Pongal: A Festival of Harvest, Gratitude, and Tradition
The Adiveda Weekly #133
Hari Aum Sadhakas,
Pongal, a vibrant and deeply meaningful festival celebrated primarily in South India, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. This four-day festival, commencing on Makara Sankranti and spanning from January 14th to January 17th in 2025, is a time of thanksgiving, reflection, and celebration of the harvest. Rooted in centuries of tradition, Pongal brings together families, communities, and nature in a unique display of gratitude and spiritual observance. From the symbolic burning of old belongings to the worship of the sun and cattle, each day of Pongal is rich in customs that honor both the bounty of the earth and the bonds of kinship. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history, rituals, and significance of Pongal, and explore how this timeless festival continues to connect us to our cultural heritage, our environment, and each other.
-Adiveda Team
Newsletter Contents - This newsletter contains the following sections in given order:
1 - Weekly Blog , 2 - Question of the week, 3 - The Hindu way of Life,
4 - Reflection of the week, 5 - Mantra of the week, 6 - Important Dates of the week,
7 - Books by Vanamali Mataji, 8 - Satsang by Vanamali Mataji, 9 - Understanding with Mataji, 10 - Learning with Mataji,
11 - Astrology Tips, 12 - Ayurvedic Tips, 13 - Yogic Living, 14 - Prenatal Yoga and
15 - Contacts
Weekly Blog
Question Of The Week
Q - What is the significance of the Shri Kalki Avatar in Sanatana Dharma, and what role is he believed to play in the future of the world?
A - Shri Kalki Avatar is the tenth and final incarnation of the Shri Vishnu. As mentioned in several ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas, particularly the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, and others, Shri Kalki is expected to appear in the future when the world is in a state of chaos and corruption, marking the end of the current age, known as Kali Yuga. This age is believed to be characterized by the decline of morality, virtue, and righteousness. The arrival of Shri Kalki will signify the destruction of evil, the restoration of dharma (righteousness), and the beginning of a new era known as Satya Yuga (the age of truth and purity).
Do send us your questions via the comment section or through live interaction with Vanamali Mataji on Instagram.
The Hindu Way of Life
Water flows effortlessly without attachment to any one form. It teaches the value of detachment (vairagya), emphasizing the importance of letting go of ego and material desires. Just as water moves freely, unbound and unrestricted, individuals are encouraged to live in the world without attachment to outcomes.
Reflection of the Week
Having faith in yourself means trusting your own abilities and decisions, without needing external approval. It fosters self-reliance, inner peace, and authenticity, allowing you to grow independently and remain resilient in the face of challenges. When you believe in yourself, you become your own source of validation, reducing the need for others' opinions.
Mantra of the Week
ॐ आदित्याय च सोमाय मङ्गलाय बुधाय च । गुरु शुक्र शनिभ्यश्च राहवे केतवे नमः ॥
|| Om Adityaaya Somaaya Mangalaaya Buddhaaya Cha Guru Shukra Shanibhyascha Rahave Ketave Namah ||
Navgrah mantra to placate and pacify all the nine planets
Important dates this week
✓ Shattila Ekadashi - Saturday Jan 25, 2025
Books by Vanamali Mataji:
The Rishis
This book explores the lives and teachings of the revered sages or Rishis who have given us the incredible “Dharma” known as “Sanatana Dharma”. It further celebrates their diverse philosophies, offering readers a rich tapestry of wisdom that continues to inspire seekers today. Also available as audio book.
This book is available for purchase and can be delivered worldwide. If you are interested in purchasing copies of any of Vanamali’s 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
In Her Bhagavad Gita Discourse, Vanamali Mataji shares beautiful insights from every chapter. She allows our minds to understand this ever relevant guidebook and thus helps us to navigate our own daily battles. The introduction video is available in full on YouTube and gives the background information of Shri Bhagwad Gita.
The entire Discourse, shared chapter by chapter, was professionally recorded and is made available on a donation basis. For those interested in receiving the recordings on a weekly basis, please contact vanamalibhagavadgita@gmail.com.
To follow along the Discourse, Vanamali Mataji recommends reading Vanamali’s “Srimad Bhagavad Gita”, as well as the commentary “Nitya Yoga”. If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact vanamali2@gmail.com. Books ship internationally.
Understanding with Vanamali Mataji
Vanamali Mataji has a series of talks on the Uddhava Gita . 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. These talks are available both on Instagram and Youtube.
Learning with Vanamali Mataji
Vanamali Mataji is honoring the third day celebration of Pongal - Mattu Pongal - the worship of the cow. It is fed, provided a blanket as well as a dakshina. Vanamali Mataji lit the lamp and did Aarati for the cow. Watch as She is lovingly honoring the tradition for Pongal. "Pongal is one of the major festivals of South Bharat. This festival is celebrated for a period of four days, beginning with the day before Makara Sankranti.
Astrology Tip of the Week
Taking care of your mother and keeping her happy is not just an act of love, but also a powerful way to balance and strengthen an afflicted Moon in your astrology chart. The Moon represents emotions, nurturing, and inner peace, and when it's weak, the support and blessings of a mother can have a profound healing effect. By honoring her, you invite her blessings, which can bring emotional stability, clarity, and protection into your life, helping to overcome obstacles and bring balance to your energies.
To receive your personal reading you can contact Amit on WhatsApp - (+91) 954-841-1670 . An interesting Read - The Role of Karma in Vedic Astrology: Understanding the Cosmic Blueprint of Your Life
Ayurvedic health tip of the week - Natural UTI Prevention
One of the supplements commonly used to prevent UTIs is a simple sugar called D-Mannose. A natural source of D-Mannose is the jujube fruit (or ber as it is sometimes called in India). So as a good UTI prevention, have a ber fruit a day, drink lots of water, and have 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries or cranberries.
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.
Yogic Living - Surya Namaskar Challenge – 12 Days of Sun Salutations
Regular practice of Asana & Pranayama is a must for any sadhaka on the path of yoga. Even at the age of 85 Vanamali Mataji practices Surya Namaskar, Yoga Asanas & Pranayama everyday without fail. The "Surya Namaskar Challenge" is a 12 day introductory course offered by Hub of Yoga in which you will learn the sequence step by step, practice with correct breathing and invocation of mantras, and gradually build up to 12 full rounds by the final day. The Program is starting from Monday, 27th January 2025! and available to all yoga Sadhakas on donation basis, sign up here https://hubofyoga.com/surya-namaskar-challenge-12-days-of-sun-salutations/
Joining prenatal yoga classes is a wonderful way to enhance physical well-being, reduce stress, and prepare the body for childbirth. These classes offer emotional support, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation, fostering a stronger mind-body connection during pregnancy. Contact for more details - (+91) 832-796-6554
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 Mataji’s Youtube
To purchase Vanamali’s 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