What is Kuligai ?

Kuligai (also known as Gulikai) refers to a specific, recurring 1.5-hour period each day in Hindu astrology and the Panchangam (Hindu calendar). 

Ruled by Gulikan, the mythical son of Saturn (Shani), it is historically considered a "Time of Development".

The cultural and astrological meaning of Kuligai dictates what should be and should not be done during this time:

What to Do:

Because Kuligai is believed to make events "repeat" or "grow", it is considered highly auspicious for initiating positive, long-term actions, such as:

Purchasing gold, real estate, or vehicles.

Moving into a new house (Housewarming/Grihapravesham).

Repaying debts (so that the debts are quickly cleared).

Starting a new business venture or making important investments.

What to Avoid:

Conversely, actions or events that you do not want to see repeated or prolonged should be strictly avoided during Kuligai. Things to avoid include:

Funeral rites and ceremonies (to prevent more deaths in the family).

Borrowing or taking out loans (so that the debt doesn't multiply).

Clearing out or demolishing old structures.

Undergoing elective medical surgeries.

When Does It Occur?

Similar to Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam, Kuligai occurs every single day. The exact timing changes daily depending on the day of the week, typically spanning 90-minutes. To check exact daily timings, you can refer to Panchangam/Almanac. 

Who is responsible for our sufferings?

1. Our parents had many children believing more children more support.

2. They led a simple and contended life leading to savings and thrift.

3. They suffered to educate them and to provide them with everything.

4. Hence we reduced the number of our children to one or two.

5. We developed more attachment towards our children.

6. We preferred an independent life to bring up our children to our liking.

7. Though educated, our children also had a different approach to life like us.

8. Soon liberalization flooded the market with foreign goods.

9. Desire and greed developed for such products affecting the lifestyle.

10. Thrift and savings are ignored, comforts and luxuries are given importance.

11. More the need, more price, more expenditure, and more money needed.

12. Expenses increased sky high, resulting in loans, debts, and EMI.

13. Unethical ways of making more money led to corruption and bribe.

14  This led to inflation forcing the women to go for jobs to compensate.

15. Women claimed independence, empowerment, and liberation.

16  When both are educated and employed, stress developed leading to problems.

17. The senior citizens could not give them a helping hand, hence neglected.

18. They are crying, cursing and lamenting for reducing the number of children.

19. Now a simple and contented life with savings and thrift is just a dream.

20. Now tell me who is responsible for our sufferings?

IDLY UPMA !!!

Alfred Lord Tennyson said, " men may come, men may go, but I go on forever". 

So many new tiffins like poori, chapati, kurma, Barotta, naan, roti, raita etc, have come and gone but Idly is simple, delicious, healthy, cheap and everlasting. 

It is the poor man's delight and the rich man's favourite, and the patient's medicine. 

Idly is a food item known to Indians for over 700 years. Its original name was Intarika. 

The first mention of Idly in the Indian literature was in Kannada by Sri Sivakoti Achariyar in the epic "Vadaradane" 

The method of preparing Idly mentioned in literature was different from the present method. 

The present method is mentioned only in literature after 1250 AD. It is the method mentioned by the kings who ruled Indonesia says Food specialist Sri Akshaya in his work.

People prepare Idly Upma from the Idly cooked on the previous day. No other item will give you as much taste and satisfaction as that of Idly Upma made on the next day. 

I remember a scene in the movie "Surya Vamsam" where the rich father who visits his suffering daughter relishes the Idly Upma served by her and takes home some quantity for his wife also.

It is a pity that Indians who are so much associated with Idly when they are in India, totally forget our Idly and eat burritos, kesa Riya, enchiladas, tacos, carnitas, mole poblano, tamales, carne asada, chile Relleno, tilapia Veracruz, bacon, eggs scrambled, french toast, cinnamon rolls, etc., when they go overseas, which are not as healthy as Idly.

Courtesy: Tamil traditional foods.

Palm in rose pink colour !!!

Q: What if the palm of a man is rose pink?

A: A naturally rose-pink palm in a man is generally a positive sign of healthy blood circulation and good temperament, though suddenly reddened palms can signal skin or liver conditions. 

Health Context:

Normal Circulation:

A uniform rosy color usually indicates excellent oxygenation, blood flow, and a healthy lifestyle.

Palmar Erythema: 

If the palms are intensely red, warm, or blotchy, it could be Palmar Erythema, also known as "liver palms." This condition is sometimes associated with underlying liver issues, hormone imbalances, or thyroid problems.

Other Causes: 

If the pinkness is a raised, scaly, or itchy rash, it could be Palmoplantar Psoriasis or a reaction to contact dermatitis. 

Palmistry:

In palmistry, a rose-pink hand typically suggests a balanced, optimistic, and creative personality. It is often interpreted as a sign of an energetic temperament and good fortune in a man's future endeavors.

If the pink color is accompanied by warmth, swelling, or pain, you should consult a doctor or dermatologist for an exact diagnosis.

Google cleared my doubt !!!!

I am 81, hearing impaired. Though willing, physically I am unable to perform the annual Srartham for my parents. So I just do the Tharpanam on that day, visit my family deity in the temple and pray for them and offer Rs.1,000 to the Lord. 

I don’t know whether it is correct or not. Normally when I have any doubts, I used ask my mother for clarification. But she is not alive. Then I thought of asking Google. Its answer is given below.

Q: I am 81, hearing impaired. on the srartham day, i perform the tharpanam myself and then go to the temple and offer rupees 1,000 to the lord. is it okay?

A: Yes, it is absolutely okay. At 81, your sincere intention, discipline, and devotion are what matter most. Performing the rites yourself and supporting the temple ensures the tradition is upheld.

However, since you mentioned having a hearing impairment, there are a few adjustments you can make to your routine:

Mental Chanting: If you struggle to hear the Purohit or your own mantras, remember that the Lord and your ancestors reside in your heart. Mental recitation of the sankalpam and mantras is entirely valid and potent when done with pure devotion. 

Temple Donation: Offering Rs. 1,000 to the Lord (Dravya Dhanam) is a noble way to conclude your worship. Ensure you state your intent to the priest so the offering is made in the name of your ancestors, or simply hold that thought as you donate.

NAKSHATHRA OR THIDHI OR YOGAM ?

In Vedic astrology, Nakshatra (the Star) is generally considered the most important element for understanding destiny, individual personality, and timing. However, Tithi is critical for daily rituals and emotional moods, while Yoga is essential for determining the overall harmony of a specific day. 

1. Nakshatra (The Star) - For Destiny and Personality.

What it is: 

The 27 lunar constellations that the Moon transits.

Why it’s most important: 

The Nakshatra your Moon is in at birth (Janma Nakshatra) is fundamental to your core psychology, your path in life, and your timing cycles (Dasha). When selecting auspicious dates (Muhurat), the star is always the primary reference point to ensure cosmic alignment. 

2. Tithi (The Lunar Day) - For Action and Festivals.

What it is: 

The phases of the Moon, dictated by the distance between the Sun and Moon.

Why it matters: 

There are 30 Tithis in a month, and each possesses specific energies tied to certain deities. Tithi tells you what action is supported. For instance, Ekadashi (the 11th Tithi) is highly favorable for fasting and spiritual practices. Festivals and birthdays are also determined by Tithi.

3. Yogam (The Yoga) - For Harmony and Timing.

What it is: 

The mathematical combination of the longitudes of the Sun and Moon.

Why it matters: 

There are 27 Yogas, which dictate the overall energy and compatibility of a day. Astrologers use Yoga to check the harmony for sacred events like weddings or housewarmings, as some combinations are highly auspicious (like Amrita Yoga) while others are to be avoided (like Vyaghata).

The Bottom Line:

In traditional practices, these elements work together like instruments in an orchestra. For long-term life events and determining personal traits, the Nakshatra is supreme. For determining the auspiciousness of a day's event, astrologers look at the combination of Nakshatra, Tithi, and the day of the week (Vaar). 

To check these elements for the current day or your birth chart, you can use calculators on platforms like Muhuratam or AstroSight.

PARENTS vs CHILDREN !!!!

Q: Why do people love their children more than their parents?

A: Yes, most people feel a stronger, more protective drive toward their children than their parents. This isn't because they love their parents less, but rather because love for a child is biologically wired as "downward" nurturing, meaning the priority is to protect the most vulnerable dependents.

While measuring the "amount" of love is difficult, the nature of these two loves differs significantly:

The love for children: 

It is heavily driven by caretaking, sacrifice, and the instinct to ensure the survival of the next generation. Because children are entirely dependent on adults for their well-being, parents naturally prioritize meeting their needs first. 

The love for parents: 

It is often characterized by gratitude, respect, and emotional attachment. Many adults realize the true depth of what their parents did for them only after they have children of their own.

Ultimately, people generally love both deeply but experience them as entirely different types of bonds. In emergency situations, the vast majority of parents will instinctively prioritize their children over their own parents.