Pongal
The Adiveda Weekly #185
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 2026, 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 - Imp Dates of the week,
#7 - Books by Vanamali Mataji, #8 - Satsang by Vanamali Mataji, #9 - Understanding with Mataji, #10 - Learning with Mataji,
#11 - Weekly Astro Guide, #12 - Ayurvedic Tips, #13 - Yogic Living, #14 - Prenatal Yoga, #15 - Contacts
Weekly Blog
Question Of The Week
Q - What is the significance of Parashuram Avatar in Dashavatara?
A - Parashuram, the sixth avatar in the Dashavatara, signifies the restoration of dharma through righteous force when power becomes corrupt. He represents the divine warrior-sage who curbs the arrogance of oppressive rulers and re-establishes moral order. His avatar bridges the age of warrior dominance to disciplined kingship, emphasizing restraint, justice, and spiritual authority over brute strength.
Do send us your questions via the comment section or through live interaction with Vanamali Mataji on Instagram.
The Hindu Way of Life
“सदैव देवत्वं दर्शयामि”, meaning “I always manifest divinity,” expresses a state of constant spiritual awareness where one’s thoughts, speech, and actions reflect higher truth and dharma. It emphasizes living in alignment with inner purity and righteousness in all situations, not only during moments of worship or ease. The phrase reflects the understanding that divinity is an ever-present inner reality, revealed through conscious conduct and awareness in daily life.
Reflection of the Week
Even though every situation may not be ideal, each one offers an opportunity to act with effort and integrity. Doing your best does not change the situation immediately, but it strengthens your character and resilience. Over time, this mindset transforms challenges into lessons and growth. It reminds us that while circumstances are beyond control, our response never is.
Mantra of the Week
ॐ आदित्याय च सोमाय मङ्गलाय बुधाय च । गुरु शुक्र शनिभ्यश्च राहवे केतवे नमः ॥
|| Om Adityaya Somaya Mangalaya Buddhaya Cha Guru Shukra Shanibhyascha Rahave Ketave Namah ||
Navgrah mantra to placate and pacify all the nine planets
Important Dates This Week
✓ Mauni Amavasya - Sunday Jan 18, 2025
✓ Vasanta Panchami - Friday Jan 23, 2025
Books by Vanamali Mataji:
Hindu Festivals of Bharat
This book goes beyond the celebrations and brings out the esoteric meanings behind festivals and makes us realise how scientific out culture is.
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 talks about the Mother Divine and how our strongest connection is always to the mother. She talks about various forms of the Divine Mother and how Her Presence is important to us, no matter our age, gender, nationality, etc. She reveals how Hinduism has always honored the Mother and has dedicated several festivals to Her, has put Goddesses' names before their male consorts.
Vanamali Mataji is currently conducting insightful classes on the Bhagavad Gita on Instagram ( Every Saturday at 11 AM - 12 PM IST)
Weekly Astrology Guide -
To receive your personal reading, contact Amit on WhatsApp - (+91) 954-841-1670 .
Ayurvedic Health Tip of the Week - Yoga and Eating
If you practice yoga, be sure not to eat or drink anything (including water) for at least half an hour after your practice. Yoga creates circulation and the healthy flow of prana through your body. Enjoy this enlivening flow of prana and let that prana vitalize you without disruption. Only after at least half an hour, should you thereby eat or drink anything, so that your body can receive the full health benefits of your yoga practice.
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 - Sacred Breath Challenge!
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 started from Monday, 27th January 2025! and available to all yoga Sadhakas on donation basis, sign up here "Surya Namaskar Challenge"
How to connect with Mataji & Trusted Contacts
Instagram: VANAMALIKRISHNA
EVERY Sunday at 11 am IST Mataji will host a live Q&A on Her Instagram page!
Bhagavat Gita Classes - Every Saturday at 11 am IST Mataji will host a live 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
For an authentic astrology reading with our Adiveda Vedic Astrologer Amit, please contact: (+91) 954-841-1670
At your service,
The Adiveda Team