !

How to make Dal Vada !

How to make Dal Vada

Grind the dal in a mixie ( not too much). Add sliced onions and chillies. Also curry leaves. Make it into balls. Flatten the balls and put it it boiling oil and lo ! you have Parippu Vada !

Roasted Peanuts !

Put peanuts in a glass bowl. Add red chilli powder, some oil and salt. Heat in the microwave oven for 3 minutes and roasted peanuts are ready !

A Prelude to Makiryam Njattuvela !

Tomorrow Makiryam Njattuvela starts. Now it is raining heavily in Guruvayur ! The sky was brimming with pessimistic prophecies and now the rains are coming.

Last year's Makiryam Njattuvela wrought havoc. For 36 hours it rained non stop and we had a darkened atmosphere. It devastated rural Kerala !

Tomorrow I am off to Thirunavaya for my Mother's Sraddham. Hope rains will not hit Thirunavaya tomorrow.

Rohini Njattuvela Strikes !

There were not much rains yesterday, but I awoke at 0300 AM to see the lights go off. The reason was obvious. It was raining. It rained for half an hour. This is characteristic of the solar transit of Rohini 4 or the fourth quarter of Alpha Tauri or Aldebaran. Makiryam Njattuvela begins on 7th and rains are expected to intensify.


On 21st, Thiruvathira Njattuvela will take over and there will be many sunny interludes to accompany the intermittent downpours. Thank God it is raining every month in God's own country !

Astro Meteorology is right again !

Astro Meteorology's prediction that rains will start from Rohini Njattuvela ( Solar Transit of Aldebaran ) cam true, as it rained well at night in Trichur. Now the sky is overcast and rains can come at any time in Kerala. The South West Monsoon hit the Andamans on 20th and is expected to reach Kerala on 29th. We will have torrential rains !

The Seven Types of Ignorance !

Man is 'blessed' with seven types of ignorance. 



Cosmic Ignorance 

Ignorant we are about the origin, purpose and becoming of our existence in this Cosmos.

Absolute Ignorance

The Absolute is the source of all being and becoming. and we are ignorant of the Absolute.

Egotistic Ignorance

Egotistic Ignorance is that we are ignorant of the spaceless timeless and immortal self. We have only a short life.

Temporal Ignorance

We are ignorant of our eternal becoming in time; that is the fourth temporal ignorance.

Psychological Ignorance

This prevents us from knowing who we really are.

Constitutional Ignorance

We are also ignorant of the true constitution of our becoming..

Practical Ignorance

Because of greed and fear, we commit many a blunder and this is our Practical Ignorance.


We have to transcend this sevenfold Ignorance and rise to Integral Knowledge, which is needed for Enlightenment.

Thou held up the world !

Thou held up the world 
As the Giant Tortoise
The great Mandara Mountain
Gigantic, it rested on Thy back !

O Thou with immense hair !
Who assumed the form, Kurma
The Tortoise massive
Hail O Lord of the Universe !


Kṣitiḥ iha vipulatare
Tiṣṭhati; tava pṛṣṭhe
Dharaṇi-dhāraṇa
Kiṇa-cakra gariṣṭhe
Keśava dhṛta Kurma-śarīra
Jaya jagadīśa hare...
Zen and Tibetan Handicraft Masterpieces

Zen and Tibetan singing bowls are famous.  Such magnificent  handicraft
masterpieces characterise Nepal an Tibet.  The Himalayan Expanse, famous as
the "Root of the World", is famous for its mysticism  and  instruments of
Meditation and Relaxation ! singing bowl you tubeWe at   3rd  provide some of the finest
handicrafts from the Roof Top of the World. Known to have  profound
religious significance for both Hinduism and Buddhism, these places are
considered sacred by many.  We feature many fair trade items from Asia
including Malas, Clear Quartz Singing Bowls, Tibetan Prayer Flags, Tibetan
Herbal Incense, Ceramic Singing Bowls, Tingsha Meditation Chimes, Gongs,
Bells and Dorjes, Natural Handmade Soap, Mala Prayer Beads,Crystal Singing
Bowls, Himalayan Salt Lamps, Spouting Bowls, Hand Carved Wood Masks,
Himalayan Singing Bowls,  Tibetan Singing Bowls, Yoga and Meditation
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Karthika Njattuvela, the Solar Transit of the Pleiades strikes !

The Indian Astro Calender was proved right, as when Karthika Njattuvela began on 10th, it heralded the rains. It started raining at 0700 PM yesterday and rained continously for 12 hours ! I couldnt even work on FB, because of the heavy thunder and lightning. I stopped working on FB at 0900 PM.

Our Astro Calender says that it will start raining from 10th May and rains will intensify after 29th, when the Solar Transit of 15th degree of Taurus or Edavam takes place.

While this is Astro Meteorology's perspective, Meteorlogy will say that rains are due to depressions in the Indian Ocean or the Bay of Bengal, giving it some fancy names such as La Nina or El Nino !

Here is a photo of paddy fields inundated by yesterday's rains !

Thou art Ethics Personified !

Vitarasi dikṣuraṇe
Dik-pati kamanīyam
Daśa-mukha mauli-balim ramaṇīyam 
Keśava dhṛta-rāma-śarīra 
jaya jagadīśa hare...




O Thou who vanquished Ravana,
Thou distributed Ravana's remains
To the deities of directions ten,
As desired by all of them
O Thou who came as Lord Rama
O Thou with glorious hair
Hail to Thee, O Great One !

O Thou Protector of Intellectual Class !

In Thy incarnation as Parasurama
Sins were taken away from earth
From the rivers of blood of the warrior tribes
Giving relief to people good 
From the fire of existence material
O Thou with mighty hair !
Who accepted the form
Of warrior sage, Parasurama
Protector of the class intellectual
Salutations to the Lord of the Universe !


Kṣatriya-rudhira-maye
jagat apagatapāpam
snapayasi payasi
śamita bhava-tāpam
Keśava dhṛta- bhṛgupati-rūpa
jaya jagadīśa hare...

One yearn for rains !

It is a very hot day today and one yearns for the rains. The South West Monsoon will begin on 29th May, but before that rains are expected to appear after May 10th, when the Solar transit of the Pleiades or Karthika Njattuvela begins.


May there be plenty of rains and may be land become fertile, Kale Varshe thu parjanya prithvee sasya shalini !

Best definitions of Heaven and Hell !

The best definitions of Heaven and Hell were provided by a Malayalam poet.

What is Heaven ?
Is the Fulfillment of all desires
What is Hell ?
A soul in torment and agony.

Nakam ennal naragraha poorna siddhi than darshanam
Narakamo poriyunna orathmavin Roopam !

Union of Individual with the Universal !

Jayadeva's Song of the Lord, Geetha Govinda, is a great poem on Bhakthi Yoga Laya. 

Radha and Krishna symbolise the Lover Beloved Relationship between the Individual Soul and the Universal Soul, the Kamukee Kamuka Bhava of Jivatma and Paramatma . The Union between both the Individual and the Universal is symbolised by Radha Kalyanam.

With Thy massive steps
Thou deceived King Bali
O Dwarf Wonderful !
From the nails of Thy Lotus Feet
Water ( Ganges ) emanated
O Redeemer of all
O Mighty One of hair fine
Hail to Thee, O Great One !

Chalayasi vikramaṇe
Balim adbhuta-vāmana
Pada-nakha nīra-janita
Jana-pāvana
Keśava dhṛta-vāmana-rūpa
Jaya jagadīśa hare !

Thou art Kindness Personified !

Thou in Thy incarnation as Buddha
Decried the cruelties against animals
As priests were sacrificing goats
Saying they were ordained !

O Thou with immense hair
Who entered this world as Lord Buddha
To deliver men from Ignorance
All salutations to Thee !


Nindasi yajña vidheḥ
Ahaha śruti jātam
Sadayahṛdaya darśita paśu ghātam
Keśava dhṛta Buddha-śarīra
Jaya jagadīśa hare...

- Jayadeva

The Dissolution of Bridal Mysticism

Jayadeva's Ashtapadi

In the waters of Dissolution
Thou held the Fourfold Veds
Effortlessly, as a boat !
O Thou with lovely hair
Of Piscean appearance
All Glories to Thee
O Lord of all that is !

Pralaya payodhi jale
Dhṛtavān asi vedam
Vihita vahitra caritram akhedam
Keśava dhrta Mīna śarīra
Jaya Jagat-īśa  Hare !