ARDHODAYA - MAHODAYA YOGA

In Hindu religious calendar (Panchanga) every day is unique in its own way either by virtue of Thithi or Vaara or Nakshathra or Yoga or a combination etc.

Out of this, certain days are considered to be highly sacred Parva-punya kaala (parva dina). Some of these sacred days get repeated every year. 

Some are very rare in occurrence may be once in a life time. One should not miss to utilize effectively these parva-kaala in acquiring merits (Punya).

One such sacred Yoga of rare occurrence is Ardhodaya which is highly meritorious (Punyaprada).

HOW TO RECKON ARDHODAYA?

A lunar day in Pushya/Maagha maasa having the following features is reckoned as Ardhodaya viz.....

Sunday (Bhanu Vaara)

Amaavaasya (New Moon day)

Sravana Nakshathra

Vyatheepaatha Yoga

Ardhodaya yoga is 100 times more meritorious (merits in abundance) than Surya Grahana.

What is to be done on this day?

Maxims of sacred texts prescribe that during any Parva-Punya kaala one should perform meritorious activities (punya kaarya) like...

Snaana,

Daana (charity), 

Prayer (including Punascharana of upadesa manthra), 

Pithru tharpana etc.

Charity given to Brahmins, performing Ashtottara Ksheeraabhisheka to Sri Guru Raayaru (Sri Raaghavendra Swamy of Mantralayam) during Ardhodaya gives Akshaya phala.

Sacred texts says that one should not miss Ardhodaya/Kapila Shashti Yoga even if they prevail for a Muhurtha Kaala (48 minutes).

It is worthy if it is prevailing during day time.

What is MAHODAYA?

If any one of the features out of the four indicated above are missing it is known as Mahodaya which is still more meritorious than Grahana Parvakaala and it warrants performing sacred deeds like Snaana – Daana – Pithru Tharpana etc.

Sri Krushnaarpanamasthu

Om! Sri Raaghavendraaya Namaha!