Guru Pournami is the first full moon in Dakshinayana, and marks the day when Lord Shiva the Adiyogi became the Adi Guru or first guru.
“Unlike modern calender’s that ignore human experience in relation to the planetary movement, the Indian lunisolar calendar take into account the experience and impact that is happening to the human being. It connects you with the movements of the planet.” – Sadhguru
Mahalaya Amavasaya is the first new moon after the autumn equinox. Dussehra, which celebrates the divine feminine, begins on the next day.
Winter Solstice (December 22): Marks the shift from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana. It is the beginning of the gnana pada or the period of flowering.
Gnana Pada:
Summer Solstice (June 21): Marks the shift from Uttarayana or Dakshinayana. It is the begining of the sadhana pada or the period of striving.
Buddha Pournami celebrates the day of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment.
The 21 days after Ugadi are the warmest in the Northern hemisphere.
The spring and autumn equinoxes (March 21, September 23) mark a point when a sadhaka can bring balance to one’s system. The Devi Pada begins from the autumn equinox.
Mahashivarathri is one of the most spiritually significant nights, when nature creates anatural upsurge of energies.
Mauni Amavasya is the new moon that comes before Mahashivarathri. Yogis frequently maintain Maun of silience till Mahashivarathri.