Ashtami or Astami is the eighth day in each fortnight of every Hindu month. This day is considered as inauspicious as per some Hindu calendars. New ventures, businesses, programs, functions or any other auspicious deeds are avoided during Ashtami days. Here is the list of Ashtami dates in 2010:

Ashtami dates in January 2010:

• January 8, 2010
• January 23, 2010 – Bhishmashtami (Shani Ashtami)

Ashtami dates in February 2010:

• February 6, 2010 (Shani Ashtami)
• February 22, 2010

Astami March 2010 dates:

• March 8, 2010 – Sheetalashtami or Sheetala Ashtami
• March 23, 2010 – Durgashtami during Chaitra Navratri or Ashokashtami in Orissa

Astami dates in April 2010:

• April 7, 2010
• April 22, 2010

Ashtami May 2010 dates:

• May 6, 2010
• May 21, 2010

Astami June 2010 dates:

• June 5, 2010 (Shani Ashtami)
• June 19, 2010 (Shani Ashtami)

Ashtami July 2010 dates:

• July 4, 2010
• July 19, 2010

Ashtami August 2010 dates:

• August 3, 2010
• August 17, 2010

Astami September 2010 dates:

• September 1, 2010 – Krishnashtami 2010 or Janmashtami (Krishna Janmashtami for Smarta people)
• September 2, 2010 – Gokulashtami 2010 (Janmashtami for Vaishnava sect)
• September 15, 2010

Ashtami October 2010 dates:

• October 1, 2010
• October 15, 2010 – Durgashtami 2010
• October 30, 2010 – Ahoi Ashtami 2010 (Shani Ashtami)

Ashtami November 2010 dates:

• November 14, 2010 – Gopashtami 2010
• November 29, 2010 – Kala Bhairavashtami 2010 or Mahakal Bhairav Jayanti

Astami December 2010 dates:

• December 13, 2010
• December 28, 2010

Bhishmashtami, Chaitra Durgashtami or Ashokashtami, Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami or Janmashtami, Gopashtami, Sheetalashtami, Ahoi Ashtami, Jyeshtashtami, Kalabhairavashtami or Mahakal Bhairo Astami are some festivals celebrated on Ashtami days. Ashtami which falls on Shanivar or Saturdasy is also considered auspicious.

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The Saraswati River is one of the major rivers mentioned in all Vedas and Hindu texts. But many questioned have risen on the existence of the holy river. Some researches were done in the past but not able to found the truth. This time, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists have researched and came into a conclusion that Saraswati River was existed truly in the Vedic times and merged in the desert area. The research done in association with the Rajasthan Underground Resources Department and the Indian Archaeological Survey Department, ISRO scientists have made it clear that some satellite photographs captured have been proved that there were some traces of a river which flowed in Haryana and Rajasthan states and merged into desert area in Rajasthan.

Saraswati River had Yamuna River in the east and Satutdri (Sutlej) River in the west. As per the famous historian Prof. Yogeshwar Tiwari, initially Saraswati River was merged in River Ganga and then in Yamuna River at Prayag. In the picture above, the blue line shows the Sindhu River (Indus River) and the green line shows the riverbed of Saraswati River.

Image Source: www.harekrsna.com

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Aum is one of the sacred sounds (pranava) in the great Indian tradition.  But AUM is a sound, word, and symbol that have permeated western culture more extensively than almost any other aspect of the Indian tradition.  It has been parodied on TV and in movies.  Tell someone you are learning to meditate, and often jokingly they will touch their index finger and thumb together and say “Om”.

‘Om’ or ‘Aum’ commonly appears on bumper stickers, windows, tattoos, and jewelry.  But is there more significance to this sound and image?  Are there other ideas, concepts, and principles encapsulated within this word?  If one were to look at the teachings from the great Indian civilization the answer would surely be, YES!

A Brief look at the history:

Originally AUM was a sound that was reserved for Brahmins and students of the Vedic system.  It was most commonly taught to Brahmins (priests), scholars, philosophers, and religious leaders.  It is in common usage amongst Brahmins and Vedantists. To them it is considered a sacred sound called pranava.

Literally the word pranava means, “Humming”. Pranava can be a reference to a boat that carries us across the ocean of birth and reincarnation.  It can also mean to “roar”, sound, or reverberate.  The word pranava comes from the Sanskrit root “nu”, which means to praise.  So AUM is literally a humming sound of praise, which aids to carry us across the ocean of transmigration or reincarnation.  Is it the only pranava sound?  No, it is considered the highest, but there are several pranava sounds that exist within different systems in India.

This article is contributed by Shri Yogi Baba Prem Tom Beal, Vedavisharada, CYI, C.ay, C.va, www.vedicpath.com

Shri Yogi Baba wrote,

Namaste,

I would like to submit an article for your consideration.  All I ask is that I retain the rights to the article, but give you the right publish it and maintain it on your site or to remove from your site at your will.

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Legend of Durga Navratri festival is mentioned in many scriptures including Ramayana, Devi Bhagavatham and several Puranas. Durga Saran Navratri, The festival of nine nights, commemorates the grand triumph of Goddess Durga over the giant demon, Mahishasur. With his severe penance for Lord Shiva, demon Mahishasura got several boons from Bhola Shankar and started criticizing and destroying innocent people.

To get rid of Mahishasur, the Gods prayed to Goddess Shakti. Goddess Shakti incarnated as Goddess Durga to kill Mahishasur. Durga Devi, astride a lion, fought with the demon in a horrible manner and finally cut off his head and demolished him on the ninth day. As a commemoration of Durga’s victory over Mahishasur which also represents the victory of good over evil, Vijaya Dashami is celebrated on the tenth day.

Durga Navaratri Puja dates in 2009

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Why is Ganesh worshipped first among all Gods? What is the reason behind worshipping Ganesha as Aadideva in all rituals and pujas? Ganesh or Ganapati is worshipped before starting or initiating any puja or ritual as per Hinduism. Lord Ganesh is also called as Vinayaka, Vigneshwara, Vignahantri, Gajanana, Ganadhipa, Gananayaka, Lambodara and Ekadanta.

Not only in India but in China, America, Tibet, Japan, Burma, Nepal and Iran Lord Ganesh is worshipped. In every puja, all energies are dedicated mainly to Ganapati. Ganesha is elephant headed with elephant ears and huge stomach. As per the Rig Veda, Ganesha is described as ‘Sarvagna’ (the one with full of wisdom).

Many legends in the Puranas describe the birth of Ganesha. Shiva Purana, Narada Purana, Brahmavivartha Purana, Skanda Purana and Ganesh Purana had several different legends that explain Ganesh’s birth.

Elephant is considered as the most intelligent animal which can guide its fellow animals. Elephant’s ears are so wide that can hear a sound from even 10 Km distance. It can predict the forthcoming obstacles and solve that obstacle with foresight. Hence Ganesha is called as Vignahantri and Vigneshwara.

Ganesha is the God who can guide his devotees to success with predicting the forthcoming obstacle and destroying the evil forces. This is the reason why Ganesha is worshipped first of all Gods. Invocation to Lord Ganesh first of all Gods makes the devotee’s wish to be fulfilled with great success.

Ganesh Navratri or Ganapati Navarata – 9 festive nights to worship Lord Ganesh during Vinayaka Chavithi 

45 feet Mammoth Ganesh idol for 2009 – Khairatabad Matsya Ganapati vigraham

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