"Shashthi Devi: The Guardian of Children and Fertility"

"Shashthi Devi: The Guardian of Children and Fertility"

Picture a moonlit night in a village home: a mother whispers a prayer, cradling her newborn, as the scent of mustard oil and turmeric fills the air. A small clay idol, draped in red cloth and surrounded by fruits and rice, glows softly under a banyan tree. With each murmured word, a name echoes - “Shashthi.”

Who is Shashthi Devi, a goddess invoked with tender hope by mothers and families, yet often overshadowed by grander deities? She wields no thunderbolt, commands no armies, yet her presence guards the cradle of life. Meet Shashthi Devi, an emanation of Adi Parashakti herself, the divine protector of children, nurturer of fertility, and gentle custodian of life’s fragile beginnings.

Shashthi’s tale begins with a king’s devotion. In the Devi Bhagavat Puran (Book 9, Chapter 46), Suta narrates to the sages of Naimisha Forest how Priyavrata, son of Svayambhuva Manu, performed penance to secure his lineage’s continuity. Pleased with his austerity, the Supreme Goddess, Adi Parashakti, manifested Shashthi Devi on the sixth lunar day (Shashthi Tithi), radiant and tasked with safeguarding progeny. Her name, “Shashthi,” binds her to the critical sixth day after childbirth, a moment she shields with divine care. The Brahma Vaivarta Puran (Prakriti Khanda, Chapter 45) calls her a daughter of Brahma, her essence tied to this auspicious day. The Matsya Puran (Chapter 154) celebrates her as a protector of infants, while the Padma Puran (Srishti Khanda, Chapter 12) hails her as a nurturer of fertility.

Her guardianship shines in tales of compassion. The Brihaddharma Puran (Madhya Khanda, Chapter 13) tells of her descent to Earth, moved by mothers’ grief over lost children. Disguised as a humble woman, she taught rituals—offerings of rice, milk, and six grains—to ward off harm. The Skanda Puran (Book 6, Nagara Khanda) links her to Kartikeya’s infancy, her blessings ensuring his survival under the six Krittikas’ care. The Markandeya Puran (Chapter 78) exalts her as a deity of healthy births and thriving progeny.

Scriptures echo her role. The Agni Puran (Chapter 121) prescribes offerings of sweets, fruits, and yellow flowers on Shashthi Tithi. The Bhavishya Puran (Uttara Parva, Chapter 23) depicts her radiant, holding a child, flanked by cats—a detail enriched in later lore. The Devi Bhagavat Puran (Book 9, Chapter 47) specifies her rites further: mothers offer milk, rice, and fruits to invoke her protection, a practice born of Priyavrata’s plea.

Shashthi lives on in tradition. Bengal’s Shashthi Mangal tales cast her on a black cat, guarding against Yakshas and the evil eye. Folk stories warn of her turning into a cat to steal neglected infants, returning them when parents repent—a call to cherish the young. In North India’s Chhathi rites, mothers fast on the sixth day post-birth, praying by rivers or trees. South India’s Shashti Vratam sees childless couples tie threads on banyan trees, seeking her favor. Bengal’s Jamai Shashthi feast honors her with sweets, tying her to family prosperity. Villagers craft clay idols near wells or trees, singing “Shashthi Mata Ki Jai” in lullabies.

She dwells in simplicity, a fierce yet tender spirit watching over life’s dawn. The next time you see a thread on a banyan tree or hear her name in a village song, feel her presence—an aspect of the eternal Feminine, born of the Supreme Goddess’s will.

A beautiful stotram from the Devi Bhagavat Puran (Book 9, Chapter 46), chanted by Priyavrata, seeks her blessings for healthy offspring and protection from misfortune. Reciting it invokes her grace, ensuring the safety and prosperity of one’s lineage.

A simple mantra to chant in gratitude: “Om Hreem Shashthi Devyai Swaha”—a quiet ode to the eternal mother of beginnings, born of Priyavrata’s penance.

 

"Swadha Devi: The Voice of the Ancestors"

 "Swadha Devi: The Voice of the Ancestors"

Envision a quiet Shraddha ceremony: the air rich with the scent of sesame seeds, rice, and ghee, a small fire glowing as offerings are placed into its gentle flames. With each gesture, a single word echoes — “Swadha.”

But who is Swadha, the Devi whose name blesses every tribute to the departed yet rarely claims the spotlight? She wears no crown, graces no grand shrines, yet without her, no ancestor finds peace. Meet Swadha Devi, the tender, vital thread binding the living to those who came before—a celestial force born of divine purpose.

Swadha’s story begins in the vast tapestry of creation, as a daughter of Daksha Prajapati, the great progenitor tasked with populating the cosmos (Devi Bhagavatam, Book 9, Chapter 1). From his union with his consort, she emerged, a divine gift destined to serve the Pitrs, the ancestors. Given by Daksha in marriage to these ancestral spirits, Swadha became their eternal companion, her essence woven into the order of existence to ensure their sustenance (Devi Bhagavatam, Book 9, Chapter 1). Her purpose shines in this devotion, a quiet grace that nourishes the departed across generations.

The Vishnu Puran (Book 1, Chapter 7) portrays her as a celestial offering, created to sustain the Pitrs eternally. The Devi Bhagavatam (Book 9, Chapter 1) reveals her as an energy born to uphold the sacred bond between the living and the past, her role decreed by Brahma himself: “Swadha” must sanctify every offering, or it drifts, lost to the void. In the Mahabharata (Vana Parva, Chapter 83), she steps forth when the Pitrs hungered, becoming their conduit with unassuming poise. The Brahma Vaivarta Puran (Prakriti Khanda, Chapter 10) celebrates her as their consort or, in some tellings, linked to Agni’s gentle form, her presence tied to the fire that carries ancestral tributes. By Brahma’s command, her name became the key—ensuring every offering reaches the Pitrs, cherished and complete (Devi Bhagavatam, Book 9, Chapter 1).

 

The Rigveda (10.14.3) whispers her name as an invocation for ancestral rites, while the Shatapatha Brahmana (11.4.3.6) insists her chant is essential—without it, offerings falter, unmoored in the ether. The Matsya Purana (Chapter 17) calls her the sanctifying breath of the ritual, and the Garuda Purana (Preta Khanda, Chapter 10) honors her as the guide of Shraddha offerings, delivering sustenance to the Pitrs in the afterlife. Swadha is more than a name; she’s the soul of every ancestral homage, the moment filial duty meets eternal gratitude.

Her echo lives on in traditions today. During Tarpan and Shraddha rites, families chant “Swadha” as they offer water, sesame, or rice into fire or rivers, a practice rooted in her divine role. In some villages, folk tales paint her as a silent watcher by the hearth, guiding offerings to the Pitrs with a gentle nod. Elders teach that whispering “Swadha” while offering oblations into the fire during Pitru Paksha satisfies the ancestors’ needs. At Shraddha observances, her name is murmured before feeding the fire, believed to invite the Pitrs to partake invisibly alongside the living. She remains a quiet force in these acts of remembrance.

Swadha seeks no adoration for herself, yet she sustains every tribute to the past. The next time you hear “Swadha” as offerings drift into flame or water, listen—it’s her voice, soft and timeless, carrying sustenance to your forebears across the cosmic divide.

Chant in reverence: “Om Swadha Devyai Namah”—a quiet salute to the eternal keeper of your lineage.

"Swaha Devi: The Whisper in the Flames"

"Swaha Devi: The Whisper in the Flames" 

Picture a Vedic ritual at dawn: the air thick with sandalwood’s sacred scent, the fire crackling as ghee pours into its glowing heart. With each offering, a single word rises - “Swaha.” 

But who is Swaha, the Devi whose name blesses every sacrifice yet rarely steps into the light? She wears no garlands, claims no grand temples, yet without her, no prayer reaches the heavens. Meet Swaha Devi, the quiet, vital pulse of the fire’s divine dance, a celestial energy born from the Supreme Goddess to bridge mortal and immortal realms.

Swaha’s story shines with devotion to Agni, the fire god who carries offerings to the divine. The Mahabharata (Adi Parva, Chapter 225) and the Devi Bhagavatam (Book 9, Chapter 47) recount her resolve: Agni, distracted and wandering, neglected his sacred duty. Swaha, undeterred, transformed into the radiant forms of the wives of six of the seven sages—the Saptarṣis—excluding the chaste Arundhatī, meeting Agni amid his flames. Her heart burned brighter than his embers. When Agni saw through her illusions, he embraced her as his eternal consort. The gods, moved by her dedication, immediately decreed that “Swaha” must accompany every oblation, ensuring it ascends from earth to sky, complete and accepted.

 

The Devi Bhagavatam (Book 9, Chapter 1) reveals her divine essence, portraying Swaha as a Shakti, a potent force manifested by the Supreme Goddess to sustain the cosmic order. She emerges not merely as Agni’s companion but as a key to the universe’s ritual harmony, her presence vital to the gods’ functions, including those of the Trimurti - Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The Skanda Puran (Kashi Khanda, Chapter 29) honours her as Agni’s beloved, sanctifying every offering, while the Shatapatha Brahmana (1.2.5.4) insists her name is essential—without it, offerings falter, lost to the void. She is more than Agni’s wife; she is the breath of every Vedic rite, the moment human intent meets celestial grace.

 

Her presence endures in traditions today. In Havans and Yagnas, priests and families chant “Swaha” as they offer ghee, grains, or herbs into the fire—a practice rooted in her divine role. In some villages, folk tales cast her as the flame’s gentle guide, a spirit who hears wishes whispered. Elders teach children to say “Swaha” with care when feeding the fire, believing it ensures their prayers rise true. During Havan rituals, her name weaves through the chants, a thread tying earth to the eternal.

 

Swaha seeks no praise for herself, yet she empowers every act of surrender. The next time you hear “Swaha” as flames leap upward, listen—it’s her voice, soft and timeless, carrying your prayers aloft. 

Chant in reverence: “Om Swaha Devyai Namah”—a quiet tribute to the flame’s eternal whisperer. 

#SwahaDevi

 

 

Vishwaavasu - the Hindu New Year (29th March, 2025)

 

The Hindu New Year.

What if the stars foretold a year of upheaval, discovery, and transformation? Welcome to Vishwaavasu, the Hindu New Year starting on March 29, 2025.

Known as Vikram Samvat, this annual cycle begins on the first day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Chaitra. In 2025, that falls on a Saturday, marking the 39th year in a 60-year Vedic lunar calendar. Each year carries a unique name and energy, and Vishwaavasu promises to be one of cosmic significance.

Significance of Vishwaavasu.

Vishwaavasu isn’t just a name—it’s a symbol steeped in ancient wisdom. In the Brihat Samhita, a classic work on astronomy and astrology by Varaahamihira (Chapter 8, "Samvatsara Phala"), Vishwaavasu is one of sixty Samvatsaras (year cycles) that shape worldly events.

Mythologically, the Brahmanda Puran portrays Vishwaavasu as a leader of the Gandharvas—celestial musicians who connect the divine and human realms with their melodies. Some tales even depict him as a sage redeemed from past karma, highlighting themes of growth and renewal.

The Arcana-deepikaa by Vaamana Maharaja describes those born in Vishwaavasu as virtuous, patient, and generous, with a love for sweet foods and a gift for harmonious family life. Beyond individuals, this year’s energy hints at extraordinary discoveries—like signs of life beyond Earth—tied to its Gandharva mystique.

Planetary Governance.

In Vedic astrology, each Samvatsara is guided by planetary “dignitaries”—a Raja (King) and Mantri (Minister)—that define its character. For Vishwaavasu 2025, the traditional view from Varaahamihira’s Brihat Samhita (Chapter 8, Verses 4-10) assigns Saturn (Shani) as King and Jupiter (Brihaspati) as Minister. This pairing shapes a year of discipline, wisdom, and hard-earned growth.

Saturn as Raja (King).

Varaahamihira notes in Brihat Samhita (Chapter 8, Verses 4-7) that when Saturn rules, the year demands effort and perseverance. Saturn, the taskmaster planet, brings austerity—think tighter budgets, stricter rules, and a focus on justice. It’s a time when past actions catch up, rewarding those who’ve laid solid foundations and challenging those who haven’t. Success won’t come easy, but Saturn promises stability for those who embrace responsibility.

The Matsya Purana (Chapter 143, Verse 5) echoes this, suggesting Saturn’s reign tests leaders and societies, pushing them toward order through trials.

Jupiter as Mantri (Minister).

As Minister, Jupiter softens Saturn’s edge with benevolence. Varahamihira writes in Brihat Samhita (Chapter 8, Verse 10) that Jupiter fosters wisdom, righteousness, and growth in education and law. It’s the planet of higher learning, guiding us through ethical choices and spiritual insights. Even under Saturn’s weight, Jupiter ensures opportunities for progress—perhaps through new ideas or moral leadership. Together, these planets balance pragmatism with hope, urging us to build wisely for the long haul.

A Combined Influence.

The interplay of Saturn and Jupiter, as noted in Brihat Samhita (Chapter 8, Verse 11) and reinforced by the Matsya Puran (Chapter 143, Verses 6-7), creates a year where challenges pave the way for growth. Saturn enforces structure—think economic slowdowns or tougher regulations—while Jupiter offers a vision for better days. Leaders may face scrutiny, but those who act justly could thrive. For everyday folks, it’s a call to stay grounded, work hard, and trust in wisdom to see us through.

Predictions for Vishwaavasu 2025.

Ancient texts offer glimpses of what Vishwaavasu might bring.

The Narada Samhita warns, “Shashvad Vishvaasaavabde Madhyasasyaardhavrstayah| Pracuraashcaurarogaashca Nrpa Lobhabhibhutayah.” 

Meaning, “In Vishwaavasu, rainfall halves mid-season, theft and diseases abound, and rulers succumb to greed." 

Similarly, the Rudrayamala (Samvatsara Samhita) states, “Samaa Varsaannadurbhiksam Kaarpaasasya Mahardhataa | Vishvaavasau Mahaadevi Vigrahah Praaninaashanam. 

Meaning,” Uneven rain causes famine, cotton prospers, and conflict brings loss of life. Here’s what that means for 2025:

• Climate Shifts: Rainfall will be erratic—droughts in wet zones, floods in dry ones. Wildfires may flare, and disasters like tsunamis could hit food supplies hard.
• Economic Strain: Inflation will rise, pushing up prices for essentials. Cash might lose value, while gold, silver, and cotton goods could shine as stable assets.
• Political Tensions: Conflicts may escalate, drawing in new players. Leaders face tough tests—some predict upheaval tied to greed or power struggles.
• Health Risks: Infectious diseases could spike, calling for vigilance.
• Cosmic Wonders: Space exploration might reveal alien clues or new planets, reflecting Vishwaavasu’s celestial vibe.

Here’s a quick look:

Area	Prediction
Climate	Droughts, floods, wildfires
Economy	Inflation up, gold/silver thrive
Politics	Conflicts grow, leadership challenged
Health	Disease risks rise
Discovery	Space breakthroughs possible

From March 29 to May 20, 2025, major planets will shift signs—a rare cosmic shuffle signalling shifts in leadership, economies, and nature.

Living Through Vishwaavasu.

How can you thrive in 2025? Here’s some star-guided advice:

• Money Matters: With prices climbing, cash may weaken—gold and silver have long been safe bets in shaky times. Cotton industries (like clothing) might boom, but stocks could falter if disasters strike. Check with an astrologer before big investments.
• Stay Safe: Theft warnings point to cybercrime—double-check online payments. Health-wise, prioritize wellness to fend off bugs.
• Embrace the Cosmic: Love space news? 2025 might deliver alien hints or planetary finds—keep watching the skies!

Many mark the Hindu New Year with prayers or offerings, honouring Vishwaavasu’s Gandharva spirit for peace and insight. It’s a small ritual with big meaning.

Conclusion

Vishwaavasu 2025 is a year of trials and triumphs—Saturn tests our grit, Jupiter lights the way. From climate chaos to cosmic breakthroughs, it’s a time to stay steady, act wisely, and dream big. May this Hindu New Year bring you peace, prosperity, and a touch of celestial magic.

 

WHO HAVE EYES WILL SEE!

 

WHO HAVE EYES WILL SEE!

Life can feel like a deluge—storms of grief, challenges, or doubt crashing in. You might pray, “God, why don’t you part the clouds?” or sometime remark, “Hasn’t He heard my prayer?” These are age-old pleas. Yet scripture and every heartbeat reveal a truth: God answers our prayers with help—not always as we expect, but always as we need. It’s ours to see.

Let’s start with a story that shines a light on this—a tale of faith, floods, and the help we might overlook.

The Man and the Flood: Recognizing the Answer.

A devout man lived in a village facing a massive flood. As waters swelled, he prayed for rescue. His neighbours pleaded with him to leave.
“No,” he said, calm and sure, “God will save me.”
The flood reached his porch. A rescue boat arrived—ready to save him.
“No,” he refused, “God will save me.”
Waters climbed higher, forcing him to the roof. A helicopter buzzed above, dropping a rope.
“No,” he called, “God will save me.”
The flood overtook his house, and he drowned. In heaven, he faced God, confused. “I prayed—why didn’t You save me?”
God’s voice was tender yet clear: “I answered with a warning, a boat, and a helicopter—what more were you looking for?”

God sends help, often in shapes we don’t expect. Our prayers are heard; it’s our eyes that need opening. This isn’t the only time His answer surprises—let’s journey to Vrindavan for another glimpse.

Govardhan Leela: Seeing the Unexpected.

Picture the villagers of Vrindavan, praying to Lord Indra for rain to sustain their fields. But Krishna, full of divine insight, urged them to honour the cows and Govardhan Hill instead—the quiet provider of their abundance. Indra, offended, unleashed a ferocious storm. The skies thundered. Floods rose. Fear gripped every heart as they prayed for mercy.

Yet Krishna answered, and they saw. With the ease of lifting a feather, He raised Govardhan Hill on His little finger. For seven days and nights, as the tempest roared, it sheltered every soul—villagers, creatures, fragile dreams. They sought rain, not floods; they got a mountain as their shield.

The Bhagavat Puran (Canto 10, Chapter 25, Verse 19) says: “Krishna, lifting the hill, protected the people from the deluge sent by Indra.” Their prayer was answered—not as they imagined, but as they needed. God sent help; they had to see it.

The Gift of His Answer.

Why doesn’t God answer exactly as we plead? Because His help fits the vision He has for us, not the vision we have for ourselves.

In the Bhagavad Gita (7.25), Krishna declares, “I am not manifest to everyone, veiled by My divine Yoga-Maya. The bewildered do not recognize Me, the unborn and imperishable.” The man in the flood was bewildered—praying for a miracle, he missed the boat. The villagers sought rain, yet Krishna veiled His help as a hill. Our prayers are answered; we must see past the veil.

Your Prayer, His Help.

When life’s rains pour—your business collapses, a health issue strikes—you pray for relief. God answers, not with instant wealth or healing, but with help you can use: a friend’s advice you’ve dismissed, a chance to rest and regroup. In the flood, He sent a boat, not a parted sea. In Vrindavan, a hill, not gentle rain. Both say: help is here if you see it.
Look closer. It might be someone’s kind words, a stranger’s timely offer, a sudden idea cutting through chaos, or a strength you didn’t expect.

Eyes Open, Prayers Answered.

Storms will come. That’s the rhythm of this world. But God answers—always with help, not always our want. He dropped a rope, raised a hill, and He’s sent help to you today. So, lift your eyes. Those with eyes will see His answer—not your blueprint, but your rescue—leading to the dawn He’s prepared just for you.

 

Correct is Right: Staying True to Yourself.

 Correct is Right: Staying True to Yourself.

In life, challenges often test our patience, values, and beliefs. The world may urge us to bend, to forsake our principles for survival or approval. Yet, Hindu scriptures reveal that true power lies in holding fast to our essence, unshaken by external forces. This truth is encapsulated in the ancient saying, "Protect Dharma and it will protect you," rooted in the Manusmriti (8.15): Dharmah raksati raksitah, meaning "Dharma protects those who protect it." Similarly, in Trinidad, we say, "Correct is right." No matter how much pressure we face, the truth remains the truth, and righteousness is always the right path.

Two timeless tales—the Sage and the Scorpion and the legend of Prahlad from the Bhagavat Puran—illuminate this principle with striking clarity.

The Sage and the Scorpion: Compassion Beyond Pain.

One serene morning, a wise sage meditated by a river’s edge. As he opened his eyes, he glimpsed a scorpion thrashing in the current, its tiny legs clawing at the water. Moved by compassion, he plunged his hand into the icy flow to rescue it. The moment he lifted the creature, a sharp sting pierced his skin. He winced but gently set it on the shore.

Moments later, the scorpion slipped back into the river. Again, the sage reached in, the cold biting his fingers, and again, the scorpion stung him. A passerby, witnessing this quiet struggle, called out, “Why persist in saving it when it repays you with pain?”

The sage smiled, his voice steady. “It is the scorpion’s nature to sting. It is mine to save. Just as it remains true to itself, why should I abandon who I am?”

This story reveals more than kindness—it’s a testament to inner peace. The sage didn’t act out of naivety but from a refusal to let external harm dictate his spirit. His resilience reflects the Manusmriti’s wisdom: by safeguarding his dharma of compassion, he found strength within. We, too, are called to preserve our core, even when the world stings.

Prahlad and Lord Narasimha: Unwavering Faith in the Face of Adversity.

A parallel lesson unfolds in the story of Prahlad, a young prince whose devotion to Lord Vishnu defied his father, the tyrannical Asura king Hiranyakashipu. This tale, detailed in the Bhagavat Puran (Book 7, Chapters 5–10), showcases dharma’s protective power. Blessed with a boon that made him nearly invincible, Hiranyakashipu demanded worship from all, banning reverence for Vishnu. Yet Prahlad, his own son, remained a steadfast bhakta (devotee).

Enraged, the king unleashed a torrent of cruelty to break his son’s faith:

• He hurled Prahlad from a jagged cliff (Bhagavat Puran 7.5.43–44).
• He ordered an elephant to crush him (Bhagavat Puran 7.8.2–3).
• He cast him into the churning ocean (Bhagavat Puran 7.5.45).
• He poisoned his meals (Bhagavat Puran 7.5.46).
• He bound him in flames alongside his aunt, Holika (Bhagavat Puran 7.5.37–40).

Each time, Vishnu intervened—winds softened Prahlad’s fall, the elephant knelt in reverence, the waves cradled him to shore. Through it all, Prahlad stood unshaken, his lips whispering prayers, his young face calm amid the chaos. When Hiranyakashipu mocked, “Is your Vishnu in this pillar?” Prahlad replied, “He is everywhere, even within you” (Bhagavat Puran 7.8.12). Furious, the king struck the pillar. In that instant, Lord Narasimha—Vishnu’s fierce half-man, half-lion form—burst forth, ending the tyrant’s reign (Bhagavat Puran 7.8.17–29). Yet even after his father’s fall, Prahlad remained unchanged: humble, righteous, compassionate. He ruled with dharma, never swayed by vengeance or pride (Bhagavat Puran 7.10.1–4).

Prahlad’s strength wasn’t mere stubbornness—it was faith fused with resilience, a conviction that truth endures beyond suffering. His story embodies Dharmah raksati raksita: by protecting his devotion, dharma shielded him in return.

The Shared Wisdom: Hold Fast to Your Essence.

These tales—the sage’s quiet resolve and Prahlad’s fearless devotion—weave a common thread:

• External actions need not reshape us. The sage met stings with kindness; Prahlad faced persecution with faith.
• True power is inner conviction. Their strength wasn’t in changing others but in embodying their values.
• Righteousness finds its way. As Vishnu guarded Prahlad, dharma prevails over time, echoing the Manusmriti’s promise.

Of course, this doesn’t mean clinging to flaws under the guise of “nature.” The sage’s compassion and Prahlad’s devotion were rooted in righteousness, not ego. Staying true to ourselves requires discernment—knowing which parts of us align with truth.

Living the Lesson.

We all face scorpions of hostility and tyrants of doubt—moments that tempt us to abandon kindness, faith, or integrity. But these stories, backed by the Manusmriti’s Dharmah raksati raksitah ask: Why let negativity rewrite who we are? The sage didn’t flinch at pain; Prahlad didn’t bow to fear. Their examples call us to stand firm in our truth.

Next time anger flares or doubt creeps in, pause. What defines you—compassion, honesty, courage? How will you protect it? Embody the sage’s steady heart and Prahlad’s unshakable spirit. Protect dharma, and it will protect you—for in righteousness, the universe itself becomes your ally.

 

 

Khalmaas: 14th March 2025 – 29th March 2025.

Khalmaas: The Sacred Closure of the Hindu Lunar Year.

14th March 2025 – 29th March 2025.

Khalmaas, also known as Kharwaas, unfolds during the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase or dark fortnight) of the Hindu month of Chaitra, typically spanning two weeks in late March or early April.

In 2025, this sacred two-week period begins on the 14^th March with a Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse) and concludes on the 29^th March with a Surya Grahan (solar eclipse), framing it as a cosmically significant period.

Marking the final two weeks of the Hindu lunar year, Khalmaas is distinct from the intercalary Adhikmaas, which adjusts the calendar. While Adhikmaas accommodates additional time, Khalmaas emphasizes spiritual discipline over worldly pursuits. This article explores its religious and astrological significance, practical observances, scriptural foundations, and cultural resonance.

Religious and Astrological Significance of Khalmaas.

In Vedic astrology, Khalmaas coincides with the Sun’s (Surya’s) transit through Pisces (Meen Raasi), a watery sign ruled by Jupiter (Guru/Brihaspati). Pisces embodies intuition, compassion, spirituality, and adaptability, often linked to mysticism and higher wisdom. The fiery Sun, symbolizing vitality and authority, enters this introspective domain, creating a perceived weakening of its energy and a subtle dimming of Jupiter’s expansive influence.

This celestial interplay is heightened in 2025 by two eclipses: a Chandra Grahan on March 13/14, marking the start of Khalmaas, and a Surya Grahan on March 29, signalling its end. The lunar eclipse, occurring during the waning moon, amplifies the period’s inward focus, while the solar eclipse at the threshold of the Hindu New Year underscores a transformative closure.

These eclipses frame Khalmaas as a potent transitional period when divine energies are believed to recede from the material world, inviting self-purification, repentance, and spiritual renewal. Astrologically, this shift—combined with the natural rhythm of the lunar year’s end—signals a time to turn inward, preparing for the fresh cycle ahead with heightened cosmic awareness.

Practical Observances.

Khalmaas’s unique energy calls for specific restrictions and recommendations to honour its spiritual intent. The following actions are PROHIBITED during this period due to their association with new beginnings or material engagement:

• Initiating construction (e.g., houses, buildings, or purchasing construction materials).
• Performing major rituals such as Vivah (marriage), Yajnopavita (thread ceremony), Guru Mukha (spiritual initiation), Gṛiha Pravesh (housewarming), Shila Sthaapan (foundation laying), Murti Sthaapan (deity consecration), Yajnas, yearly pujas, or Vaakdaanam (engagement ceremonies).
• Purchasing property, land, vehicles, or other significant items.
• Starting new ventures or business transactions.
• Beginning or concluding personal Vrats (vows or fasts).

In contrast, the following practices are RECOMMENDED to align with Khalmaas’s purifying ethos:

• Dāna (Charity): Donating to Brahmins, saints, and cows, especially medicines, grains, and water for the needy.
• Scriptural Study and Jaap: Reciting mantras, studying sacred texts, and performing personal jaap (repetitive chanting).
• Daily Observances: Continuing routine rituals like lighting deeyas (lamps), offering dhar/jal (water), and performing Sandhya (twilight prayers).

Essential rites such as funerals, Dashgath (post-funeral shaving), and Madhyama Shodashi (13-day Bandara) remain unaffected, reflecting life’s continuity even amidst spiritual focus.

Scriptural Foundations.

Hindu scriptures offer a foundation for Khalmaas’s observances, though direct references to “Khalmaas” as a named period are scarce. The practices align with broader Vedic principles of purification during lunar transitions:

• Garuda Puran (Preta Kanda, Chapter 10): This chapter emphasizes purificatory rites and penance before a new karmic cycle, supporting Khalmaas’s focus on renewal. Verse 15 advises abstaining from mundane activities during inauspicious times to maintain spiritual purity, a principle applicable here.
• Skanda Puran (Vaishnava Kanda): While not explicitly naming Khalmaas, this text recommends austerities during cosmic transitions to appease divine forces, resonating with the period’s introspective tone.
• Vishnu Dharma Shastra (Chapter 78): Advocates charity and penance during lunar shifts to mitigate past karma, aligning with Khalmaas’s emphasis on Dāna and reflection.
• Padma Puran (Shristi Kanda): Describes the waning moon as a time of Lord Vishnu’s introspection, encouraging devotees to mirror this through devotion, supporting Khalmaas’s spiritual ethos.
• Rigveda (Mandala 10, Hymn 85): Known as the Surya Vivah Sukta, this hymn celebrates cosmic cycles and purification before renewal, indirectly linked to Khalmaas through the Vedic theme of preparing for new beginnings.

Cultural Insights.

Khalmaas carries regional nuances, particularly in North India, where it is sometimes called “Kharmas” or “Kharwaas.” Folk traditions associate it with a pause in auspicious activities, mirroring the agricultural lull before the spring harvest. Devotees view it as a time to shed karmic baggage, much like clearing a field for new planting. Stories of saints intensifying penance during this period underscore its sanctity, reinforcing its role as a spiritual bridge to the Hindu New Year, often celebrated as Chaitra Navratri or Ugadi.

Conclusion.

Khalmaas, spanning March 14 to March 29, 2025, is a sacred fortnight of reflection, purification, and spiritual alignment, bookended by a Chandra Grahan and a Surya Grahan. Marking the Hindu lunar year’s end, it offers a transformative opportunity to release karmic burdens and reconnect with dharma through charity, mantra recitation, and devotion. Rooted in astrological transitions and echoing Vedic principles, Khalmaas remains a timeless practice—a quiet prelude to the divine renewal of the year ahead.

Blood Moon & the Lunar Eclipse: 13th March 2025.

 

Total Lunar Eclipse or Chandra Grahan: March 2025.

On March 13–14, 2025, the first Chandra Grahan (Total Lunar Eclipse) of the year will occur, casting the Moon in a reddish hue often termed a "Blood Moon."

This phenomenon holds deep spiritual importance in Sanatan Dharma, urging us to align ourselves with cosmic rhythms through prescribed rituals and introspection.

In this post, we explore the astronomical details with specific timings for Trinidad and Tobago, scriptural references, visibility across regions, and the spiritual observances associated with this event.

Astronomical Details of the Total Lunar Eclipse (Trinidad and Tobago Time).

The Chandra Grahan of March 13–14, 2025, will unfold over several hours, with precise timings in Trinidad and Tobago as follows:

• Start of the Eclipse (First Contact): 11:59 PM, Thursday, 13th March, 2025
• Total Eclipse Phase Begins: 2:27 AM, Friday 14th March, 2025
• Maximum Point of Lunar Eclipse: 2:59 AM, Friday 14th March, 2025
• Total Eclipse Phase Ends: 3:31 AM, Friday 14th March, 2025
• End of the Eclipse (Last Contact): 5:59 AM, Friday, 14th March, 2025

Visibility of the Chandra Grahan.

This Total Lunar Eclipse will be visible across regions including the Pacific, North and South America, Western Europe, and Western Africa. Specific cities where the event can be observed include Trinidad and Tobago, Dublin, Lisbon, Honolulu, New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Mexico City, Brasília, Santiago, Washington D.C., Auckland, San Francisco, Suva, Lima, and Havana.

For devotees in Trinidad and Tobago, the eclipse will be visible from the evening of Thursday, 13th March, into the early morning of Friday, 14th March (see timings above), offering a significant opportunity for observation and spiritual practice.

Conversely, the Chandra Grahan will not be visible in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and most countries in West Asia, as it occurs during daylight hours there.

 Per Vedic tradition, observances such as Sutak (a period of ritual impurity) and Spiritual Practice are not applicable in regions where the eclipse is not visible to the naked eye.

Scriptual Significance.

In Vedic astrology, a Chandra Grahan is attributed to the influence of the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu, as described in the Puranic narrative of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) found in texts like the Bhagavat Puran (Skanda 8, Chapter 9), Skanda Puran (Kashi Kanda, Chapter 39), and Vishnu Puran (Book 1, Chapter 9).

This episode narrates how the demon Svarbhanu, after deceitfully consuming Amrit (nectar of immortality), was exposed by Surya (Sun) and Chandra (Moon), who then informed Lord Vishnu. Using his Sudarshan Chakra, Lord Vishnu severed Svarbhanu in half, creating Rahu and Ketu, resulting in their eternal enmity with the Sun and Moon.

During a Chandra Grahan, Rahu is believed to engulf the Moon, causing a temporary cosmic imbalance. The Chandogya Upanishad (8.13.1) references Rahu as a shadow entity responsible for such events. The Moon, as the presiding deity of the mind in Vedic thought, is pivotal for mental clarity and emotional stability. The Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (Chapter 9, Verse 5) emphasizes that afflictions to the Moon, such as during a Grahan, can disturb mental peace.

This particular eclipse occurs in Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra (a star governed by the Sun, associated with duty and prosperity). Per the Samhita Vichar, it suggests worldly implications, as a shloka states, “Raajnah kastam ca kshatrabhangah ca bhavati,” hinting at challenges for leaders, such as governance disputes, ill health, or political instability, due to this Nakshatra’s emphasis on authority. Astrological forecasts suggest geopolitical tensions, protests, economic downturns, and resource scarcity persisting for 45 to 60 days post-eclipse, underscoring the need for caution.

Sutak: Period of Impurity/Inauspiciousness.

The Dharma Sindhu specifies that Sutak (a time of impurity) lasts 3 Prahars (approximately 9 hours) before a Lunar Eclipse begins and 4 Prahars for Solar Eclipses. For Trinidad and Tobago, the Sutak timings are:

• Sutak Begins: 3:16 PM, Thursday, 13th March, 2025.
• Sutak Ends: 4:47 AM, Friday, 14th March, 2025.
• Allowances for Children, Elderly, and Sick: Begins at 9:16 PM, Thursday, 13th March, 2025, and Ends at 4:47 AM, Friday, 14th March, 2025.

During Sutak, the Earth’s atmosphere is believed to be contaminated by the malefic influences of Rahu and Ketu. The Garuda Puran (Preta Kanda, Chapter 10, Verse 15) advises abstaining from mundane activities to maintain spiritual purity, recommending mantra recitation and meditation instead.

Restrictions.

Devotees in Trinidad and Tobago, where the Chandra Grahan is visible, are advised to:

• Refrain from cooking and eating during the Sutak period.
• Avoid activities such as oil massage, combing hair, or brushing teeth.
• Pregnant women are particularly cautioned to remain indoors and avoid cutting or stitching, due to beliefs about potential harm to the unborn child, as noted in the Matsya Puran (Chapter 253).

These observances apply only in regions where the Grahan is visible.

Spiritual Practices.

The Garuda Puran and other texts recommend spiritual practices during a Chandra Grahan to mitigate its effects and harness spiritual benefits:

• Before the Chandra Grahan: Discard cooked and uncooked food or protect it by adding Kush grass or Tulsi leaves during the eclipse.
• During the Chandra Grahan:

A.     Mantra Japa: Chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu is highly beneficial. Two specific shlokas are also recommended:

• Tamomaya Mahaa-bheema Soma-Surya-Vimardana, Hema-Taara-Pradaanena Mama Shanti-prado Bhava
  (Meaning: O Rahu, who obscures the Sun and Moon, grant me peace through the offering of golden stars.)
• Vidhuntuda Namastubhyaṃ, Siṃhika-aanandana-achyuta, Daanena-anena Naagasya Raksha Mam Vedhaja-adbhayat
  (Meaning: O Vidhuntuda, son of Siṃhikā (Rahu), protect me from the fear caused by this eclipse through this offering to the serpent deity.)
1. Havan: A fire ritual using offerings of ghee and sesame seeds can be conducted during the total eclipse phase (2:27 AM to 3:31 AM - Friday 14th March).
• After the Chandra Grahan: Following the eclipse’s end at 5:59 AM on Friday, 14th March, 2025, in Trinidad and Tobago, take a ritual bath (Snaan), sprinkle water with Tulsi leaves throughout the home using Kush grass, and perform acts of charity (Daan), such as offering food or resources to the needy.

A Call to Spiritual Discipline.

For devotees in Trinidad and Tobago, where the Chandra Grahan is visible (see timings above), this event offers a sacred opportunity to engage in Jaap (mantra chanting), Dhyan (meditation), Havan (fire ritual), and other acts of devotion, particularly around the maximum point at 2:59 AM on Friday.

For those in regions where the Grahan is not visible, it remains a time for contemplation of cosmic interconnectedness and adherence to Dharma through study and prayer.

Scriptures provide guidance on practices during a Chandra Grahan:

• The Shiva Puran (Vidyeshvara Samhita, Chapter 10, Verse 23) states, “Yasmin Kaale Japen Nityam Shiva-Mantramsu-Siddhidah,” meaning, “At such times, when one chants Shiva’s mantras, they grant perfect Siddhi (mastery).”
• The Mantra Mahodadhi (Chapter 2, Verse 15) explains that mantras chanted during a Grahan achieve Siddhi swiftly, as the veil between material and spiritual realms thins, amplifying focus and intent.
• The Shatapatha Brahmana (Agnistoma, 4.3.4.12) highlights that fire rituals during cosmic disturbances amplify their potency.

Devotees performing simple spiritual practice can utilize the following window: 2:27 AM to 3:31 AM on Friday 14th March, 2025.

Devotees aiming for Siddhi may extend their Jaap or Havan into a disciplined practice, such as completing 1,008 mantra repetitions over the eclipse duration 11:59 PM on Thursday 13^th March to 5:59 AM Friday 14^th March.).

Final Reflections.

As we approach this Chandra Grahan, let us honour the wisdom of our Vedic traditions by observing the prescribed rituals and precautions where applicable. May this celestial event inspire us to seek the light of divine knowledge amidst the shadows of material existence, fostering inner peace and spiritual growth.

Key Takeaways.

1. Sutak Period: Observe from 3:16 PM, Thursday, 13th March, to 4:47 AM, Friday, 14th March, 2025.
2. Spiritual Practice: Focus on the total eclipse phase, 2:27 AM to 3:31 AM, Friday 14th March, 2025.
3. Mantra Siddhi: Pursue across the full eclipse, 11:59 PM, Thursday, 13th March, to 5:59 AM, Friday, 14th March, 2025.

 

 

Phagwa in Trinidad: A Festival of Colour, Faith, and Unity.

 Phagwa in Trinidad: Colour, Faith, and Unity.

Phagwa, or Holi, is upon us—and in Trinidad, from 13^th March, 2025, community spaces will pulse with colour, resonate with Chowtaal rhythms, and glow with Holika Dahan piercing the night.

This Hindu festival heralds the triumph of good over evil, devotion over arrogance, and spring’s renewal over winter’s lull. Yet, Phagwa is more than a burst of abeer and song—it’s a sacred prelude to the Hindu New Year, occurring 15 days before the start of the Hindu NewYear, ensuring peace and prosperity for the year ahead.

Rooted in India and vibrantly reimagined by Trinidad’s Hindu diaspora, Phagwa weaves scripture, music, and tradition into a celebration of faith and unity.

Scriptural Origins of Phagwa.

The heart of Phagwa beats in ancient texts like the Vishnu Puran (1.17) and Bhagavat Puran (7.8), where the tale of Prahlad, Holika, and Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha Avatar unfolds. Prahlad, an unshakable devotee, defied his father, King Hiranyakashipu, who demanded worship as a god. 

Enraged, the king enlisted his sister Holika, armed with a mystical scarf promising immunity from fire. She lured Prahlad onto a pyre, but his faith in Vishnu turned the flames against her—the scarf shielded Prahlad as Holika perished. This victory of righteousness lives on in Holika Dahan, the ritual bonfire lit on Phagwa’s eve.

The Vishnu Dharmottara Puran adds cosmic depth, stating:
Pujitah Syuh Shubhapradaḥ -  "Those worshipped planets grant auspiciousness."

This verse underscores Phagwa’s role in invoking planetary blessings for the year ahead, a practice Trinidad’s celebrations echo through fire and offerings.

Holika Dahan in Trinidad.

Holika Dahan shines a light on the Indo-Trinidadian spirit, forged by descendants of indentured labourers who arrived between 1845 and 1917. In villages like Felicity, Dow Village, and Pasea, families gather under starlit skies to build pyres and Holika effigies. As flames leap, chants rise—each spark a testament to evil’s defeat and devotion’s triumph. Children clutch sugarcane sticks, elders recite soulful verses, and the air hums with anticipation as the effigy ignites—a living link to ancestral roots, adapted with Trinidadian resilience.

The Grahalaghava Tika connects this ritual to the Hindu New Year:
Holikopaayah Saṃvatsaraphalah ; Chaitraarambhah Pancadashadinapurvam - "Holika’s rituals yield the year’s fruits; Chaitra begins 15 days prior."

In 2025, this timing aligns perfectly—Phagwa on March 13 precedes the New Year on March 29. 

On Thursday, March 13, at 7 pm, the Lakshmi Narayan Bhakti Mandali in Tunapuna hosts Holika Dahan—a night of fire and faith open to all. Here, devotees may offer items to the fire, aligning with Vedic traditions to ensure the Nau Grahas (nine planets) bless the coming year.

Chowtaal Singing: The Rhythmic Heartbeat of Phagwa.

Phagwa in Trinidad thrives on Chowtaal, the four-beat folk songs born in India’s Bhojpuri regions. This call-and-response tradition unites voices, honouring Krishna, Radha, Shiva, and spring’s embrace. In the weeks before Phagwa, groups rehearse in temples and community centres, their dholak thumps, jhaal cymbals, and kartals blending with the fiercer edge of Trinidadian Tassa drumming. 

Songs like ‘Holi Khele Raghuveera’ soar, pulling everyone into the rhythm. More than music, it is heritage pulsing through schools and mandirs, ensuring the young carry their roots forward. At Tunapuna’s Holika Dahan, Chowtaal will fill the night—join in and feel its heartbeat.

The Celebration of Colour and Planetary Offerings.

Phagwa day dawns with laughter and colour. Across temple grounds, friends and strangers throw powders and spray abeer with homemade pichkaris—PVC water guns wielded with glee. Children douse elders, who retaliate with handfuls of colour, blurring caste, age, and status in a vibrant melee. This play echoes Krishna and Radha’s mischief, immortalized in Bhakti texts, each splash a nod to divine delight.

Yet, Phagwa’s fire holds a deeper secret. Vedic tradition, as outlined earlier, prescribes offerings to the Nau Grahas during Holika Dahan to secure their benevolence for the year. In Trinidad, while not universally practiced, this aligns with the bonfire’s sanctity. Devotees may wrap items in coloured cloth—orange for Surya (Sun) with jaggery or wheat, white for Chandra (Moon) with rice or milk, red for Mangal (Mars) with lentils, and so forth—offering them to the flames or donating them. 

These acts, rooted in shastra, ensure peace and prosperity, blending seamlessly with Trinidad’s festive spirit.

Phagwa’s Cultural Significance in Trinidad.

Brought by indentured labourers in the 19th century, Phagwa has evolved into a Trinidadian celebration of identity and resilience. It transcends religion, drawing Hindus and non-Hindus into its embrace. From Holika Dahan’s solemn flames to Chowtaal’s lively renditions, it’s a pillar of Indo-Trinidadian heritage—a bridge between cane-field struggles and today’s vibrant present. The planetary offerings, though less emphasized locally, deepen its role as a cosmic reset, aligning with the Hindu New Year’s promise of renewal.

Conclusion.

Phagwa is faith, fun, and freedom fused into one. Rooted in scripture, lifted by song, and sustained by rituals, it’s Trinidad’s heartbeat of joy—a legacy thriving in every pyre, note, and burst of colour. Whether you’re watching Holika burn, singing Chowtaal, or dodging abeer, you are part of a tradition that ensures a harmonious year ahead.

Mark your calendar: Thursday, March 13, at 7 pm, Lakshmi Narayan Bhakti Mandali (Tunapuna Hindu School compound). Come for Holika Dahan, stay for Chowtaal—and let Phagwa paint your world with wonder.