Hindu Spirit

Deities with Lion Face

2011-11-29T14:00:00.000+08:00

Lions are personified as the king of forest and mostly admired for its majestic appearance. Hindu mythology also doesn't miss the chance to embrace the mighty lion. It is mount for Goddess Durga who is called as Simhavahini.

Goddess Durga on Lion

Not stopping with that, the deities, themselves took avatar with lion face as this combination of lion and human forms represents the balance of good and evil. Lord Narasimha, Lord Sarabeswara, and Goddess Prathiyankara Devi are those mighty Gods who are worshiped as the savior against evils.

Lord Narasimha

Lord Sarabeswara

Goddess Prathiyankara Devi

The three deities avatars are linked in the given order. The story is like this.

Lord Narasimha

Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of god Vishnu, is half-lion half-human. This incarnation is to to alleviate the sufferings of devotees symbolizing fight against evil and tyranny. Lord Narayana is considered to be the origin of the other transcendental forms of God.

As told in Markandeya Purana: In the beginning of the Satya yuga, Hiranyakashipu (the brother of Hiranyaksha who was killed by the Varaha Avtar) wanted to take revenge on the Devatas and in particular on Lord Vishnu. He wanted to become the master of all the three worlds - Heaven, Earth & Pathala. He went to Mount Mandarachala and began penance which continued for years. Due to the intensity of Penance, Lord Brahma appeared before Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyakashipu asked for immortality as boon. Brahma, however, declined, saying "All living beings must face death Hiranyakashipu. You can, however, choose your death wish."

Hiranyakashipu then asked for three conditions, as his death wish, "'O Brahma, let not death come to me either by man or beast, nor devil, nor god shall cause my death by day or by night with steel or stone or wood, indoors or outdoors, or earth or in sky. Grant me undisputed lordship over the world". Brahma agreed and Hiranyakashipu got his death wishes granted. Thus he became practically immortal.

Hiranyakashipu's wife Kayadhu gave birth to Prahlad in the Ashrama of Narada who told Prahlad about the glory of Lord Vishnu. Prahlad grew up and became an ardent devotee of Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu, however, wanted his son to be the king of the Asuras, strong and ruthless. Realising that Prahlad always prayed to Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu took his son to Shanku and Amarka, the sons of Shukracharya, for schooling. All their efforts to inflence Prahlad failed.

One day the king challenged his son in the open court if Lord Vishnu was omnipresent? And if Prahalad could embrace the pillar in front to witness Lord Vishnu is in it also?

Prahlad did not hesitate even for a moment but rushed towards the pillar and embraced it. The heated iron did not burn him. The king got up from his throne in fury and hit the pillar with his mace.

To the surprise of everyone in court, The pillar cracked with a thundering sound and Vishnu appeared there in the form of Narasimha. One half of his body was of a lion and the other half of a man. It was twilight and Narasimha caught hold of the demon Hiranyakashipu and killed him on the spot in a moment by tearing up his body and drinking his blood..

Lord Narasimha was furious and roared. Because of the anger in Hiranyakashipu's body and the malicious effects of human blood, Narasimha was drunk on rage and could not be stopped. To calm him down with the power of compassion, originated Lord Sarabeswara.

Also read: Various forms of Lord Narasimha

Lord Sarabeswara

Unable to control the turbulence of Lord Narasimha, the Devatas pleaded Lord Shiva for help. As a result, to quell the anger of Lord Narasimha, Lord Shiva sends Veerabhadra powering Him with a shaft of light who assumes the magnificent form of Lord Sarabeswara . He appears as half-bird and half-beast, with two wings bearing Goddess Prathiyankara and Goddess Soolini on either side. The face is that of a Yali. Sarabeswara bears a deer, battleaxe, snake and fire in his four hands. He also bears Bhairava and Agni in his abdomen. Two of his four feet rest on a mountain. The benign grace of Lord Veera Sarabeswara is said to protect devotees from all kinds of malevolent forces. Upon seeing this, Lord Narasimha created Ganda-Berunda, a two headed-bird that was Sarabeswara's opposite. Upon seeing this, Sarabeshwara turned into Bhairava (Shiva's fierce form) and created Goddesses Pratyangira from his third eye.

Also read: Temple & Puja performance for Lord sarabeswara

Goddess Prathiyankara Devi

She is also referred to as Aparajitha – the invincible. She is believed to have emerged from the fire emanating from the third eye of Lord Sarabeswarar. It was Goddess Prathiyankara who aided in subsiding the anger of Lord Narasimha. Prathyangira ate the bird created by Lord Narasimha, displaying rage the like of which the gods had never seen before.She was praised as she calmed Narasimha down by sitting on his lap.She is lion – faced and is seated on a lion. Her four hands bear a noose in the form of a snake, trident, hand-drum and bowl (kabaala paathram). She wears a garland of skulls. In this Kali yuga, where evil is manifest in varied forms, Goddess Prathiyankara is regarded as the saviour of mankind, alleviating the sufferings of humanity. She possesses the power to offset the influences of black magic. Though fearsome in appearance, she is the very embodiment of benevolence and grace to her devotees.

The Sarabeswara, Prathyankira Devi and Narasimha avatars happened during the Pradosham time period. The Nitya Pradosham time period on the Thrayodasi thithi (the thirteenth thithi) is known as Paksha Pradosham; it occurs once in each paksham. It's one of the most spiritually potent times within each paksham (fortnight). The Sarabesvara, Ugraha Prathyankira Devi and Narasimha avatars must be worshipped during this time period.

Temple and Puja performance for Lord Sarabeswara

2011-11-29T13:18:00.001+08:00

It is firmly believed that for removing obstacles in marriage, for begetting a child, for recovery from debts, for winning legal battles, for neutralizing the effects of black magic etc., worshipping Lord Sarabeswara is the best remedy. Arulmighu Kambahareswara temple, also known as "Thirubuvana Veera Deva temple" located in the village of Thirubuvanam, a town which is about 8 miles from Kumbakonam in the east on the road leading to Mayiladuthurai is the only temple where Lord Shiva Perumaan is manifested as "Sarabeswarar" while in other places Sarabeswarar can be found in pillars.

Lord Sarabeswara

Lord Sarabeswara is please or the best time to do abishekam and puja to Lord sarabeswara is on

Chandra horai during raagu kaalam on Sunday - perform abishekam for Sri Sarabesvara using pure cow's milk. Do archana using little spheres of butter and perform archana with 108 namas and offer white colored dishes as neivédyam and distribute the same to the poor and the needy. Doing this will cure migraine problems, cure the long illness of husband, get back your awaited finance and bring peace in family
Sani Horai during raagu Kaalam on Sunday - offer selfless service to the handicapped, Offer sesame based dishes and fruits as neivédyam, Distribute black or blackish blue clothes to the poor and Do archana using flowers from the Nagalingam tree in this time span.Doing this will cure severe illness, remove the obstacles, gain good fame, rejoin the estranged couples
Guru horai during raagu Kaalam on Sunday - one must offer beauty products and ornaments as gifts to married women who can't afford these on their own. Doing this is good for women on all aspects to get rid of problems with husband, relations, in laws, and reduce the intensity of enemity.

Gayatri Mantra

Om Saaluvesaaya vidhmahé

pakshi raajaaya dheemahi
thannó Sarabesvara prachodayaath

Various forms of Lord Narasimha

2011-11-29T09:25:00.001+08:00

There are totally seventy four forms of Lord Narasimha. Of them thirty forms are known and nine form them are very prominent. The remaining forms are standing, riding on Garuda, alone, in company, benign, ferocious, and multi-armed (two to sixteen). All of these forms point to the diversity in transcendence of the Narsimha-Avatar.

Amrta-nrsimha (representing the five elements)
Astamo-diina-vallabhah (Beloved to the wretched)
Attahasa-nrsimha (roars horribly and majestically strides out to destroy evil)
Avesha-nrsimha (a frenzied form)
Brahma-nrsimha, Vishnu-nrsimha, and Rudra-nrsimha
Chanda-nrsimha (ferocious)
Chhatra-nrsimha (seated under a parasol of the five-hooded serpent)
Chakra-nrsimha (with only a discus in hand)
Caturthaastu-vidhaaranah (One who rips apart)
Dashamo-'nanta hastakah (One who has unlimited hands)
Dvaadashah-karuna nidhih (Ocean of Mercy)
Dvitiiyas-tugrakesharih (Angry Lion)
Ekaadasho-mahaa-raudro (Terrible One)
Ghora-nrsimha (ferocious)
Grahana-nrsimha (catching hold of the demon)
Jvala-nrsimha (with a flame-like mane)
Laksmi-nrsimha (where Laksmi pacifies Him)
Navamo-prahlaada-varado (Benefactor of Prahlada)
Pan-casya-pan-camashcaiva (One who has five mouths)
Prasada-nrsimha or Prahlada-varada-nrsimha (Benign Protector of Prahlada)
Pratamaastu-mahaajvaalo (Greatly fiery one)
Prthvi-nrsimha, Vayu-nrsimha, Akasa-nrsimha, Jvalana-nrsimha and Pusthi nrsimha (worshipped for overcoming evil influences)
Samhara-nrsimha (killing the demon)
Saptamo-daitya hantaa ca (The Killer of the demons)
Shasta-kashipu mardhanah (Killer of Hiranyakashipu)
Stambha-nrsimha (coming out of the pillar)
Svayam-nrsimha (manifesting on His own)
Tritiiyah-krsna pingaaksah (One with Blackish Brown Eyes)
Vidarana-nrsimha (ripping open of the belly of the demon)
Yoga-nrsimha or Yogesvara-nrsimha (in meditation)

The prominent nine forms Navanarasimha are:

Lord Narasimha

Ugra Narasimha
Krodha Narasimha
Malola Narasimha
Jwala Narasimha
Varaha Narasimha
Bhargava Narasimha
Karanja Narasimha
Yoga Narasimha
Lakshmi Narasimha
Chhatravata Narasimha/Pavana Narasimha/Pamuleti Narasimha

Narasimha Astothram with meaning

2011-11-10T17:14:00.001+08:00

1 Om narasimhaya namah --           Obeisances unto the half-man half-lion Lord
2 Om mahasimhaya namah  --          Obeisances to the great lion
3 Om diyva-simhaya namah  --         Obeisances to the Divine lion
4 Om mahabalaya namah  --             Obeisances to the greatly powerful
5 Om ugra-simhaya namah --             Obeisances to the terrifying lion
6 Om mahadevaya namah  --           Obeisances to the Lord of lords
7 Om stambha-ja-aya namah --            Obeisances to One who appeared from the pillar
8 Om ugra-locanaya namah  --          Obeisances to one who possesses terrifying eyes
9 Om raudraya namah  --               Obeisances to the angry one
10 Om sarvadbhutaya namah  --         Obeisances to one who is wonderful in everyway
11 Om srimanaya namah --              Obeisances to the most beautiful
12 Om yoganandaya namah --            Obeisances to the source of yogic bliss
13 Om trivikramaya namah --           Obeisances to Lord Vamana (Who took three great steps)
14 Om harine namah --                 Obeisances to Sri Hari Who takes our troubles away
15 Om kolahalaya namah  --            Obeisances to the roaring (Varahadeva – Varaha-nrisimha)
16 Om cakrine namah  --               Obeisances to Him Who carries the disk
17 Om vijayaya namah  --              Obeisances to Him Who is always victorious
18 Om jaya-vardhanaya namah  --       Obeisances unto Him Who has ever increasing glories
19 Om panchananaya namah  --          Obeisances unto Him Who is five-headed
20 Om param-brahma-aya namah --        Obeisances unto Supreme Absolute Truth
21 Om aghoraya namah --               Obeisances to Him Who for His devotees is not horrible
22 Om ghora-vikramaya namah --        Obeisances to him Who has terrifying activities
23 Om jvalan-mukhaya namah --          Obeisances to One Who has an effulgent face
24 Om jvala-maline namah --           Obeisances to Him with effulgent garland of flames
25 Om mahajvalaya namah  --           Obeisances to He Who is most effulgent
26 Om maha-prabhuhaya namah  --       Obeisances to the Supreme Master
27 Om niti-laksaya namah  --          Obeisances to Him Who possesses all good (moral) qualities
28 Om sahasraksaya namah --           Obeisances to the thousand-eyed One
29 Om durniriksyaya namah --          Obeisances to Him Who is difficult to see (bzw. difficult to look at)
30 Om pratapanaya namah  --           Obeisances to Him Who oppresses His enemies with great heat
31 Om mahadamstraya namah  --         Obeisances to Him Who possesses huge teeth
32 Om yudha-prajnaya namah --         Obeisances to the Supremely intelligent in battle (ready to fight)
33 Om canda-kopine namah  --          Obeisances to Him Who is likened to an angry moon
34 Om sada-sivaya namah  --           Obeisances to the All auspicious Lord
35 Om hiranyakasipu-dhvamsine namah -- Obeisance to Him Who destroys Hiranyakasipu
36 Om daitya-danava-bhanjanaya namah -- Obeisances to He Who destroys the masses of the race of demons and giants
37 Om guna-bhadraya namah  --         Obeisances unto Narasimha Who is full of wonderful qualities
38 Om mahabhadraya namah --           Obeisances to Him Who is very auspicious
39 Om bala-bhadraya namah --          Obeisances to Him Who is auspiciously powerful
40 Om subhadrakaya namah --           Obeisances to the extremely auspicious One
41 Om karalaya namah  --              Obeisances to He Who possesses a wide open mouth
42 Om vikaralaya namah --             Obeisances to Him with very wide open mouth
43 Om vikartaya namah --              Obeisances to the Lord Who performs wonderful activities
44 Om sarva-kartrikaya namah  --      Obeisances to the Lord performs ALL activities
45 Om sisumaraya namah  --            Obeisances to Him Who also appears as Matsya
46 Om trilokatmaya namah  --          Obeisances to the Soul of the three worlds
47 Om isaya namah  --                 Obeisances to the Lord known as the controller
48 Om sarvesvaraya namah  --          Obeisances to THAT supreme controller
49 Om vibhuaya namah --               Obeisances to Narasimha Who is the BEST
50 Om bhaivaradambaraya namah  --     Obeisances to Him Who causes terror by roaring in the sky
51 Om divyaya namah --                Obeisances to That Divine Person Narasimha
52 Om acyutaya namah  --              Obeisances to our infallible Lord Nara-simha
53 Om kavine namah  --                Obeisances to the Supreme intelligent (poet)
54 Om madhavaya namah  --             Obeisances to the husband of Srimati Laksmi devi
55 Om adhoksajaya namah             Obeisances to Him Who is beyond understanding (or beyond explaining)
56 Om aksaraya namah  --              Obeisances to the infallible One
57 Om sarvaya namah  --               Obeisances to He Who is the origin of everything
58 Om vanamaline namah   --           Obeisances to Him Who wears garland of forest flowers (or adorned by His loving devotees)
59 Om varapradaya namah --            Obeisances to the Merciful Lord Who grants boons to the deserving like Prahlada
60 Om visvambaraya namah  --          Obeisances to Narasimha Who maintains the universe
61 Om adbhutaya namah   --            Obeisances to Him Who is WONDERFUL
62 Om bhavyaya namah --               Obeisances to He Who determines the future (Who IS the future for His devotees)
63 Om sri-visnave namah --            Obeisances to That Narasimha Who is the all pervading Lord Vishnu
64 Om purusottamaya namah  --         Obeisances to Narasimha Who is the Supreme Enjoyer
65 Om anaghastra namah  --            Obeisances to Him Who can never be wounded by weapons
66 Om nakhastraya namah --            Obeisances to Him Who has sharp nails for weapons
67 Om surya-jyotine namah  --         Obeisances to Narasimha the source of Suns rays
68 Om suresvaraya namah --            Obeisances to Narasimhadev, Lord of devatas
69 Om sahasra-bahu-aya namah  --      Obeisances to Nara-hari the thousand-armed Lord
70 Om sarva-jnaya namah --            Obeisances to Him Who is the all-knowing
71 Om sarva-siddhi-pradayakaya namah Obeisances to Him Who awards all perfections to the sadhakas (devotees)
72 Om vajra-damstraya namah  --       Obeisances to Narasimha Who has teeth like lightning bolts
73 Om vajra-nakhaya namah  --         Obeisances to Narasimha Who possesses nails like          piercing lightning bolts
74 Om mahanandaya namah  --           Obeisances to the source of supreme bliss – Atmananda – Narasimha
75 Om param-tapaya namah --           Obeisances to the source of All austerities, spiritual energy (and taptah – heat)
76 Om sarva-mantraika-rupa namah --   Obeisances to that Divine Personality Who although one, he appears as the many mantrika formulas
77 Om sarva-yantra-vidaramaya namah -- Obeisances to Him Who destroys all machines (demoniac plans/arrangements/vehicles for demoniac works)
78 Om sarva-tantratmakaya namah --    Obeisances to Narasimha the essence of, and proprioter of all tantras (ritual rites – pujas)
79 Om avyaktaya namah  --             Obeisances to the Lord Who appears unmanifest
80 Om suvyaktaya namah  --            Obeisances unto Nara-simha Who for His devotees becomes wonderfully manifest from the pillar (or when needed)
81 Om bhakta-vatsala namah          Obeisances to the Lord Who always has the well-being of His devotee at heart
82 Om vaisakha-sukla-bhototthaya namah -- Obeisances to That Narasimhadeva Who appeared during waxing moon of the month of Visakha (April-May)
83 Om saranagata-vatsalaya namah   -- Obeisances to The Lord Who is kind to those surrendered to Him (like the mother lioness who is kind to her cubs)
84 Om udara-kirtine namah   --         Obeisances to Nara-simha Who is universally famous
85 Om punyatmaya namah   --            Obeisances to Him Who is the essence of piety
86 Om mahatmaya namah   --             Obeisances to That great personality, Nara-simha
87 Om candra-vikramaya namah   --      Obeisances to Him Who is the performer of moonlike or great deeds, or who performs deeds that eclipse All others
88 Om vedatrayaya namah  --            Obeisances to the Lord of the three original Vedas (Rg, Yajur, Sama)
89 Om prapujyaya namah   --            Obeisances to Narasimha Who is supremely worshipable
90 Om bhagavanaya namah   --           Obeisances to Narasimha the Supreme Personality of Godhead
91 Om paramesvaraya namah  --          Obeisances to He Who is the Supreme Controller (Nara-simha-deva)
92 Om srivatsamkaya namah --           Obeisances to the Lord Who is just like Krishna, being marked with symbol of Laksmi
93 Om jagat-vyapine namah  --          Obeisances to Narasimha Who pervades the entire universe
94 Om jagan-mayaya namah  --           Obeisances to the Supreme Mystic Who makes the material world seem real
95 Om jagat-palaya namah   --          Obeisances to the protector of the universe (Nara-simha)
96 Om jagannathaya namah  --           Obeisances to the Lord of Universe
97 Om mahakhagaya namah  --            Obeisances to Him Who moves in the air or with the movement of the air (is everywhere)
98 Om dvi-rupa-bhrtaya namah   --      Obeisances to Him Who has double form (man-lion)
99 Om paramatmaya namah    --          Obeisances to Him Who is the Supersoul of All beings
100 Om param-jyotine namah  --         Obeisances to Him (Nara-simha) Whose effulgence is the source of Brahman
101 Om nirgunaya namah   --            Obeisances to Narasimha Who possesses transcendental qualities (not those of the material nature)
102 Om nrkesarine namah   --           Obeisances unto Him man-lion (or having a lion’s mane while appearing part human)
103 Om para-tattvaya namah   --        Obeisances to the Supreme Absolute Truth (One Who is of the Supreme nature)
104 Om param-dhamaya namah  --         Obeisances to He Who comes from the Supreme Abode
105 Om sac-cid-ananda-vigrahaya namah --   Obeisances to Narasimha Whose Form is made of eternal knowledge and bliss
106 Om laksmi-nrsimhaya namah  --      Obeisances unto the Man-Lion Form together with the Supreme Goddess of Fortune Srimati Laksmi-devi
107 Om sarvatmaya namah  --            Obeisances unto the universal, primeval soul (the Supreme Personality of Godhead – Narasimhadeva)
108 Om dhiraya namah    --             Obeisances unto Narasimha who is always sober (being never bewildered)

***Om prahlada-palakaya namah ***-- Obeisances unto Narasimha Who is the protector of Prahlada Maharaja, and those of that nature – surrendered unto Him.

Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam News ahead of Brahmotsav

2011-09-21T09:17:00.002+08:00

"I pray to Lord Venkateswara who is famous with the names 'Narayana' 'Kesava', 'Hrushidesa', 'Vamana', etc. The Lord's manifestation can be understood only by acquiring Jnana, or by Nirvikalpa i.e. attaining a state of absolute calmness of the mind."

No payment required to any tonsurers to tonsure the hair.
No special entrance for Disabled, elderly and baby wih mother is allowed during Brahmotsav.
Please do not shower coins, prasadams, flowers while deity is on procession during Brahmotsav as they might hurt the Poojaris accompanying the deity.
Locker facility is now available in Tirumals @ Rs. 50 with Andhra bank for devotees.
Advance Booking of Srivari Arjitha Sevas can be booked from the Website http://www.ttdsevaonline.com/eseva/eSevaHome.aspx, 90 days in advance.
Pilgrims are given free medical aid at the Aswini Hospital near Seshadri Nagar in Tirumala.
24 hour medical assistance is provided to pilgrims all along the footpath from Alipiri to Tirumala.
APSRTC runs free buses from the Tirupati Railway station to Alipiri, with a frequency of 30 minutes. Pilgrims who intend to walk up the hills to Tirumala can use these buses.
1.Railway Station To Alipiri
2.Railway Station To Srivari Mettu.

TIRUMALA TIRUPATHI BRAHMOTSAVAM SCHEDULE 2011

2011-09-21T08:59:00.000+08:00

DAY	DATE	Morning Event	Evening Event
1st	28.09.2011	-	Ankurarpana, Senathipathi Utsavam
2nd	29.09.2011	Dwarjarahanam	Pedda Sesha Vahanam
3rd	30.09.2011	Chinna Sesha Vahanam	Hamsa Vahanam
4th	01.10.2011	Simha Vahanam	Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam
5th	02.10.2011	Kalpa Vruksha Vahanam	Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam
6th	03.10.2011	Mohini Avatharam	Garuda Vahanam
7th 04.10.2011		Hanumantha Vahanam & Swarna Ratham Gaja Vahanam
8th	05.10.2011	Surya Prabha Vahanam	Chandra Prabha Vahanam
9th	06.10.2011	Rathostavam	Aswa Vahanam
10th	07.10.2011	Chakra Snanam	Dwaja Avarohanam

Bhavani Ashtakam

2011-08-19T23:21:00.000+08:00

Bhavani Amman, Periyapalayam, Tamilnadu

This astakam((Eight verses of stotram or sloka) is recited by Aadi Sankaracharya on Goddess Bhavani, the consort of Lord Shiva. She is otherwise Goddess Parvati Devi, Sakthi, Durga, Gowri and more. She is the course of souls in metempsychosis. Goddess Bhavani Ma is believed to be the “Giver of Life”.

Bhavani maatha, Tuljapur, Gujarat

Bhavani Maatha, Kasi Khand, Varanasi

Surrender at her feet reciting this sloka, giving up greediness, selfishness, all sorts of fame and lust to win her blessings. Jai Bhavani Maatha!

Na thatho, na matha, na bandur na datha,
Na puthro, na puthri , na bruthyo , na bartha,
Na jayaa na Vidhya, na Vruthir mamaiva,
Gathisthwam, Gathisthwam Thwam ekaa Bhavani.

Bhavabdhava pare , Maha dhukha Bheeru,
Papaatha prakami , pralobhi pramatha,
Kam samsara pasa prabadha sadaham,
Gathisthwam, Gathisthwam thwam ekaa Bhavani.

Na Janaami Dhanam, Na cha dhyana yogam,
Na janami thathram, na cha sthothra manthram,
Na janami poojam, na cha nyasa yogam,
Gathisthwam, Gathisthwam thwam ekaa Bhavani

Na janami Punyam, Na janami theertham,
Na janami mukthim, layam vaa kadachit,
Na janami bhakthim, vrutham vaapi maatha,
Gathisthwam, Gathisthwam, thwam ekaa Bhavani.

Kukarmi, kusangi, kubudhi, kudhasa,
Kulachara heena, kadhachara leena,
Kudrushti, kuvakya prabandha, sadaham,
Gathisthwam, Gathisthwam, thwam ekaa Bhavani.

Prajesam, Ramesam, Mahesam, Suresam,
Dhinesam, Nisidheswaram vaa kadachit,
Na janami chanyath sadaham saranye,
Gathisthwam, Gathisthwam thwam ekaa Bhavani

Vivadhe, Vishadhe, pramadhe, pravase,
Jale cha anale parvathe shatru madhye,
Aranye, saranye sada maam prapahi,
Gathisthwam, Gathisthwam, thwam ekaa Bhavani.

Anadho, dharidro, jara roga yuktho,
Maha Ksheena dheena, sada jaadya vakthra,
Vipathou pravishta, pranshata sadhaham,
Gathisthwam, Gathisthwam, thwam ekaa Bhavani.

Ganesha Slokams

2011-08-15T01:08:00.001+08:00

Ganapathy slokams

These are slokams sung in Tamil in praise of Lord Ganesha - God of wisdom. These slokams enlighten us with self confidence and all success in our day to day activities. These slokams are handwritten and given as image for printng beneficiary.

Courtesy:
Karun Thangaraj,
Animani Porchalai, Singapore

Mariamman - Aadi Special

2011-07-19T09:31:00.001+08:00

Samayapuram Mariamman, Trichy

Mari is a tamil word spelt as Maari means rain. Mariamman is the mother Goddess for rain. She is the most ancient and popular deity among the village deities in southern India especially in Salem district of Tamilnadu. The Goddess is worshipped under several other names such as Amman, Atthu, Ayam Ayee (Mother) Dharmapuri (Mari with army) Magamayee ( Great Mother) and Vadivattha ( Beautiful Mother). All the names indicate an ancient form of ancestral mother worship.

Iconographically, Mari represented in a sitting posture with four bands. They hold a drum, a trident a bundle if ropes and a skull. Whilescholars believe that she is a goddess of the pre Aryan days, most ofthe common people believe her as Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva orDurga who arose from her to kill the asuras. Some people believe her tobe Renuka, the mother of Lord Parasurama.

Devi karumari, Thiruverkadu, Chennai

Mari Amman rules over discuses that bring death, especially small pox. At times of small-pox incidence, the leaves of the neem tree (netta azadirachia) sacred to the goddess, are spread on the bed of the afflicted person and a bunch of them tied in the entrance of the patients house indicating the presence of the goddess. In the benevolent aspect, the goddess brings rainy to put an end to the diseases which result from the heat.

She is believed to cure a variety of illness of those who offer silver sheet metal models of their affected organs. This type of prayer is commonly found in almost all Mari Amman temples in Salem.

Kottaimariamman, Salem

Almost every village has a temple or shrine dedicated to Her which is the focus of village festivals. Annual festivals in early or late summer in the tamil month month aadi that commences in mid of July and ends in mid of August. usually last for several days. The festival begins with the planting of a stump of a neem tree mentioned as Poochatuthal in tamil, 6 tall and with three prongs at the top; A new mud pot containing sanctified water is placed among the prongs. Once the festival starts the people of that area are announced to stay there and not to leave the area till the festival is finished. It is a belief one who leaves the village or town after the festival commences will be punished by Her.

Offering Pongal

Devotees offer her pongal (Sweetened rice with jaggery or sugar in ritual cooking), sacrifice goats and roosters in the temple yard.

Bare footed on burning coals

Some devotees walk bare feet on burning coals mentioned as Theemidhi vizha. Walking on burning coals is an ancient custom practiced in honour of mother goddess. These self-inflicted in honor of mother goddess.

Devotees with knives pierced

Punnainallur Mariamman, Thanjavur

Next comes pierce their bodies with pins and knives. These self-inflicted painful fistulas were prohibited during the British rule as they were thought to be injurious to health of the devotees.

On the last day of the festival, a procession of floats is held, each float depicting a legendary scene. Fireworks conclude the festivities. This type of worship is followed all oer the world wherever Mariammans idol is incarnated.

Aadi Special slokas:

Karumariamman Sthothram

2011-07-19T09:30:00.002+08:00

Devi Karumariamman( Karuvarai), Thiruverkadu, Chennai

Karpoora Nayagiye, kanaka valli,

Kali makamayi karumari amma,

Porkovil konda Shivakami Amma,

Poovirundavalli deivayanai amma,

Virkola veda valli vishalakshi,

Vizhikkola mamadurai meenakshi,

Chor kovil naan amaithen Ingu Thaye,

Sudaraga Vazhvippai ennai neeye.

Bhuvanam muzhuvadum aluginra bhuvaneswari,

Puram erithon puram irukkum parameshwari,

Nava navamai vadivakkum maheswari,

Nambinavar Kai Vilakke Sarveswari,

Kavalaigal theerthu vidum Kaleswari,

Kar irulin thee chudare jyotheeswari,

Uvamana param porule jagadeeswari,

Unnadimai chiriyenai Aadhari.

Unnidathil chollamal veru enda,

Uravidathil murai iduven thaye, endan,

Annaiaval nee irukka, ulagil matta,

Anniyarai kenchiduthal murayo amma,

Kanneerai thudaithu vida odi vaa amma,

Kathirukka vaithiduthal sario amma,

Chinnavalin kural kettu un mugam thiruppu,

Chirithapadi ennai dinam vazhi anuppu.

Kan irandum un uruve kana vendum,

Kaal irandum uun adiye nada vendum,

Pan amaikkum naa unnai pada vendum,

Bhakthiyodu kai unnaye kooda vendum,

Ennam ellam uun ninaive aaga vendum,

Iruppathellam unnudaiyathu aaga vendum,

Man alakkum samaya pura mariyamma,

Maganudaya kuraigalyum theerum amma.

Nettiyil uun kumkumame niraya vendum,

Nenjil uun thirunamam vazhiya vendum,

Kathathellam men melum peruga vendum,

Kavithayil uun namam vazha vendum,

Chutham ellam needuzhi vazha vendum,

Jothiyile nee irundu aala vendum,

Mathadellam naan unakku chollalama,

Madi meedhu pillai ennai thallalama.

Annaikku upakaram Cheivathundo?

Arul cheyya inneram avathundo?

Kannukku imayayanri kavalundo?

Kanrukku pasuvanri sondamundo?

Munnaikkum pinnaikkum parpathundo?

Muzhumaikkum nee endan annaiyandro?

Ennaikkum vilakkukkum bedamundo?

Enraikkum nann uun pillaiyandro?

Anbukku naan adimai Aaka vendum,

Arivukke en kadu ketka vendum,

Vambukke pokamal irukka vendum,

Vanchathai en nencham arukka vendum,

Panpukke uyir vazha aasai vendum,

Parivukke naan endrum paniya vendum,

En pakkam ivai ellam irukka vendum,

Kumbidavo kai irandum podavillai,

Koopidavo naa onral mudiyavillai,

Nambidavo meyyadanil shakthi illai,

Nadanthidavo kaal irandil aagavillai,

Sempavazha vaai azhagi uun ezhilo,

Chinna iru kankalukkul adangavillai,

Ambalavu vizhiyale, unnai endrum,

Adi paniyum aasaikor alavum illsi.

Kattragi, kanalagi, kadalaginai,

Karuvagi, uyiragi, udal aginai,

Nethagi, inragi naalaginai,

Nilamagi, payiragi, unavaginai,

Thothalum, jayithalum vaazhvaginai,

Thozhthalum azhuthalum vadivaginai,

Pothada naalillai thaye unnai,

Porulodu pugazhodu vaippi ennai.

108 amman potri

2011-07-19T09:16:00.000+08:00

108 Amman potri as scanned from my book

Sri Suktam

2011-05-25T12:25:00.000+08:00

Sri Suktam is a vedic sloka addressed to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, Prosperity and Fertility. The Sri suktam forms part of the khilanis or appendixes to the Rigveda. Goddess Lakshmi, the eternal consort of Lord Narayana has been referred as 'Sri' meaning the personification of auspicious and royal qualities. Sri Sukta is one of the Pancha Suktam (5 Suktams).

Goddess Lakshmi

Significance of Sri Suktam

The presence of Sri Mahalakshmi on Lord Sri Venkateswara (at Tirumala) or Vishnu's chest, at the Heart symbolises the embodiment of Love, from which devotion to God or Bhakti flows from. It is through Love/Bhakti or Lakshmi that the atma or soul is able to reach God or Vishnu. Sri or Lakshmi is also the personification of the Spiritual energy within us and universe called Kundalini.

Lakshmi is God's superior spiritual feminine energy or the Param Prakriti, which purifies, empowers and uplifts the individual. Hence, She is called the Goddess of Fortune.

The Sri Sukta is recited during the 3-hour long Abhishek of Lord Sri Venkateswara, at the famed ancient Hill Shrine of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. The Abhishekam to the main deity is performed every Friday. Sri Suktam is also recited during the daily Arjitha Vasanthotsavam seva.

Here are the verses of Sri Sukam along with transliteration and translated meaning.

hiraṇyavarṇāṁ hariṇīṁ suvarṇarajatasrajām,

candrāṁ hiraṇmayīṁ lakṣmīṁ jātavedo ma āvaha.

tāṁ ma āvaha jātavedo lakṣmīmanapagāminīm,

yasyāṁ hiraṇyaṁ vindeyaṁ gāmaśvaṁ puruṣānaham.

Invoke for me, O Agni, the Goddess Lakshmi, who shines like gold, yellow in hue, wearing gold and silver garlands, blooming like the moon, the embodiment of wealth. O Agni! Invoke for me that unfailing Lakshmi, being blessed by whom I shall win wealth, cattle, horses and men.

aśvapūrvāṁ rathamadhyāṁ hastinādapramodinīm,

śriyaṁ devīmupahvaye śrīrmā devīrjuṣatām,

kāṁ sosmitāṁ hiraṇyaprākārāmārdrāṁ jvalantīṁ tṛaptāṁ tarpayantīm,

padme sthitāṁ padmavarṇāṁ tāmihopahvaye śriyam,

I invoke Shri (Lakshmi), who has a line of horses in front of her, a series of chariots in the middle, who is being awakened by the trumpeting of elephants, who is divinely resplendent. May that divine Lakshmi grace me. I hereby invoke that Shri (Lakshmi) who is an embodiment of Absolute Bliss; who is of pleasant smile on her face; whose lustre is like that of burnished gold; who is wet, as it were, (just from the milky ocean), who is blazing with splendour, and is the embodiment of the fulfilment of all wishes; who satisfies the desires of her votaries; who is seated on the lotus and is beautiful like the lotus.

candrāṁ prabhāsāṁ yaśasā jvalaṁtīṁ śriyaṁ loke devajuṣṭāmudārām,

tāṁ padminīmīṁ śaraṇamahaṁ prapadye alakṣmīrme naśyatāṁ tvāṁ vṛṇe.

ādityavarṇe tapaso’dhijāto vanaspatistava vṛkṣo’tha bilvaḥ,

tasya phalāni tapasā nudantu māyāntarāyāśca bāhyā alakṣmīḥ.

For shelter in this world, I resort to that Lakshmi who is beautiful like the moon, who shines bright, who is blazing with renown, who is adored (even) by the gods, who is highly magnanimous, and grand like the lotus. May my misfortunes perish. I surrender myself to Thee. O Thou, resplendent like the Sun! By Thy power and glory have the plants, (like) the bael tree, grown up. May the fruits thereof destroy through Thy Grace all inauspiciousness rising from the inner organs and ignorance as well as from the outer senses.

upaitu māṁ devasakhaḥ kīrtiśca maṇinā saha

prādurbhūto’smi rāṣṭre’smin kīrtimṛddhiṁ dadātu me.

kṣutpipāsāmalāṁ jyeṣṭhāmalakṣmīṁ nāśayāmyaham,

abhūtimasamṛddhiṁ ca sarvāṁ nirṇuda me gṛahāt.

O Lakshmi! I am born in this country with the heritage of wealth. May the friend of the Lord Siva (Kubera) and Kirti (fame) come to me. May these (having taken their abode with me) bestow on me fame and prosperity. I shall destroy the elder sister of Lakshmi, the embodiment of inauspiciousness and such evil as hunger, thirst, and the like. O Lakshmi! Drive out from my abode all misfortune and poverty.

gandhadvārāṁ durādharṣāṁ nityapuṣṭāṁ karīṣiṇīm,

īśvarīṁ sarvabhūtānāṁ tāmihopahvaye śriyam.

manasaḥ kāmamākūtiṁ vācaḥ satyamaśīmahi,

paśūnāṁ rūpamannasya mayi śrīḥ śrayatāṁ yaśaḥ.

I invoke hereby that Lakshmi (Shri), whose (main) avenue of perception is the odoriferous sense (i.e., who abides mainly in cows); who is incapable of defeat or threat from anyone; who is ever healthy (with such virtuous qualities as truth); whose grace is seen abundantly in the refuse of cows (the cows being sacred); and who is supreme over all created beings. O Lakshmi! May we obtain and enjoy the fulfilment of our desires and our volitions, the veracity of our speech, the wealth of cattle, the abundance of varieties of food to eat! May prosperity and fame reside in me (thy devotee)!

kardamena prajā bhūtā mayi sambhava kardama,

śriyaṁ vāsaya me kule mātaraṁ padmamālinīm.

āpaḥ sṛjantu snigdhāni ciklīta vasa me gṛhe,

nica devīṁ mātaragï śriyaṁ vāsaya me kule.

Lakshmi! You have progeny in Kardama. (Hence) O Kardama, may you reside in me. Make Mother Shri with garlands of lotuses, to have Her abode in my (ancestral) line. May the (holy) waters create friendship (they being of an adhesive nature). O Chiklita (Progeny of Shri), reside in my home; and arrange to make Divine Mother Shri to stay in my lineage!

ārdrāṁ puṣkariṇīṁ puṣṭiṁ suvarṇāṁ hemamālinīm,

sūryāṁ hiraṇmayīṁ lakṣmīṁ jātavedo ma āvaha.

ārdrāṁ yaḥ kariṇīṁ yaṣṭiṁ piṅgalāṁ padmamālinīm,

candrāṁ hiraṇmayīṁ lakṣmīṁ jātavedo ma āvaha.

Invoke for me, O Agni, Lakshmi who shines like gold, is brilliant like the sun, who is powerfully fragrant, who wields the rod of suzerainty, who is of the form of supreme rulership, who is radiant with ornaments and is the goddess of wealth. Invoke for me, O Agni, the Goddess Lakshmi who shines like gold, blooms like the moon, who is fresh with anointment (of fragrant scent), who is adorned with the lotuses (lifted up by celestial elephants in the act of worship), who is the presiding deity of nourishment, who is yellow in colour, and who wears garlands of lotuses.

tāṁ ma āvaha jātavedo lakṣmīmanapagāminīm,

yasyāṁ hiraṇyaṁ prabhūtaṁ gāvo dāsyo’śvānvindeyaṁ puruṣānaham.

Invoke for me, O Agni, that Goddess Lakshmi who is ever unfailing, being blessed by whom I shall win wealth in plenty, cattle, servants, horses, and men.

ōm mahādevyai ca vidmahe viṣṇupatnī ca dhīmahi,

tanno lakṣmīḥ pracodayāt.

We commune ourselves with the Great Goddess, and meditate on the Consort of Vishnu. May that Lakshmi direct us (to the Great Goal).

ōṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ.

Om. May there be Peace, Peace, Peace.

Sivamaanasa Pooja

2011-05-23T16:17:00.001+08:00

Karacharana Kritam Vaakkaayajam Karmajam Vaa

Shravana Nayanajam Vaa Maanasam Vaaparaadham

Vihitama Vihitam Vaa Sarvametatkshamasva

Jaya Jaya Karunaabdhe Shree Mahaadeva Shambho ||

Meaning: O Lord, kindly forgive all the wrong acts and omissions I have committed, whether I committed them knowingly or unknowingly, with my hands, feet, words, ears, eyes, or mind. Glory to you, Mahadeva, who is the ocean of kindness and compassion, and the cause of happiness.

When to say this prayer: Before going to sleep, one ends the day with this prayer. One asks the Lord for forgiveness for wrong acts that one may have knowingly or knowingly committed during the day.

Lokambiga, Vadakara - Panja Bagavathi Kshetras

2011-04-30T20:17:00.000+08:00

Lokanarkavu is located at Vadakara, a small town in Kozhikode - the renowned temple which is frequently alluded to in the Vadakkanpattu of kerala (ballads of North Malabar). The deity in this temple was worshipped by Thacholi Othenan, the legendary martial hero of Kerala. It is the abode of Goddess Lokambiga. This is said to be one of the Panja Bagavathi Kshetras.

Lokanarkavillama represents Amba, the feminine counterpart of the universal creator. It is believed that the goddess dwells in the sanctum's jewel studded pillar. The idol of goddess Durga is made of Panchaloha (an alloy of five metals, gold, silver, copper, brass and iron). With the 'Shanku' and 'Chakra' in two of her hands, the four handed deity also depicts the 'Abhaya' and 'Varada' mudras.There are numerous legends about the arrival of the goddess eulogized by Parasurama. One story holds that the local chieftains or landlords brought the Goddess from Lokamaleswaram in Kodungallur to Kadathanad. Another story is that the goddess is the patron deity of the Aryans who migrated to Kerala. In addition to the main deity of Lokanarkavillamma, this temple also has two adjacent shrines dedicated to Mahavishnu and Mahadeva. The shrine dedicated to Mahavishnu is at the south and the one dedicated to the goddess is at the north. At the centre lies the shrine dedicated to Siva. The deity of Vishnu is believed to be the oldest.

Note: The image of Amba is not available. If any of the devotees had it please share it with us, so that everyone can have a glimpse of Her and be blessed.

Sai Sacharitra - Chapter 6

2011-04-29T00:36:00.000+08:00

Sai charitham - Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

Sai Sachcharitam - Chapter 6

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Bhagwant Roa Kshirsagar's story, Dasganu's Prayag Bath, Sai Baba's First advent in Shirdi, Three wada

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Bhagwant Roa Kshirsagar's story

What a great interest Sri Sai Baba had in the worship of Vitthal became clear from the story of Bhagwant Roa Kshirsagar. The father of Bhagwant Roa was a great devotee of Vithova. he used to make a pilgrimage every year to pandharpur. In his house he had a picture of Vithova, which he worshipped daily. After his death, pilgrimage, worship, Shraddha, etc., everything was given up by his son Bhagwant Rao. When Bhagwant Roa reached Shirdi, Baba began to say on seeing him thus, " His father was my great friend. So I have called him here. he never gave 'Prashad' and starved me and Vithova. So i inspired him to come over here. Now I shall draw him forcibly towards worship".

Dasganu Prayag's Bath

Prayag is famous pilgrimage place on the banks of confluence of Ganga and Yamuna holy rivers. There is a belief among the Hindus that by taking bath there one's sins are washed away. On every holy occasion thousands of devotees gather and take advantage of taking bath there. Once dasganu also thought of going there for taking the holy bath. For this purpose, he went to Baba to take His permission. Baba told him, "what was the need of going that far? Our prayag is indeed here itself. Believe in me." Then a great miracle took place. As soon as Dasganu bowed at the lotus feet of Baba, there flowed out instantly holy water of Ganga-Yamuna from the feet of Baba. watching this miracle dasganu was so overcome with devotion and love for Baba that tears began to flow from his eyes. He was enthrilled and spontaneously began to chant the hymns of praises to Sri Sai Baba.

Sri Sai Baba's first advent in Shirdi

Nobody knew anyhing about Parents, birth and place of Sri Sai Baba. Lots of research was done in this matters and enquiries made with the people, but no reliable information could be available. As a matter of fact we remain completely ignorant about these matters. Namdev and Kabir had no human birth, because they were not born like ordinary people. They were found as babies in the lap of nature. Namdev was found by Gonai lying at the bank of Bhimarathi and Kabir by Tamal at the bank of Bhagirathi. Similar was the case with Sri Sai Baba. he had appeared in Shirdi at the age of 16 years sitting under the neem tree for the benediction of devotees. Even at that time , He appeared to be God-realised and knocked out delusion (Maya) and liberation craved for His lotus feet. An old woman of Shirdi, mother of Nanachopdar, described Him as follows:
One young man, healthy, smart and extremely handsome was first seen sitting under 'Neem' tree engrossed in deep meditation. He cared nothing of cold and heat. people were astonished to see Him doing such hard penance. During day He met none and wandered all night. People would make enquiries about Him as to from where He came? His form and face was so enchanting that by merely having a look at Him once people were attracted to Him. He always remained sitting under neem tree and went to nobody's door. although He appeared young, yet His conduct was like that of saints. he was verily, the form of sacrifice and non-attachement.

Once an interesing event occured. A devotee received command of lord Khandova. Out of inquisitiveness people asked Him, "O Lord! Please do tell us whose son is this boy and from where has He come here?" Lord khandova asked for a spade and pointed to dig at a particular place. when that place was dug deep bricks under a stone were discovered where four lamps were found being alight. The entry led to a caave where a building in the form of cow, wooden planks, garlands etc., were seen lying.

Lord Khandova began to say that this lad did penance at this place for twelve years. then people made enquiries from the lad, but He avoided by telling that this is the sacred place of my preceptor(Guru), and therefore, it is a sacred plaace worthy of worship for me. Then people closed the door as of before. Just as Ashwasth and Audhumbar trees are treated sacred, likewise baba treated this neem tree sacred and lovable. Mahalsapati and other devotees of Shirdi considered this place as 'Samadhi' of Baba's preceptor and always paid obeisaance to it.

Three wadas

The land around 'Neem' tree was purchased by vinayak Sathe who built a graand building there, which came to be known as Sathe wada. That was the only place to stay for the pilgrims coming there from far off places and it used to remain always crowded. a platform was raised around 'Neem' tree. In the south direction under the stairs there is a small temple where people sit on the platform facing the north. It is a general belief that devotees who would on Thursday and riday place burning fragrant sticks there shall always remain comfortable in life by the Graace of God. This wada was in depleted condition and required urgent renovation, which was done by the sai organisation.

Later another wada was built and it was named Dikshit wada. When Kaka Saheb Dikshit(legal advisor) was in england he got injured in his leg in some accident there. He underwent several treatments, but his leg was not healed. Nana Saheb Chandrokar advised him to avail of the grace of Sri Sai Baba. so in 1909, he had 'darshan' of Baba. He prayed Baba for the removal of incapicitation of his heart insead of his leg. By the mere 'darshan' of Baba he got so much exaltation that he accepted to stay in shirdi for ever. So he built his wada for the stay of devotees. The stone-laying ceremony was on 9-12-1910. The same day two other special events took place (1) Shri Dada Saheb Kahparne got permission to return to his home and (2) Night 'Aarti' commenced at 'Chavadi'. Within a short time the wada was completely built and on the auspicious occasion of Ramnavami(1911) it was inaugurated with approprite rites.

Thereafter, another mansion-like wada was built by the famous gentleman of Nagpur Shri Buty. Lots of money was spent on its construction and his entire property became worthy of a great cause, because the mortal coils of Baba lay resting there permanently and at present it is well known as 'Samadhi Mandhir'. there was a beautiful garden at this spot before. Baba Himself watered the plants grown there and took care of them. Earlier where not even small cottage was available, now there were threee huge wadas built, of which Sathe wada was greatly useful in those days.

Sri Maargabandhu sthothram

2011-04-26T21:07:00.001+08:00

This great Stotra Rathna was written by Appayya Deekshitha who lived from 1520-1593. He was the greatest interpreter of Advaita Siddhanta after Adi Sankara. This stotra is written in praise of the Lord Margabandhu of Virinchipuram, near Vellore of South Arcot district of Tamil Nadu. People undertaking any journey if recite it before traveling, and after the completion of travel, Lord Shiva as Margabandhu would always be with them and protect them.

Shambho Maha deva deva, Shiva Shambho Maha deva devesa Shambho, Shambho Mahadeva deva.

Meaning: Prostrations to He who blesses us with prosperity, Prostrations to the greatest God, Prostrations to the abode of peace,Prostrations to Him, who blesses us with riches, And Prostrations to him who is the God of Gods. (This sloka has to be recited every time immediately after reciting the five verses given below)

Phalavanamrath kireetam, Phala nethrachisha,
Dagdha pancheshu Keetam, Soolahathaaraathikootam,
Shudhamradhendu choodam, Bhaje Margabandhum (Shambho Mahadeva deva…)

Meaning: I pray to that friend of the path, Who wears a crown on his head, Who kills his enemies by his trident, Who wears a crescent which showers nectar, And who burnt by the fire of his eyes, Which are on his forehead, Him who has the five arrows like an insect.
Note: Manmatha, the lord of love has five flower arrows –lotus, Asoka, mango, jasmine and the blue lotus. Lord Shiva killed him by the fire generated by his third eye.

Ange virjangu jangam, Abhra Ganga tharangabhi Ramothamangam,
Omkaravati kurangam, Sidha samsevathangrivyagram,
Bhaje Margabandum (Shambho Mahadeva…)

Meaning: I pray to that friend of the path, Whose limbs are adorned by a snake,Who is a deer in the park of holy pranava, Whose feet is worshipped by great sages,and who looks charming with his head, Adorned by the Ganga of the sky.

Note: (Pranava is the holy letter “Om”. Akasa Ganga resides on the Head of Lord Shiva)

Nithyam, Chidanada roopam,
Ninhutha sesha lokesa vairi prathapam,
Kartheswaragendrachapam, krithivasam,
Bhaje divya sanmarga bandhum (Shambo mahadeva deva…)

Meaning: I pray to that friend of the good divine path, Who is perennial and of the form of, Truth, intelligence and bliss, Who destroyed without reminder, The glory of the fame of the enemy of Indra, Who used the golden Mount Meru, As his bow in the war against three asuras, And who dresses himself in hides of trees.

(Shiva destroyed the pride of Ravana when he visited his abode. He used Mount Meru as his bow to win over the Tripuras)

Kandarpa darpagna meesam, Kala kantam Mahesam Maha vyoma kesam,
Kundabhadandam Suresam, Koti surya prakasam, Bhajhe Marga bandhum. (Shambho mahadeva deva…)

Meaning: I pray to that friend of the path, Who put an end to the pride of God of love, Who is the great Lord who has a deep blue throat, Who has the great sky as his matted lock, Whose teeth resemble the white jasmine flowers, And who has the shine of billions of Suns.

Mandara Bhutherydaram, Mandaragendrasaaram, Mahagouryudooram,
Sindhoora dhoora pracharam, Sindhoorajathi dheeram,
Bhaje Margabandhum (Shambho Mahadeva deva…)

Meaning: I pray to that friend of the path, who is more generous than the wish giving tree, Who is the strength behind the great Mandara Mountain, Who is very close to the great Goddess Gauri, Who has a red colour far intense than red lead, And who is more resolute than the God of the ocean.(Mandara Mountain was used to churn the ocean of milk.)

Phala Sruthi - Narration Benefit

Appayyajjwendra Geetham stotra rajam, Patedhyasthu Bhakthya prayane,
Thasyartha sidhim Vidathe , marga madhye
Abhayam chaashuthosho Mahesa (Shambho Maha deva Shambho…)

Meaning: This king of stotras written by, Appayya who is the performer of sacrifices, If read with devotion during journey, Would ensure fulfillment of wishes, Protection during journey, And Lord Shiva would be easily pleased.

Sai Sacharitra - Chapter 5

2011-04-07T21:23:00.004+08:00

Sai charitham - Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
chapter 4

Sai Sachcharitam - chapter 5

Nission of Saints & Sai Avatar, Holy tirth Shirdi, Sri Sai Baba's personality, Gaulibuva's experience, Appearance of Vitthal.

Lord Sri Krishna in the seventy - eight sloka of chapter four of Gita has said, " Whenever declination of 'Dharma' (righteousness) and ascendance of evil takes place I incarnate. In order to reinstate righteousness and destroy evil doers and uplift the virtuous and remove their sufferings, I incarnate from age to age. Saints are the embodiments of God. Emerging at appropriate time, they fulfil their mission in their own unique characteristic way.

Such an opportune time is also indicated and when the four 'Verna' (classes) Brahmin, martial and trading classes give up their respective duties and the 'Shudra' snatch away functions appropriate to these upper classes; When the saintly people are disrespected and maligned; When people give up distinction between eatable eatable and non-eatable foods and indulge in intoxications; When followers of various religion begin to quarrel among themselves and the people begin to develop indifference to religion; When yogis give up their meditation and when the common people hold he view that money, progeny and wife are the only aspirations to be ful-filled. Thus when people begin to degenrate into misdeeds by being misguided then Sints emerge to establish righteousness by their teachings and actions. They indeed by giving proper guidance inspire us to follow the path of truth and virtue. Several saints like Nivratinath, Gyandev, Muktabai, Namktabai, Namdev, Gora, Kasai, Savan mali ramdas etc., appeared in order to show the path of truth from time to time. Last of all these appeared the avatar of Sai Baba in Shirdi.

Holy thirth Shirdi

The banks of sacred Godavari river flowing through Ahmednagar are indeed greatly fortunate where many saints were born and lived. Sri sant gynaneswar Maharaj is prominent among them. Shirdi is situated in Kopargaon Taluka of ahmadnagar district. Crossing over Godavari river there goes the straight way to Shirdi. after going eight miles ahead when we reach Neemgao then Shirdi comes in such as Ganagpur, Navsinhwarhi, and Audumbar, Shirdi is a famous pilgrimage place. As Damoji purified Mangaal verha(near Pandharpur) samarth Ramdas purified saijangarh and the incarnation of Dattatreya Narsimgh Sarswati purified Warhi in the like manner by being incarnated at Shirdi Sai Nath purified it..

Sri Sai Baba's Personality

By proximity of Sri sai baba the importance of Shirdi had enhanced greatly. He had conquered the worldly ocean, which is usually very difficult for ordinary mortals. Peace was his ornamentation and he was wisdom(Gynanaswaroop) in human form. Devotees received shelter in Him. Among the doners, He was like Karna - the king of donars; and he was essence of all wisdom. He had no interest in wordly affairs. He always remained engrossed in His true self of 'Atomic reality'. his heart was always glittering like sparkling glass. From His mouth flowed incessantly sweet nectar - like words. He was totally indifferent to praise or condemnation. he used to discourse fearlessly, lived in the company of all sorts of people, watched the dance and acting of nautch girls and heard quwwalies as well.

Inspite of doing all this His deep meditation was never disturbed. God's name was always in His lips and He constantly kept on uttering - "Allah Malik", "Ram Maalik", when the world kept awake inner-shelf he was unrulledd like the deep sea. No one could fathom the way of His working. In the general sense, He lived at one place, but He was very fully aware of what was taking place in the whole world. His divine court was unique.

He used to say anecdotes often, but His peace was never disturbed. He always used to sit by the side of wall of the mosque and go for morning and evening walks towards Lendi and Chawadi, and even then He was engrossed in His 'Atomic-self'. Being self-realised and having attained the highest Siddhis and mystic powers He used to behave like ordinary aspirants. He was humble and without pride. He always gave happiness to all. Shirdi became holy by the mere touch of His Lotus feet. Its importance became extra-ordinary. As Gynaneswar exalted Aalandi and Eknath Paithad, the same way exaltation was bestowed upon Shirdi by Sai Baba. Shirdi became for devotees another Pandharpur, Jagannath Puri, Dwaraka, Banaras(Kashi), Mahakaleswar and Kaukarna Mahabaleswar.

To have 'darshan' of sai was to receive Vedic mantra by which the wordly attachments decreased and the path of self-realisation became easy. His darshan was verily Yoga practice and conversation with Him was enough to get rid of sins. worshipping His holy feet was like taking a holy dip in the Ganga at praying as such and by drinking water of the worship of His holy feet all wishes got fulfilled.

His command was the command of the Vedas for us. By partaking of 'Prasad' and 'Udi' purification of mind was attained. He was our Sri ram and sri krishna who gave us liberation; He alone was our God-oncorporeal. he was always the living form of Consciousness, Bliss, Truth and Benediction.

In the general sense, Shirdi was His main headquarters but His sphare of divine works was spread to Punjab, Kolkatta, North-india, Gujarat, Dhaka, Konkani. The glory of Sri Sai Baba soon spread far and wide and devotees began to come from different places for his 'darshan' and to avail of His benevolence. By His mere 'darshan' people whether of pure or impure disposition got peace of their mind and experienced bliss in His proximity as was the case with the 'darshan' of Vithova at pandharpur. There is no exaggeration in this. Let us now see it with the experience of a devotee given here.

Guali Buva's experience

Guali Buva was approximately 90 years old. he was apilgri of Pandharpur. He used to live eight months at pandharpur and four months(July-October) at the bank of Ganga. he had a donkey with hm to carry his luggage and was always accompanied by a disciple. Every year he would go to Pandharpur and visit Shirdi on his return. He had deep faith in Baba. he would stare without being disturbed at baba for long and would pronounce spontaneously that He is Pandharinath avatar of vitthal who is the Lord of destitute, the forlorn and the Lord of poor and meek. Guali Buva was great devotee of Vithova. he would undertake several travels to Pandhari and had direct experience that Sri Sai Baba was indeed Pandharinath.

Appearance of Vithal

Sri Sai Baba had great passion for contemplation of God and chanting His divine glories. He always called out 'Allah Maalik' and got 'Sankirtan' performed by devotees which came to be knon as 'Namsaptah'(week-long 'Sankirtan').

Once He commanded dasaganu to perform 'Nama-Sankirtan'. Dasaganu pleaded with Him that he accepted His command, but he must get an assurance that Vitthal shall definitely appear at the end of the week. Touching His chest, Baba said Vitthal shall definitely appear, but simultaneously faith and keen inquisition is alsi inevitable on the part of devotees. Dankpuri of Thakurnath, Pandhari of Vitthal, Dwaraka of ranchchorh is here itself. None needs to go afar. Will Vitthal come from somewhere else? He is, verily, present here. When devotees love and faith shall over-flow Vitthal shall himself appear instantly.

After Sankirtan being over, when Kaka Saheb Dixit, as usual sat in meditation after taking bath then he had a vision of Vitthal. When he reached at noon for 'darshan' of baba then Baba asked him, "Did Vitthal Pati come? Did you have His vision? he is very instable, hold on to Him fast. If there be slightest carelessnee He will escape and run away". This was an event of morning, and at noon he had another vision again. That very day a picture vendor came there with 25-30 pictores of Vithova. This picture was exactly alike the one Kaka Saheb had seen in his vision. He was astonished and happy at seeing His picture aand remembering the words of Baba spoken to him in this respect, he bought a picture with great delight and installed it in his worship room.

The retired Mamalatar of tada shri B. V. Dev has proved it by his researches that Shirdi falls within Pandharpur. In the south, Pandharpur is well known place of Sri Krishna. Therefore Shirdi itself is Dwarka. There is another narrative about Dwarka which is taken from Skand Puran(part 2 of page 90) written by K. Narayan Ayyair. It is as follows:

Chaturvarnamapi Varganam yatra Dwarani Sarvatrah.
Ato dwaravakeetyukta Vidvadbhistatva vadibhih.

Ashtadasa Sakthi Peeda Stotra

2011-03-31T13:48:00.002+08:00

Sakthi Peeda means holy places of cosmic power. They are places of worship consecrated to the goddess 'Shakti'.

Legend of Sakthi Peeda:

There was a great king called Daksha Prajapati who was the son of Lord Brahma, He had 27 daughters. Sati devi(avathar of Godess) was one of them. Daksha gave his daughter Sati in marriage to Lord Shiva.

During the conduct of a fire sacrifice, when Daksha entered the arena, every one except Lord Shiva stood up to respect him. Daksha felt very insulted by Lord Shiva’s behaviour. So when he conducted a yaga again, he did not invite his daughter Sati and his son in law Lord Shiva. Sati felt sad because of this and went to the Yaga against the wishes of Lord Shiva.

She argued with her Father for his mistake of not inviting his Son-in-law and herself. Her father badly insulted Her and Her husband infront of all guests and relatives. Powered with anger, distress and insult She jumped in to the sacrificial fire. Shiva hearing this and rushed to the place but could not save Parvathi. He cut off the head of Daksha and took the body of Sati in his hand and started dancing furiously. The body of Sati was cut in to 18 pieces and these pieces fell down in different places of India. These places are called Shakthi Peethas. Some people are of the opinion that there are 51 Shakthi Peethas and yet others of the opinion that there are 108 Shakthi Peethas. Adhi Shankara, the great saint names 18 places of Shakthi Peethas and the name of the Goddess in temples there in his Ashtadasa Sakthi Peeda Stotra..

The so called 18 peedas are:

Bhramaramba - Srisailam, Andhra pradesh
Mahakali - Ujjain, Madhya pradesh
Jogulamba - Alampur , Andhra pradesh
Ekaveera - Mahur, Maharashtra
Manikyamba - Andhra pradesh
Maha lakshmi - Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Puruhutika - Pithapuram m , Andhra pradesh
Girija - Biraja, Orissa
Kama rupini - Gauhati, Assam
Sankari - Sri lanka
Mangala gauri - Gaya, Bihar
Kamakshi - Kanchi, Tamil nadu
Vaishnavi - Jwalamukhi, Himachal pradesh
Shrinkhal - West bengal
Saraswati - Sarika, Srinagar, Jammu&Kashmir
Madhaveswari /Lalitha - Prayaga , llahabad, Uttar pradesh
Chamundeswari - Mysore , Karnataka
Visalakshi - Kasi, Varanasi, Uttar pradesh

Ashtadasa Sakthi Peeda Stotra

It is believed that Aadi Shankara wrote this stotra in Kohlapur Mahalaxmi Temple, Maharashtra.

Mahalakshmi, Kolhapur

Lankayam Shankari devi, Kamakshi Kanchika pure /

Pradyumne Shrinkhala devi, Chamunda Krouncha pattane //

Alampure Jogulamba, Sri shaile Bhramarambika /

Kolha pure Maha lakshmi, Mahurye Ekaveerika //

Ujjainyam Maha kali, Peethikayam Puruhutika /

Odhyane Girija devi, Manikya Daksha vatike //

Hari kshetre Kama rupi, Prayage Madhaveshwari /

Jwalayam Vishnavi devi, Gaya Mangalya gourika //

Varanasyam Vishalakshi, Kashmire tu Saraswati /

Ashtadasha Shakti peethani, Yoginamapi durlabham //

Sayamkale pathennityam, Sarva shatri vinashanam /

Sarva roga haram divyam, Sarva sampatkaram shubham //

Kollur Mookambigai - Panja Bagavathy Kshetras

2011-03-25T13:10:00.001+08:00

Kollur is regarded as one of the Seven Muktislala pilgrimage sites in Karnataka which are (kollur), Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna. Kollur is known for its association with Aadi Sankara. Mookambika is said to have appeared before Aadi Sankara here, and he is said to have installed her image at this shrine. There is a room near the sanctum - enshrining the Sankara Simhasanam which is regarded as the very spot where he meditated and had a vision of Mookambika. Mookambika is regarded as a manifestation of Shakti, Saraswathi and Mahalakshmi.

Mookambigai, Kollur

This is the place where devi killed the demon, Mookasura is known as "Marana Katte". Since that day, the Goddess has resided at this holy place Kollur by the name Mookambika, fulfilling the wishes of all her devotees. Here resides Sreedevi in the Padmasana posture, of a serene countenance, and with three eyes, bearing always a shankha, a chakra and with a pleasant appearance as the embodiment of mantra to bless the devotees.

The Goddess Mookambika is in the form of Jyotir-Linga incorporating both Shiva and Shakthi. The Panchaloha image (five element mixed metal) of the Goddess on Shree Chakra is stated to have been consecrated by Adi shankaracharya during his visit to this place.

Location

Kollur, Kundapur Taluk, Karnataka State, India. About 135 Kms from Mangalore, one of the major city in Karanata State. The nearest railhead is Udupi. Kollur is well connected to Mangalore, Bangalore (Capital of Karnataka State) and Mysore. Regular buses are there from Udupi. Also Kollur is well connected with tourist centers such as Mangalore and Shimoga in Karnataka and Kannanur in Kerala.

Sree Mookambika Devi Ashtakam

Namasthe Jagadatri Sadbrahma Rupe

Namasthe Haropendra Datryadivandye

Namastheprasanneshtadhanaikadakshe

Namasthe Mahalakshmi Kolapuresi

Vidhikrithi Vasa Harirviswmethath

Sijathyathi Patheeyathath Prasidham

Kripalokana Devathe Shakthirupe

Namasthe Mahalkshmi Kolapuresi

Thuayamayayapyapthamethathsamastham

Dritham Leelaya Devi Kukshu Hi Viswam

Sthithambudhirupenasarvathrajanthou

Namasthemahalakshmi Kolapuresi

Yayabhakthavargahi Lakshyanthaetho

Thouyatraprakamkripapoornadrishtya

Athogeeyasedevilakshmeerithithuam

Namasthemahalakshmikolapuresi

Punarvakpaduthuadiheenahimooka

Naraistharnikamkhaluprarthaseeyath

Nijeshtayathethasyamookambikathuam

Namasthemahalakshmikolapuresi

Yaduaditharoopathparabrahmnastham

Samuthapunarviswaleelodyamstha

Thadahoorjanasthamhigowreemkumarim

Namasthemahalskshmikolapuresi

Hareesadidehothejomayapra

Sfurachakrarajyakyalingaswaroope

Mahayogikolarshi Hridpadmagehe

Namasthemahalakshmikolapuresi

Namasankachakrayabishtahasthe

Namasthambikegowripadmasanasthe

Namaswarnavarneprasannesaranye

Namasthemahalakshmikolapuresi

Panja Bagavathy Kshetras

2011-03-23T13:45:00.001+08:00

Bagavathy is celebrated as an incarnation of Godess Durga, eliminator of evil of any forms and blesses with good will power. The term 'Bagavathy' is popular in southern part of Tamilnadu especially Kerala. Bahavathy meaning goddess in Sanskrit is the general way people refer to the Hindu goddesses in Kerala. It can be used to refer any of the Hindu goddesses like Durga, Kannaki, Parvati, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kali etc.

Temples of these goddesses are referred to as Bhagavathi temples. Kshetras are the abode of God. Panja means five in Sanskrit and Hindi. Panja Bagavathi Kshetras is said to be a collection of five Bagavathy temples. According to myths, and also devotees it is a proven truth that one who visits these five kshetras is relieved from worldly miseries and attains tranquilty with ever prosperous life.

The so called Panja Bagavathy Kshetras are..

Mookambigai - Kollur
Lokambigai - Vadakara
Hemambigai - Palakkad
Bagavathy - Kodungallur
Balambigai - Kanyakumari

In the following weeks these kshetras will be explored by the grace of Goddess Durga.

Agrepasyaami

2011-03-19T07:51:00.003+08:00

Agrepasyaami is the sloka rendered in Narayaneeyam, a summary study in poetic form of the Bhagavata Purana. It was composed by Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, a devotee-poet who lived in the Indian state of Kerala, in the sixteenth century AD .The Narayaneeyam condenses the Bhagavata Purana into 1036 verses, divided into one hundred dasakas, or cantos.

Legend of Narayaneeyam:

According to local legends, Bhattadri had a Guru by the name of Achyuta Pisharati, who fell victim to a severe attack of paralysis, and suffered unbearable pain. Bhattadri desired to find a cure for his master and fervently prayed for the disease to be transferred to himself, freeing his Guru from suffering. According to the legend, Lord Krishna granted Bhattadri his wish, and he soon became a cripple.

Once, when Bhattadri, was carried into the Guruvayur temple, he met Tunchath Ezhuthachan, an eminent Malayalam poet of the time. Ezhuthachan advised Bhattadri that he could be cured if he "began his treatment with fish". The disciples of Bhattadri who heard this were shocked because Bhattadri was a devout Hindu and therefore a vegetarian who would consider it sinful to eat fish. Bhattadri however understood what Ezhuthachan really meant - that he would be cured if he could compose a hymn glorifying the incarnations of Lord Krishna beginning with the fish incarnation, known as Matsya.

Accordingly, he started composing the Narayaneeyam. It is said that he would recite one dasaka, consisting of ten verses, every day. The local legend says that on the hundredth day he had a vision of the Lord, and rendered a graphic description of this form, after which he was immediately cured of his disease. So it meant that one who recites Narayaneeyam, would be cured of all sorts of ailments with blessings of Lord Krishna.

Agrepasyaami is the 100th daskam of Narayaneeyam that visualizs Lord Krishna.

AgrE pasyAmi ThEjOniBhidatarakalaayaavaleelObhaneeyam

PeeyooshaaplaavithOham Tadhanu ThadudharE DhivyakaisOravEsham

ThaaruNyArambharamyam ParamasukharasaaswaatharOmaanchithaangai-

Raaveetham NaaradhadhyairvilasadhupanishathsundareemaNDalaisccha ||

The sloka means: " Oh Guruvaayurappa ! I see in your sannidhi a bright blue thEjas(effulgence) having the hue of KaasAmpoo (KalAya Flower) pushpa cluster .I am now immersed in that deep nectarine experience . Next I see in the middle of that blue effulgence , a beautiful child at the beginning of youth and surrounded by admirers like Sage NaaradhA with joyous horripulation and the various Upanishads in the form of lovely ladies singing Your praise" .

Dhuhswapna

2011-03-17T07:50:00.000+08:00

Dhuhswapna is the sloka rendered to get rid of bad dreams to kids and also nullify the effect of bead dreams.

Dhuhswapna Dhussakunadhurgathidhourmanasya Dhurbhikshadhurvyasanadhussahadhuryasaamsi
Uthpaathathaapavishabheerthimasadhgrahaarthim
Vyaadheemscha Naasayathu Me Jagathaamadheesaha ||

Do you know why Hindu's light a lamp?

2011-03-05T10:57:00.003+08:00

Almost in every Hindu home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day - at dawn and dusk - and in a few it is maintained continuously - Akhanda Deepa. All auspicious functions commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion. Light symbolizes knowledge, wisdom and elimination of darkness - ignorance. The Lord is the "Knowledge Principle" (Chaitanya) who is the source, the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord himself.

Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth.

Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness. But the traditional oil lamp has further spiritual significance. The lamp is lit with sesame oil, or coconut oil or castor oil, or ghee or a mix of oils while each having a significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, they get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals. Whilst lighting the lamp we thus pray:

Deepajyothi parabrahma

Deepa sarva tamopahaha

Deepena saadhyate saram

Sandhyaa deepo namostute

Meaning: I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp; whose light is the Knowledge Principle (the Supreme Lord), which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved in life.

Visit Hindu customs on lighting lamps here...

Pradosha Mahatmyam

2011-03-03T15:51:00.000+08:00

The Prodosha mahatmyam is from Sivapuranam describing the incident of Pradosham beautifully and adds that he who worships Lord Shiva at the time of pradosham wholeheartedly doing abisheka and offers lotus flowers will be blessed with abundant wealth and luck for his entire generation. OM NAMASIVAYA.

Kailasa shaila bhuvane thri jaga janithreem,

Gowreedha nivesye kanakanchitha rathna peete,

Nrutham vidhthu mabhi vanchithi Soolapanau,

Deva Pradosha samaye anubhajanthi sarve.

Vagdevi drutha vallaakee sathamukho

venum dhadhan padmaja,

Sthallo nidhra karo ramaa bhagawathi,

geya prayogaanvithaa,

Vishnu saandra mrudanga vaadana patur

devas samanthath sthithaa,

Sevanthe thamara pradosha samaye

devam mrudaaneepathim.

Gandarwa Yaksha patha goraga siddha saadhya.

Vidhyadaraamaraapsaraso ganaascha,

Yeanyethi loka nilaya saha bhootha varga,

Prapthe pradosha samaye hara parswa samstha.

Atha pradoshe shiva eka eva,

Poojyodhananye hari padmajadhya,

Thasmin mahese vidhinejyamane,

Sarve praseedanthi suradhi natha.

Lokanahooya sarvaan vividha damarukair gora samsara magnan,

Dathwaabheetham dayalu pranatha bhava haram kunchitham vaama bhaagam,

Uddruthyedham vimukherayanamithi karadarshayan prathyayartham,

Bibradwanhim sabhaayaam kalaathi natanam ya shivo na sa paayal.

Sathyam braveemi, paraloka hitham braveemi,

Saaram braveemi upanishadyadhyam braveemi,

Samsaramuthbanamasar vaapya jantho,

Saroyameeswarapadhamburuhasya seva.

Yenarchayanthi gireesam samaye pradoshe,

Ye na architham shivamapi pranamanthichanye,

Ethath kadhaam sruthi putair na pibanthi mooda,

Stheya janma subhavanthi naraa daridra.

Ye vai pradosha samaye parameswarasya,

Kurvanthyananya mansangri saroja poojaam,

Nithya pravrudha thara puthra kalathra mithra,

Soubhagya sambadadhikastha ihaiva loke.

Significance of Pradosha

2011-03-03T15:34:00.001+08:00

Pradosham falls once in every 15 days and considered most auspicious by Shaivites, almost 2 days before either Amavasya (black moonday) or Pournima (full moon day).

Pradhosham is observed in reverence to Lord Shiva. Pradhosa time occurs on trayodasi ( thirteenth moon day) between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm. It occurs on 13th day from full moon day and new moon day. Praying to Lord Shiva during Pradhosha time relieves us from sin and leads us to moksha.

Lord Shiva drinking poison

According to purana while Devas and Asuras(Demons) were churning for amudha from Kseerabti milk ocean employing the serpent Vasuki and the hill Mandhara, initially poison came up. So there was complete pandemonium. Lord Siva then swallowed the poison and came to be called Nilakandan(Blue coloured throat). A stunned Parvathi quickly stopped the poison at the throat. Siva then became drowsy and selected a place called Surutapalli, near Chennai, Tamilnadu where he is seen sleeping on the lap of Parvathi.

Pallikondeeswarar at Surutapalli, Chennai

On Dhwadhasi day i.e., twelfth moon day, amurtham came and Devas and Asuras started celebrating their victory without thinking and thanking Lord Shiva who saved them from the ill effect of deadly poison.

Next day, i.e. on the thirteenth moon day Narada, passed on the message and down came the Devas, Brahma, Vishnu and the Saptarishis, to have darshan. They were promptly stopped by Nandi who asked them all to come after some time, as Shiva was resting. They realized their mistake of not praying and thanking Lord Shiva and prayed to Lord Shiva seeking his grace. All of them waited. Siva, when he woke up, was filled with extreme happiness and danced between the horns of Holy Bull, Nandhi("Ananda Thandavam"). This day, when the Devas, Brahma, Vishnu, Narada and Saptarishis had Siva darshan was a Krishnapaksha Trayodasi (Stiravaram, Saturday). This is the Mahapradosham day. Pradhosham, generally, is a significant occasion observed with great piety at all Siva temples.

It is generally believed that performing abhisekam during the Pradhosha time to Lord Shiva or to his incarnation as Lingam with Milk gives long life; Ghee gives Moksha state; Curd bestows us with good children; Honey graces with melodious voice; Rice powder relieves us from debts; Sugar cane juice graces us with good health; Panjamrutham gives wealth; Lemon removes fear of death; Sugar removes enimity; Tender coconut gives enjoyment; Annam gives majestic life; Sandal gives Lakshmi's grace.

During the pradhosham time Somasootra Pradakshinam is the recommended way of circumambulating the God. In many of the temples this is followed always. A point to note here is that the gomukhi is never crossed. gomukhi is the place where the water after anointing (abhiSheka theertham) would be flowing northwards out. By doing this way of Pradakshinam one does not step over this holy water.

How to observe Pradosha Pooja?

On the day of Pradosham, fasting to be performed right from the morning and the first food should be the Prasad after the Pooja is over.

Everyday between 5.30 to 6.00 pm in the evening is called Dina Pradosham. Every thirteenth day of a Paksha (15-day cycle, making it two Pakshas every month - Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha) is called Maha Pradosham. The time between 5.30 to 6.30 pm in the evening is called Pradosham (Dina Pradosham). During the Pradosha period, it is significant to worship Lord Shiva, as He performs the Holy Dance in Kailashparvatam., all Devtas assemble there to watch this holy event, offer their Prayers to HIM. Thinking and meditating during Pradosha Kalam is considered most sacred by Hindus and helps derive benefits of having worshipped all Devatas at one go.