Issue 1

Vishnupathi - Feb/13/99

In this issue of AUMzine, we have pointed out in two separate articles the importance of spiritually potent time periods and the observance of worship procedures designed by the Siddhas during these time periods. One such special time period is Vishnupathi Punya Kaalam, which we refer to as Vishnupathi for short.

Vishnupathi = abode of Vishnu; also, Vishnuhood.
Punya Kaalam = auspicious time; spiritually potent time period.
So Vishnupathi Punya Kaalam means the auspicious time of Vishnu. It's a very special time period in the spiritual world. It occurs once in three months and lasts around nine hours.

Why is it special?

-	Because in this time period God as Sri Maha Vishnu performed many miraculous deeds for the benefit of the universe.
-	In this time period many great devotees reached the abode of Sri Maha Vishnu.
-	In this time period many great devotees merged with Sri Maha Vishnu thus attaining Vishnuhood.
-	It's a time period when Sri Maha Vishnu continues to perform many many miraculous deeds out of his compassion for the universe and the souls that abide in it.
-	It's a time period when Sri Maha Vishnu's already boundless compassion flows freer than usual.
-	It's a time when Sri Maha Vishnu works harder than usual for the upliftment of humankind.
-	It's a time when the Siddhas work harder than usual in elevating souls towards Sri Maha Vishnu.
-	It's a time when spiritual progress is a lot easier to achieve than usual.

Vishnupathi is a time period which no spiritual aspirant should miss. Does a savvy shopper ever miss a sale? Missing Vishnupathi is like missing a sale in the spiritual world. It's a time when spiritual goodies are available at bargain prices! A savvy spiritualist wouldn't miss it for anything.

If you miss a sale in the world of matter, you can always wait for the next one. But if you miss this Vishnupathi, it's pretty much gone for life. Why? Because each Vishnupathi is unique in the spiritual good it brings with it. We have explained this elsewhere.

Since we humans seem to have slacked off in our observance of Vishnupathi, Sathguru Venkataraman has been exhorting everyone everywhere to observe it with renewed vigor. He has been explaining its importance for many years. Let's make sure that we perform the necessary worship procedures and charity work at least from this Vishnupathi onwards.

As we have pointed out in the article on timing, years repeat in a 60 year cycle and the present year (Apr/98 - Apr/99) is known as Bagudhaanya varusham. Since Vishnupathi occurs once in three months, there are four Vishnupathis in every year. The one which occurs on Feb/13/99 is the fourth Vishnupathi in the Bagudhaanya varusham. Thus if you miss this Vishnupathi, you will have to wait 60 years before the same unique set of spiritual circumstances will present themselves to you again. Who knows if we'll be around at that time. So make sure you don't miss this Vishnupathi.

What was the unique miraculous deed performed by Sri Maha Vishnu in the fourth Vishnupathi in the Bagudhaanya varusham? Well, wouldn't it be nice if we can first observe this Vishnupathi and then read about it? You can read about it in the next issue of AUMzine after you have celebrated this Vishnupathi.

Worship Procedures For This Vishnupathi

Now let's learn how to celebrate this Vishnupathi as ordained by the Siddhas and communicated to us by Sathguru Venkataraman. This Vishnupathi needs to be observed between 2 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Feb/13/99. It's best if it's observed in a temple where Sri Maha Vishnu resides bearing the name Kaar Mega Perumal. If you can't find such a temple, worship any manifestation of Sri Maha Vishnu or Narayana as Kaar Mega Perumal. Perform the abishekam (ritual bathing), alankaara (decoration) and archana (worship with flowers) for Sri Maha Vishnu/Narayana. Bear in mind two special worship rules for this Vishnupathi: (1) We must apply thaila kaapu (a coat of oil) for Sri Narayana and (2) we must decorate him with white silk. Why? To remember his having consumed and destroyed the dark forces of evil. But more on this in the next AUMzine issue. Please make sure you follow these two rules.

The Siddhas say that the food offerings to Sri Narayana in this Vishnupathi should be black or blackish blue in color, once again to remember his having destroyed the dark forces of evil. For example, dishes made using grapes, beets, figs. Dishes made using tomatoes are also acceptable. After offering these dishes to Sri Narayana, distribute them to the poor and the needy.

Consider those who died in fire accidents, those who succumbed to burns, those who died by ingesting poisonous substances and those who perished in machinery related deaths. On this Vishnupathi day, we can contribute to the proper passage of these souls by performing tharpanam rites for them. Do these rites and the Siddhas will ensure the welfare of these souls. This is a speciality of the fourth Vishnupathi of the Bagudhaanya varusham. The Siddhas have prescribed special procedures for performing these tharpanam rites. Set up the darbha grass frame on top of cloth that's black or blackish blue in color and perform the tharpanam using water from sacred rivers like the Ganga or Kaveri. If we do this, we would have done great service to souls which died horrible deaths. After all, aren't we trying to become selfless in our service? This Vishnupathi is a good opportunity to do selfless service.

What's in it for me?

Humans are calculating beings. "What's in it for me?" is what we think first. But the Siddhas understand us and they are more than willing to describe the spiritual and material good that we can get from this Vishnupathi. First we should realize that it's important to perform all facets of the worship procedure such as abishekam, alankaaram, archana, tharpanam and charity as ordained by the Siddhas. If we do this, then much spiritual and material good will arise from this kind of full fledged worship in this Vishnupathi:

-	The spiritual welfare of those who perished in fire related deaths is ensured.
-	The welfare and material advancement of those who work with fire as part of their jobs (e.g., furnace related jobs, jobs that involve explosives, match sticks, chemicals, gas cylinders, gasoline, etc.) are ensured. In other words, the Siddhas will protect these folks from getting involved in job related accidents because of their/our Vishnupathi worship.
-	There are many young women who feel inferior because they think they don't look good. They feel bad because of their looks. They are concerned that their chances of getting married are low because they don't look good. Well, who better than the most handsome Sri Maha Vishnu to fix all these problems! Observance of this Vishnupathi will ensure that young women who are troubled with these problems get rid of their feelings of inferiority by undergoing a spiritual transformation; they will realize that it's because of their past karma that they are facing their current problems. This enlightened outlook will make them a lot happier and content. Moreover, this Vishnupathi will ensure their welfare in life too.

Now comes the key question. "No one in my family has the above mentioned problems. So why do I care?" Well, even if you or your loved ones do not have the above problems, observe this Vishnupathi for the many who may be burdened with these troubles. Spirituality is about selfless service. What better selfless divine service than to observe this Vishnupathi and dedicate the good that comes from it to those who need it the most? After all, isn't that why we were born in the first place? To serve till the very end, right?

The Uniqueness of This Vishnupathi

Please perform the worship procedures described here on Feb/13/99. You'll then be ready to learn about the unique miraculous deed performed by Sri Maha Vishnu in the fourth Vishnupathi of the Bagudhaanya varusham. We'll describe it in the next issue of AUMzine. May we be ready to receive the blessings of Sri Maha Vishnu and the Siddhas on this Vishnupathi day.

Continued in AUMzine Issue 2...