MAHALAYA PAKSHA
The Adiveda Weekly #116
Hari Aum Dear Sadhakas,
Mahalaya Paksha, occurring from September 18 to October 3 in 2024, is a significant lunar fortnight in Hinduism dedicated to honoring ancestors. Also known as Pitru Paksha, it emphasizes rituals like Shraddham and Tarpanam to connect with and seek blessings from deceased relatives, believed to visit during this time. This period serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude towards ancestors, who have shaped our identities and lives.
Join us as we explore the significance of this cherished tradition of honoring our ancestors and the blessings it brings to our lives in our latest blog.
-Adiveda Team
The full blog for this week:
Question Of The Week
Q - What is the significance of the Upanishads?
A - The Upanishads are a collection of ancient texts that form the philosophical backbone of Sanatana Dharma, exploring concepts such as Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual soul). They emphasize the unity of the self and the cosmos, guiding seekers towards self-realization and understanding the nature of existence. Through meditation and inquiry, the Upanishads encourage individuals to transcend the material world, leading to enlightenment and liberation (moksha).
Do send us your questions via the comment section or through live interaction with Vanamali Mataji on Instagram.
The Hindu Way of Life
Aatma Nivedanam, or total surrender of oneself to the Lord, is a central tenet of Navadha Bhakti, the nine forms of devotion. This form of devotion emphasizes complete trust and relinquishing the ego, allowing devotees to dedicate their thoughts, actions, and lives to the divine. It embodies the ultimate expression of faith, where one becomes an instrument of the divine will, fostering a deep, transformative connection with the Lord.
Reflection of the Week
A key lesson from water is to adapt to your surroundings while staying true to your own direction. Like water, be flexible and resilient, but always follow your unique path, embracing change without losing your essence.
Golden Opportunity to learn Sanskrit
Sanskrit is one of the oldest living languages in the world. Studies done abroad show that children who learn Sanskrit are brighter and more intelligent and have better memories than other children. It is also known to be the best suited for Computers.
It gives us immense pleasure to introduce Atul Srirag who is Shiksha Shashtri and well qualified to teach the divine language of Sanskrit. He can be contacted at athulshriragkr@gmail.com
Ayurvedic health tip of the week
Prevention is Better than Cure
Yes, many illnesses have a genetic component. However, genes can only load the gun - your environment (including diet and lifestyle) is what pulls the trigger. Thereby, prevention of many illnesses lies is in your hands! Your lifestyle can stimulate your body's immune system, or contribute towards cellular damage. Start with prioritising the foundations of health: good sleep, nutritious minimally processed foods, clean & filtered water, and daily movement.
Our trusted Naturopath is: Dr. Poorna Menon, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Disclaimer: Please note this is not medical advice - please follow the advice of your practitioner before you make any changes that could impact your health.
Astrology Tip of the Week
Donate clothes, raw food materials, fruits, sesame seeds, money, etc., to Brahmins and the needy. Sprinkle Ganga Jal or holy water in your house during Pitru Paksha. These will help you get the blessings from your ancestors.
To receive your personal reading you can contact Amit on WhatsApp - (+91) 954-841-1670
Mantra of the Week
เฅ เคฆเฅเคตเคคเคพเคญเฅเคฏ: เคชเคฟเคคเฅเคญเฅเคฏเคถเฅเค เคฎเคนเคพเคฏเฅเคเคฟเคญเฅเคฏ เคเคต เคเฅค เคจเคฎ: เคธเฅเคตเคพเคนเคพเคฏเฅ เคธเฅเคตเคงเคพเคฏเฅ เคจเคฟเคคเฅเคฏเคฎเฅเคต เคจเคฎเฅ เคจเคฎ:เฅค
Om devtabhyah Pitrubhyascha mahayogibhya eva cha | namah swahaayai swadhayeai nityamev namo namah ||
Mantra for Pitrus or Ancestors
Important dates this week
โ Indira Ekadashi - Saturday Sep 28, 2024
Books by Vanamali Mataji:
Shakti: Realm of the Divine Mother
The book draws on the Devi Bhagavatham, which recounts the stories of Shakti, and the Devi Mahatmyam, the premier text celebrating Shakti as Durga. Through these scriptures, the book illustrates how the power and grace of the Divine Mother can free us from the darkness of ignorance, guiding us to the realm of knowledge, immortality, and blissโthe source of our being.
This book is available for purchase and can be delivered worldwide. If you are interested in purchasing copies of any of Vanamaliโs books, please contact vanamali2@gmail.com.
Also available as audio book are Sri Rama Lila and Sri Hanuman Lila. Narrated by Vanamali Mataji, listen to them on Spotify or JioSaavn.
Vanamali Mataji in Satsang
The knowledge of the Rishis and how it relates to us
This excerpt from Day 7 of the Vanamali Bhagavad Gita Discourse, Vanamali Mataji talks about the universal knowledge of the Rishis and their understanding of our interconnectedness. Why is it important to think good thoughts and how we treat one another?
Click here to watch the video on Vanamali Matajiโs YouTube channel.
If you would like to learn more about the Bhagavad Gita and join Vanamali Matajiโs Online Discourse, please contact vanamalibhagavadgita@gmail.com. The Discourse is shared on donation basis and recordings are sent weekly. Every week, one chapter is addressed.
To deepen the teachings of the Discourse, Vanamali Mataji recommends reading along Vanamaliโs โSrimad Bhagavad Gitaโ and commentary โNitya Yogaโ. If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact vanamali2@gmail.com. Books ship internationally.
Understanding with Vanamali Mataji
Vanamali Mataji started explanation of the Uddhav Gita on Friday 7th. Talks will continue every Saturday from 11 AM to 12 PM on Instagram - Vanamali Krishna. Lets uncover the secrets of Uddhava Gita which emphasizes the importance of detachment, devotion, and self-realization, guiding individuals on their spiritual journey towards enlightenment and ultimate union with the divine.
How to connect with Mataji & Trusted Contacts
Instagram: VANAMALIKRISHNA
EVERY Sunday at 11am IST Mataji will host a live Q&A on Her Instagram page!
YouTube: Vanamali Matajiโs Youtube
To purchase Vanamaliโs Books: vanamali2@gmail.com
For Adiveda Retreats & Classes: Adiveda Website | (+91) 816-991-5870
Learn Sanskrit from expert - Please contact Athul Shrirag - (+91) 906-165-3308 - athulshriragkr@gmail.com
For an authentic astrology reading with our Adiveda Vedic Astrologer Amit, please contact: (+91) 954-841-1670
At your service,
The Adiveda Team