Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha! Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha! Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaaya! Om! Ham! Hanumathe!

Sri Rama Doothaaya Namaha!

Concept & Significance of Maasa Niyaamaka The Governing Lord & Presiding Deity of Hindu Months
Time is controlled by Kaalapurusha; the presiding Deity of eternal Time, Lord Vishnu the Kaala. He is creator of Time and also one who causes repetition of Time. All entities in the universe come under purview of Time without any exception including Lord Brahma. Time is reckoned as Lord Vishnu who is Kaalaatma the soul of Time; Kaala-Swaroopa; the form of Time. Naaraayana Upanishad describes Lord Vishnu as Time Kaalascha Naaraayanah. Time is arising out of Lord Sri ManNaaraayana. Niyaamaka means the one who governs; appoints; assigns; instructs; guides and controls etc. Concealed in the word Niyaamaka is Niyama; meaning the rules, policies, principles, regulations; set of laws. Lord Vishnu is Niyaamaka of the Universe; the divine law maker and law giver. He is the great ruler; ordainer; governing lord and the presiding deity of eternal Time; Kaala Niyaamaka. Originated from the concept of Time; Maasa (month) is a micro constituent of Kaalachakra the gigantic wheel of Time. In Hindu calendar; Maasa means a month; Maasa Niyaamaka means the one who presides over the maasa. Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram (sloka # 45) describes Lord Vishnu as Rutuh (seasons), Kaalah (Time) and Samvatsara (the year). If Lord Vishnu is the Time; Time is Lord Vishnu and Time is everything, then Maasa which is a component of Time can be reckoned as Lord Vishnu. When Lord Vishnu is Kaala Niyaamaka; it is obvious that He becomes presiding deity; governing lord of Maasa also known as Maasa Niayaamaka in different names for different months. Chaithra maasam: All pervading supreme Lord; Kaala Purusha; Lord Vishnu is Maasa Niyaamaka of Chaithra maasam and hence, this month is also known as Vishnu maasam. Vishnu is the one who dwells in each and every element of this universe and everything dwells in Him. Ancient Hindu scripts declare God as Eko Vishnu
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Mahadbhuutah that means there is only one gigantic presence in the world and that is none other than Lord Vishnu who is there everywhere. We find a reference to this quote in the phala Sruthi of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram sloka # 20. Matchless and unparalleled in excellence Lord Vishnu the primordial supreme Lord; the mega spirit; pervades the many, various and different objects of three Universes and the three worlds of souls. Lasting as inner soul of every being; He protects and enjoys all entities in the universe; yet, remains unscathed by their faults. He is indestructible. Lord Vishnu is the solitary unique soul of outstanding excellence. He is the mega spirit present in every being of the entire universe, heart and soul of the universe and the only Aatman (soul) that existed in the beginning. Om vishvam vishhnur-vashhatkaaro bhoota-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh Bhootakrut bhoota-bhrud bhaavo bhootaatma bhoota-bhaavanah In the very first sloka of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram; Lord Sri Vishnu is referred to as Bhoota-Bhavya-Bhavat-Prabhuh. Sri Maha Vishnu is Lord of the past; present and future. Lord Vishnu is the Mahadbhuutah; the one and the only mega presence in this universe; the Bhootaatma; one who dwells in all beings; present every where. Lord Vishnu is free from all imperfections and possessor of auspicious, best and unlimited attributes; In Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram; in the very first sloka we find Lord Vishnu described as Vashatkarah; the one who possesses divine and auspicious qualities like; comprehensive control over everything (sovereignty/lordship); all capabilities to do and undo anything and everything; all accomplishments (Yashas); bountiful riches and prosperity; all knowledge in full form; total dispassionateness (non attachment); Lord Vishnu is the one who is always joyous and the one who gives delight (Aananda) to this universe. He is the origin of happiness, the ultimate abode of delight and is perennially blissful. He is the remover of all unhappiness. Symbolism of Lord Vishnu is depicted in the dhyaana sloka (Saantaakaaram Bhujaga-Sayanam Padmanaabham Suresam) that describes Him as, the embodiment and personification of peace; one
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who reclines on the great serpent bed Aadisesha; one whose navel is in the form of a Lotus that has given birth to the creation of Universe; one who is Lord of the Deities; on whose support entire Universe is rested; who is all pervading like the sky; one whose colour resembles that of a cloud; one who has a beautiful and auspicious body configuration; one who is the Lord of Goddess Lakshmi Devi; one who has Lotus eyes; one who rests in the hearts of Yogis who perceive Him through meditation; He is the one who is the destroyer of fear of cycle of births and deaths (Samsaara); I adore Sri Mahaa Vishnu the Lord of entire Universe. Vaisaakha Maasam also referred as Maadhava Maasam; Lord Madhusuudana is Maasa Niyaamaka of Vaisaakha maasam. We find a reference to words Maadhava and Madhusuudana in sloka #8, 18 and 78 of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram. Maadhava means one; who is the consort of Goddess Lakshmi Devi; who is a bestower and Lord of superior knowledge. Madhusuudana means the one who has slained the demon Madhu; one who is a great nourisher; as sweet and delicious as Honey; one who directs an individual towards performing of good deeds; attaining true knowledge and the one who was born in the clan of King Madhu. Jyeshta Maasam: Maasa Niyaamaka of Jyeshta maasam is Lord Trivikrama. It is a very popular name of Lord Vishnu that we come across in Vishnu related prayers and epics. Trivikramah means the one who has conquered the three worlds. In Sri Vaamana avathara, Lord Sri Vishnu in order to suppress the pride of King Bali, assumed the cosmic form Trivikrama roopa and measured the three worlds (entire universe) with his three steps. Aashaada Maasam: Lord Sri Vaamana is Maasa Niyaamaka governing the Aashaada maasam. Reference to Vaamana we find in Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram (sloka # 17 and 56); who is also described as Upendra and Trivikramah. He was known as Vamana because he was dwarf in form at the beginning. While suppressing the pride and vanity of King Bali, He was known as Trivikrama when, He grew to a gigantic size and conquered the three worlds, Earth, Upper worlds and Nether worlds with just three paces of his foot. Born to Sage Kasyapa and Aditi, He was also referred as Upendra the younger brother of Indra. We find all the three names Trivikrama,
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Vamana and Upendra while reciting 24 Kesava Namas. An exclusive Purana named after Lord Vaamana called Sri Vaamana Purana scripted by Sage Sri Vedavyaasa forms part of the 18 great Puranas called Ashtaadasa Puraanas. Sraavana Maasam: Lord Sridhara is Maasa Niyaamaka governing Sraavana Maasam. We find reference to the word Sridhara in sloka # 65 of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram. Sri means Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi and Dhara means bearing. Sridhara means the One who always bears on His chest Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi. In 24 Kesava Naamas also we find the word Sridhara as the ninth one. Bhaadrapada Maasam: Lord Hrishikesa is Maasa Niyaamaka for Bhaadrapada Maasam. Hrishikesa (Hrishika + Isa) means Lord of the senses under whose control the senses subsist. Aaswayuja Maasam: Lord Padmanaabha is Maasa Niyaamaka governing Aaswayuja maasam. Padmanaabha means, one who has a Lotus like navel or the one who has Lotus in the navel; one whose navel in the form of a Lotus that has given birth to the creation of Universe; the one whose lotus like navel is the source of the universe. We find reference to the word Padmanaabha in sloka # 6; 38; and in Dhyaana sloka of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama stothram (Saantaakaaram Bhujaga-Sayanam Padmanaabham); He is the one whose knowledge is complete like a fully blossomed lotus. He resides not only in the lotus called universe or Brahmaanda kamala; but also in our Hrudaya kamala. He is sweet, soft, attractive, fascinating, beautiful, fragrant; and extraordinarily bright Lotus. He is the one who has eyes which are like pure and sacred petals of a lotus. His charming eyes are that of a lotus. Associated with the name Padmanaabha is a very popular Vratha (austerity) Anantha Padmanaabha Vratha that is held every year during Bhaadrapada maasam known as Anantha Chaturdasi. Also associated with this name are famous temples at Trivandrum (Anantha Sayanam) and three Ranganaatha kshethras at Sri Rangam (Trichy); Sri Rangapatna (Mysore); Sivana Samudra (near Mandya on the way to Mysore);

Kaartheeka Maasam: Also known as Daamodara maasam; Lord Daamodara is Maasa Niyaamaka for Kartheeka maasam. Daamodara is one of the prominent names that we generally find being referred to Lord Sri Krishna. Reference to the word Daamodara; we find in sloka # 40 of Sri Vishnu Sahasra Naama Stothram. Daamodara is a combination of two Sanskrit words Daama + Udara. Daama means rope and Udara means belly. Daamodara means the one who was tied with a rope to his belly. A reference to this we find in Sri Mad Bhaagavatham 10th canto in the story of Lord Sri Krishna during his playful childhood days with his foster mother Yasoda. In this episode we find Lord Sri Krishna (Daamodara) liberating Nalakubera and Manigreeva; the two sons of Divine Cashier and Demi God Kubera from the curse of sage Naarada. Dhaam means an abode and Udara means abdomen. Dhaamodara spiritually means; one whose abdomen is abode for the entire universe or one in whose belly rests the entire universe. He is the one who can liberate the souls from the cycle (rope) of births and deaths. Maargasira Maasam: Lord Kesava is Maasa Niyaamaka; who governs the month Maargasira maasam. We find Lord Sri Krishna being referred to as Kesava. In 24 Kesava Naamaas, the very first name that we recite is Om! Kesavaaya Namah! In Bhagawadgeeta we find Arjuna addressing Lord Sri Krishna several times as Kesava. In Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram we find a reference to the word Kesava in sloka # 3 and 69; Kesa is a Sanskrit word meaning hair or a ray of light. Kesava means the one who has got a long and beautiful hair; whose hair is very charming; filled with supreme fragrance. Kesava is the one who is endowed with the rays of light spreading within the orbit of Sun; one who is the Lord of creation; preservation and destruction; one who is the origin of Brahma and Shiva; one who is the tormentor of his enemies; and the one whose very chanting removes sorrows and sufferings. Kesava also means the one who has slained the demon Kesi and hence is referred to as Kesiha.

Pushya Maasam: Lord SriManNaaraayana is Maasa Niyaamaka who governs the month of Pushya Maasam. Lord SriManNaaraayana is all pervasive; eternal; beyond all boundaries and for whom there is no limit either by space, time or location. He is the one who has infinite number of forms and He dwells in the entire Universe. He is invincible and omnipresent; there is no single place where he does not exist. His glory is infinite. He is highly meritorious among the meritorious. Naaraayana is a confluence of words Naara + Yana; Naara means water and Yana means lives. Naaraayana means the one who lives in water. It is said that before creation of the Universe everything was in the form of water and all pervasive energy which was present in the very beginning was that of Lord SriManNaaraayana. He is the primordial person who existed before anything else; and the one who is the cause and source of origin and end of the world. He is the one who manifests himself; He is the one who expands himself as Cosmos; never gets diminished and is the all pervasive Supreme God. He is one who outshines everyone. He is life giver and is the vital air that gives or sustains life. He is the praana (life) to every one including Devathas. Naaraayana is the one who is the ultimate reality (salvation); one who shows direction towards the ultimate objective for a human being; He is the sacred abode where every soul would be longing to go and stay eternally. He is the one who delights every ones heart. He is the Purifier and the one who gives in plenty. He burns away all sins of his devotees. He is the slayer of enemies (Arishadvargas) of people; destroyer of enemies of Gods. He is the one who is full of benevolence, love and affection without any discrimination. Lord Naaraayana is ONE. There is no other in any way whatsoever. Naaraayana Upanishad describe Him as eko nryaa Na dvityo'sti kacit There is only one Naaraayana; the supreme Lord; the Aadipurusha and there is no one superior to him and is second to none. He is Adviteeya. He is the ultimate truth and the ultimate divine power.

Goddess Lakshmi Devi is His divine consort; who is eternally present within His vicinity (nityaanapaayini) in His Vakshasthala (chest) and they are inseparable. Together they are called Lakshmi Naaraayana. Maagha Maasam: Lord Maadhava is Maasa Niyaamaka who governs the month Maagha Maasam. We find a reference to word Maadhava in sloka #8, 18 and 78 of Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram. Maadhava means one who is the consort of Goddess Lakshmi Devi, one who is the bestower and Lord of superior knowledge. Phaalguna Maasam: Lord Govinda is Maasa Niyaamaka governing the month of Phalguna maasam. Govinda is a very popular name of Lord Vishnu which we find commonly being chanted by one and all. In 24 Kesava Namas we find Govindaaya Namaha as the fourth one which we recite while performing Aachamanam. We recite Sri Govinda; Govinda while performing Sankalpa. Govinda popularly figures in Vishnu Naamathraya Japam; Achyutaaya Namaha; Ananthaaya Namaha; Govindaaya Namaha. We find a reference to the word Govinda in Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram; sloka number 20 & 58; Govinda means the One who is the Lord of Cows, protector of Cows, the one who has lifted the hill called Goverdhanagiri with His little finger to save and protect the Cows and Cowherds, also the one who is the protector of Earth. Go also means Vedas. One who is the protector of Vedas and who is eulogized by Vedas. Go means Cow and Vinda means one who helps to survive or surmount. Go+Vinda = Govinda means the One who helps us to survive and surmount the earthly existence and reach Supreme realization of the Self. Lord Sri Krishna is popularly known and called as Govinda and who is also called as Gopaala the protector of cows. We find Lord Sri Venkateshwara also popularly referred to as Govinda and devotees chanting Govinda; Govinda; when they visit Tirumala Kshethra. Adhika Maasam: Lord Purushottama is Maasa Niyaamaka governing Adhika Maasam; hence, Adhika Maasam is referred as Purushottama Maasam. Purushottama is one of the thousands of names of Lord Sri ManNaaraayana. It means best and the most superior among the beings in the Universe. We find a reference to the word Purushottama is sloka # 3 of Sri Vishnu Sahasra Naama Stothram. Lord Sri Raama an embodiment & personification of virtues is known
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as Maryaada Purushottama. Sacred place Puri; seat of famous Puri Jagannath temple is known as Purushottama Kshethra. Maasa (Lunar month) Most likely constellation on Full Moon day from which months name is derived Chitta Visaakha Jyeshta Poorva/Uttaraashaada Sravana Poorva/Uttarabhaadra Aswini Kruttika Mrugasira Pushyami Makha Poorva/Uttaraphalguni Depending on month Maasa Niyaamaka (Governing Lord of the month) Vishnu Madhusuudana Trivikrama Vaamana Sridhara Hrishikesa Padmanaabha Daamodara Kesava Naaraayana Maadhava Govinda Purushottama

Chaithra Vaisaakha Jyeshta Aaashaada Sraavana Bhaadrapada Aaswayuja Kaartheeka Maargasira Pushya Maagha Phaalguna Adhika Maasam

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