Bhadrakali Ekadashi is observed on Ekadasi day in Krishna Paksha in Jyeshta month. Bhadrakali Ekadashi is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. This day is the most auspicious day to worship Goddess Bhadrakali.
In 2009, the date of Bhadrakali Ekadashi is May 20, Wednesday.
Significance and importance of Bhadrakali Ekadasi:
In some Northern regions like Punjab, Haryana and in some places of Jammu Kashmir, Bhadrakali Ekadasi is considered as one of the most auspicious days to worship Goddess Bhadra Kali. Bhadra Kali Ekadasi is a big festival for Aryan Saraswat Brahmin sect.
According to Aryan Saraswat Brahmin sect, Goddess Bhadra Kali appeared on earth to demolish evil on the day of Bhadrakali Ekadasi.
Jyeshta Masa Ekadasi is observed as Apara Ekadasi, Achala Ekadasi, Vaishakha Vadi Ekadashi or Jalakrida Ekadashi in remaining regions of India.
Other Ekadasi dates and days in 2009
Shani Jayanti is the birthday of Lord Shani or Sani. Shani bhagwan is one of the Navagrahas (Nine primary celestial deities). In Hinduism, Sani is the deity of Shanivar. Shani bhagwan is also called as Shaneeswaran, Sani dev, Sanischara bhagwan or Chaya Putra.
When is Shani Jayanthi Observed?
Shani Jayanti or Saneeshwara Jayanti observed on Amavasya (No Moon day) in Vaishakha masam (Vaishakha Amavasya). In 2009, Shani Jayanthi falls on May 24, Sunday. The day of Shani Jayanthi is also observed as Shani Amavasya.
Rituals and Customs of Shani Jayanti:
As Shani Dosham (bad effects from Lord Shani’s position in one’s birth chart) is considered as an important feature in one’s future aspects, Shani Puja is an auspicious ritual for Hindu astrology believers.
Those who have Sade sathi (a long period of bad effects from Lord Shani) in their horoscope, observe Shani Yagna or Shani homa on Shani Jayanti day. People believe that Shani worship on Shani Jayanthi day pacifies Sani (happens Sani Shanti).
On the day of Sani Jayanti, devotees perform Lord Ganesha Puja (Ganapati Puja), Lord Hanuman Puja, Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji) Puja to pacify Shani. It is believed that the devotees of Lord Hanuman are free from the Shani’s bad effects on their lives.
Shani Amavasya Puja
Shani Trayodashi Puja
Apara Ekadasi is observed during the Krishna Paksha (second fortnight) of the month Vaisakha masam. Importance and significance of Apara Ekadasi was explained by Lord Sri Krsihna to Yudhistira (Dharma raj). Apara Ekadasi is also called as Vaishak Vadi Ekadashi or Achala Ekadashi.
When is Apara Ekadasi observed?
Apara Ekadasi is observed on Vaisakha masa Krishna Paksha Ekadasi. In 2009, Apara Ekadasi falls on May 20, Wednesday.
Importance and Significance of Apara Ekadashi:
Apara Ekadashi mahatmyam was explained in the Brahmanda Purana. Observance of Apara Ekadashi fasting cleanses all sins of the performer and makes him/her free from all the bonds in the life.
It is believed that the performers of Apara Ekadashi will get the merits which are equal to – performing three times ritual bath in Pushkar Kshetra in Kartika masam, performing ritual bath in Prayag at in the month of Magha masam at Mesha Sankraman (when Sun transits to Capricorn), worshipping Lord Shiva in Varanasi, offering tharpan to forefathers at Gaya, performing ritual bath in the sacred Gautami river at the time of Simha Sankraman (when Sun transits to Leo) and etc.
Other Festival and Auspicious days in Vaishakha masam (May 2009)
Other Ekadasi dates and days in 2009
Mohini Ekadasi is observed during the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chithirai in Tamil calendar and in Vaishakha month in North Indian and other regions’ calendars. Mohini Ekadasi mahatmyam (importance or significance) was told by Sage Vasista to Lord Sri Ram. Lord Sri Krishna also told the importance of Mohini Ekadasi to Yudhishtira (Dharma raj).
When is Mohini Ekadasi Observed?
Mohini Ekadasi is observed on the eleventh day (ekadasi) of Shukla paksha in Vaishakha month. In Tamil traditional calendar, Mohini Ekadasi falls in Chithirai masam. In 2009, the date of Mohini Ekadasi is May 5, Tuesday.
Importance and Significance of Mohini Ekadashi:
When Mata Sita Devi separated from Lord Sri Ram, Rama became very sad and wanted to give up his life. Lord Sri Ram met Sage Vasista and he advised him to observe Mohini Ekadashi vrata which can reduce or nullify his sins and give him great pleasure and blissful life.
As suggested by Sage Vasista, Lord Sri Ram observed the fasting and all rituals and customs associated with Mohini Ekadashi and got rid of all sins to lead a very happy life with his concert Mata Sita Devi.
Sage Vasista explained Lord Sri Ram that fasting on Mohini Ekadashi is more fruitful than performing ritual bath in holy rivers. Importance of Mohini Ekadashi Vrata is explained in the Surya Purana.
Lord Vishnu – Deity of Mohini Ekdashi:
Lord Vishnu is the deity to worship on Mohini Ekadashi day. As Mohini Ekadasi falls in Vaishakha mas, the day is very auspicious for Vishnu puja. On Mohini Ekadasi, all other rituals, customs and traditions are followed as other Ekadasis.
Other Festivals and Auspicious days in Vaishakha masam (May 2009)
Other Ekadasi dates and days in 2009
Kurma Jayanti is the day to celebrate Lord Kurma’s Jayanti. Kurma avatara is the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Kurma means the tortoise or turtle form of Lord Vishnu, who helped devas (gods) and demons (asuras) in churning of milk ocean (Samudra Manthan).
When is Lord Kurma Jayanti celebrated?
Lord Kurma Jayanti is celebrated on Vaisakha Purnima. In 2009, the date of Kurma Jayanthi is May 8, Friday.
Legend and Story behind the Kurma Avatar – Why Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Kurma?
Due to the curse by the great Sage Durvasa, all gods were defeated in war against the demons. Asuras (demons) pulled out gods from heaven and frightened them with their arm forces. Gods went to Vaikunta and prayed to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu suggested the gods to perform Samudra Manthan (churning of milk ocean) to get nectar (Amrit), drinking of which would give them immortal lives.
Devas asked asuras to help them in Samudra manthan. Demons accepted to do so. Both demons and gods started to churn the ocean. For Samudra Manthan, Mount Mandara and Vasuki (the giant serpent) were used. When all of them started churning, Mount Mandara was started to sink in the ocean. To protect the Mount Mandara from sinking and to lay a foundation for Mandara, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma (tortoise or turtle). In the form of tortoise, Lord Kurma effectively helped for Samudra Manthan.
Other Festivals and Auspicious days in Vaishakha masam (May 2009)
