Dear All,
Greetings and Namaste. As the Hindu New Year (Shobhakrit) as per solar calendar is on 14-Apr-2023 (Friday), may I seize this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and prosperous Hindu Samvatsara! May Lord shower you with health, wealth, fame, comforts, achievements, and everything you rightfully desire.
In this connection, I am delighted to share a very rare and potent Sahasranama titled Sri Sankata Devi Sahasranama said to be from Sri Mahakala Samhita and 4th Kalpa/Patala. Sri Sankata Devi is a form of Parashakti who protects her devotees from all troubles and difficulties. In some traditions, the eighth day of Navaratri is dedicated to the worship of Sankata Devi (Mahagauri in some traditions).
There seems to be only one temple dedicated to Sankata Devi viz. Sankata Devi Temple in Varanasi. I presume this Sahasranama is not referring to that temple as it was constructed only a couple of centuries ago and there is no reference of any kshetra within the Sahasranama.
Please refer to the preface within the Sahasranama on the elaborate Phalashruti. I forgot to add that the last shloka mentions that one who worships Sankata Devi on Ashtami/Chaturdashi/Tuesday/Saturday with red sandal, red akshata and red flowers will be relieved of all difficulties.
There is a reason I thought I will share this on the occasion of New Year. Though the name of the year Shobhakrit hints that the new year is likely to be an auspicious one, the practical outlook and the predictions by Hindu astrologers suggest not-so-rosy picture, at least until November 2023 for the following reasons.
a. The onset of New Year is immediately followed by 2 eclipses in Apr/May
b. Jupiter transit into Aries in Apr but combust for a month combining with Rahu already in Aries forming a special not-so-auspicious combination known as Guru-Chandala Yoga for 6 months
c. Saturn turning retrograde between Jun and Nov 2023
d. Rahu/Ketu transit about 6 months later in Oct.
Given that the world is going through massive layoffs in tech sector, banking crisis, never-ending Ukraine-Russia war, etc. the horizon is cloudy. But, at the personal level, we could pray to Goddess Sankata Devi to ward off all evils and difficulties!
Once again wishing you a very happy and prosperous new Year Shobhakrit with the blessings of Goddess Sankata Devi!
With regards and Pranams,
K. Muralidharan Iyengar (Murali)
No comments:
Post a Comment