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Almanac

It is a well-known fact that the positioning of stars and planets brings about significant effects on our mind and psyche. In all ancient religions and cultures this is accepted in some way or other. It is very relevant in the spiritual context also. There are certain dates in the traditional Indian almanac called panchang, which are very important for certain types of esoteric spiritual practices (Sadhna). Panchang is made of two words – panch meaning five, and ang meaning part. The five parts of panchang are Rashi (zodiac), Nakshatra (lunar mansion), Tithi (date), Yog (specific planetary combinations), Karn (half of lunar date). Here we will provide a month-wise description of the main dates having spiritual importance according to the Indian Solar Calendar.

There are few dates or tithies in every month, which have utmost spiritual importance. Here you can have a brief introduction to the three most important dates of the month according to the traditional Indian almanac.

Sankranti is a Sanskrit word that means transition or movement from one phase to another phase. Here, Sankranti indicates the Sun’s transition from one zodiac sign to another zodiac sign. There are twelve Sankrantis in a year, each known by the name of the upcoming zodiac sign that refers to the sun’s transition to that particular zodiac sign. This is described in scriptures as very auspicious day for pilgrimage (teerth), charity (dan), and austerity (tapas).

The Sanskrit word Purnima refers to the night of the full moon. The effect of the full moon on the human mind is a well-known and medically proven fact. Meditating on full moon nights gives the practitioner exceptional growth and tremendous joy in his spiritual practice (sadhna). As the light of the moon diminishes the darkness of the night, in the same manner the light of knowledge takes him away from ignorance. By fasting on this day, it is believed that one learns to control on his or her senses (indriyas), which is the only way to achieve enlightenment.

This is the Sanskrit name for last night of the waning phase of moon. The night of amavasya has great spiritual value and is extremely auspicious for esoteric tantrik spiritual practices.

It is the eleventh day of both the lunar phases, considered especially apt for observance fast. It helps attain calmness and freedom from internal and external conflicts Though these tithis fall every month, the more important ones of these are listed below:

There are 12 Sankrantis in a year of which this is the most important. It usually falls around 14th of January (Magh – the eleventh month of traditional Indian calendar falls approximately in the months of January and February). This day is considered eminently suitable for taking a dip in the holy rivers, charity, and other spiritual observances. It is said that spiritual practices performed on this day give manifold results.

This festival is celebrated all over India and is known by different names, such as Pongal in south India, Lohri in Punjab, Khichari in Uttar Pradesh and others.

This is the last day in the month of Paush (tenth month of traditional Indian calendar falls in months of December and January). Mauni Amavasya is a day of tremendous spiritual importance. The word Mauni is derived from the word maun which means silence. It is said on this day Brahma (the Creator) created the first human Manu. Meditation on this day at the confluence of the three rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati) at Allahabad is considered to be spiritually beneficial. Rigorous month-long practice of austerities or ceremonies known as Kalp Vasa ends with the observance of Mauni Amavasya. A Holy dip on the day during Kumbha Mela is considered to be most auspicious.

Silence is a very important tool of self-control. Control over speech enhances one’s will power and is helpful in the practice of stillness at all levels. External silence gradually leads to internal silence. When the chattering of the mind starts to cease, it is easier for the sadhak to deepen the meditation.

Maghi Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of Magh. On this day, people go for a dip in the holy rivers, fast and perform charity. A large number of people go to the sacred mount, Govardhan, for a twenty two km circumambulation. The entire month of Magh is considered very auspicious for intensifying spiritual practices. Charity, pilgrimage, bathing in the holy rivers, etc acquires special significance in this month.

Buddhists consider this day to be very auspicious, as Gautam Buddha announced his impending death on this day. Religious rituals are performed at the Buddhist Viharas, prayers are offered to Buddha and offerings are made to the monks.

The word Navratri is made of Nav meaning nine, and ratri meaning night. Navaratri falls four times in a year, in the months of Chaitra, Ashaadha, Ashwin and Magh. Of these, the ones in Chaitra and Ashwin are the more important ones, called Vasantic and Sharadiya Navratri respectively.

Vasantic Navratri falls during the first nine days of the lunar month of Chaitra which is the first month of the traditional Indian calendar falling around months of March and April. It is the month of spring, a time of atmospheric transition. Sharadiya Navratri is celebrated from the first to the ninth day in the month of Ashwin, the seventh month falling approximately in the months of September and October. This is again a time of atmospheric transition as it is the autumn season.

It is believed that at this time of the year, spiritual vibrations are exceptionally strong. Hence, any spiritual practice taken up during this period yields manifold results.

During these nine days, the Divine power is worshipped in the form of Mother Goddess. In this form, she represents the infinite power of the universe. According to Rudrayamaltantra -‘Navshaktisamanyukta Navratram taducchyate’-due to the collectivism of nine divine powers or Shaktis, this festival is called Navratri. Nine different forms of the mother goddess are worshipped on nine different days – Shailputri, Brahmcharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri in that order. These nine manifestations of Shakti are worshipped as Nava-Durga. Spiritually, the worship of the mother goddess is of utmost importance. Spiritual seekers take up different practices according to their tradition and direction of their master. Seventh, eighth and ninth nights are considered especially auspicious for Tantrasadhna.

Meditation and fasting over these nine days bestows freedom from worldly attachment, cycle of birth & death, sins and paves the way to final liberation (Moksha). Unless the devotee renounces his vices such as lust, anger, avarice, indiscretion, pride, hypocrisy, sloth, grief, and jealousy, he cannot attain salvation. By practicing, one acquires mastery over his senses and mind, which purifies one’s inner self and enables one to attain the abiding peace.

Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of the second fortnight of Jyestha month (third month of the calendar falling in May and June). This day is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi. Nirjala means without water and ekadashi means eleventh.

The legend associated with this occasion is that once Pandavas decided to observe the fast of Ekadashi as per the direction of sage Vyas. But for Bhimsen, it was nearly impossible to keep fast twice every month. Then Vyas advised Bhim to observe the fast on Nirjala Ekadashi only. But it had to be very difficult fast, because observing this fast means restraining even from drinking water for the entire day.

This festival is spiritually of utmost importance. On the day, one remains aloof from all kinds of worldly activities and sense gratification. Liberation or bonding of a person depends on his mind. Observing Ekadashi facilitates the deliverance of the soul. By fasting and meditating one learns to control the indriyas, detaching them from worldly things.

Harishayni Ekadashi is celebrated on the eleventh day of the second half of the month of Aashadha (fourth month of traditional Indian calendar corresponding with the months of June and July). According to the Puranas it is believed that on this day Lord Vishnu goes to sleep in his abode that is the cosmic Milky Ocean (Ksheer Sagar) for four months. These four months known as Chaturmas (chatur means four, mas means month) are considered very auspicious for practicing austerity and rituals. People try to control all their Tamasic tendencies.

In these four months people can feel the weakened digestive fire, sloth, sleep, anger and lust. The power of Rajasic and Tamasic forces increases. Spiritually it is of great importance. It gives the message that even if God is not present in his visible manifestation, one must not stray from the ordained path.

Guru Purnima also known as Vyas Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Aashadha. On this day Sage Vyas, the writer of Mahabharat was born. Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath on this day.

Guru is the one who dispels darkness and delusion from the heart of the disciple and illuminates him/her with the higher wisdom. The true guru or teacher is one who removes the fundamental ignorance of the seeker and imparts true knowledge. He exemplifies wisdom, peacefulness, self- control, piety, tolerance and strong faith in God. This day is dedicated to pay respect to ones Guru for his selfless love and grace.

Kartika Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Kartika (eight month of traditional calendar corresponding approximately with the months of October and November). It coincides with Guru Nanak's Birthday. This unique festival is also called Dev Deepawali which is the day when gods celebrated the end of demon Tarkasur. In Varanasi on this day, the ghats (river banks) come alive with thousands of diyas (earthern lamps) brightly lit. This day is also considered as the day Lord Vishnu took the Matsya Avatar or the fish incarnation.

The whole month of Kartika is considered to be the most sacred among all the twelve months of the year and Kartika Purnima is considered as the most sacred day. Most of the devotees take dip in the holy rivers and visit temples. Charity and Jap on this day is very beneficial. Devotees fast and meditate on this day.