Hindu Spirit | Path to wisdom

108 Melmaruvathoor Amman Potri

2018-12-21T23:53:00.001+08:00

Melmaruvathoor Adhiparasakthi Amman

The Holy-shrine Arulmigu Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peedam is situated at Melmaruvathur, Tamil Nadu, which is 92 km south of Chennai on the NH-45. This place is being considered as holy for the past 2000 years.

This is the place where 21 Siddhars, men and women, have their Jeeva Samadhi. These Siddhars belongs to various religions.

This is the Holy Land where Goddess Sakthi is worshipped as Adhiparasakthi showering blessings and granting all the desires to Her sincere devotees.

The following namavali which 108 names of Her praising is rendered in Tamil to maintain its originality.

ஓம் சக்தியே பாசக்தியே போற்றி!

ஓம் சக்தியே ஆதிபராசக்தியே போற்றி!

ஓம் சக்தியே மருவூர் அரசியே போற்றி!

ஓம் சக்தியே ஓம் விநாயகா!

ஓம் சக்தியே ஓம் காமாட்சியே !

ஓம் சக்தியே ஓம் பங்காரு காமாட்சியே!

ஓம் ஓம் எனும் பொருளே போற்றி

ஓம் ஓங்கார தெய்வமே போற்றி

ஓம் உயர்தவம் ஆள்வாய் போற்றி

ஓம் உள்ளன்பு உடையாய் போற்றி

ஓம் சங்கரி சிங்காரியே போற்றி

ஓம் உலகெல்லாம் மலர்ந்தவளே போற்றி

ஓம் ஒப்புமை இலாதவளே போற்றி

ஓம் சுயம்பாய் நின்றவளே போற்றி

ஓம் சுடராய் ஒளிர்ந்தவளே போற்றி

ஓம் மருவத்தூர் தாயே போற்றி

ஓம் மனமுறை மருந்தே போற்றி

ஓம் மங்கள மடந்தையே போற்றி

ஓம் மாசெலாம் தவிர்ப்பாய் போற்றி

ஓம் மலர்மிசை அமர்ந்தாய் போற்றி

ஓம் மாந்தர்தம் குறை களைவாய் போற்றி

ஓம் மாசிலா மணியே போற்றி

ஓம் மட்டிலா சித்தியே போற்றி

ஓம் சித்தாடும் வல்லியே போற்றி

ஓம் சிந்தனை யருள்வாய் போற்றி

ஓம் செந்தண்மை மலரே போற்றி

ஓம் ஆதியே போற்றி

ஓம் ஆன்மிக கொழுந்தே போற்றி

ஓம் நிதியே நிறைவே போற்றி

ஓம் நினெவோடு போற்றி

ஓம் அஞ்சலென்று அணைப்பாய் போற்றி

ஓம் அருள்வாக்காமகோமளமே போற்றி

ஓம் மழையென வருள்வாய் போற்றி

ஓம் மதியென ஒளிர்வாய் போற்றி

ஓம் மக்களுக்கு அருள்வாய் போற்றி

ஓம் மருவூரின் கண்ணே போற்றி

ஓம் ஆலயம் அமர்ந்தாய் போற்றி

ஓம் ஆன்மீக அவதாரமே போற்றி

ஓம் திருப்பதி நின்றாய் போற்றி

ஓம் திகழ்பதி எலாம் நீயே போற்றி

ஓம் ஆதார சக்தியே போற்றி

ஓம் ஆறாதார அமிழ்தமே போற்றி

ஓம் லலாடத்தின் அமிழ்தமே போற்றி

ஓம் மூலாதார மூர்த்தமே போற்றி

ஓம் முக்கண் மடந்தையே போற்றி

ஓம் சங்கரனை படைத்தவளே போற்றி

ஓம் ஐங்கரனை பயந்தவளே போற்றி

ஓம் ஆறுமுகனை தந்தவளே போற்றி

ஓம் நாரணணனாய் நின்றவளே போற்றி

ஓம் நான்முகனாய் ஆனவள் போற்றி

ஓம் புத்திக்கு வித்தே போற்றி

ஓம் புனலுக்கு தன்மையே போற்றி

ஓம் நிலத்திற்கு திண்மையே போற்றி

ஓம் நெருப்பிற்கு வெம்மையே போற்றி

ஓம் காற்றிற்கு உணர்வே போற்றி

ஓம் காலத்திற்கு இறைவியே போற்றி

ஓம் கவலைக்கு மருந்தே போற்றி

ஓம் காப்பிற்கு நீயே போற்றி

ஓம் மனத்திற்கு மகிழ்வே போற்றி

ஓம் மதி தனக்கு விருந்தே போற்றி

ஓம் பண்ணிற்கு சுவையே போற்றி

ஓம் பாவிற்கு நயமே போற்றி

ஓம் பக்திக்கு உருக்கமே போற்றி

ஓம் சொல்லிற்கு செல்வியே போற்றி

ஓம் ஜோதிக்கு ஆதியே போற்றி

ஓம் சூட்சுமத்தின் சூட்ச்சுமமே போற்றி

ஓம் அன்பிற்கு தாயே போற்றி

ஓம் ஆதரிக்க தந்தையே போற்றி

ஓம் அரவணைக்க அமர்ந்தவளே போற்றி

ஓம் அறத்திற்கு வள்ளன்மையே போற்றி

ஓம் கண்ணிற்கு கருணையே போற்றி

ஓம் விண்ணிற்கு அணுத்ததுவமே போற்றி

ஓம் எண்ணத்திற்கு எழுச்சியே போற்றி

ஓம் ஏற்றத்திற்கு துணையே போற்றி

ஓம் பரிவிற்கு சக்தியே போற்றி

ஓம் பார்ப்பதற்கு அமைதியே போற்றி

ஓம் அண்டவெளி ஆனாய் போற்றி

ஓம் ஆன்ம ஒளி தருவாய் போற்றி

ஓம் இன்பவொளி நீயே போற்றி

ஓம் இதயவொளி நீயே போற்றி

ஓம் பலர் போற்றும் வாழ்வே போற்றி

ஓம் பாமரர் துணையே போற்றி

ஓம் ஆதியே அந்தமே போற்றி

ஓம் ஜோதியே சுடரே போற்றி

ஓம் சிந்தனை களமே போற்றி

ஓம் சித்தாடும் இடமே போற்றி

ஓம் வந்திப்பார்க்கு வாழ்வே போற்றி

ஓம் வரந்தரு கற்பகமே போற்றி

ஓம் வேம்போடு இணைந்தாய் போற்றி

ஓம் வினைதீர்க்க அமர்ந்தாய் போற்றி

ஓம் நீற்றோடு நிறைந்தாய் போற்றி

ஓம் நிதியோடு மலர்ந்தாய் போற்றி

ஓம் குங்குமம் குழைந்தாய் போற்றி

ஓம் கோயிலாம் அறமே போற்றி

ஓம் காயினை கணிவிப்பாய் போற்றி

ஓம் கருத்தினை தெளிவிப்பாய் போற்றி

ஓம் நடமாடும் தெய்வமே போற்றிஓம் நாயகனும் ஆனவளே போற்றிஓம் பேசும் தேவியே போற்றி

ஓம் பிணி தீர்க்கும் சக்தியே போற்றி

ஓம் மனக்குறை போற்றுவாய் போற்றி

ஓம் மணமுடித்தும் வைப்பாய் போற்றி

ஓம் குணக்குன்றம் ஆனாய் போற்றி

ஓம் குவலயம் காப்பாய் போற்றி

ஓம் குழந்தைமை அருள்வாய் போற்றி

ஓம் அவலங்கள் தீர்ப்பாய் போற்றி

ஓம் ஆணவம் அறுப்பாய் போற்றி

ஓம் ஊழ்வினை தீய்ப்பாய் போற்றி

ஓம் எம்மதமும் ஆனாய் போற்றி

ஓம் சித்தர்தம் உறவே போற்றி

ஓம் அறிவுக்கும் அறிவானவளே போற்றி

ஓம் ஆதிபராசக்தி அம்மையே போற்றி

Om Sakthi

Speciality of Sundara Gandam

2018-12-19T00:09:00.000+08:00

In the Ramayana, there are six parts of the bal gandam, ayōtyā gandam, kiṣkintā gandam, Sundara gandam, war. Among the gandams, Sundara gandam is very famous.

Sundaram means beautiful. This is the phase in which Hanuman succeeded in finding Seetha for Rama.

Hanuman is the best of the Rama devotee, quoted by Rama himself. He has dedicated himself to the service of Rama.

In this phase, Seetha listens to the good news that the 'winning man Rama is coming to the Ashoka van to fetch her' through Hanuman and feels peace in mind. This is also the phase where the Pride of the Lord Hanuman is proven after letting the entire Lanka reigned by Ravana in the fire with his tail.

Ramayana is not just the legend. For years, there have been many shreds of evidence uncovered strengthening the religious belief immensely. Ashoka Vatika, the then Ashoka van is situated in the island country of Sri Lanka.

The place is a garden of great beauty and a site of great mythical importance. The instances and mention of the Ashok Vatika are found in the legendary epic of Hindu mythology the Ramayana. The mention of Ashok Vatika is not only there in the Ramayana but also in Vishnu Purana and other various versions of Rama tales by different authors over the timeline of Indian literature. It is spiritual and divine to feel standing at that place where once Hanuman, Seetha, and Rama lived and had their days. It’s worth the while to visit there once in our lifetime.

Jai Sree Ram

108 துர்க்கையம்மன் போற்றி

2018-12-16T19:30:00.000+08:00

Goddess Durga, Patteswaram,

108 Durga namavali to be chanted daily with flowers or kumkum to seek her blessings. Performing such puja fulfills all desires of life especially for those expecting marriage proposals, pregnancy and job offers. Overall, the Mother Durga blesses us with all wealth and lead a healthy life forever. It is very auspicious to chant this namavali at raghu kala on Tuesdays from 3.30pm to 4.30pm (IST) and Sundays 4. 30 pm to 6 pm (IST).

For the first time, the slokas have been given in Tamil to mainttain the originality and enjoy the tamil phrase praising the Mother Goddess.

ஓம் துர்கையே போற்றி

ஓம் அன்னையே போற்றி

ஓம் அக்னீஸ்வரியே போற்றி

ஓம் அஷ்டமி நாயகியே போற்றி

ஓம் அவதூறு ஒழிப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் அசுரருக்கு எமனே போற்றி

ஓம் அன்பருக்கு எளியவளே போற்றி

ஓம் அமரரை காப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் அகிலாண்ட நாயகியே போற்றி

ஓம் அற காவலே போற்றி

ஓம் அபயகரத்தவளே போற்றி

ஓம் ஆதராசக்தியே போற்றி

ஓம் இறைவியை போற்றி

ஓம் இச்சா சக்தியே போற்றி

ஓம் ஈர்ப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் ஈடில்லாலே போற்றி

ஓம் உக்கர தேவதேயே போற்றி

ஓம் உன்மதபாங்கியே போற்றி

ஓம் என்கரத்தாளே போற்றி

ஓம் எட்டாகுழலியே போற்றி

ஓம் எலுமிச்சை விரும்பியே போற்றி

ஓம் எதிர்ப்பை குழைப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் ஏழ்மை அகற்றுபவளே போற்றி

ஓம் எவல்குழைப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் ஒளிர்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் கம்பீர உருவமே போற்றி

ஓம் ஓங்காரியே போற்றி

ஓம் கவலையற செய்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் காளியே போற்றி

ஓம் கதாயுததாரியே போற்றி

ஓம் காபாலியே போற்றி

ஓம் காப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் கிரிதுர்க்கையே போற்றி

ஓம் க்ரிஷ்ணசோதரியே போற்றி

ஓம் குமரியே போற்றி

ஓம் குறுநகையாலே போற்றி

ஓம் குங்குமப்ரியையே போற்றி

ஓம் குலக்காவளே போற்றி

ஓம் க்ரியாசக்தியே போற்றி

ஓம் கோள்வினை தீர்ப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் கண்டிகேஸ்வரியே போற்றி

ஓம் சர்வசக்தியே போற்றி

ஓம் சந்தன ப்ரியையே போற்றி

ஓம் சர்வலங்கரியே போற்றி

ஓம் சாமுண்டியே போற்றி

ஓம் சர்வாயுததாரியே போற்றி

ஓம் சிவதுர்கையே போற்றி

ஓம் சினவேல் கண்ணியே போற்றி

ஓம் சிம்மவாஹினியே போற்றி

ஓம் சித்தியளிப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் ஷ்யாமலையே போற்றி

ஓம் சீதலையே போற்றி

ஓம் செம்மேனியளே போற்றி

ஓம் செவ்வண்ண ப்ரியையே போற்றி

ஓம் ஜெயதேவியே போற்றி

ஓம் ஜோதிக்கனலே போற்றி

ஓம் ஞானசக்தியே போற்றி

ஓம் ஞானக்காவலே போற்றி

ஓம் தற்பரமே போற்றி

ஓம் தயாபாரியே போற்றி

ஓம் திருவுருவே போற்றி

ஓம் திரிசூலியே போற்றி

ஓம் தீதழிப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் தீனர்கவளே போற்றி

ஓம் துட்டர்க்கு தீயே போற்றி

ஓம் துட்டர்களையளித்தவளே போற்றி

ஓம் துக்கம் தீர்ப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் நலமளிப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் நந்தரகுலக்கொழுந்தே போற்றி

ஓம் நவசக்தியே போற்றி

ஓம் நவகோணத்துறைபவளே போற்றி

ஓம் நிமலையே போற்றி

ஓம் நிலவாணியாலே போற்றி

ஓம் நிறைவே போற்றி

ஓம் நிறைந்தவளே போற்றி

ஓம் படைத்தவளே போற்றி

ஓம் பாலிப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் பைரவியே போற்றி

ஓம் பயணசினியே போற்றி

ஓம் ப்ரம்ஹசாரிணியே போற்றி

ஓம் பயங்கரியே போற்றி

ஓம் புவனேஸ்வரியை போற்றி

ஓம் பூஜிக்கப்படுபவளே போற்றி

ஓம் மங்களநாயகியே போற்றி

ஓம் மஹிஷாசுரமர்தினியே போற்றி

ஓம் மங்கள காரிணியே போற்றி

ஓம் மஹேஸ்வரியே போற்றி

ஓம் மங்கையற்கரசியே போற்றி

ஓம் மகவளிப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் மாதர் துணையே போற்றி

ஓம் மாங்கல்யம் காப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் முக்கண்ணியே போற்றி

ஓம் முக்தியளிப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் மூவர்க்கும் மூத்தவளே போற்றி

ஓம் மூலப்பொருளே போற்றி

ஓம் மூவுலக தாயே போற்றி

ஓம் மூவுலகும் வென்றவளே போற்றி

ஓம் யசோதசுந்தரியே போற்றி

ஓம் எமபயம் தீர்ப்பவளே போற்றி

ஓம் ராகுகால தேவதயே போற்றி

ஓம் ரௌத்திரியே போற்றி

ஓம் வல்லவளே போற்றி

ஓம் வராகியே போற்றி

ஓம் வீரவுருவமே போற்றி

ஓம் விஷ்ணு துர்கையே போற்றி

ஓம் வையாகக்காப்பே போற்றி

ஓம் வைஷ்ணவியே போற்றி

ஓம் வெற்றியளிப்பவளே போற்றி

Om Sakthi

You can download the document for free here

Kumkuma Panjathasi Mantra

2018-11-01T20:28:00.000+08:00

Kumkuma Panchdasi mantra is very powerful. Kanchipuram Kamakshi Amman temple in Tamilnadu performs puja according to this mantra grandeur. The mantra is chanted for the happiness and prosperity of the family.

Kanchi Kamakshi

The Goddess Kamakshi prevails in the form of Shakti. Among the 51 Shakti Peetas across the country, Kanchi is noted as “Nabisthana Ottiyana Peetam”. The Goddess is called as “Sri Kamakshi. The word is derived from the heritage “Ka” means Goddess Saraswati (God of Education), “Ma” means Goddess Lakshmi (God of Wealth), “Akshi” means Eye. The name refers as the god lives in Kanchi with Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi as her both eyes. The Lalitha Sahasranama poem is an idle example for the goddess power stating, “Sachamara Ramavani Savya Dakshina Sevitha”.

Kanchi is also called as Satyavrita Kshetra. The Goddess worshipped Lord Siva by creating a mud idol in Kanchi. At that moment, Lord Siva incarnated as Kamba River with high tides to test the worship of the goddess, the goddess grasped the idol closely with her two hands from eroding in the tides. This prevented the idol from getting eroded in the floods.

The goddess also performed Pooja by sitting in a needle tip surrounded by “Panchakagni” (surrounded by 5 fires) to free herself from the interest of livelihood. Lord Shiva became happy, gestured before her and married the goddess. Though there are many Shiva temples in the city, the only temple to have the sanctorium of the goddess is 'SRI KAMAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE’. There are also eight other Shakti goddesses surrounding the temple.

The place where the goddess resides is “Gayatri Mandapam”. The Goddess lives in a temple in 3 forms. They are Sri Kamakshi, Sri Bilahasam and Sri Chakram. The goddess is in a sitting posture of “Padmasana”. The goddess contains Pasa, Angusa, Pushpabana and Sugarcane in her forehands.

The mantra is in Tamil and presenting you as such,

குங்குமமாவது குறைகளைத் தீர்ப்பது

குங்குமமாவது குடியினைக் காப்பது

குங்குமமாவது குணமத ளிப்பது

குங்குமமாவது கொல்வினைத் தீர்ப்பதே…………(1)

விதிகளை வெல்வது விமலையின் குங்குமம்

நிதிகளை ஈவது நிமலையின் குங்குமம்

பதிதனைக் காப்பது பதிவ்ரதை குங்குமம்

கதிகளை ஆள்வதும் குங்குமமாமே………………..(2)

தஞ்சமென்றோரைத் தடுத்தாட்கொள்வதும்

பஞ்சமா பாதகம் பரிந்துமே தீர்ப்பதும்

அஞ்சின பேருக்கு அபய மளிப்பதும்

காஞ்சி காமாக்ஷியின் குங்குமமாமே……………….(3)

நற்பதமீவது நாரணீ குங்குமம்

பொற்பினை ஈவது புரணீ குங்குமம்

சிற்பரமாவது ஸ்ரீ சக்ர குங்குமம்

கற்பினைக் காப்பதும் குங்குமமாமே………………..(4)

செஞ்சுடர் போன்றது சீரான குங்குமம்

கொஞ்சும் அழகைக் கொடுப்பது குங்குமம்

ஐந்து புலன்களை அடக்கி யருள்வதும்

காசி விசாலாக்ஷியின் குங்குமமாமே………………..(5)

நோயினைத் தீர்ப்பதும் நுண்ணறி வீவதும்

பேயினைத் தீர்ப்பதும் பெரும் புகழீவதும்

சேயினைக் காப்பதும் செல்வம் தருவதும்

தாயினை அர்ச்சித்த குங்குமமாமே…………………..(6)

சக்தி கொடுப்பதும் சத்தியம் காப்பதும்

பக்தி யளிப்பதும் பரகதி யீவதும்

முக்தி கொடுப்பதும் மும்மலம் தீர்ப்பதும்

சித்தி தருவதும் குங்குமமாமே…………………………..(7)

நெஞ்சிற் கவலைகள் நீக்கி யருள்வதும்

செஞ்சொற் கவிபாடும் சீரினை யீவதும்

வஞ்சப் பகைவரை வாட்டி யருள்வதும்

மதுரை மீனாக்ஷியின் குங்குமமாமே…………………….(8)

சிவசிவ என்றுமே திருநீறணிந்தபின்

சிவகாமியே எனச் சிந்தித் தணிவதும்

தவமான மேலோருந் தரித்துக் களிப்பதும்

பலவினை தீர்ப்பதும் குங்குமமாமே………………………(9)

எவையெவை கருதிடின் அவையவை யீவதும்

நவவகை சக்தியின் நலனைக் கொடுப்பதும்

குவிசெய் கரத்துடன் கும்பிட்ட பேருக்கு

குவிநிதி யீவதும் குங்குமமாமே………………………….(10)

அஷ்டலெக்ஷ்மி அருள் தந்தளிப்பதும்

இஷ்டங்களீவதும் ஈடற்ற குங்குமம்

கஷ்டம் தவிர்த்தென்னைக் காத்தருள்வதும்

சிஷ்டனாய்ச் செய்வதும் குங்குமமாமே………………..(11)

குஷ்டமுதலான மகாரோகந் தீர்ப்பதும்

நஷ்டம் வராதொரு நலனைக் கொடுப்பதும்

எட்டும் இரண்டும் அறிவித்தோர் வீடினை

கிட்டவே செய்வதும் குங்குமமாமே…………………….(12)

பட்ட காலிலே படுமெனக் கஷ்டங்கள்

விட்டிடாமலே வந்துமே வாட்டினும்

பட்டான பார்வதி பாதம் பணிந்தே

இட்டார் இடர்தவிர்த்த குங்குமமாமே…………………(13)

சித்தந்தனை சுத்தி செய்வதற் கெளியதோர்

எத்துந் தெரியாதே ஏமாந்த மாந்தரே

நித்தம் தொழும் அன்னை குங்குமம்

நித்தியம் தரித்துமே மேன்மை யடைவீரே…………….(14)

மிஞ்சும் அழகுடன் குங்கும ஆடைகள்

செஞ்சுடர் ஆகுமோர் ஸ்ரீசக்கர லலிதை

கஞ்சமலர் முகம் தன்னில் திகழ்வதும்

பஞ்ச நிதிதரும் குங்குமமாமே…………………………..(15)

Sri Chakradevi Araikaasu Amman Potri

2016-12-09T00:30:00.000+08:00

With complete devotion and submission, recite the following Namavali whole heartedly on Tuesdays and Fridays by placing a Beetle leaf with Kumkum/Saffron along with sweetened lime water. Perform Aarti to seek Her blessings. Performing such a pious prayer shall fulfill all the desires requested to Sri Chakradevi Araikaasu Amman. Also apply the saffron after the puja to witness ever prosperity in life

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Om Devi Madurai Meenakshi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Chidambaram Kaali Ammane Potri

Om devi Annai Kanniga Parameswari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Mangadu Kamatchi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kollur Mookambigai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Vijayawada Kanadurgai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Karaikudi Koppudai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Siruvachur Madurakali Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kasi Visalakshi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Melmalaiyanur Angala Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Vishnu Durgai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thirukkadaiyur Abirami Ammane Potri

Om Devi Erode Bannari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thayamangalam Muthumaari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Periyapalayam Bavani Ammane Potri

Om Devi Devakottai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Aatrukaal Bagavathi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thanjavur Ujjaini Maakali Ammane Potri

Om Devi Patteswaram Duragai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kalkatha Kaali Ammane Potri

Om Devi Salem Annathana Maari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Virudunagar Muthu Maari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thiruverkadu Karumaari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kandanoor Sellaayi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kayakumaari Kumari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kaasi Annapoorani Ammane Potri

Om Devi Imayamalai Vaishnavadevi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thirumechur Lalithaparameswari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thiruvanaikaaval Agilandeswari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thirukarukaavur Karparakshambigai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Sengai Nagathu Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thirunelveli Muthupechi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Durga Ammane Potri

Om DeviThirumullaivai Pacchai Ammane Potri

Om DeviThiruvetrivur Vadivudai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Mysore Chamundeswari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Sooloorpettai Sengala Ammane Potri

Om Devi Perambakkam Sellatha Ammane Potri

Om Devi Chottanikarai Ammane Potri

Om Devi ThiruvaiyaaruVeyilugantha Ammane Potri

Om Devi Aranthaangi Veeramakaali Ammane Potri

Om Devi Bengalaru Rajarajeswari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thanjavur Punnainallurmaari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Vandiyur Theppakulam Maari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thiruvarur Rajadurgai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Pudukottai Buvaneswari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Nellai Gandhimathi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Erode Periyamaari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Pudukottai Ariyanaachi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Rajamathangi Ammane Potri

Om Dei Samayapuram Maari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Naatarasankottai Kannaathaal Ammane Potri

Om Devi Sankarankovil Komathi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thirupathi Vaguladevi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Kalyana Maari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thiruvannamalai Abithagujalambaal Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kulasegarapattinam Muthara Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Vasiyamuki Ammane Potri

Om Devi Padavedu Renugambaal Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kurangini Muthumaalai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Gayathri Ammane Potri

Om Devi Naagai Nellukkadaimaari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Vanadurgai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Melur Thiruvudai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thirumullaivayal Kodiyudai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thiruchanoor Padmavathi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Chandra Parameswari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kalahasthi Gnanaprassannambiga Ammane Potri

Om Devi Malaysia Makaali Ammane Potri

Om Devi Chakkulathukkavu Bagavathy Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Balathiripurasundari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Santhoshimaatha Ammane Potri

Om Devi Chennai Kolavizhi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kudamurutti Seethaladevi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Srichakkaradevi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Buvanagiri Poonkavanathu Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Gurukula Devi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thirunelveli Peraathu Selli Ammane Potri

Om Devi Mumbai Mumba Devi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Vettaivalam Manonmani Ammane Potri

Om Devi Pattukottai Naadi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Pallathoor Periyanayaki Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Kamalambigai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kovai Thandumaari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Annai Shiyamaladevi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Aranthaangi Ainthu Veetukaali Ammane Potri

Om Devi Muppanthal Isakki Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kalkatha Aayiram Kai Kaali Ammane Potri

Om Devi Marathurai Kathyayini Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thuljappur Bavani Ammane Potri

Om Devi Rameswaram Nambunayagi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Pondicherry Ezhaimaari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Uraiyur Jayakaaligambaal Ammane Potri

Om Devi Mysore Nimishaambaal Ammane Potri

Om Devi Panjalanguruchi Jakkamma Ammane Potri

Om Devi Naanguneri Ulaganayaki Ammane Potri

Om Devi Paalayankottai Aayirathu Ammane Potri

Om Devi Navalur Periyakaandi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Ottabiram Ulagaanda Easwari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Rasipuram Nithya Sumangalimaari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thiruvotriyur Bagampiriyaal Ammane Potri

Om Devi Kovilpatti Senbagavalli Ammane Potri

Om Devi Aruppukottai Sowdeswari Ammane Potri

Om Devi Haridwar Gangai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Sirungeri Saradadevi Ammane Potri

Om Devi Dindugal Rajakaali Ammane Potri

Om Devi Thirumangalakudi Mangalambigai Ammane Potri

Om Devi Rathnamangalam Araikasu Ammane Potri! Potri!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Om Araikaasu Ammane Potri!

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~ History of Sri Araikaasu Amman

Bhajan Collections - Ganesha

2016-12-04T18:08:00.000+08:00

Ucchi Pillayar, Trichy

Jaya Lambodhara Pahimaam,
Jagadambasuta Rakshamaam (Jaya Lambodhara)
Sharanagatha Rakshamaam
Hey Karunanidhe Paahimaam
Sri Gananaatha Samrakshamaam
Nija Bhakti mudam dehimaam (Jaya Lambodhara)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gajanana Hey Subhanana Gowri Manohara Priyanandana (Gajanana Hey) Pasupathi thanaya Gajanana Parama Niranjana Shubhanana – Hey Parama niranjana Shubhanana(Gajanana Hey) Gajanana Hey Subhanana Gajanana Hey Gajavadana Gajanana Hey Subhanana Gajanana Hey Gajavadana (Gajanana Hey)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gam Gam Gam Ganeshwaram Gam Gam Gam Ganeshwaram Ganeshwaram Ganaadhipam Ganaadhipam Gajaananam (Gam Gam) Gajananam Ganeshwaram Gajeshwaram Bajaamyaham (Gam Gam) Bajaamyaham Bajaamyaham Bajaamyaham Bajaamyaham (Gam Gam)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Siddhi vinayaka namo namo Sakthi balaka namo namo Vigna Vinayaka namo namo Vidhya Dhayaka namo namo Bala ganapathe namo namo Shanmukha shodara namo namo Mooshika vahana namo namo Modhaka Hastaa namo namo Shiva gana natha namo namo Chinmaya roopa namo namo Mohana Roopa namo namo Maheswara Puthra namo namo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sri Sai Sachcharira - Chapter -9 - Part 2

2016-12-03T00:50:00.000+08:00

Sri Sai Sachcharira - Chapter -9 - Part 1

Effect of touch of Guru's hand and Sai Baba's words, URS on Ramanavami Day, Chandan celebration, Arrangement for the fare, Inter-relatedness of US and Ramanavami, Renovation of mosque.

Inner-relatedness of Ramanavami and URS

Ramanavami at Shirdi

This idea appealed to Kaka Mahajani. Now the main problem was how to get a 'haridas' who could perform 'sankirtan' chanting glories of God. But Bhishma solved this problem. He told: "the composition on the story of Sri Ram, written by me is complete, in which the birth of Sri Ram is also included. I will do the kirtan of that and you give me company on the 'harmonium'(musical instrument) and Radhakrishna mai would prepare 'Prasad'.

Then both of them went to the mosque to get the approval of Baba. Baba being omniscient knew what was happening in the wada. Baba asked a question to Mahajani:"what was happening there?". Mahajani got dismayed by suddenly asked this question. Then Baba asked Bhishma what is the matter? Bhishma presented the idea of celebrating Ramanavami festival before Baba and requested him for his approval. Baba gave approval with pleasure.The next day the mosque was decorated with colorful buntings. Smt. Radhakrishna mai brought a cradle and put it before Baba and thereafter the celebration commenced. Bhishma stood up to do 'Sankirtan' and Mahajani gave him company on the 'Harmonium'. Then Baba called for Mahajani. Mahajani was bewildered with a doubt whether Baba will allow all this festivity to go on. When he reached near Baba, he put a question to him. Why this cradle is put here?

Mahajani told that the programme of Ramanavami celebration has started, and that is why the cradle has been placed here. Baba took up two garlands, ofwhich one he put around the neck of Kaka and other he sent for Bhishm. Now Sankirtan continued. When 'Sankirtan' ended shouts of glory be to 'Raja ram' were raised aloud and red colored powder was thrown up in the air, a few particles of which fell into the eyes of Baba accidentally. There upon Baba got rage and furious. He began furiuosly to shout unpalatable words. All were fear-stricken by witnessing this sudden turn of pleasant event. The close devotees and those who were well-versed with Baba's such sudden outbursts were not to be upset. They took Baba's outbursts as blessings. They thought that today is the birthday of Lord Ram, therefore it is but natural for Baba to be so enraged for the destruction of Ravana and egoistic tendencies of demonic nature. Therefore they all were amusingly taken aback. Radhakrishna mai too was afraid lest Baba may not break up the cradle. So she told kaka Mahajani to remove away the cradle from there.But Baba stopped him from doing so.after sometime Baba was at peacewith himself and the programme of worship and 'Aarti' of that day was completed without any further interruption. Thereafter kaka Mahajani asked permission to take away the cradle. But Baba declined by saying that the celebration was still not over.

The next day 'Gopal Kala' celebration was held, then afterwards Baba allowed taking away of the cradle. In this celebration curd mixed cooked rice is hung upin earthen pot and after the 'Sankrtan' being over the pot is broken and then is distributed to all as 'prashad'. During the day procession of two flags and at night 'chandan' procession was taken out with great festivity. After this Urs celebration was turned into Ramanavami celebration. From the next year (1912) theschedule of Ramanavami celebrations was expanded to include chandan and Urs processions. Smti Radhakrishna mai started 'Naamsaptah' from the 1st day of 'chaitra'(week long recitation of God's name). All devotees took part in it turn by turn. She too joined them in the morning. Ramanavami celebrations are held in all parts of the country. So the next year also the availability of 'Haridas' to do Sankirtan was faced. But it was solved before the commencement of the celebration. Five-six days before Shri Mahajani incidently met Bala Buva. Bala Buva is famous as the present day Tukaram and this year's Sankirtan was assigned to him.

The next year in 1913, Sri Haridas (Bala Buva of satarkar of Satara District) because of out break of Plague in the Kavate village could not do the job of Haridas in his village. So he came to Shirdi this year. Kaka Saheb got the approval of Baba for Kirtan to be performed by him. Baba too gave adequate reward.In 1914 Baba removed the problem of Haridas forever. He assigned the duty to Dasaganu Maharaj. It is worth noting that the procession and the festivity both Hindus and Muslims worked together. But even till today no controversy took place among them.

Renovation of the Mosque

As the idea of holding Urs or fare came to the mind of Shri Gopal Gund first of all, similarly the idea of renovation of the mosque came to his mind alone. He collected stone for this purpose and cut in rectangular shape. But the credit for this job to be completed was reserved for Nana Saheb Chandrokar and doing the floor work to Kaka Saheb Dixit. At first Baba did not give his approval, but on the intervention of local devotee Mahalsapti his approval was obtained and the entire floor of the mosque was completed in single night. Till now Baba used to sit on a piece of tattared mat. Now by removing it from there a small mattress was placed for him to sit. In 1911, the assembly hall too was diligently repaired.

The courtyard of the mosque was very small and inconvenient. Kaka saheb wanted to raise a roof-cover over it by enlarging it. By spending the required money, he purchased the steel pillars etc.,and the work commenced. By working day and night the devotees raised the pillars. The next day when Baba returned from Chawadi he pulled out those pillars and enraged. He pulle dout the pillars by holding it with one hand and by the other he pulled off the turban of Tatya and put it in fre. Due to rage Baba's eyes appeared as if burning amber. None was able to gather courage to look to him. All were afraid of what may happen next. One of Baba's devotees Bhagoji Shinde got courage to move forward, but Baba pushed him behind. Whosoever tried to make him quiet, something to other happened to him.

On his being quiet and the anger over, he called shopkeeper and purchasing an embroidered piece od cloth tiedit on the head of Tatya himself as if a special honor was done to him, watching this wonderful action devotees were astonished. They were unable to know for what unknown reason Baba was so enraged. Why did he give a beating to Tatyaand laterhis anger was cooled off? Baba at time used to be in very serious moods and sometimes on his own become quiet and held loving conversation. But all of a sudden he also used to be enraged without any apparent reason.

****"Om Sai Ram"****

Benefits of performing Abishekas

2014-06-26T12:35:00.000+08:00

Various types of Abishekam

Abhishekam is the ancient sacred Hindu custom of bathing a deity in water, milk, honey, ghee, fruit juice and other liquids. This resulting mixture is intended to be served as prasadam to the devotees who offer their prayers. The pouring of these liquids symbolizes the pouring of a devotee’s purest love for God. Performing this ceremony, with a pure mind, faith and conviction, results in washing away of sins, and purification of the devotee’s own heart and mind. Generation after generation, millions of Hindus continue to perform abhishekam to this very day.

But Atheists may raise many questions like over this ritual. Why is necessary? Aren’t we just wasting food?

We get the answer from Sudha Aditya in "The Inner Journey" compares this act to a mother caring for her child:

Take a mother and her child, for example. The mother loves her child dearly and she spares no effort to please it. She cooks the child’s favourite dishes, dresses it in fine clothes and does everything in her power to make the child happy and feel loved and cared for. The mother never thinks that her is wasting her money, time or effort.

Similarly, the abhishekam is an offering to God and should not be viewed as a waste of materials, effort or time. In fact, Sudha Aditya goes on to say:

…what we are offering Him by way of abhishekam is actually an minuscule part of what He gives us. We are merely giving Him what already belongs to Him.

As we move into the ritual, the puranic(ancient) vedhas had left evidences that each form of Abhishekam has a definite purpose and devotees are blessed accordingly as stated below:

One who performs abhishekam using:

Mangoes will be gifted with Victory ever
Panchamirth will be gifted with Prosperity
Tender coconut water will be gifted with Good position
Vibhudhi(Ash) will be gifted with Goodness
Sandal will be gifted with Highest post
Paneer(Rose water) will be gifted with Happiness
Milk will be gifted with Long life
Sesame oil will be gifted with Relief from viral disease
Lemon will be gifted with overcome fear of death
Bananas will be gifted with full Granary
Curd will be gifted with Flourish with generations
Honey will be gifted with Good health
Jaggery will be gifted with Relief from grieve
Sugar will be gifted with Overcome enemies
Food will be gifted with All wealth and health
Water will be gifted with Peace

The rituals and custom we observe and perform are carried out through generations just not for the religious sake but as the chanting of "OM" creates wonders each of these rituals have been carefully meant to its value and the perfect way of carrying forward it with full faith and dedication results only in peace for everyone on all worldly matters.

Sri Sai Sachcharira - Chapter -9 - Part 1

2014-06-12T15:27:00.000+08:00

Effect of touch of Guru's hand and Sai Baba's words, URS on Ramanavami Day, Chandan celebration, Arrangement for the fare, Inter-relatedness of US and Ramanavami, Renovvation of mosque.

Shirdi Sai Baba, Mylappore, Chennai

Effect of touch of Guru's hand and Sai Baba's words

The power of the touch of the hand of Sadguru is great and astonishing. The subtle body, which is indestructible even by the fire and it envelopes the world, is vanquished by the mere touch of the hand of Guru. Sins of innumerable births are washed away. The mind of such people who have no interest in religious and Godly matters become inclined to piety. The voice gets chocked by ecstasy at the mere 'darshan' of Sri Sai Baba's enchanting form, tears begin to flow and when the heart is overtaken by emotion, bliss of Atmic experience follows with the feelings of "I am that"(So_Aham).

When ego begins to be inflated in devotees, then Guru by annihilating it bestows his power and enables them to attain their final aim and make them worthy of eternal happiness and contentment. The one who takes refuge in Baba becoming humble easily attains virtue, prosperity, pleasures and liberation. There are four paths leading to God-realization works, wisdom, yoga and devotion. Of these the path of devotion is full of pitfalls, and thorns. But if by relying upon Sadguru and avoiding pitfalls and thorns one proceeds further the ultimate aim is easily attained. For the upliftment of devotees the following words of assurance given by Sri Sai Baba are memorable.

In the house of devotees there shall be no shortage of food and clothings'. This is my special attribute that whosoever takes refuge in Me and worships Me in his innermost being I am always worried about his welfare. Lord Krishna too dwelt upon this in Gita. So do not worry unnecessarily for food and clothings'. If you are desirous of asking for something then ask only for God. By giving up the wordly praises and titles, get grace of God and his boon of being fearless, keep on holding fat to your "Ishta"(particular chosen form of God). Engage all your senses and mind in contemplation of God. Do not be attracted to anything material and be immersed in Me so that the tendancies of your mind are not drawn towards senses, progeny, wealth, name and fame. Then your mind shall become steady, peaceful and fearless. Attaining this state is indicative of 'sthitpragya'. If the wavering of mind is not controlled then it cannot be concentrated upon and ultimate goal cannot be achieved".

URS on Ramanavami Day

There was one inspector Shri Gopalrao Gund in Kopargavon village. He was a great devotee of Baba. He had three wives, but none had a child. By the race of Sri Sai Baba he got a son. In the event of being so happy in 1897 he got an idea that a fare or urs should be held in Shirdi. He expressed his idea to other devotees - Tatya Patil, Dada Kote Patil and Madhav Rao. They all liked the idea and they got evev the approval of Baba.

For holding urs was required Government permission. So an application was sent to the collector. But permission was not granted due to objection by village official, but on trying a second time for it the permission was finally granted and with the approval of Baba holding urs on Ramanavami day was decided accordingly.

But now there was difficulty of getting water. There were only two wells in village of which one used to be dry and water of the other was salty. Baba turned salty water to sweet water by dropping a flower into the well. But for how many people water from one well suffice? So Tatya Patil arranged for getting water from outside. Temporary storage of woods and bamboo were put up and boats were arranged. A friend of Gopal Rao Damu Anna Kasar liven in Ahmednagar. He was grieved beacuse of having no child. He too was blessed with a son by the grace of Sri Sai Baba. Sri Gund asked him to offer a flag. Another flag was given by Shri Nana Saheb Nimonar. Both the flags were taken in procession with great gaiety through out the village, and at last they were hoisted on the corners of the mosque which was called Dwarakamai by Baba. This programme continues to be held as before even till to-day.

Ramanavami at Shirdi

"Chandan" Celebration

This celebration was the idea of muslim devotee of Korhal Shri Amir Shakkar Dalal. Normally such a celebration is observed in the honor of Muslim Pir. Lots of sandal paste is collected by rubbing it on a stone sill and placed along with perfumed sticks in large flat vessels. The sticks are lighted and taken in procession to the mosque where the celebration comes to an end. The 'sandal paste' and burning perfumed sticks are scattered on Neem tree and around the mosque. For the first three years arrangements for this celebration were made by ShriAmir Shakkar and after him, his wife did the same. So flag procession by Hindus and 'Chandan' procession by the Muslims were taken out together. This tradition continues even till to-day.

Arrangement for the Fare

The sacred day of Ramanavami is very dear to the devotees of Sri Sai Baba. The external and internal matters were managed by Tatya Pati and a great devotee of Sri Sai Baba Radhakishna mai respectively. On this occassion their residence used to be full of guests and they had to take care of all people who gathered there. At the same time they had to make all necessary arrangements for the fare. The other job she used to do with pleasure was to sweep and clean the mosque and white-wash it. The walls and courtyardof the mosque got blackened due to smoke coming out of constantly burning fire inside it. when Baba would go to Chawadi for taking rest there during night then she used to do all the work. Everyhting including burning pier had to be taken out of the mosque and after cleaning and white-washing they had to be placed in their proper places and properly decorated. The most dear activity of Baba was feeding the poor, which was a part of all the celebrations. For this purpose grand feast used to be arranged. All this job used to be done at the residence of Radhakrishna mai. Many rich persons helped by contributing money. Several volunteers also took active part in the arrangements of the fare.

Inner-relatedness of Ramanavami and URS

In 1911, a changed occured in this programme. A devotee KrishnaraoJogeshwar Bhishma, the author of Sagunopasana, stayed one day before the fare in the Dixit Wada at Shirdi along with Dada Saheb Khaparne of Amaravati. When he was lying in its corridor, Laxmanarao alias Kaka Mahajani was going towards the mosque carrying with him articles of worship. They both exchanged their views how to hold URS fare together with Ramanavami celebration?

......to be continued....

Chithraguptha Swamy - Chithra Pournami special

2014-05-14T08:43:00.000+08:00

Mashibhajansanyuktaschrasi Twang! Maheetale|

Lekhani-Katinihasta Chitragupta Namostute ||

Chitragupta Namstubhyam Lekhakaksharadayakam |

Kayasthajatimasadya Chitragupta! Namostute ||

Lord Chitragupta is the Divine Accountant and personal assistant of Lord Yama who keeps an account of our karmas. It is believed that Chitragupta examines the good and bad deeds(Karma) of every person. When a person dies, his soul first reaches Lord Yama, where Chitragupta tallies the deeds and report it to Yama. Special worship is done in Honour of Him on this day - Chithra Pournami
to appeal for forgiveness for our shortcomings are raised on this day.

The history of Shri Chithragupta Swamy is given in three different versions but is inter- related.

One version narrates as Lord Shiva gave a picture depicting the rainbow colours which was given life by Goddess Parvathi and eventually became Shri Chithra(picture) Guptha Swamy.

The second version goes like this….. In order to clear the curse of Shri Indira Devan, Shri Chithragupta Swamy was delivered by Kamadhenu in the Indira Heaven. That is why we avoid cows milk and curd to sanctify the diety of Shri Chithragupta Swamy.

‘Chith’ means inner conscience. ‘Aptham’ means hidden conscience. Whatever we hold back in our conscience is brought out by Shri Chithragupta and plans the life of a person. Hence the name Chithragutha.

Having to account the sins and goodness of crores of people Lord Yama Dharma felt it difficult doing it all alone so he prayed to God Shiva to give him an assistant. Immediately Lord Shiva instructed Brahma to give an assistant to Lord Yama. Brahma knew that this is possible only by Sun God(Surya Devan). So Brahma created a fire within the sun. The sun develops romance and in that romantic mood seven colours of the rainbow integrates and forms into a girl and she became to be known as Neeladevi and she lived with the sun. The relationship results into the delivery of a male child in the tamil month of chithirai and that too on a full moon day hence he was named as Chithraputhiran(The son of colors). The child on delivery carried a book in his left hand and a writing nail in the right. (Since Chithragupthar was born of a rainbow people as sacrifice present him with multi colored clothes).

Chithraguptar performed penance and prayed to Lord Shiva and in turn he received intelligence and all brilliance. In order to test his powers he began to create. This stunned Brahma the “God of Creation”. This act was complained to Sun God. The Sun God advised his son Chithragupta that he determines the time of human beings by terming day and night likewise you can account for the goodness of human beings. The work of creation is Brahman .

The sun god decided to get his son married inorder to bring him into control. The Virgins who came as descendants of shiva namely Mayabrahman’s daughter Prabhavathy, Manu Brahmam’s daughter Neelavathy, Viswa brahma who occupied anthanar dharmam whose daughter Karnagi. All there three were married to Chithraguptar. Lord Yama who was annoyed over the way Chithraguptar was maintaining his family in a happy way, complained to his father ‘‘Sun” and ‘Sun God’ immediately sent Chithraguptar to be responsible and help Lord Yama.

Chithraguptar who went along with his wives to Yama’s world is still accounting the goodness and evil activities of mankind from then on.

It is but a blessing that Shri Chithragupta Swamy in accompaniment of Shri Karnagi Ambal is seated in the sanctorium of a temple in the centre of Kanchipuram near the bus stand. This temple adds effect to Kanchipuram town which is considered as one of the seven heavens.

In 1907 when temple renovation was done under the earth and beneath the altar a statue was found that of Chithraguptar with his wife. The period of the statue is not known. That statue is kept in the main sanctum.

Thulabara Mandapam Kanakarayar a minister in Chola King Chenni Valavan’s cabinet created a statue for festive occasions. This diety is separately placed in the temple and it is taken in procession.

On Chithra Pournami (full moon day of the Chithrai month) special pooja and the marriage celebrations of Chithraguptar takes place and food is sponsored.

Off the nine planets Kethu’s Lord is Chithraguptar. Hence any offering made to Chithraguptar will relieve us from all trial and tribulation of Kethu planet.

The offering comprises of cereals, seven lamps, and multicolour clothes. Added to this an abhisheka is done.

Most importantly there is only one temple for Chithraguptar and that too in Kanchipuram.

On this auspicious day, special poojas will be performed in temples and people take bath in holy rivers/temple ponds and pray to wash their sins. There is a Chitragupta Temple at Kancheepuram and it is the only temple in South India for Chitragupta.

Also women observe fasting on this day from early morning 6am and finish the fasting once they see the moon in evening through a sieve. Some do not consume any salted food this day. Its a belief if married women does this vrath she will be suhagan - sumangali (Living with her husband till her death) forever.

9 paths to attain the blessings of Lord MahaVishnu in this Kaliyug

2014-05-13T15:42:00.001+08:00

Lord Venkateswara Swamy, Tirumala, Tirupathi

9 paths to attain the blessings of Lord MahaVishnu in this Kaliyug as by Vishnu puranam,

Shravanam - hear only good things.
Keerthanam - Singing songs on Him
Smaranam - Think and meditate on Him
Patha Sevanam - Worship His divine Lotus feets.
Archanam - Worshipping Him in His temple and offering Tulsi and flowers.
Vandhanam - Worshipping Him doing namaskaram and bowing to Him.
Dasyam - becoming slave to Him.
Sakyam - Taking Him as a friend and beloved.
Athma Neivethanam - Charanagathy - Surrender to His feet.

Sri Vari Padaalu - Lotus feets of Lord Venkateswara Swamy

~ Jai Sriman Narayana ~

Maruthamalai Muruga

2013-09-04T14:00:00.000+08:00

Lord Muruga, - Utchavamoorthy, Maruthamalai

The ancient past of the temple can be traced to the period of Sage Kachyapar's PERUR PURANAM. The origin of the temple is rooted in legendary antiquity and dates back to the age of Surapadama, the demon destroyed by Lord Subramanya referred to in SKANDAPURNAM. Evidance of existence of this temple has been found in the inscriptions of Thirumuruganathaswami Temple, Thirumurganpoondi to 12th century A.D.

According to Perurpuranam, unable to bear the agony and anguish of Soorapadama, the scourge of the gods aided by his mighty brothers, Singamukha and Tharaka, the gods approached Lord Siva and sought His succour. Lord Siva comforted the Gods that Lord Muruga would come to their rescue, root out and destroy Surapadama and his aides. The gods should hurry to the Marudhamalai Hills and await the arrival of Lord Muruga, their Saviour! Perupuranam also alludes to a king called Kusathvajan, who, it is said, was blessed with a male issue, only after worshipping Marudhamalai Muruga.

Temple Entrance - Maruthamalai

The Divine Cow Kamadhenu(Komatha) is reported to have grazed in the pastures of the hills of Marudhamalai.

Main Shrine - Maruthamalai

In the temple premises, we can find Aathimoolasthanam, Edumban temple, Kuthirai Kulampadigal, abodes of Siddhas - Pambatti Siddhar and Pancha Vrutcham( 5 entangled divine trees).

Raja gopuram at dusk

Aathimoolasthanam

As we approach the hill top present is the prime shrine were Lord Subramanya with his two consorts, Valli and Teyvannai, enshrined in the form of linga .The first pooja is performed for these deities.

Edumaban temple

In the shrine of Idumba the image of the deity is carved on a huge round rock in the posture of carrying a Kaavadi. Married couples having no issues worship the deity and offer toy cradles with the firm faith of being blessed with progeny by the Grace of god.

Pancha Virutcham

Under the cluster of trees entangled with one another. is an Idol of Lord Ganesha - Heramba Ganapathy. The breeze wafting along the foliage has an unfailing cure for all diseases of the people. A host of saints, invisible to the common man's eyes, are supposed to dwell here doing meditation. An aged Irula tribesman, 80 years old identified the entangled trees as Korakattai, Ichi, Banyan, Vakkanai and Ottu maram and added there was one tree in the group, Peepal in the days of yore, and it is extinct now. The tribalman also said that this tree existed in the same manner even during his childhood. This is a unique phenomenon which has attracted botanists apart from devotees.

Kuthirai Kulambadiagal

Continuing our ascent, we find a beautiful mandapam, enshrining what is called 'Kudirai Kulambu' (hoof marks of the horse). It is believed that the horse of Lord Muruga caused the marks, as he marched against the Demon Surapadma or the horse on which Lord Muruga rode and chased the robbers referred to earlier might have imprinted by them.

Pambatti Siddhar cave

The Pambatti Siddhar Cave is another shrine drawing our attention. It is located on the slopes towards the east and can be approached by a narrow path, protected by a stone hedge or parapet. One can notice a natural image of a snake on the rock. There is an underground passage from the cave to the primal shrine through which the Pambati Siddhar wended his way everyday to worship Lord Subramanya in the Company of his consorts .Pambatti Siddhar used this cave as his abode for meditation on Lord Muruga and attained salvation here. A snake comes to the cave everyday and feeds itself on the fruit and milk kept for it. Devotees offer milk and fruit for the snake.

Golden Chariot of Lord Muruga

Golden chariot or car festival happens mostly in the evenings of Kiruthigai especially on Aadi Kiruthigai. The clippings here portrays the grandiose appearance of God of Youth smiling in the golden car wishing good luck to all his sincere devotees.

Lord Muruga - Magnificant look in Golden Chariot

Where is Maruthamalai?

Maruthamalai is a small hill in Coimabatore 15KM away from Gandhipuram - the center of Coimbatore. Perurpuranam lists the three neighbouring hills, vellingiri, Nili and Marudhamalai as the very manifestations of Lord Siva, Parvathi and Subramanya respectively and the three hills taken together as the very symbol of Somaskanda.

Buses from Gandhipuram to Maruthamalai - 1, 1-B, 1-D, I-E, S-12, S-13, S-15, S-16, S-26, 46, 70, 70-A, 70-B, 76, 92

Note:

Siddhas are mystic philosophers who exercise their mental faculties to the utmost and attain godhead by means of meditation and reflection. They are endowed with incredible powers of the mind by which they perform great miracles and astound the common world. Siddhas can set at rest all their senses and awaken their spirit alone. Thus they are bodily asleep and spiritually awake. In this blessed mood they enter into a personal communion with god.

It is believed that there were 18 Siddha’s. One of the 18 siddha’s used to animate dead snakes and dance with him, so he was popularly known as Pambatti Siddhar. Pambatti Siddhar greatly revered in the Kongu region, he is credited with having lived in the company of snakes and made them dance to his tunes. Once, in the course of his wanderings, he chanced to meet one, Sattai Muni Siddhar, a contemporary and counterpart who initiated him into the art of entering into trances - the Jeeva Samadhi Nilai.

Once he transmigrated into the dead body of a king and performed great miracles. He composed songs of enlightenment. 'Siddharudam' is a work, attributed to his prophetic genius. Lord Muruga took joy in teasing and tantalizing the Siddha with his spiritual pranks. Once as an enormous boulder came down, rolling gaining momentum, the siddha tried to halt it, arrested its movement and averted a great havoc.

32 forms of Ganapathi

2013-06-02T21:39:00.003+08:00

Lord Shree Ganesh is worshiped as god of knowledge and the remover of obstacles. The beginning of any auspicious performance for blessings and auspiciousness starts with prayers to Lord Ganesh or Ganapathi or Vinayaka. A unique combination of his elephant like head and a quick moving tiny mouse vehicle represents tremendous wisdom, intelligence, and presence of mind. As by Agamic scriptures, Lord Ganesha is recognized and worshiped in 32 distinct forms while each form representing a cause.From Atharvana vedhas and Ganapathi sahasrnamam, it is known that there are 32 forms of Lord Ganesha. Simply uttering the names of Ganesha forms itself is considered to be equal to doing archana in the temple.

32 forms of Lord Ganesha

Bala Ganapathi
Tharuna Ganapathi
Bakthi Ganapathi
Veera Ganapathi
Sakthi Ganapathi
Dvija Ganapathi
Siddhi Ganapathi
Uchishta Ganapathi
Vigna Ganapathi
Kshipra Ganapathi
Heramba Ganapathi
Lakshmi Ganapathi
Maha Ganapathi
Vijaya Ganapathi
Nrutha Ganapathi
Oorthuva Ganapathi
Ekatshara Ganapathi
Vara Ganapathi
Treyakshara Ganapathi
Sipraprasadha Ganapathi
Harithra Ganapathi
Ekathantha Ganapathi
Shrusti Ganapathi
Uthanda Ganapathi
Runamosana Ganapathi
Thundi Ganapathi
Duvimuga Ganapathi
Mummuga Ganapathi
Singa Ganapathi
Yoga Ganapathi
Durga Ganapathi
Sankatahara Ganapathi

Note:

Dear readers, if you happen to have a better image of 32 forms of Lord Ganesha please forward to hinduspirit @ chamsamalini@gmail.com so as to publish in this website. Thanks a lot.

Navagraha stotram

2013-05-31T14:00:00.002+08:00

Navagrahas

Aarogyam prathathu no dinakara:

Chandro yalo nirmalam

Boothim boomisootha: soothaamsuthanaya:

Pragnyam gururgouvravam

kaanya: komalavaakvilaasamathulam

Mantho mutham sarvatha

Raahoor baahubalam virothasamanam

Kethu: kulasyonnathim

Meaning:

Please bless us with good health by sun god - Lord Surya; fame by moon god- Lord Chandra; prosperous by Lord Angaraha; good knowledge by lord Budha; good status by Lord Guru; good speech by Lord Sukira; happiness by Lord Sani; courage and overcoming enemy by Lord Raagu; and generation growth by Lord Kethu

Procedure:

Chanting this navagraha blessed sthotra for nine times a day will relieve us from any sort of graha doshas and also we will be blessed with complete mercy of Navagrahas.

Sri Rama Namavali

2013-04-18T14:40:00.001+08:00

Jeyajeya rama rama ragurama

seetharama sree ragurama

(jeyajeya...)

pasupathy ranjana bavana rama

paba vimosana thaaraga rama

ramarama ramarama ramarama ramaram

rama rama thaaragam satha bajore

satha bajore satha jabore

(ramarama...)

rama rama rama jeya kothandarama

rama rama rama jeya kalyanarama

rama rama rama jeya pattabirama

(ramarama...)

ramachandra raguveeraa ramachandra ranadheera

ramachandra ragurama ramachandra parandama

ramachandra ragunatha ramachandra jagannatha

ramachandra mamapantho ramachandra dayasintho

(ramachandra...)

bajamanaram bajamanaram

panduranga sreeranga bajamanaram

bajamana govinda bajamana anandha

bajamana mukunda bajamanaram

bajamana madhavabajamana yadhava

bajamana kesava bajamanaram

bajamana raguvara bajamana yathuvara

bajamana murahara bajamanaram

(bajamanaram...)

aathma rama anandha ramana

achchuda kesava hari narayana

(2 times)

bavabaya harana vanthitha charana

ragukula booshana raajiva lochana

aadhi naraya anandha sayana

sachidhananda sreesathya narayana

madhava murali manohara jeya

narayana sreethara haro jeya

(aathmarama...)

Sri Sai Sachcharira - Chapter -8

2013-03-14T12:58:00.001+08:00

Shirdi Sai Baba - Suprabatha Darshan at Singapore

Installation of Paduka under Neem Tree, Wrestling Bout with Mohiddin, turning water into Oil, Pseudo-Guru Jauhar Ali

Installation of Paduka under Neem Tree

A devotee of Akkalkot Maharaj Bhai Krishnaji Alibagkar used to worship his picture daily. Once he decided to have 'darshan' and do worship of the 'paduka' of Maharaj's by going to Akkalkot (District - Sholapur). But before that Akkalkot Maharaj told him in a dream that now-a-days I am in Shirdi, you do my worship by going there. So Bhai by changing his programme went to Shirdi and worshipped Sri Sai Baba. He stayed at Shirdi for six months happily and as a mark of his dream he got 'paduka' made. He installed 'paduka' in Shaka year 1934 on an auspicious day of Shrvana month. Dada Kekkar and Upasani Maharaj completed the installation ceremony by observing proper rites. One Dixit priest was appointed for doing worship and the management was assigned to a devotee Meru Nayak.

The retired Mamalatdar of Thane Shri B.V.Dev was a great devotee of Sri Sai Baba. He enquired about this matter from Sagun Meru Nayak and Govind Kamalakar Dikshit. The full details of 'paduka' are published in Sri Sai Leela Part II number 1 page 25, which is like this - In 1912 a devotess, Ramarao Kodhare of Mumbai came to Shirdi for'darshan' of Baba. His compounder and another friend of his Bhai Krishnaji Alibagkar also came with him. The compounder and Bhai became great friends of Sagun Meru Nayak and G. K. Dikshit, while exchanging views on some matters, an idea occured to them why notto install 'paduka' in the historic memory of first advent of Sri Sai Baba in Shirdi and his living under 'Neem' tree?

When exchange of views began to take place about making of'paduka' then Bhai's friend, the compounder said that if his master Kothare comes to know about it he would get very beautiful 'paduka' made. Everyone accepted his suggestion and Doctor Kothare was informed about it. He arriving at Shirdi, prepared blue-print of 'paduka' and he consulted Upasani Maharaj about it in the temple of Kadova. Upasani Maharaj made some modifications and drew lotus flower etc., and composed the following sloka, which is a symbol of the importance of Neem tree and yogic powers of Baba:

Sai Paduka under Neem Tree, Shirdi

Sada nimbvrakshaysya mooladhivasat,

Sudhastravirham tiktampya priyam tam,

Tarum kalpavarkshy adhikam sadhyantam,

Namamiswaram sadgurum sainathan.

The idea of Upasani Maharaj appealed to everyone and it was acted upon. 'Paduka' were got prepared in Mumbai and were sent to Shirdi through the compounder. According to Baba's command it's installation was done on the full - moon day of the Shravana month. In the morning of this day at 11 o'clock U.K. Dikshit brought them placing on his head from the temple of Kandova to Dwarakamai with great festivity. Touching the 'paduka' Baba said: These are the Lotus feet of the Lord. Install them under the Neem tree. Only one day before this, a Parasi devotee Pashta Sheth of Mumbai sent Rs. 25 by money order. Baba gave the money for the installation of 'paduka'. In the installation ceremony a total of Rs. 100/- were spentand Rs. 75 were collected by donations. For the first five yers Kodhare kept on sending Rs. 2/- monthly for lighting the lamp. He also sent steel - grill to be fixed around the 'paduka', Sagun Meru Nayak met the expenditure (Rs. 7.50 paise) on cartage of steel-grill from the station and for expenses on fixing the roof - top on it. Now-a-days Jarvashi (Nana Pujari) does the worship and Sagun Meru Nayak offers 'naivedhya' and lights the evening lamp.

Bhai Krishnaji was a disciple of Akkalkot Maharaj before. While going to Akkalkot in Shaka year 1834 on the auspicious occassion of 'paduka' installation he had come to Shirdi and after having 'darshan' when he asked for permission to go to Akkalkot, then Baba began to say thus: "O! what is there in Akkalkot? Why do you go there invain? Maharaj of that place is here itself(pointing to himself)". Hearing this Bhai gave up the idea of going to Akkalkot. After installation of 'paduka' he often visited Shirdi, Shri B.V.Dev at the end has written that Hemadpant did not know the details of these matters otherwise he would not have missed writing them in hi Sri Sai Sachcharitra.

Wrestling Bout with Mohiddin Tamboli

A wrestler named Mohiddin Tamboli used to live in Shirdi. Baba had an argument with him on same matter. As a result of which both had a wrestling bout and Baba was defeated. After this the life of Baba underwent sudden change. Now he dropped his long robe, tied a long cloth on his wait as undergarment and covered his head with a piece of cloth. He used to sit and sleep on a tattered mat. Thus he appeared to be very contented by wearing old and torn garments. He used to utter "Poverty is princely of the first order, higher than all riches. God is the brother of the poor."

Sai Baba neither kept company of people, nor did he hold conversation with them. Whenever someone asked him question then only he gave a brief reply. During the day time he sat under the tree. Sometimes he kept sitting under the shade of "Babul' tree.On the bank of a drain at the curvature of the village and in the evening would go for a stall anywhere around. In Neemgao he used to go often to the reidence of Baba Saheb Dengale. Baba loved him greatly. His younger brother named Nana Saheb had no progeny inspite of his marrying twice. Baba Saheb sent Nana Saheb to Shirdi to have 'darshan' of Baba. After sometime by the grace of Baba NanaSaheb got a son. From this time onwards a large number of people began to come to Shirdi for 'darshan' of Baba annd his glory spread far and wide. His fame reached Ahmadnagar also. Then began coming to Shirdi Nana Saheb Chandorkar, Kesav Chidambaram and several other devotees. The whole day Baba remained surrounded by his devotees and at night he slept in the deplted mosque.

At this point in time all that he had his belongings were a smoke - pipe, tobacco, one mug a long robe, apiece of cloth to put around his head, and a stick, which he always kept with himself.

He used to tie a piece of white cloth around his head in a manner that it fell on his back by the left side from the ear so as to appear as if it were a bunch of hair. He never put on shoes or chappals in his feet. He would put on a waist-cloth and in order to protect himself from cold kept on sitting in front of burning fire facing the south. He used to put wood in fire himself and burnt in it all his ego, desires and attachments to senses. He would always utter aloud 'Allah-Malik'. The mosque which he occupied was as big as equal to two small rooms and it was here only that all devotees used to have his 'darshan'. Some alterations were made only after 1912. The old mosque was renovated and a floor was added inside. Beside shifting to mosque, baba lived for a long time in 'Takia'. He used to dance and sing enchantingly Bhajans (devotional songs)by putting on anklets on his ankles and get immersed in ecstasy.

Turning Water into Oil

Baba had great love for lighting lamps. He would get oil in the evening by begging for it from shopkeepers and decorate the mosque by lining with burning lamps. This practice continued for sometime without any hindrances. Now the shopkeepers got fed up with it and unitedly they decided that now on wards no one would give oil. As usual when Baba reached to them for begging oil everywhere he got a refusal. But without complaining to anyone Baba returned to the mosque and put the dry wigs in the lamps. The shopkeepers were watching him with great curiosity to see what Baba does now. Baba took up the mug which had a few drops of oil, put some water into it and he gulped the oil mixed water. After sometimes, he poured it out in the mug and put the same oil or water in the lamps. When the curious shopkeepers saw the lamps lighting during the whole night as before they fell repentant for their wrong doing and they asked Baba to forgive them. Baba pardoned them and cautioned them for good behavior in the future.

Pseudo-Guru Jauharali

After five years of wrestling bout with Mohiddin there came a faqir Jauhar Ali along with his disciples to Rahata. He began to live in a house opposite to Birbhadra temple.The faqir was learned and he had learnt, versus of Holy Quran by heart. He had sweet voice, many faithful villagers began to come to him and he got due respect. He decided to build a Idgah in front of Birbhadra temple by the people. Some quarrel took place on account of this, because of which leaving Rahata Jauhar Ali came to Shirdi and began to live with Baba in the mosque. He had won over the people by his sweet talk. He began even to call Baba to be one of his disciples. Baba raised no objections and accepted being called his disciple. Baba never disrespected him and kept on doing his duties to him as a disciple whole-heartedly, and served him in various ways. Both of them used to come to Shirdi, but they mainly stayed in Rahata.

The devotees of Sri Sai Baba did not like his staying in Rahata. So all of them together went to Rahata for bringing Baba back from there. They met Baba near the Idgah and told him the reason of their coming. Baba explained those people to return to Shirdi before the coming of faqir.The conversation was still going on when the faqir arrived. he got flared up by seeing the people to take away his disciple like that. After some arguments the matter was settled and the situation took a sudden turn. Atleast it was decided that let the faqir and his disciple stay in Shirdi. So they returned to Shirdi and began to live there.

After sometime Devidas put the Guru to test and found certain faultsin hi. Twelve years before Baba had arrived in Shirdi along with the marriage party of the son of brother-in-law of Chand Patil, Devidas had come probably at the age of 10-12 years, to Shirdiand lived in Hanuman temple. Devidas was well-built, handsome and of sharp intellect. He was the veritable symbol of sacrifice and learning. Many people took him to be their Guru (Preceptor). People brought Jauhar Ali to hi. Jauhar Ali was badly defeated in the debate and he ran away to Vaijapur leaving Shirdi. After several years he came to Shirdi and worshipped the Lotus feet of Sri Sai Baba. His illusion that he was guru and Sri Sai Baba his disciple had vanished.

Om Sai | Om Sai | Om Sai

Significance of Mahashivaratri

2013-03-07T17:52:00.000+08:00

Mahashivaratri is the day dedicated to Lord shiva and also is referred as the great night of Shiva. It falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February- March). This festival is purely religious in nature and universally observed by all Hindus. On this day devotees sing bhajans in honor of Shiva, recite Sanskrit shlokas (verses) from scriptures, offer prayers in the morning and evening, and some observe fasting throughout the day. People visit nearby temples of Shiva and offer prayers in large crowds. The prayers and worship continue late into the night when the devotees offer coconut, Bilva leaves, fruits, and specially prepared sacred food to Shiva and his divine consort Parvati. Offering Bilva leaves to Shiva on Shivaratri is considered very auspicious by his devotees. One who have Linga at home also undergo prayers and do abishek to Linga with fruits, milk, curd, rose water, and flowers chanting the panchakshara mantra of Lord Shiva with all serenity.

Mahakaleswar Jyotirlin, Madhya Pradesh

There are sevaral legends in Hindu mythology attributed to mahashivarathiri.

Ocean Churning:

One very popular story traces the origin of this festival to the churning of the Ocean of Milk by devas (gods) and asuras (demons). It is said that when both gods and demons were churning the Ocean of Milk to obtain amrita (water of immortal life), they came across many unusual substances, including the deadly poison Kalakuta. As soon as they touched the poison, it exploded into poisonous fumes that threatened to envelope the entire universe by darkness. When the destruction of the universe seemed inevitable, the gods ran for assistance from Brahma and Vishnu, but neither was able to help. At last they ran to Lord Shiva, who raised his trident and condensed the fumes.

Lord Shiva swallowing the poison

In order to save the creation, Shiva swallowed the poison without spilling a single drop. The poison left a dark blue mark on Shiva's throat. The gods praised and worshipped Shiva for saving the universe.Every month witnesses a day with Sivarathiri thithi. But Maha Sivaratri happens once a year and is celebrated in reverence to Lord Shiva. Sivarathiri literally means the night of Lord Shiva. This day, is celebrated on the moonless night of the month of Phalguna (Maasi in tamil), which is the fourteenth day in the krishnapaksha or dark half. Owing to a special planetary conjunction, spiritual practices done on this day are considered to be especially auspicious and beneficial. It is believed that in one of the Puranas(legends), Lord Shiva himself tells Parvati Devi that this day is very dear to him, and that those who perform the prescribed austerities on this day will be freed from all sins.

Somathaswamy Jothirlin, Somnath

One of the story behind Sivarathiri from Garuda Purana:

There was once a hunter from Varanasi named Suswara who lived with his wife and child in a small hut. Theirs was a hand-to-mouth existence. Suswara would go to the forest and hunt whatever game came his way, and thus feed his family. One particular day,The day before the new moon, while roaming through forests in search of animals, he saw a deer, but before his arrow flew he noticed the deer's family and their sadness at its impending death. So he let it live. He had still not caught anything when he was overtaken by nightfall.He was a little worried as the forest was infested with dangerous animals. He did not like the idea of spending the night there. Soon it became very dark. Unable to find his way back, Suswara took shelter on a tree to be safe from the wild animals.

Suswara was unable to get even a wink of sleep. He kept vigil throughout the night. To pass away the time he engaged himself in plucking the leaves of the tree and dropping them down onto the ground. The next day he returned home and bought some food for himself and his family. The moment he was about to break his fast a stranger came to him, begging for food. He served the food first to stranger and then had his own.

Unknown to Suswara, there was a Shivalinga at the foot of the tree; and moreover the tree he had taken shelter was Vilva or Bilva tree. By dropping the sacred bilva leaves, Suswara was making a sacred offering to the Shivalinga. That night happened to be Shivaratri. So the hunter had unknowingly kept a night-long vigil and worshipped Shiva.

How to worship Shivarathiri?

As by Shiva Purana, the Maha shivaratri worship or prayer should incorporate six items:

offering bilva leaves to the deity after giving it a ceremonial bath, which represents purification of the soul;
applying vermilion paste on the linga after bathing it, which represents virtue;
offering food, which is conducive to longevity and the gratification of desires;
lighting incense, which yields wealth;
lighting an oil lamp, which signifies the attainment of knowledge;
and offering betel leaves, which marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures. These six items form an indispensable part of the Maha shivaratri worship, be it a simple ceremony at home or grand temple worship.

Also look at:

Significance of Bilva leaves and Bilvastakam

What to chant on Sivarathiri?

Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya

Significance of Bilva leaves

2013-03-07T17:45:00.000+08:00

Bilva leaves

According to Shiva Purana, the great epic on Lord Shiva, the Bilva tree is the manifest form of Lord Shiva himself, while all the great tirthas (pilgrimage places) are said to reside at its base. One who worships the Shiva Linga while sitting under the Bilva tree attains the highest bliss of oneness with Lord Shiva. The trifoliate leaves symbolize the tridentthat Shiva holds in his right hand.

The Scientific Name of Bilva tree is – Aegle Mermelos. Its fruits which have surplus health benefits is referred as Golden Apple or Stone Apple in English.

Just like Tulsi plant is sacred to Lord Krishna and Durva grass is sacred to Lord Ganesha, Bilva tree is sacred to Lord Shiva. Since the Bilva leaf has such significance in the worship of Lord Shiva, it is common to find Bilva trees cultivated in the vicinity of Shiva temples. Bilva leaves are also auspicious to Goddess Lakshmi who is considered as the sister of Lord Shiva.

When a Bilva leaf is offered to Lord Shiva,the most terrible karma(sin) is destroyed.The unbelievable merits one receives on offering a single Bilva leaf to Lord Shiva are described in the 9 verses of the sacred hymn known as Bilvashtakam.

Tridalam trigunakaram trinetram cha triyayudham

Trijanmapapasamharam ekabilvam shivarpanam .. 1

Trishakhaih bilvapatraishcha hyachchidraih komalaih shubhaih .

Tavavapujam karishhyami ekabilvam shivarpanam .. 2

Koti kanya maha danam tila parvata kotayah

Kanchanam sheela danena ekabilvam shivarpanam .. 3

Kashikshetranivasam cha kalabhairavadarshanam

Prayagamadhavam druishtva ekabilvam shivarpanamh .. 4

Induvare vratam sthitwa niraharo maheshwara

Naktam haoushyami devecha eka bilvam shivarpanam .. 5

Ramalinga pratistha cha vaivahika krutam tatha

tatakadi cha santanam eka bilvam shivarpanam .. 6

Akhanda bilva patram cha ayutam shiva poojanam

Krutam nama sahasrena eka bilvam shivarpanam .. 7

Umaya sahadevesha nandi vahana meva cha

Bhasma lepana sarvangam eka bilvam shivarpanam .. .8

alagrameshu vipranam tatakam dasha koopayo

Yagyakoti saharacha eka bilvam shivarpanam .. 9

Dantikoti sahasreshu ashwamedha shatakratau

Kotikanya mahadanam ekabilvam shivarpanam .. 10

Bilvanam darshanam punyam sparshanam papa nashanam

Aghora papa samharam eka bilvam shivarpanam .. 11

Sahasra veda patheshu brahma sthapana muchyate

Aneka vrata kotinam eka bilvam shivarpanam .. 12

Annadana sahasreshu sahasropanayanam tatha

Aneka janma papani eka bilvam shivarpanam .. 13

Phalastuti

Bilvashhtakamidam punyam yah patheth shivasannidhau.

Shivalokamavapnoti eka bilvam shivarpanam .. 14

Tulsi - The Garden deity

2013-02-10T15:32:00.000+08:00

Tulsi plant is venerated by all Hindus, throughout the length and breadth of the world mainly in India, and Nepal. Its botanical name is Ocimum Sanctum, also commonly known as Basil in English. Other names of Tulsi are derived mostly from its qualities as Sulabhaa - easily available, Bahumanjiri - with many flowering stalks, soolaghni - destroyer of troubles, Vishnupriya - beloved of Lord Vishnu, surasa - full of good juices, sap , as also Gauri and Devadandoobhi.

Krishna Tulsi

Commonly, Tulsi is of two types - the Krishna Tulsi - dark leaved and the Shwera tulsi light leaved. This is sometimes also known as Ram Tulsi. Occasionally one may have come across Tulsi which grows in the wild. This is known as Vana Tulsi.

While doing a prayer ceremony, the leaves and its flowers are given the foremost importance. It is believed that at the tip of the Tulsi leaf, Lord Brahma - Prajapathi - The lord of creation resides and Shri Krishna - Vishnu - Lord of Saviour resides in the middle and Lord Shiva - Lord of destroyer of evils resides in the base. Its body is the Rig Veda, Yajurveda is its neck and Atharvaveda is its prana - life force. Because of its sanctity, the Tulsi plant is associated with mankind, our ancestors and the devas. A Tulsi leaf is always placed in the mouth of a dead body before it is taken for cremation, thus ensuring the smooth onward journey of the departed soul. Almost every Hindu household therefore, has a Tulsi plant and the special pot in which it is planted is called Tulsi vrindavan.

Tulsi vrindavan decorated with kolam or patterns with rice flour

Apart from its religious significance, Tulsi is a grat purifier of atmosphere and possess so many medicinal befits which we will be soon discussing in our Health link at http://healthbenefits-fruitsvegetables.blogspot.sg/.

The Tulsi festival is celebrated every year from the 12th day of the bright fortnight to the full moon day in the month of Karthik or Kaarthikai. This is about 10 days after Bhaiyya Dooj - the last day of Deepavali Celebrations.

Tulsi given the feminine form

Every women in the family are cultured to go round the Tulsi vrindavan daily morning after the daily routines as a manner of saying pranams or respects and also garlanding her with cotton tied with turmeric and kumkum to make buds as shown in figure above. Ekadesi coming in the month of Vaikasi - probably in October is very auspicious to Tulsi and on that day make the Tulsi pooja so as to get all the desires fulfilled.

Jai Tulsi Ma

January 2013

2013-01-01T05:30:00.000+08:00

Ayurdevi - Mother of Universe

2012-12-31T15:39:00.000+08:00

Sri Aayur Devi, the Empress of the Universe, is a manifestation of the Universal Mother Parashakti. Mother Ayur Devi's worship was prevalent in a grand manner during the in the Kritha (Satya)Yuga. Seated on a Siddha swan (anna vaahanam) on a base of Siddha lions (simha peetam), the blissful Mother offers a seat(kara peetam) to nine great Siddhas in eight of Her nine divine hands. Her ninth hand shows the Abaya Hastha or the fear not sign. Siddhas are those who always are at bliss at the worship of Mother Parashakthi or Sri Devi Upaasana and have dedicated their lives for fetching salvation for this mankind.

Maa Ayurdevi

With the Trimoorthi ( Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) trinity looking on in awe, Sri Chitragupta ( Assistant of Lord Yama) dutifully cataloging the karma of all beings, Sri Yama and His consort worshiping Her, the great Mother presides over the universe. Usually we can see the Siddhas form only in the temple pillars but the moment one worships Mother Ayur devi he gets double benefitted of worshipping the Mother Ayur Devi as well the Siddhas.

Name of Siddhas in Maa Ayurdevi's hands:

Right Hand (from top to bottom)

1. Gayasura Mahrishi
2. Aani Mandavyar
3. Athri Maharishi
4. Kundalini Maharishi

Left Hand (Top to Bottom)
5. Ahirputhniya Maharishi
6. Saarama Munivar
7. Astheeka Siddhar
8. Kaakini Devi and Samvartha Maharishi (inside the divine Kumbha or the amritha kalasa)

Maa Ayurdevi Dyan

Jayaamba jaya sarvaani jayagowree Ayurdevi

namonamaste sivakama sundari

namo namaste arunachaleswari

namo mahagowree namo namaste

Maa Ayurdevi Moola Mantra

Om Sreem hreem aim

subayay deva senayay

ayurdevyay swaaha

Chant this for 24 or 36 or 64 or 108 times...

Maa Ayurdevi Gayathri

Om mahadevyay cha vithmahe

paraskthyay cha theemahi

thanno ayur devyay prachothayaath

Maa Ayurdevi Namavali

Om Sri Akilaandesvaryai Namaha

Om Sri Anna Vaahinyai Namaha

Om Sri Adbhuta Chaarithraayai Namaha

Om Sri Aadhi Devyai Namaha

Om Sri Aadhi Paraasakthyai Namaha

Om Sri Eesvaryai Namaha

Om Sri Ekaantha Poojithaayai Namaha

Om Sri Omkara Roopinyai Namaha

Om Sri Kaala Bhairavyai Namaha

Om Sri Kritha Yuga Chit Sakthyai Namaha

Om Sri Chakra Vaasinyai Namaha

Om Sri Siddh Purusha Thathvaayai Namaha

Om Sri Shiva Shakti Aikya Svaroopinyai Namaha

Om Sri Lalitha Paramesvaryai Namaha

Om Sri Trimurti Svaroopinyai Namaha

Om Sri Nava Kara Roopinyai Namaha

Om Sri Nava Mudra Samaaraadhyaayai Namaha

Om Sri Padmaasanasthaayai Namaha

Om Sri Yogaambikaayai Namaha

Om Sri Durga Lakshmi Saraswathi Nishevithaayai Namaha

Om Sri Vishnu Roopinyai Namaha

Om Sri Veda Mantra Yantra Shaktyai Namaha

Om Sreem Hreem Aim Subaayai Namaha

Om Sri Shiva Kutumbinyai Namaha

Om Sri Arunachala Merusthaayai Namaha

Om Sri Kara Peeta Vara Prasaadinyai Namaha

Om Sri Aayur Devyai Namaha

Source: Om Saravana Bava - Spiritual Magazine

Chanting this set of 27 names four times, is equivalent to one Ashtotara (108 names). Chanting this Ashtotara ten times will be a Sahasranama (1000 names) and that is highly recommended. 10 sahasranamas per day pays way to the Mother's grace!

Performing Kalasa Puja for Her is very auspicious during Navrathiri. Doing archana (offering flowers at the Mother's lotus feet with the recitation of every name) with gold/yellow colored fragrant flowers is highly recommended. This is the way to get sarva mangala sowbhagya - all auspiciousness and prosperity.

Hindu Calendar 2013

2012-12-31T13:45:00.000+08:00

Date	Day	Festival
14-JAN-2013	Monday	Makarsankranti / Pongal

14-FEB-2013	Thursday	Vasant Panchami

10-MAR-2013	Sunday	Maha Shivaratri
27-MAR-2013	Wednesday	Holi

11-APR-2013	Thursday	Hindi New Year
11-APR-2013	Thursday	Telugu New Year / Ugadi
14-APR-2013	Sunday	Tamil New Year
14-APR-2013	Sunday	Baisakhi / Vishu
15-APR-2013	Monday	Bengali New Year
20-APR-2013	Saturday	Ramanavami
25-APR-2013	Thursday	Hanuman Jayanti

13-MAY-2013	Monday	Akshaya Tritiya

08-JUN-2013	Saturday	Savitri Pooja

10-JUL-2013	Wednesday	Puri Rath Yatra
22-JUL-2013	Monday	Guru Purnima

11-AUG-2013	Sunday	Nag Panchami
20-AUG-2013	Tuesday	Raksha Bandhan
28-AUG-2013	Wednesday	Krishna Janmashtami

09-SEP-2013	Monday	Ganesh Chaturthi
16-SEP-2013	Monday	Onam
20-SEP-2013	Friday	Pitr-paksha Begins

04-OCT-2013	Friday	Pitr-paksha Ends
05-OCT-2013	Saturday	Navaratri Begins
11-OCT-2013	Friday	Durga Puja Begins
13-OCT-2013	Sunday	Navaratri Ends
14-OCT-2013	Monday	Dusshera
18-OCT- 2013	Friday	Lakshmi Puja
22-OCT-2013	Tuesday	Karwa Chauth

01-NOV-2013	Friday	Dhan Teras
03-NOV-2013	Sunday	Diwali
17-NOV-2013	Sunday	Kartik Poornima

Sloka for overcoming delay in marriage

2012-12-25T21:40:00.000+08:00

Saptha Kanya

Saptha Kanya refers to Seven Virgin Mothers who are Parivaara Devataas of AadhiParaaShakti. The Saptha Kannikas, are namely Brahmi, Mahe’shwari, Kowmaari, Vaishnavi, Vaaraahi, Indraani, and Chaamundi . Traditionally, all the Hindu Temples in villages and rural areas of India, these Seven Virgin Mothers are consecrated as seven stones and worshipped as formless. These shrines are often called “Kanni Kovil” meaning “Virgin Temples”. The Saptha Kanya shrine is also always found in all Shiva temples.

Of these Kannikas, Vaaraahi is considered to be activating force of Lord Yamaa (The Lord of death), who has four hands displaying Varadha and Abhaya Mudras and holding Dhanda, Sword, Gada, Shanku (Conch), Plough, Chakra (Wheel), Bhoomi (Earth), and Lotus flower. Her vaahana is Buffalo. Shri Vaaraahi is Mada Naashinya, meaning She is the destroyer of Mada or Self-Pride.

Sri Vaaraahi Matha

Devadeva jaganmaatha jagathaananda kaarike

uthvaahap praapthyarththam anugraham

dehime devi sri vithyambike

Chanting this wonderful sloka in name of her and performing Abishek and Archanna on her name on Friday along with offering yellow saree and azella flowers(Sevarali in Tamil) will bring fortune in finding the life partner as early as possibe.

Sri Vaarahi matha is also the savior of all dangers. It is a belief that keeping Her photo in our journeys is assured for accident free journey.

Deepavali - The light festival - Reposting

2012-11-13T12:10:00.000+08:00

Diwali - Sparkles joy and happiness

Diwali or Deepavali is popularly known to be the festival of lights that is traditionally celebrated all over the world in a grandeur manner by Hindus. It is the day the the entrances to all homes are lit up and decorated with rangoli patterns to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. This day has so many significances inbuilt with different myths to commemorate. It's an occasion for joyous celebration of a family, friends and relatives with exchange of sweets and delicacies among them,offerings to God and engaging in colourful fireworks. Some undergo five day celebration, while some a four day celebration and in southern part they do one day celebration. During these five days, Indian gold market and textile market raise high as people flood to market to purchase expensive textiles and jewellery which is a part of their celebration.

Actually let us look a galnce @

Why Deepavali is celebrated? - The legends on Diwali
How it is celebrated? Diwali or deepavali, being the festival of lights is celebrated all over the world as lighting the lamp of knowledge and victory of the good over the evils with different mode of their presentation, prayer and offerings to God. In India, the day starts with ganga snanam ( bathing in holy water), wearing new clothes, doing prayers and delicacy offerings to God and finally the family binds together blasting with crackers. But some parts of India celebrate Diwali in a unique manner as Moni Diwali, Maha Nisa, Danteras.
Celebrations in India
Celebrations among various religions
Traditional functions in Temples
Sloka to say on Diwali

November - 2012

2012-11-01T15:34:00.000+08:00

Thiruvannamalai Deepam

01-11-12- Tiridiyai – Kaarthigai – Chandirothaya Gowri vrath – Sree Uma Vrath

02-11-12- Tiridiyai – Rohini – Sankatahara Chathurthi

03-11-12- Chathurthi - Mrugasheersham

04-11-12- Panjami - Thiruvathirai

05-11-12- Shasti - Punarpoosam

06-11-12- Saptami - Poosam

07-11-12- Ashtami - Ayilyam

08-11-12- Navami - Magam

09-11-12- Dasami - Pooram

10-11-12 - Ekadasi – Uthiram - Sarva Ekadasi

11-11-12 - Duvadasi – Hastham – Pradosham – Nakshatira Duvadasi

12-11-12 - Tiriyodasi – Chithirai

13-11-12 - Chathurdasi – Swathi – Sarva Amavasya – Kedara Gowri Vratham

14-11-12 - Pradma – Visagam – Gowarthana Vratham – Skanda shasti vratham starts

15-11-12 – Duvidiyai – Anusham

16-11-12 - Thiridiyai - Kettai – Thirilosana Jeeraga Gowri Vratham

17-11-12 - Chathurthi – Moolam – Chathurthi Vratham

18-11-12 - Panjami – Pooradam

19-11-12 - Shasti – Uthiradam – Thiruvona Vratham – shasti vratham - Soorasamharam

20-11-12 - Saptami – Avittam

21-11-12 – Ashtami – Sadayam - Koshashtami

22-11-12 - Navami – Pooratathi – Akshaya Navami

23-11-12 - Dasami – Uthiratathi – Putabarthi Saibaba Birthday

24-11-12 - Ekadasi – Uthiratathi – Sarva Ekadasi – Kaisiga Ekadesi

25-11-12 - Duvadasi – Revathi – Pradosham – Nakshathira duvadasi

26-11-12 - Tiriyodasi – Asupathi – Sheerapthi pooja

27-11-12 - Chathurdasi – Barani – Thirukaarthigai – Thiruvannamalai deepam

28-11-12 - Pournami – Karthigai – Karthiga gowri vratham – tulsi Vratham – Lakshmi Vratham

29-11-12 - Pradma - Rohini

30-11-12 - Duvidiyai - Mrugasheerisam

Hindu Spirit | Path to wisdom

108 Melmaruvathoor Amman Potri

Speciality of Sundara Gandam

108 துர்க்கையம்மன் போற்றி

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Sri Chakradevi Araikaasu Amman Potri

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Sri Sai Sachcharira - Chapter -9 - Part 2

Inner-relatedness of Ramanavami and URS

Renovation of the Mosque

Benefits of performing Abishekas

Sri Sai Sachcharira - Chapter -9 - Part 1

Effect of touch of Guru's hand and Sai Baba's words

URS on Ramanavami Day

"Chandan" Celebration

Arrangement for the Fare

Inner-relatedness of Ramanavami and URS

Chithraguptha Swamy - Chithra Pournami special

9 paths to attain the blessings of Lord MahaVishnu in this Kaliyug

Maruthamalai Muruga

Aathimoolasthanam

Edumaban temple

Pancha Virutcham

Kuthirai Kulambadiagal

Pambatti Siddhar cave

Golden Chariot of Lord Muruga

Where is Maruthamalai?

Note:

32 forms of Ganapathi

Navagraha stotram

Meaning:

Procedure:

Sri Rama Namavali

Sri Sai Sachcharira - Chapter -8

Installation of Paduka under Neem Tree

Wrestling Bout with Mohiddin Tamboli

Turning Water into Oil

Pseudo-Guru Jauharali

Significance of Mahashivaratri

Ocean Churning:

One of the story behind Sivarathiri from Garuda Purana:

How to worship Shivarathiri?

Significance of Bilva leaves and Bilvastakam What to chant on Sivarathiri?

Significance of Bilva leaves

Tulsi - The Garden deity

January 2013

Ayurdevi - Mother of Universe

Name of Siddhas in Maa Ayurdevi's hands:

Maa Ayurdevi Dyan

Maa Ayurdevi Moola Mantra

Maa Ayurdevi Gayathri

Maa Ayurdevi Namavali

Hindu Calendar 2013

Sloka for overcoming delay in marriage

Deepavali - The light festival - Reposting

November - 2012

Significance of Bilva leaves and Bilvastakam

What to chant on Sivarathiri?