Shiva Ratri Pujas
Shiva Ratri is the “no-moon” day before each New Moon. It is the most important day of the month to honor Shiva and receive the blessings of spiritual growth, inner silence and peace.
Shiva Sai Mandir has a Shiva Ratri puja from 6:30 to 7 pm on the following dates: Thursday, May 2; Saturday, June 1; Tuesday, July 30; Wednesday, August 28; Thursday, Sept. 26; Saturday, Oct. 26; Sunday, Nov. 24; and Monday, Dec. 23.
Pradosh Vrat
This holiday is celebrated on the 13th day of the lunar calendar. We are celebrating the compassion of Lord Shiva and how he drank the poisons of the world to protect creation. Observing this 
holiday brings prosperity, the blessing of children, and peace and happiness to family life. It is traditional to undertake a light fast on this day and to wear rudraksha beads and vibhuti on the forehead.
Shiva Sai Mandir will celebrate Pradosh Vrat on Krishna Trayodashi of each month: Tuesday, Wednesday, May 1, 7:49 pm; Friday, May 31, 8:16 pm; Saturday, June 29, 8:27 pm; Monday, July 29, 8:11 pm; Tuesday, August 27, 7:35 pm; Thursday, Sept. 26, 6:46 pm; Friday, Oct. 25, 6:02 pm; Saturday, Nov. 23, 4:34 pm; Monday, Dec. 23, 4:35 pm.
Skanda Shasti Pujas
Skanda Shasti is a monthly holiday marking the bright fortnight — Sashti Pithi. It is a day to celebrate Skanda, the younger brother of Ganesh, and the nephew of Narada. Skanda goes by many names including Lord Muruga, Kartikeya, Kumara, Shanmukha, and Subramanyam. Skanda is an embodiment of youthful valor and strength, happiness and knowledge. Shiva Sai Mandir will hold an evening puja honoring Skanda for protection and well-being at 6:30 pm on the following dates: Thursday, May 9; Friday, June 7; Sunday, July 7; Monday, Aug. 5; Tuesday, Sept. 3; Thursday, Oct. 3; Friday, Nov. 1; and Sunday, Dec. 1.
Bagala Mukhi Special Fire Ceremony
Bagala Mukhi is called upon for political causes, legal issues, warfare, removal of curses, overcoming addictions, extricating one’s self from the power of inner demons, and removing hindrances to success and wealth. She is called the Bride with Golden Beauty, the Hypnotic Power of the Supreme, The Destroyer of Falsehood, and the Goddess of Tantra.
A special homa (Fire puja) to Ma Bagala Mukhi will be held during one of the Friday Evening Devi Pujas with Yamajit each month. This month’s homa will be on March 1st beginning at 6:30 PM, at Shiva Sai Mandir. The purpose of these pujas will be for wisdom in the political process, divine guidance for our leadership, for increased compassion and comfort to those less fortunate, and the recognition of truth over falsehood. Participants will also be invited to make personal sankalpa for individual healing, the resolution of issues, or for help toward loved ones.
This puja will be dedicated to cooperation between our lawmakers of the two major political parties. Participants are invited to bring donations of gloves and socks (or monetary dakshina for the purchase of these items) for persons who are homeless and still facing many cold days and nights. These items will be distributed during the following week’s Sandwich Seva.
Bagala Mukhi fire ceremonies will be held at 6:30 pm on the following Fridays: May 3, June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, and Dec. 6.
If new to the process, please RSVP by emailing Yamajit at chamundamandir@hotmail.com. You may also email Yamajit with any questions or call him at 303-475-5706.
