Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Swami Vivekananda Quotes


When an idea exclusively occupies the mind, it is transformed into an actual physical or mental state.
It is our own mental attitude which makes the world what it is for us. Our thought make things beautiful, our thoughts make things ugly. The whole world is in our own minds. Learn to see things in the proper light. First, believe in this world, that there is meaning behind everything. Everything in the world is good, is holy and beautiful. If you see something evil, think that you arenot understanding it in the right light. Throw the burden on yourselves!
If you think about disaster, you will get it. Brood about death and you hasten your demise. Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience.
As different streams having different sources all mingle their waters in the sea, so different tendencies various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to God.
Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success, that is way great spiritual giants are produced.


We are responsible for what we are, and whatever we wish ourselves to be, we have the power to make ourselves. If what we are now has been the result of our own past actions, it certainly follows that whatever we wish to be in future can be produced by our present actions; so we have to know how to act.
Never think there is anything impossible for the soul. It is the greatest heresy to think so. If there is sin, this is the only sin ? to say that you are weak, or others are weak.
You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.
The goal of mankind is knowledge ... Now this knowledge is inherent in man. No knowledge comes from outside: it is all inside. What we say a man 'knows', should, in strict psychological language, be what he 'discovers' or 'unveils'; what man 'learns' is really what he discovers by taking the cover off his own soul, which is a mine of infinite knowledge.
We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.
Where can we go to find God if we cannot see Him in our own hearts and in every living being.




Om Namo Naraynay!
Blessed Be!

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Makar Sankranti


Sankranti is the Sanskrit word in Hindu Astrology which refers to the transmigration of the Sun from one Rāshi (sign of the zodiac) to another. Hence there are 12 such sankrantis in all. However, the Sankranti festival usually refers to Makara Sankaranti, or the transition of the Sun from Dhanu rashi (Sagittarius) to Makara rashi (Capricorn). Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus and is celebrated in almost all parts of India in myriad cultural forms, with great devotion. Millions of people take a dip in places like Ganga Sagar (the point where the river Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal) and Prayag and pray to the Sun God (Surya). Makara Sankranti identifies a period of enlightenment, peace, prosperity and happiness followed by a period of darkness, ignorance and viciousness with immense sorrow.


Makar Sankranti, apart from a harvest festival is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is said as the 'holy phase of transition'. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December. It is believed that any auspicious and sacred ritual can be sanctified in any Hindu family, this day on wards. Scientifically, this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. In other words, Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season.



All over the country, Makar Sankranti is observed with great fanfare. However, it is celebrated with distinct names and rituals in different parts of the country. In the states of northern and western India, the festival is celebrated as the Sankranti day with special zeal and fervor. The importance of this day has been signified in the ancient epics like Mahabharata also. So, apart from socio-geographical importance, this day also holds a historical and religious significance. As it is the festival of Sun God and he is regarded as the symbol divinity and wisdom, the festival also holds an eternal meaning to it.

Om Namo Naraynay!
Blessed Be!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Ganesh Chaturthi


Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Ganeshotsav (festival of Ganesha) is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). It is believed that Lord Ganesh bestows His presence on earth for all His devotees during this festival. It is the day Shiva declared His son Ganesha as superior to all the gods, barring Vishnu, Lakshmi, Shiva and Parvati. Ganesha is widely worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune and traditionally invoked at the beginning of any new venture or at the start of travel.


Ganesh Chaturthi starts with the installation of these Ganesh statues in colorfully decorated homes and specially erected temporary structures mandapas (pandals) in every locality. The pandals are decorated specially for the festival, either by using decorative items like flower garlands, lights, etc. The priest, usually clad in red or white dhoti and uttariyam (Shawl), then with the chanting of mantras invokes the presence of Ganesha using the statue as a channel, or body for his energy. This ritual is the Pranapratishhtha. After this the ritual called as Shhodashopachara (16 ways of paying tribute) follows. Coconut, jaggery, 21 modakas, 21 durva (trefoil) blades of grass and red flowers are offered. The statue is anointed with red unguent, typically made of kumkum and sandalwood paste. Throughout the ceremony, Vedic hymns from the Rig Veda, the Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, and the Ganesha stotra from the Narada Purana are chanted.

Ganesha is worshipped for 10 days from Bhadrapada Shudha Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi, On the 11th day, the statue is taken through the streets in a procession accompanied with dancing, singing, and fanfare to be immersed in a river or the sea symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in His journey towards His abode in Kailash while taking away with Him the misfortunes of His devotees.


Om Shree Ganeshay Namah! 
Blessed Be!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The Gayatri Mantra



"OM BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA,
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASAYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT......





Gayatri Mantra (the mother of the vedas), the foremost mantra in Hinduism and Hindu beliefs, inspires wisdom. Its meaning is that "May the Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path". The mantra is also a prayer to the "Giver of light and life" - the Sun (savitur).





Jai Maa Gayatri!
Blessed Be!





Monday, May 14, 2012

Teachings of Atharva Veda


Life without goodness, good thoughts, good actions and good words is like the sky in the night without the moon or stars. It is like a wheel without a hub or spokes! No one can push a boulder away while standing on it; you cannot be free from anxiety while all the entrances through which it sneaks in are open.

The person, who causes the downfall of a noble woman... who causes loss to his friend...who despite of his superiority is ignorant; is called a fallen man.

One, who earns leadership of the masses by working ceaselessly for people's welfare finally realizes that he has been rewarded with many added advantages.

In pursuit of money, man descends to the level of the beast. Money is of the nature of manure. Piled up in one place, it pollutes the air. Spread it wide; scatter it over fields; it rewards you with a bumper harvest.

A person should refrain from all those things that take him towards fallacy, misery, ignorance and degradation.

The blossom of Love will make the air fragrant; the river of Love will murmur along the valleys; and every bird, beast and child will sing the song of Love.

Contemplating and meditating on the 'real-self' accelerates this process of self-development and makes liberation possible.

One, who acquires knowledge and then pass it on to others, gets all his wishes fulfilled and achieves success, happiness and prosperity in his life.

Money and mansions are not the only wealth. Hoard the wealth of the Spirit. Character is wealth; good conduct is wealth; and spiritual wisdom is wealth.

Anxiety is removed by faith in the Lord; the faith that tells you that whatever happens is for the best and that the Lord's will be done.

Develop the inner vision and the habit of listening to the inner Voice; and you are assured of unshakable Peace and infinite Joy.

When the sun is over your head, there will be no shadow; similarly, when faith is steady in your head, it should not cast any shadow of doubt.

Those who are greedy and avaricious end up in misery. Because of their evil deeds they are short lived.

Do not be led by others; awaken your own reason; amass your own experience; and decide for yourself your own path.

There is only one Caste; the Caste of Humanity.There is only one Language; the Language of the Heart.

The sweetness and pleasantness of personality should be evident in his actions and thoughts. This will help in establishing peace and happiness all round and lead to the feeling of universal brotherhood.

In order to accomplish his duties fearlessly, a man must take the refuge of 'Truth'.

Forbearance, compassion and incorruptible virtue are the three pillars of a happy life. Only such a life can be called civilized; the rest is barbarian existence.

Open yourself, create free space; release the bound one from his bonds! Like a newborn child, freed from the womb, be free to move on every path!

Prayer has been made to mother Earth that she blesses us with the knowledge required to enjoy the treasures of nature without disturbig the environmental balance.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Achieve Every Goal


Krishna spells out the sure method to attain any goal that you have set for yourself in the Bhagvad Gita’s ninth chapter. He tells Arjuna, ‘Give your mind wholly to me, be my devotee, worship me, surrender to me. Make me your supreme goal.’

On the surface it sounds as though Krishna is very demanding. Some may also feel that while Krishna asks us to renounce our ego by uttering these words, He seems to be more egoistic than all of us. But all that Krishna is saying is that if you unite your mind with Him, you will attain Him. There is nothing egoistic about this Shloka; it is just a simple statement of fact – ‘If you unite your mind in me, you will not stray anywhere else.’


There are two kinds of goals in life – the ultimate goal and the immediate, specific goal. Each person may have a different goal in life – one may want to become political leader or a great artist, another might wish to be a scientist or an educationist. The goal can be time-bound, long term or short term, temporary or permanent. Whenever we want to achieve anything or reach anywhere, sankalpa or focused thought should be there first. If this wish or thought itself is not there, there is no question of any further progress.





Courtesy: Swami Tejomayananda

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Guru Parab - The Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak


Guru Parab is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first or the founder guru of Sikhs, on the full moon day of Kartika (October-November). Guru Parab, also known as Jyototsava, is one of the most sacred festivals of the Sikhs. 
Guru Nanak was born at Talwandi, in 1469, about 45 kms from Lahore, which is known as Nankana Sahib today. Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikh religion, and also a great philosopher, a social reformer, a poet and a teacher. Guru Nanak said that one need not become a sanyasi sacrificing one's family, to please God. Those who practice devotion, whose mind is pure and who have sympathy, patience and honesty, are in no way inferior to a sanyasi. He preached that we should not ask someone’s caste or creed because those, whose devotion is accepted by God, are good people. God appreciates those who have conquered the 'I' and 'greed'. 
A few days before Guru Parab, people take out Prabhat Pheris, or the early morning processions, from Gurdwaras. They go around their locality singing shabd or the religious hymns. Later in the day, special kirtans are arranged in the Gurdwaras. The devotees attend langar or the common meals where everyone eats the same food irrespective of caste, class, or creed. Devotees offer their services for cooking food, cleaning the Gurdwara or carrying out other chores. This is called the Kar Seva.

The celebrations begin with the Akhand path or the continuous reading of Guru Granth Saheb, the sacred book of the Sikhs, three days before Guru Nanak Jayanti. The sacred scripture is read non-stop from beginning to end. The recital lasts for 48 hours and is accompanied by with langar for the devotees attending it. During the Akhand Path, it is customary for the devotees to voluntarily serve food to other devotees. The Akhand Path culminates on the day of the Guru Parab and the holy book is then taken out in a procession, or Nagar Kirtan. It is beautifully decorated with flowers and carried on a float. Five armed guards who are called the panj pyare lead the procession. At the head of the procession is the Nishan Saheb or the Sikh flag.


Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal !
Blessed Be !

Monday, October 10, 2011

The Matsya Avatar


In Hindu mythology, Matsya is the first avatar of Vishnu. According to ancient texts, Vishnu appeared in the form of a fish during the Satya Yuga to save living beings from a great flood – a story that has striking similarities with the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark. The great flood is mentioned in texts such as the Satapatha Brahmana, where the Matsya Avatar appears to save the pious and the first man, Manu, and advises him to build a great boat.



According to the Matsya Purana, the king of pre-ancient Dravida and a Vishnu devotee, Satyavrata – who was later known as Manu – was washing his hands in a river when a fish swam into his hands and pleaded with him to save its life. Satyavrata put the fish in a jar. As the fish began growing, Satyavrata moved it to a tank and then to a river. But there was no vessel big enough to contain the fish. The fish then revealed itself to be Vishnu and prophesied that a deluge would occur within seven days and destroy all life on earth. Satyavrata was instructed to build a boat that could accommodate ‘all medicinal herbs, all the varieties of seeds, and accompanied by the seven saints’ along with the serpent Vasuki and other animals.





The Matsya Avatar of Vishnu is usually represented as a four-armed figure with the upper torso of a man and the lower body of a fish. The importance of the fish in many Indian cultures is often linked to this avatar. The fish is also seen as a symbol of constant renewal and plays a major role in wedding ceremonies in many parts of India.


Blessed Be!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Worship as Act of Living


Worship or adoration of the Divine has the potential to bring one nearer to God. This could take many forms – rituals, prayer, chanting, service and contemplation, to name a few. What is important, however, is how you seek God.



True worship is to realize that every individual is essentially divine. We see others only as good or bad, ugly or beautiful, rich or poor and we treat them accordingly. We miss out the essential core of being, which is divinity. True worship is when we see God in everyone. If worship of God is restricted only to an image, neglecting God’s living images ( all beings (, such worship is incomplete and imperfect.


Swami Vivekananda said, “ If you can not see God in the human face, how can you see Him in the clouds, or in the images made of dull, dead matter, or in mere fictitious stories of our brain? When you see man as God, everything even the tiger, will be welcome. Whatever comes to you is but the Lord, the Eternal, the Blessed One, appearing to us in various forms, as our father, mother, friend and child – they are our own soul playing with us.”





Blessed Be!


Source: Swami Atmashraddhananda

Thursday, September 22, 2011

A Creed for Those Who Have Suffered


I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey...



I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things...



I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise...



I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God...



I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things...




I got nothing I asked for - but everything I hoped for.




Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.




I, among all men, am most richly blessed!




Blessed Be!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Veda Wisdom…

Restrain the mind until it dissolves in the consciousness. This is wisdom, this is meditation. The rest is all logic and verbal extensions.

By getting up early in the morning one also gets more time at his disposal for work as compared to late-risers. Scholars and thinkers get up early in the morning and contemplate.

In real worship, we just not do ritualistic worship but we try to imbibe the qualities of the one we are worshipping.

Those who do not perform their duties and lack a sense of responsibility can never succeed in their lives.


Laziness erodes a person of his enthusiasm and energy. As a result, the person loses all opportunities and finally becomes dejected and frustrated. The worst thing is that he stops believing in himself.

Beautifully crafted words have the power to captivate the mind of anybody. A sweet-tongued man is loved by one and all. Audience is always attracted towards those who can speak efficiently and effectively.

People, who rise above their petty individual selfishness and work for the welfare of society are considered patriots.


Blessed Be!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Love Yourself…


People feel lonely; they need somebody to fill their loneliness. They call it love. They show love because that is the only way to hook the other. The other also calls it love because that is the only way to hook you. Bit who knows whether there is love or not? Love is just a game. Real love is possible, but that happens only when you don’t need anybody.


If you go to a bank and you need money, they will not give you any. If you don’t need money, you have enough, they will come to you and they will always be ready to give you. 



When you don’t need a person at all, when you are totally sufficient unto yourself, when you can be alone and tremendously happy and ecstatic, then love is possible. But then too you can be certain about only one thing: whether your love is real. How can you be certain about the other? But then there is no need. 



This continuous anxiety – whether the other’s love is real or not – simply shows one thing: that your love is not real. Why be worried about it? Enjoy it while it lasts! Be together while you can be together! It is a fiction, but you need fiction. Behind declarations of love there is nothing but need. You want your lover to be with you to fill your emptiness and so too is the case with her. You are both trying to use each other as a means. 



Do you love yourself? You have not even asked the question. When you are really blissful on your own, you don’t want to use anybody. You simply want to share it. And you will feel thankful that somebody was ready to receive. That is the full point. 




Blessed Be!



: Osho



Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Live Life…

Turn the mind inward and cease thinking of yourself and the body; thereby you will come to know that the self is happy. Neither grief nor misery is experienced in this state. You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it.



That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing and dance, and write poems, and suffer, and understand for all that is life…. Surely, life is not merely a job, an occupation; life is something extraordinarily wide and profound.



Life is a great mystery, a vast realm in which we function as human beings. It is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand small uncaring ways. As Buddha said centuries ago, “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly”.


Blessed Be!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Quotes of Wisdom from Atharva Veda

Life without goodness, good thoughts, good actions and good words is like the sky in the night without the moon or stars. It is like a wheel without a hub or spokes! No one can push a boulder away while standing on it; you cannot be free from anxiety while all the entrances through which it sneaks in are open.


The person, who causes the downfall of a noble woman... who causes loss to his friend...who despite of his superiority is ignorant; is called a fallen man.


One, who earns leadership of the masses by working ceaselessly for people's welfare finally realizes that he has been rewarded with many added advantages.


In pursuit of money, man descends to the level of the beast. Money is of the nature of manure. Piled up in one place, it pollutes the air. Spread it wide; scatter it over fields; it rewards you with a bumper harvest.


A person should refrain from all those things that take him towards fallacy, misery, ignorance and degradation.


The blossom of Love will make the air fragrant; the river of Love will murmur along the valleys; and every bird, beast and child will sing the song of Love.


Contemplating and meditating on the 'real-self' accelerates this process of self-development and makes liberation possible.


One, who acquires knowledge and then pass it on to others, gets all his wishes fulfilled and achieves success, happiness and prosperity in his life.


Money and mansions are not the only wealth. Hoard the wealth of the Spirit. Character is wealth; good conduct is wealth; and spiritual wisdom is wealth.


Anxiety is removed by faith in the Lord; the faith that tells you that whatever happens is for the best and that the Lord's will be done.


Develop the inner vision and the habit of listening to the inner Voice; and you are assured of unshakable Peace and infinite Joy.



Om Namo Narayanaya!
Blessed Be!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivratri is a festival celebrated every year on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (Feb or March) every year.The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil. Devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. Per scriptural and discipleship traditions, the penances are performed in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation, in order to reach the goal more swiftly and avoid rebirth.


Maha Shivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava'. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Godess Parvati. There are several legends and stories which relate to the celebration of this festival. Some people believe that Maha Shivratri marks the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Others believe that, it was on this day that Lord Shiva consumed the pot of poison that emerged during the Samudra Manthan, to protect the world.


The day is observed with immense devotion. Celebrations begin at dawn, where people cleanse themselves with a bath, preferably in the Ganges River, which Hindus regard as holy. Then, they bathe the Shiv Lingam with milk and holy waters. Priests lead chants of various hymns, with “Om Namah Shivaya” being the main one.


According to the Hindu religion, praying to Lord Shiva during this festival will grant devotees blessings and forgiveness for their sins. It’s also said that those, who observe the day with the utmost devotion, are freed from the cycles of birth and death that make up reincarnation. Women, who pray with devotion and honesty to Goddess Parvati, are said to attain marital bliss and wonderful husbands.



Om Namah Shivaya !
Blessed be !

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Vasant Panchami and Saraswati Puja

Vasant Panchami is a festival that worships Goddess Saraswati as well as it signifies the beginning of Vasant Ritu (the spring season). Magh Sud 5 (5th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magh – falls usually in the month of  January or February) is the day of Vasant Panchami and is also celebrated as Shree Panchami or Saraswati Puja in West Bengal, Bihar and few other states.


Amongst all the Hindu deities, Saraswati is the goddess for Education, Arts and Crafts. According to the Matsya Purana, Goddess Saraswati evolved from the mouth of Lord Brahma. She was the most unique creation of Lord Brahma. Godess Saraswati is also known by the names of  Bakdevi, Biraj, Sharada, Brahmi, Satarupa, Mahashweta, Sarbasukia, Prithudar, Bagishwari and Veena Pani. On this day Goddess Saraswati is worshipped in various names and fames - the Goddess of Learning, the deity of Gayatri, the fountain of fine arts and science, and the symbol of supreme vedantic knowledge.


The image of Goddess Saraswati depicts her sitting on a vehicle that symbolizes her supreme power. The white swan of Saraswati symbolizes Satwa Guna (purity and discrimination), the lotus of Lakshmi the Rajas Guna and the tiger of Durga the Tamas Guna. Saraswati is shown possessing four hands and plays "Veena", an Indian string musical instrument.


Vasant Panchami or Saraswati Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm and Hindu temples and households are full of activity on this day. This is also a special day for school children as they observe it with great reverence.  It is a festival celebrated by the youth, particularly students who invoke the blessings of the goddess for success in learning, arts and crafts.


More than any other state, Saraswati Puja is celebrated in West Bengal and Bihar in a splendid manner. Next to West Bengal and Bihar, it is celebrated in southern states of India such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh etc. in schools, colleges and homes. Saraswati Pooja is celebrated as Basant Punchami or Vasanat Puncami in many states of India.


Jai Maa Saraswati !
Blessed Be !

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

A Life Free of Burden

The reason why people do not progress quickly is that they are loaded with a pile of external opinions and thoughts. If you go for a walk in the morning and someone asks you where you are going, you reply cheerfully that you are taking a walk. How cheerful your face looks! At 10 or 11 am, if you are going the same route and someone asks you the same question, you answer dispiritedly: “I am going to office.” You no longer exude cheer. Why? Because your mind is full of all kinds of ideas- “I have to do this, I have to do that…” – you are burdened with the sense of doer-ship. This is not the way. Go to the office or your shop, but plan your day in such a way as if you were a prince at play. You should take all your duties as if they are acts of amusement.


You may think, “If I take my work like pastime, my business will suffer.” You’re wrong. If you free yourself from anxiety and stress, you will work better. Why should you worry? You have seen the events of the past, you are seeing the present and you will also see what will come to pass in the future. At the most, you will die, and die you must some day or the other. Don’t be afraid of death; don’t try to save yourself from death, and don’t try to escape it either. Invite and welcome troubles with a challenging and playful curiosity. Then they will lose their severity.

Many people are in the perpetual fear of being insulted. Insult is far better than the fear of insult. Death is preferable to the fear of death. Criticism is better than the fear of criticism. Fear fans the fire of distressing thoughts; it diminishes your energy. So live life free of fear, worry and stress.





: Sant Asaram Bapu
Blessed Be !

Friday, December 31, 2010

Shiva Tandava Stotram

Here is Shiva Tandava Stotram, written and recited by Ravana to appease Mahadeva :


Jatatavigalajjwala pravahapavitasthale

Galeavalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam

Damad damad damaddamanninadavaddamarvayam

Chakara chandtandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam .. 1



Jatakatahasambhrama bhramannilimpanirjhari

Vilolavichivallari virajamanamurdhani

Dhagadhagadhagajjva lallalatapattapavake

Kishorachandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama .. 2



Dharadharendranandini vilasabandhubandhura

Sphuradigantasantati pramodamanamanase

Kripakatakshadhorani nirudhadurdharapadi

Kvachidiggambare mano vinodametuvastuni .. 3



Jatabhujangapingala sphuratphanamaniprabha

Kadambakunkumadrava praliptadigvadhumukhe

Madandhasindhurasphuratva guttariyamedure

Mano vinodamadbhutam bibhartu bhutabhartari .. 4



Sahastralochanaprabhritya sheshalekhashekhara

Prasunadhulidhorani vidhusaranghripithabhuh

Bhujangarajamalaya nibaddhajatajutakah

Shriyai chiraya jayatam chakorabandhushekharah .. 5



Lalatachatvarajvala ddhanajnjayasphulingabha

Nipitapanchasayakam namannilimpanayakam

Sudhamayukhalekhaya virajamanashekharam

Mahakapali sampade shiro jatalamastu nah .. 6



Karalabhalapattika dhagaddhagaddhagajjvala

Ddhanajnjaya hutikrita prachandapanchasayake

Dharadharendranandini kuchagrachitrapatraka

Prakalpanaikashilpini trilochane ratirmama .. 7



Naveenameghamandali niruddhadurdharasphura-t

Kuhunishithinitamah prabandhabaddhakandharah

Nilimpanirjharidharastanotu krittisindhurah

Kalanidhanabandhurah shriyam jagaddhurandharah .. 8



Praphullanilapankaja prapanchakalimaprabha

Valambikanthakandali ruchiprabaddhakandharam

Smarachchiddam purachchhiddam bhavachchiddam makhachchiddam

Gajachchidandhakachiddam tamantakachchidam bhaje .. 9



Akharvasarvamangala kalakadambamanjari

Rasapravahamadhuri vijrimbhanamadhuvratam

Smarantakam purantakam bhavantakam makhantakam

Gajantakandhakantakam tamantakantakam bhaje .. 10



Jayatvadabhravibhrama bhramadbhujangamashvasa

Dvinirgamatkramasphurat karalabhalahavyavat

Dhimid dhimid dhimidhvanan mridangatungamangala

Dhvanikramapravartita prachandatandavah Shivah .. 11



Drishadvichitratalpayor bhujangamauktikasrajo-r

Garishtharatnaloshthayoh suhridvipakshapakshayoh

Trinaravindachakshushoh prajamahimahendrayoh

Samapravritikah kada sadashivam bhajamyaham .. 12



Kada nilimpanirjharinikunjakotare vasan

Vimuktadurmatih sada shirah sthamanjalim vahan

Vilola lola lochano lalamabhalalagnakah

Shiveti mantramuchcharan kada sukhi bhavamyaham .. 13



Idam hi nityamevamuktamuttamottamam stavam

Pathansmaranbruvannaro vishuddhimeti santatam

Hare gurau subhaktimashu yati nanyatha gatim

Vimohanam hi dehinam sushankarasya chintanam .. 14



Pujavasanasamaye dashavaktrageetam

Yah shambhupujanaparam pathati pradoshe

Tasya sthiram rathagajendraturangayuktam

Lakshmim sadaiva sumukhim pradadati shambhuh .. 15
 




Translation and meaning of Shiva Tandava Stotram :


From His forest-like matted hair flows stream.

In His consecrated neck is hanging lofty garland of serpent.

Damad damad damad damad - to this sound of drum

He did firece Tandava - may that Shiva shower auspiciousness..1



In the pan of His matted hair celestial river flows unsteadily.

Rows of waves roam unsteadily on His head.

In the fire blazing dhagat dhagat dhagat dhagat in forehead,

In the head having crescent moon as jewel - may I find my constant joy..2



Who is mountain king's beautiful dughter's charming sportive-friend,

Whose mind contains glorious universe and its countless beings,

Whose compassionate glance prevents flow of immense miseries,

Who has directions as His clothes - may my heart find bliss in Him..3



Radiance spreads from lustre of the gem in the reddish brown hood of creeping serpent.

Kadamb-juice like read kumkum is smeared all sides in His beaautiful face.

His glittering upper garment is the skin of an intoxicated elephant.

May my heart seek wonderful joy in that Lord of ghosts..4



Indra and all other gods offer flowers,

Pollen dust from which has colored His foot-bed.

His matted hair is tied by the garland of serpent king.

May that holder of Moon in his head give me long-time prosperity..5



Shining sparks of blazing fire from His forehead area

Devoured god of love and leaders of all beings bow to Him.

His crest-jewel gleams with cool moon-rays.

May we get siddhis from His hair-locks..6



In the fire of His flat forehead flaming dhagat dhagat dhagat

He offered the five powerful arrows of the god of love.

He is the sole artist drawing decorative lines on the breasts of mountain king's daughter.

My deep thoughts are in Him who has three eyes..7



His snake-tied neck is dark as if layers of thick new clouds

Have obstructed shining Moon in the midnight.

He holds the celestial river, His cloth is skin read, He holds crescent Moon.

May that bearer of the universe's give us prosperity..8



He has the dark glow of fully blossomed blue lotus

Around the girdle of His neck.

He killed the god of love, destroyed Tripura, liberates from materialistic life, is the sacrifice-destroyer.

He cut off demon Gaja, cut off demon Andhak, cuts off bonds death - I worship Him..9



Because of the sweet honey from the bunch of auspicious Kadamba flowers

He has bees flying all over.

He killed the god of love, destroyed Tripura, liberates from materialistic life, is the sacrifice-destroyer.

He killed demon Gaja, killed demon Andhak, cuts off bonds of death - I worship Him..10



Glory to Lord Siva, who has fire on His forehead,

Fire spreading from breath of snakes wandering and whirling in glorious sky.

dhimit dhimit dhimit auspicious sound from whose drum

Is in tune with His fierce tandava dance..11



Towards different ways of the world, towards a snake or a garland,

Towards precious gems or lump of dirt, friends or enemies,

Towards grass or lotus-eyed people, towards common man and king,

When will I have equal vision and I will worship Lord Sadashiva?..12



When will I be happy living in a hollow place in the thickets of the river,

Being free from ill thinking, folding heads above my head,

And uttering Shiva mantra thus devoted in the God

Of glorious forehead with vibrating eyes..13



One who reads, remebers and talks about this great hyman daily

is purified for ever.

He gets deep devotion in great guru Lord Hara.

Thought of Lord Shankar removes one's delusion..14



One who recites this song composed by Ravan

At the end of prayer to Lord Shiva in the evening-

He gets wealth of chariots, elephants, horses.

Lord Shambhu always gives him prosperity..15


Om Namah Shivaya!
Blessed Be!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Kanaka Dhara Stotra

It is believed that poverty is banished by singing the Kanaka Dhara Stotra. Here are the verses with meaning : 


1
Angam hare pulaka bhooshanamasrayanthi,
Bhringanga neva mukulabharanam thamalam,
Angikrithakhila vibhuthirapanga leela,
Mangalyadasthu mama mangala devathaya.

To the Hari who wears supreme happiness as Ornament,
The Goddess Lakshmi is attracted,
Like the black bees getting attracted,
To the unopened buds of black Tamala tree,
Let her who is the Goddess of all good things,
Grant me a glance that will bring prosperity.

2
Mugdha muhurvidhadhadathi vadhane Murare,
Premathrapapranihithani gathagathani,
Mala dhrishotmadhukareeva maheth pale ya,
Sa ne sriyam dhisathu sagarasambhavaya.

Again and again return ,those glances,
Filled with hesitation and love,
Of her who is born to the ocean of milk,
To the face of Murari,
Like the honey bees to the pretty blue lotus,
And let those glances shower me with wealth.

3
Ameelithaksha madhigamya mudha Mukundam
Anandakandamanimeshamananga thanthram,
Akekara stiththa kaninika pashma nethram,
Bhoothyai bhavenmama bhjangasayananganaya.

With half closed eyes stares she on Mukunda,
Filled with happiness , shyness and the science of love,
On the ecstasy filled face with closed eyes of her Lord,
And let her , who is the wife of Him who sleeps on the snake,
Shower me with wealth.

4
Bahwanthare madhujitha srithakausthube ya,
Haravaleeva nari neela mayi vibhathi,
Kamapradha bhagavatho api kadaksha mala,
Kalyanamavahathu me kamalalayaya

He who has won over Madhu,
Wears the Kousthuba as ornament,
And also the garland of glances, of blue Indraneela,
Filled with love to protect and grant wishes to Him,
Of her who lives on the lotus,
And let those also fall on me,
And grant me all that is good..

5
Kalambudhaalithorasi kaida bhare,
Dharaadhare sphurathi yaa thadinganeva,
Mathu samastha jagatham mahaneeya murthy,
Badrani me dhisathu bhargava nandanaya

Like the streak of lightning in black dark cloud,
She is shining on the dark , broad chest,
Of He who killed Kaidaba,
And let the eyes of the great mother of all universe,
Who is the daughter of Sage Bharghava,
Fallon me lightly and bring me prosperity.

6
Praptham padam pradhamatha khalu yat prabhavath,
Mangalyabhaji madhu madhini manamathena,
Mayyapadetha mathara meekshanardham,
Manthalasam cha makaralaya kanyakaya.

The God of love could only reach ,
The killer of Madhu,
Through the power of her kind glances,
Loaded with love and blessing
And let that side glance ,
Which is auspicious and indolent,
Fall on me.

7
Viswamarendra padhavee bramadhana dhaksham,
Ananda hethu radhikam madhu vishwoapi,
Eshanna sheedhathu mayi kshanameekshanartham,
Indhivarodhara sahodharamidhiraya

Capable of making one as king of Devas in this world,
Her side long glance of a moment,
Made Indra regain his kingdom,
And is making Him who killed Madhu supremely happy.
And let her with her blue lotus eyes glance me a little.

8
Ishta visishtamathayopi yaya dhayardhra,
Dhrishtya thravishta papadam sulabham labhanthe,
Hrishtim prahrushta kamlodhara deepthirishtam,
Pushtim krishishta mama pushkravishtaraya.

To her devotees and those who are great,
Grants she a place in heaven which is difficult to attain,
Just by a glance of her compassion filled eyes,
Let her sparkling eyes which are like the fully opened lotus,
Fall on me and grant me all my desires.

9
Dhadyaddhayanupavanopi dravinambhudaraam,
Asminna kinchina vihanga sisou vishanne,
Dhushkaramagarmmapaneeya chiraya dhooram,
Narayana pranayinee nayanambhuvaha.

Please send your mercy which is like wind,
And shower the rain of wealth on this parched land,,
And quench the thirst of this little chataka bird,
And likewise ,drive away afar my load of sins,
Oh, darling of Narayana,
By the glance from your cloud like dark eyes.

10
Gheerdhevathethi garuda dwaja sundarithi,
Sakambhareethi sasi shekara vallebhethi,
Srishti sthithi pralaya kelishu samsthitha ya,
Thasyai namas thribhvanai ka guros tharunyai.

She is the goddess of Knowledge,
She is the darling of Him who has Garuda as flag,
She is the power that causes of death at time of deluge,
And she is the wife of Him who has the crescent,
And she does the creation , upkeep and destruction at various times,
And my salutations to this lady who is worshipped by all the three worlds.

11
Sruthyai namosthu shubha karma phala prasoothyai,
Rathyai namosthu ramaneeya gunarnavayai,
Shakthyai namosthu satha pathra nikethanayai,
Pushtayi namosthu purushotthama vallabhayai.

Salutations to you as Vedas which give rise to good actions,
Salutation to you as Rathi for giving the most beautiful qualities,
Salutation to you as Shakthi, who lives in the hundred petalled lotus,
And salutations to you who is Goddess of plenty,
And is the consort of Purushottama.

12
Namosthu naleekha nibhananai,
Namosthu dhugdhogdhadhi janma bhoomayai,
Namosthu somamrutha sodharayai,
Namosthu narayana vallabhayai.

Salutations to her who is as pretty.
As the lotus in full bloom,
Salutations to her who is born from ocean of milk,
Salutations to the sister of nectar and the moon,
Salutations to the consort of Narayana.

13
Namosthu hemambhuja peetikayai,
Namosthu bhoo mandala nayikayai,
Namosthu devathi dhaya prayai,
Namosthu Sarngayudha vallabhayai.

Salutations to her who has the golden lotus as seat,
Salutations to her who is the leader of the universe,
Salutations to her who showers mercy on devas,
And salutations to the consort of Him who has the bow called Saranga.

14
Namosthu devyai bhrugu nandanayai,
Namosthu vishnorurasi sthithayai,
Namosthu lakshmyai kamalalayai,
Namosthu dhamodhra vallabhayai.

Salutations to her who is daughter of Bhrigu,
Salutations to her lives on the holy chest of Vishnu,
Salutations to Goddess Lakshmi who lives in a lotus,
And saluations to her who is the consort of Damodhara.

15
Namosthu Kanthyai kamalekshanayai,
Namosthu bhoothyai bhuvanaprasoothyai,
Namosthu devadhibhir archithayai,
Namosthu nandhathmaja vallabhayai.

Salutations to her who is light living in Lotus flower,
Salutations to her who is the earth and also mother of earth,
Salutations to her who is worshipped by Devas,
And salutations to her who is the consort of the son of Nanda.


16
Sampath karaani sakalendriya nandanani,
Samrajya dhana vibhavani saroruhakshi,
Twad vandanani dhuritha haranodhythani,
Mamev matharanisam kalayanthu manye.

Giver of wealth, giver of pleasures to all senses,
Giver of the right to rule kingdoms,
She who has lotus like eyes,
She to whom Salutations remove all miseries fast,
And my mother to you are my salutations.

17
Yath Kadaksha samupasana vidhi,
Sevakasya sakalartha sapadha,
Santhanodhi vachananga manasai,
Twaam murari hridayeswareem bhaje

He who worships your sidelong glances,
Is blessed by all known wealth and prosperity,
And so my salutations by word, thought and deed,
To the queen of the heart of my Lord Murari.

18
Sarasija nilaye saroja hasthe,
Dhavalathamamsuka gandha maya shobhe,
Bhagavathi hari vallabhe manogne,
Tribhuvana bhoothikari praseeda mahye

She who sits on the Lotus,
She who has lotus in her hands,
She who is dressed in dazzling white,
She who shines in garlands and sandal paste,
The Goddess who is the consort of Hari,
She who gladdens the mind,
And she who confers prosperity on the three worlds,
Be pleased to show compassion to me.

19
Dhiggasthibhi kanaka kumbha mukha vasrushta,
Sarvahini vimala charu jalaapluthangim,
Prathar namami jagathaam janani masesha,
Lokadhinatha grahini mamrithabhi puthreem.

Those eight elephants from all the diverse directions,
Pour from out from golden vessels,
The water from the Ganga which flows in heaven,
For your holy purifying bath,
And my salutations in the morn to you ,
Who is the mother of all worlds,
Who is the house wife of the Lord of the worlds,
And who is the daughter of the ocean which gave nectar.

20
Kamale Kamalaksha vallabhe twam,
Karuna poora tharingithaira pangai,
Avalokaya mamakinchananam,
Prathamam pathamakrithrimam dhyaya

She who is the Lotus,
She who is the consort,
Of the Lord with Lotus like eyes,
She who has glances filled with mercy,
Please turn your glance on me,
Who is the poorest among the poor,
And first make me the vessel ,
To receive your pity and compassion.

21
Sthuvanthi ye sthuthibhirameeranwaham,
Thrayeemayim thribhuvanamatharam ramam,
Gunadhika guruthara bhagya bhagina,
Bhavanthi the bhuvi budha bhavithasayo.

He who recites these prayers daily,
On her who is personification of Vedas,
On her who is the mother of the three worlds,
On her who is Goddess Rema,
Will be blessed without doubt,
With all good graceful qualities,
With all the great fortunes that one can get,
And would live in the world,
With great recognition from even the learned.

: Adi Shankaracharya


Jai Maa Maha Lakshmi ! 
Blessed Be !