24th August is not an ordinary Monday \u2014 it is a spiritually powerful doorway. And if you understand its significance, perhaps God has already given you the remedy before the test arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
24th August is a very special and sacred day, because on this one day we have the blessings of Shravan Somwar as well as Bhagvat Ekadashi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And therefore, I would sincerely recommend all my close followers to observe a fast on this special day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now why am I emphasizing this so much?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because just four days later, on 28th August, we have the Lunar Eclipse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those of you who have been following me for a long time know that I have always maintained one thing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The influence of an eclipse is not limited only to those few hours when the eclipse is actually taking place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its subtle vibrations begin to build approximately three days before the eclipse and may continue for nearly three days afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So energetically speaking, the influence of this Lunar Eclipse can begin from around 25th August and may continue until 31st August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And remember, the Moon in astrology is not merely another planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Moon represents your mind.
The Moon represents your emotions.
The Moon represents your inner peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And therefore, whenever the Moon comes under an eclipse, it is our mental and emotional balance that requires greater awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But spirituality teaches us something beautiful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may not always be able to stop the storm outside, but through sadhana, fasting and prayer, you can make the lamp within you so steady that the storm cannot disturb its flame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And this is exactly why 24th August becomes so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before the eclipse energies begin intensifying from the next day, you are being given this beautiful opportunity to purify, pray, fast and prepare yourself spiritually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a way, you are creating a protective spiritual shield around your mind and consciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because, as I have always said\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am not here for the crowd.
I am here for those few good hearts who understand the language of the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If even a few sincere souls can benefit from this guidance, remain peaceful during the eclipse period and move closer towards prayer and awareness, then the purpose of this blog is fulfilled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So with that beautiful thought\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
why 24th August is such a spiritually significant day, and why I strongly feel that this special combination of Shravan Somwar and Bhagvat Ekadashi has arrived at exactly the right time\u2014just before the intense Lunar Eclipse phase begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because sometimes, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
God sends the remedy before He sends the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So first, let us understand the deeper significance of this very special Ekadashi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ekadashi has always held a sacred place in our spiritual tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Ekadashi is not merely about fasting from food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also about fasting from negativity, unnecessary desires, anger, arguments and worldly distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because the real meaning of fasting is not simply keeping the stomach empty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The real fast begins when the mind becomes quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ekadashi is associated with Lord Vishnu \u2014 the energy that sustains, protects and preserves life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And Shravan Somwar belongs to Lord Shiva \u2014 the energy that purifies, transforms and liberates us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And this is what makes 24th August spiritually so beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On this one sacred day, we have the blessings of Hari and Hara \u2014 Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva \u2014 coming together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One energy protects you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other purifies you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One gives you stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other helps you release what no longer belongs in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And when such a divine combination arrives only a few days before a powerful Lunar Eclipse, I personally do not look at it merely as a coincidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I look at it as a spiritual indication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because sometimes\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
God sends the remedy before He sends the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But only those who are aware recognize the remedy when it arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And this is what I mean when I use the words \u201cchosen ones.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It does not mean that God loves one person and rejects another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
God belongs to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But some souls become sufficiently aware to recognize the sacredness of a moment when that moment arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And if you are reading to this blog today, perhaps this message itself has reached you for a reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you understand the divinity of this day, respect it, observe your fast sincerely, pray, chant, remain peaceful and consciously stay away from negativity, then 24th August can become a beautiful day of inner purification and spiritual protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Divine days come to everyone.
But their blessings are received by those who recognize their value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HOW TO OBSERVE THE FAST ON 24th AUGUST<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Me explain how I would like you to observe this fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And first understand one important thing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not about punishing your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fasting is not starvation. When you consciously reduce the demands of the body, you create a little more space for the soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So on the morning of 24th August, wake up, take your bath, wear clean clothes and begin your day with a simple prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Light a diya filled with pure cow\u2019s ghee before Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, or whichever form of the Divine you personally connect with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then sit quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a few moments to settle your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And chant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0950 \u0928\u092e\u0903 \u0936\u093f\u0935\u093e\u092f And after that chant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0950 \u0928\u092e\u094b \u092d\u0917\u0935\u0924\u0947 \u0935\u093e\u0938\u0941\u0926\u0947\u0935\u093e\u092f One mantra connects you with Mahadev \u2014 the force of purification and transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The other connects you with Lord Vishnu \u2014 the force of preservation, protection and balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And therefore, on this beautiful combination of Shravan Somwar and Ekadashi, chanting both these mantras becomes deeply meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WHAT CAN YOU EAT?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n During the entire day, you may observe a simple Phalahari fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n fruits,<\/p>\n\n\n\n milk,<\/p>\n\n\n\n tea,<\/p>\n\n\n\n coffee,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sabudana Khichdi,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sabudana Wada,<\/p>\n\n\n\n potatoes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n or simple salted potato chips suitable for fasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wherever possible, use Sendha Namak instead of ordinary salt, according to the tradition you personally follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But remember something very important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not spend the whole fasting day thinking about food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise the stomach may be fasting\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n but the mind is still feasting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The purpose of the fast is very simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eat a little less. Try to stay away from unnecessary arguments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid anger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid gossip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid unnecessary negative conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And wherever possible, keep your surroundings and your thoughts peaceful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VISIT A SHIVA TEMPLE IF POSSIBLE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And since this beautiful Ekadashi is also falling on Shravan Somwar, if possible, visit a Lord Shiva temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stand before the Shivling quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You do not need to ask Mahadev for a hundred things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply offer your prayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may perform a simple Abhishek with clean water and cow\u2019s milk with devotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And while performing the Abhishek, continue chanting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You do not need an elaborate ritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes one drop of water offered with complete surrender reaches Mahadev more deeply than a hundred elaborate rituals performed without feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because ultimately, it is not the quantity of the offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is the Bhava behind the offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Then once again in the evening, light your diya filled with cow\u2019s ghee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sit quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And repeat both mantras once again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA \u2014 108 times<\/p>\n\n\n\n and<\/p>\n\n\n\n OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VASUDEVAYA \u2014 108 times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Allow your evening to become quieter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid unnecessary entertainment if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spend some time in meditation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spend some time in prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or simply sit silently for a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And before sleeping, surrender yourself to the Divine with one simple prayer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMahadev, whatever is coming, give me the strength to remain centered. And then sleep peacefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not keep thinking about the eclipse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You have offered your prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now learn to surrender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HOW TO BREAK THE FAST ON 25th AUGUST<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On the morning of 25th August, wake up, take your bath and first offer a small prayer of gratitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not immediately rush towards food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditionally, an Ekadashi fast is broken during the prescribed Parana period on Dwadashi, and the exact timing may differ depending upon your location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So please check the appropriate Parana timing for your city according to your local Panchang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the appropriate time arrives, break your fast gently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may begin with water, fruit, milk or another simple sattvic food and gradually return to your normal meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And I also want to mention something very important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are elderly, pregnant, diabetic, taking essential medication, or suffering from any medical condition, please do not force yourself into a strict fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow whatever form of fasting is appropriate for your health and medical requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because devotion is never measured by how much suffering you can inflict upon your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n God does not count how many meals you skipped. That is the real Ekadashi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you can observe this sacred 24th August Shravan Somwar Ekadashi with sincerity, prayer and awareness, then you are beautifully preparing your mind before entering the sensitive energetic phase surrounding the Lunar Eclipse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You cannot control every cosmic wave \u2014 And before I conclude this podcast, I want to leave you with one very powerful story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because sometimes\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n one simple story can explain what hundreds of rituals cannot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A BEAUTIFUL STORY BEFORE I CONCLUDE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Leo Tolstoy has written a beautiful story:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three men became very famous saints in Russia. Prayer is a state of simplicity. It is NOT of words but of silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n this is the most important message I want you to carry from this podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have asked you to fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have asked you to light the diya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have asked you to chant OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA and OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VASUDEVAYA 108 times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have asked you, if possible, to perform Abhishek upon the Shivling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do all of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But never allow the ritual to become greater than the feeling behind the ritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because you may chant 108 times while your mind is somewhere else\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n and you may take the Divine Name only once with complete surrender\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n and that one call may reach God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is the beauty of prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is Bhava.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that is the state in which I want you to enter the coming Lunar Eclipse phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not with fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not with anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not asking again and again\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat will this eclipse do to me?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n But saying from within\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhatever comes, Mahadev is with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because fear weakens the mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prayer strengthens the mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fear scatters your energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fasting disciplines your energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And surrender brings you back to your centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, the Lunar Eclipse affects the Moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the Moon signifies the mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, if you want to prepare yourself for an intense Lunar Eclipse, the greatest thing you can strengthen is not something outside you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strengthen your own mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And this is exactly the solution I wanted to give my close followers before this eclipse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On 24th August:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fast according to your capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Light your diya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chant your mantras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit Mahadev if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remain peaceful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid unnecessary arguments and negativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And above everything else\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n surrender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have sincerely done what is in your hands\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n stop worrying about what is not in your hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leave the rest at the feet of Mahadev.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because you cannot stop the eclipse from happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You cannot control every planetary vibration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You cannot control everything happening around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you can decide the state of consciousness in which you receive those energies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that changes everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember this beautiful truth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n An eclipse may temporarily cover the Moon\u2026 Similarly, difficult energies may surround you for some time\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n but they do not have to enter you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your mind is anchored in prayer\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your heart is anchored in faith\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if your consciousness is anchored in Mahadev\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n then darkness may come around you, but it cannot enter within you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that, my friends, is why I wanted to give you this spiritual solution before the eclipse arrives \u2014 not after it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps 24th August has itself arrived as a blessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps the remedy really has come before the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recognize it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And make use of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fast with faith. And then enter the upcoming Lunar Eclipse phase with a calm mind and a fearless heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because when the heart is filled with God\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n even an eclipse cannot create darkness within you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jai Shri Ganesha. Jai Guru. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 24th August is not an ordinary Monday \u2014 it is a spiritually powerful doorway. And if you understand its significance, perhaps God has already given you the remedy before the test arrives. 24th August is a very special and sacred day, because on this one day we have the blessings of Shravan Somwar as well …<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27826,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[132],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27825","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2026-vedic-astrology-predictions"],"yoast_head":"\n
Fasting is purification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA \u2014 108 times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VASUDEVAYA \u2014 108 times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speak a little less.
React a little less.
And remember God a little more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lord Vishnu, protect my mind and keep me established in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
God sees how much negativity you were able to leave behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
but you can strengthen the consciousness that receives it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The highest priest of the country was very much disturbed \u2014 obviously, because people were not coming to him, people were going to those three saints, and he had not even heard their names. And how could they be saints? \u2014 because in Christianity a saint is a saint only when the church recognizes him as a saint. The English word \u2018saint\u2019 comes from \u2018sanction\u2019; when the church sanctions somebody as a saint, then he is a saint. What nonsense! that a saint has to be certified by the church, by the organized religion, by the priests \u2014 as if it has nothing to do with inner growth but some outer recognition; as if it is a title given by a government, or a degree, an honorary degree, conferred by a university.
The high priest was certainly very angry. He took a boat because those three saints used to live on the far side of a lake. He went in the boat. Those three saints were sitting under a tree. They were very simple people, peasants, uneducated. They touched the feet of the highest priest, and the priest was very happy. He thought, \u201cNow I will put them right \u2014 these are not very dangerous people. I was thinking they would be rebels or something.\u201d He asked them, \u201cHow did you become saints?\u201d
They said, \u201cWe don\u2019t know! We don\u2019t know that we are saints either. People have started calling us saints and we go on trying to convince them that we are not, we are very simple people, but they don\u2019t listen. The more we argue that we are not, the more they worship us! And we are not very good at arguing either.\u201d
The priest was very happy. He said, \u201cWhat is your prayer? Do you know how to pray?\u201d
They looked at each other. The first said to the second, \u201cYou say.\u201d The second said to the third, \u201cYou say, please.\u201d
The priest said, \u201cSay what your prayer is! Are you saying Our Lord\u2019s Prayer or not?\u201d
They said, \u201cTo be frank with you, we don\u2019t know any prayer. We have invented a prayer of our own and we are very embarrassed \u2014 how to say it? But if you ask we have to say it. We have heard that God is a trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. We are three and he is also three, so we have made a small prayer of our own: \u2018You are three, we are three: Have mercy on us!\u2019 \u201d
The priest said, \u201cWhat nonsense! Is this prayer? You fools, I will teach you the right prayer.\u201d And he recited The Lord\u2019s Prayer.
And those three poor people said, \u201cPlease repeat it once more, because we are uneducated, we may forget.\u201d
He repeated it and they asked, \u201cOnce more \u2014 we are three, repeat it at least three times.\u201d So he repeated it again, and then very happy, satisfied, he went back in his boat.
Just in the middle of the lake he was surprised, his boatman was surprised: those three poor people were coming running on the water! And they said, \u201cWait! Please one more time \u2014 we have forgotten the prayer!\u201d
Now it was the turn of the priest to touch their feet, and he said, \u201cForget what I have said to you. Your prayer has been heard, my prayer has not been heard yet. You continue as you are continuing. I was utterly wrong to say anything to you. Forgive me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
but it can never destroy the Moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pray with simplicity.
Chant with love.
Surrender with trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n