Celebrating Lohri: The festival is a symbol of the element, fire

Lohri is an exceedingly auspicious day as it celebrates fertility and the spark of life. A grand celebration is planned on the birth of a child or a newlywed couple where a lot of guests are invited and good wishes are exchanged. 

Lohri represents the element of fire. This is the element that represents energy itself. Astrologically, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are zodiac signs of fire. Sun, Mars and Jupiter are also known as fiery planets. Fire gives warmth, vitality, enthusiasm and excitement. Persons influenced by fiery planets are highly emotional with a strong masculine energy. The biggest challenge for anyone guided by the element of fire is to remain calm and peaceful along the way. These people are truthful, optimistic and tend to inspire others. 

On Lohri, the native should worship fire, especially those suffering from malefic influence of Sun, Mars and Jupiter. They should recite the mantra, Om Agni Devo Bhav 108 times while sitting around a fire. 

Face: North.

Rosary: Rudraksh.

The native should also offer til, rice, gajak, gur, moongfali, ghee, sugar to the bonfire. They should respect the natural element of fire by sweet language. It is believed that to sing and dance before agni dispels the darkness surrounds you. It gives you riches and comforts of life. It controls conflicts and arguments. Our shastras refer fire as the source of energy and light.

VAASTU TIP 

Agni has a place in the kitchen, so people who make offerings to fire, get peace, comfort and prosperity in life. The first day of every month represents fire, so the kitchen should be cleaned on very first day of month. This is the foremost rule of Vaastushastra.

The Southeast is the home of the element of fire, and the Northwest is the home of the element of air. Because of the interconnectedness of these two elements, fire features should only be places in the Southeast or Northwest of any room, building or property. This includes kitchen, stoves, fireplace, open flames and outdoor cooking features. A fire should not be situated in the Southwest or Northeast quadrant of a property, building or room,  it causes conflicts, arguments and unexpected loss of money. 

Astrologically, Lohri is considered as the most sacred day for mitigating the ill-influence of fire element. Srimad Bhagwad Gita refers this day as “Most auspicious and sacred when Lord Krishna manifests himself most tangibly.” On Tuesday, perform parikarma 11 times (clockwise) around agni, which is said to fulfill all your desires.  

Q: I was born on May 18th 1995, at 4.20 am. Currently, I am doing my MBA. Please predict when I will get a good job?
— Daljeet Singh 

A: Sun is well-placed, which promises support from high patronage in career matters. A lucky break is coming your way after March 15, 2020, when you will get a good job. Wear a coral of eight-carats on your ring finger on Tuesdays. Keep a red handkerchief in your pocket at the time of interview. Donate eatables to the poor on Thursdays.

(The columnist is author of 32 books on Astrology, Numerology, Vaastu, Mantrism, Dreams and Moles. He features regularly on various TV channels. You can email your queries at: pkhurrana@astroindia.com)