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Working in TN in 1990s, I found out that people dont do anything or take decisions on Ashtami and Navami. I asked them why. They say ' athu appadi than (It is like that) 1/n
Working in TN in 1990s, I found out that people dont do anything or take decisions on Ashtami and Navami. I asked them why. They say ' athu appadi than (It is like that) 1/n
We wont do anything on these thidhis'.
I asked Father. He didnt know either.
I was running NIIT Franchise those days, and these 2 days in a fortnight I could go anywhere, do anything as no one will come for enrollment.
I never rest till I get an answer. 2/n
I asked Father. He didnt know either.
I was running NIIT Franchise those days, and these 2 days in a fortnight I could go anywhere, do anything as no one will come for enrollment.
I never rest till I get an answer. 2/n
Then I got a chance to meet Kanchi Shankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathy Swamigal early morning one day at 3 am and asked him. He clarified with a story. 3/n
Once Sage Naradan asked Vishnu who was his most ardent devotee. He was under the impression Vishnu will say he is the most ardent devotee.
Vishnu points out to a poor farmer who calls his name 3 times a day as his best devotee. 4/n
Vishnu points out to a poor farmer who calls his name 3 times a day as his best devotee. 4/n
The guy will say "Narayana' when he gets up, again at 'Sandhya' while praying and at night before going to sleep.
Naradan was aghast.
He moaned
' I utter your name every minute and you think this guy is your finest devotee?'. 5/n
Naradan was aghast.
He moaned
' I utter your name every minute and you think this guy is your finest devotee?'. 5/n
Vishnu just smiled & asked Naradan to meet him before sunrise the following day.
Vishnu placed a pot full of oil on Naradans' head and told Naradan to walk till evening without spilling the oil.
Naradan came back successful and bragged he accomplished the difficult task. 6/n
Vishnu placed a pot full of oil on Naradans' head and told Naradan to walk till evening without spilling the oil.
Naradan came back successful and bragged he accomplished the difficult task. 6/n
Vishnu smiled and asked "How many times did you say my name today?"
Naradan sheepishly told 'Not even once'.
Vishnu said 'That farmer is poor and neck deep in debt. He is always thinking of how to make both ends meet. Despite that he thought of me thrice" 7/n
Naradan sheepishly told 'Not even once'.
Vishnu said 'That farmer is poor and neck deep in debt. He is always thinking of how to make both ends meet. Despite that he thought of me thrice" 7/n
Naradan was humbled.
The point here to be noted is that
'When you start something new, your focus will be on the task, and you wont be able to do your godly duties'. 8/n
The point here to be noted is that
'When you start something new, your focus will be on the task, and you wont be able to do your godly duties'. 8/n
Hindu Dharmam expects you to do your entire time for Godly Duties. But It also tells you to do your Karmam. There is a dichotomy.
Hence 'ATLEAST TWO DAYS IN A FORTNIGHT, DONT START ANYTHING NEW, BUT DEVOTE THOSE TWO DAYS FOR GODLY DUTIES AND PRAYERS'. 9/n
Hence 'ATLEAST TWO DAYS IN A FORTNIGHT, DONT START ANYTHING NEW, BUT DEVOTE THOSE TWO DAYS FOR GODLY DUTIES AND PRAYERS'. 9/n
Over time doing godly duties slipped into background and only dont start/do anything remained, as it is convenient 
When the revered Shankaracharya stopped, I asked
"Why Ashtami and Navami? Why not any other days?" 10/n
When the revered Shankaracharya stopped, I asked
"Why Ashtami and Navami? Why not any other days?" 10/n
He was patient, as a father would be to a childe, and smiled.
By then there was a small group listening to this explanation.
In a Horoscope Ashtama Sthanam denotes decline or death. Hence, advisable not to start something new. 11/n
By then there was a small group listening to this explanation.
In a Horoscope Ashtama Sthanam denotes decline or death. Hence, advisable not to start something new. 11/n
And for worshiping Devi, Ashtami and Navami are auspicious.
Also, Bhagwan Sreekrishnan, who gave Bhagavath Geetha was born on Ashtami, while Uthama Purushan Sreeraman, who taught us how to live an ideal life, was born on Navami.
Hence set apart these 2 days for prayers n/n
Also, Bhagwan Sreekrishnan, who gave Bhagavath Geetha was born on Ashtami, while Uthama Purushan Sreeraman, who taught us how to live an ideal life, was born on Navami.
Hence set apart these 2 days for prayers n/n
