A Simple Way To Make This Year(2012) Blessed and Happy

Om.
Hope everyone had a good start to the new year.

A new year is a source of great expectation and hope. It is a time when everyone wishes for a transformation of their plight. The habit of making new year resolutions is a good step forward for this purpose. But, we seldom follow such resolutions and they end up as frustrations.

Here is a simple ritual that can be made an easy habit this year so that you are able to really transform your life with the blessings of god.

Everyday in the morning, after your bath, face the east direction and chant 'OM Gum Ganapathaye Namah'.

Then chant 'OM Namo Vasudevaya Namah'.

Now turn clockwise and face the south direction.Chant 'OM Sri Adi Parashakthaye Namah'.

Then face the west direction and chant 'OM Namah Shivaya'

Now turn anti-clockwise and face the north direction and chant 'OM Sarvadevathaya Parabrahmane Namaha'

Then turn clockwise and face the east direction again. Chant 'OM' 5 times.

This simple and easy daily routine can help you to be protected and blessed by all the celestial beings.

Hope everyone has a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012. 

May God Bless Everyone and Everything.

Om

Lord Ganesha Prayer - to remove all obstacles

Lord Ganesha is one of the most well-known Hindu deities and this is mainly attributed to the fact that Lord Ganesha is the remover of all obstacles. We all face obstacles in our life in various forms. These obstacles may be due to planetary influences, karmic accumulation, enemies or just because of our lack of planning. A commonly advised remedy to overcome such obstacles is to please Lord Ganesha. 

The following is a simple ritual that can be performed by anyone willing to get the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

Everyday in the morning after your bath, light a lamp in front of a photo or idol of Lord Ganesha. Then look into the photo and chant the following mantras 3 times each :

Om gum ganapathaye vighnanashakaya namaha

Om gum ganapathaye dharmarakshaya namaha

Om gum ganapathaye sarvasiddhaya namaha 

You may also place a fruit or some food in front of the idol/photo of Lord Ganesha on fridays, while chanting the above mantras. Make this a regular habit and then you will see all your obstacles vanishing by the grace of Lord Ganesha.

Specific Benefits Of Different Donations (dhaana)

Donation (dhaana) of appropriate items is a major tradition of Hinduism and promotes universal welfare. It is a means of maintaining equality in society and also a selfless way to help your brethren. But, some items can be donated to deserving people as a remedy for specific problems. It is important to do the 'dhaana' with a content mind. Do not have any grudge or regret while doing the donation, as it defeats the very purpose of performing such a ritual. The following is a list of some items and the specific benefits obtained by donating them -

Rice -To remove accumulated sins from previous births
Oil - To atone for recent sins
Jaggery - To get relief from Diseases
Clothes - To get prosperity
Rudraksha - To remove curses from guru/teachers
Gold - To remove curses from ancestors (pitru)
Silver - To beget children
Copper - To improve quality of profession
Ornamental Items - To remove curses from women
Plants - To reduce fights between husband and wife
Puffed rice - To remove obstacles in marriage
Sweets - To get peace of mind
Money - To remove drishti dosha /evil eye
Books - To remove obstacles in education
Water -To have a peaceful death
Land - To ensure continuation of generation/progeny
Cow - To remove curse of brahmins (brahmana shapa)
Milk - To remove curse from snakes/ sarpa dosha


It is important to note that the above mentioned benefits will not be automatically inferred by simply donating it to anyone in a mechanical manner. One has to provide the appropriate item to needy people and do it with complete satisfaction. You must not have any regrets in mind while you donate, and the person that you provide the donation to must be satisfied. For example, food items must be given to poor people who do not have a proper source of income. This will make the receiver happy and they will sincerely bless you with their mind. It is said that a sincere prayer for your welfare from a stranger is hundred times more effective than a prayer by yourself. Om

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Please do share your views in the comments

Krishna Mantra - For Unity In Family and Stopping Quarrels

Constant quarreling and lack of understanding hampers the happiness in a family. Often the reason for quarreling may be silly or insignificant, but the family members may not be able to reach a compromise. This leads to a loss of useful time and causes avoidable emotional distress. In such circumstances it is essential to get some help from god so that you develop the emotional state to be able to cope with such situations more amicably.

The following 9 mantras are very powerful and can help to bring more tranquility into the family.

Om kleem krishnaya govindaya namah

Om kleem krishnaya achyuthaya namah

Om kleem krishnaya madhavaya namah

Om kleem krishnaya gopiipriyaya namah

Om kleem krishnaya govallabhaya namah

Om kleem krishnaya purushatmane namah

Om kleem krishnaya prathamaya namah

Om kleem krishnaya mohanaroopaya namah

Om kleem krishnaya sushyama komalaya namah

Chant the mantras 11 times each in the morning and evening after sitting in front of a lit lamp. It is beneficial to start the chanting on a thursday morning. If possible, you may also shower tulsi leaves onto a photo of Lord Krishna or to the base of the lamp while chanting each mantra. You will witness changes in your family within 21 days of regularly practicing these mantras.

Simple Lord Ayyapan Pooja At Home - Overcome Shani Dosha

Lord ayyapan is said to be the son of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Ayyappan is also known as lord shaneeswara and as the presiding deity over the planet shani, according to some beliefs. Hence, it is believed that appeasing lord ayyappa will ensure protection from all effects of shani dosha. It is often difficult for people to perform major poojas or visit temples in a regular basis. The following is a simple yet very effective ritual that can be performed by anyone to be blessed by lord ayyappan.

After bathing in the morning, light a lamp and sit in front of it facing the east direction.

Chant the following to show your respect to Lord Ganesha and the universal Guru respectively before you start the ritual    
                      Om gum ganapathaye namaha 
                      Om sri gurubhyo namah 


Now place a vessel of sesame seeds in front of you. Using your right hand thumb and ring finger, take a pinch of the sesame seeds. Now chant the following sloka

Om bhoothanatha sadhanandha 

sarvabhootha dayapara

raksha raksha mahabaho

shastre thubhyum namo namah

Then shower the base of the lamp with the sesame seeds (like you do with flowers).
Repeat the above showering of sesame seeds and the sloka 108 times.

After you finish the prayer, either mix the sesame seeds with ghee and rice and then give it to crows, or, mix it with jaggery and consume it yourself.

Repeat this ritual for 21 or 41 days. It will bring the full blessings of lord ayyappan to you and your family, hence ensuring the removal of miseries and distress. The mandalakala is said to be most auspicious for the pooja of lord Ayyapa. The mandalakala starts form November 17th in 2011 and lasts for 41 days (one mandala). Make use of this holy time to be closer to lord ayyapan and get his infinite blessings. On November 15th 2011 lord shani will change his horoscope position, and hence the practice of the above ritual will bring added benefits to your family and also safeguard you from shani dosha. Om

Rameswaram Theerthams

We saw the legend of the two shivalinga and how it lead to the Rameswaram temple in the previous post.Now lets see the names of some famous 'theertha' (holy water) wells at Rameswaram.

Mahalakshmi Thhertham

Savithri Theertham

Gayathri Theertham

Saraswathi Theertham

Sethu Madhava Theertham

Gandamadana Theertham

Kavacha Theertham

Gavaya Theertham

Nala Theertham

Sangu Theertham

Sakkara Theertham

Brahmahati Vimochana Theertham

Surya Theertham

Chandra Theertham

Ganga Theertham

Yamuna Theertham

Gaya Theertham

Siva Theertham

Sathyamirtha Theertham

Sarva Theertham

Kodi Theertham

Panchagavya - Preparation & Uses Of The Holy Cow's Gifts

Panchagavya is an important component of many rituals and poojas. It is the mixture of 5 (pancha-) elements obtained from cows. The cow is considered to be very holy according to Hinduism. It is said that more than 33 crore gods exist in the body of a cow and hence prostrating before a cow is equivalent to praying to all these gods.

Panchagavya is used for abhisekha in many major temples during certain rituals. Panchagavya is also used to treat some severe diseases after empowering the panchagavya with suitable mantras. The constituents of panchagavya have the ability to trap tremendous positive mantra energy and hence becomes much more effective than water empowered with mantras. Panchagavya is even being used in organic farming methods to enrich the soil and protect plants. (the agricultural mixture includes jaggery,banana,etc also)

The constituents of Panchagavya are - dung, urine and milk from the cow, along with ghee and curd. Individually these components have significant therapeutic effects and are utilized in ayurveda system of medicine.

Cow dung is said to have anti-septic and anti-fungal properties and is hence used to treat skin diseases. Cow's urine is used to treat stomach disorders in kids. The benefits of ghee, curd and milk are quite well-known and hence i presume it doesn't need further explanation. Though these products are all individually effective and useful, together they become exponentially better.

The ratio for the preparation of panchagavya is fixed on the quantity of cow dung that is taken.The ratio of the other components are as follows :-

                  cow's urine = cow dung  x 2  

ghee (from cow's milk) = cow dung x 4

curd (from cow's milk) = cow dung x 5

                     cow's milk = cow dung x 16

Benefits Of Different Abhisheka

The ritual of 'abhisheka' (showering) of the deities idol is one that is seen in almost every temple. The abhisheka ritual is of great significance and can help a devotee who is facing problems. Various items are used for the abhisheka of the idols depending on the purpose and regional beliefs. The following is a generalized list of some of the specific benefits of doing abhisheka with the mentioned items.

Water - To purify the soul and to remove all evil thoughts from the mind
Oil - To have respect/devotion to god and parents
Turmeric powder- To usher in prosperity to the household
Milk - To reduce anger/frustrations and get peace of mind
Curd - To enhance health
Ghee/Butter - To have a wholesome life
Rosewater - To get fame
Bhasma/Vibhuti - To gain knowledge/wisdom
Panchamritha - To atone for all sins
Tender coconut water - To beget good children

You may gain the specified benefit of the abhisheka by praying in front of the idol while it is done in the temples also.

Please do add any extra info regarding 'abhisheha' in the comments. Om

Lord Shiva's Faces

According to scriptures in some regions of southern India, Lord Shiva is said to have six faces. There are two beliefs pertaining to the sixth face. One states that the sixth face is beyond comprehension of the human mind and is considered more like a direct representation of Brahman. The other belief is that Devi Parvathi is the sixth face and that all the six faces together is represented as Lord Muruga/Shanmugha.

During pooja rituals, the boiled rice offered to Lord Shiva when done in specific mixtures for each of the five faces of Lord Shiva, is said to be very effective in appeasing Lord Shiva. Accordingly, the corresponding food for each face is given below :-


Eeshana Face         - boiled rice
Tattpurusha Face   - boiled rice with curd
Aghora Face          - boiled rice with sesame seeds
Vamadeva Face     - boiled rice with jaggery
Sadhyojatha Face  -  boiled rice with milk

You can also accommodate this technique in your Lord Shiva Pooja by taking very little quantities for offering. It is the quality of devotion which is important and not the quantity of offering.Om

Diwali/Deepavali - Continuation Of Rituals - Vishnu and Lakshmi Pooja

I would like to repeat that though the post may  seem long, the ritual is quite simple and quick.

Now let us move on to the pooja of Lord Mahavishnu (Satyanarayana).

Hold the copper pot with water in your right hand and cover the mouth of the pot with your left hand while  chanting the following sloka 3 times :

Om shanthakaram bhujagashayanam padmanabham suresham

Viswakaram gaganasadrisham meghavarnam shubhangham

Lakshmiikantham kamalanayanam yogihridyanagamyam

Vande vishnumbhavabhayaharam sarvalokaikanatham

Now pour the water over the idol while chanting ‘Om namo narayanaya’ 11 times

Then make every family member take flowers in their right hand and chant the following sloka 21 times (the sloka is by Adi Sankara ). Shower the idol with flowers after each recital..

Vidham shum vidhannirrmalannirvikalpam

Niriihannirakaraomkargamyam

Gunatheethamavyakthamekanthuriyum

Param brahmam yum veda thasme namasthe

Now we shall perform the Diwali pooja for Lakshmi devi. Firstly invoke Lakshmi devi by chanting the following famous sloka 3 times :-

Diwali/Deepavali - Rituals Initiation and Ganesha Pooja

 The rituals that may be practiced during Diwali/Deepavali are the theme of this post. Diwali/Deepavali is an appropriate divine occasion to atone for one’s sins and bring the mind closer to God’s feet. The lamps symbolize divinity and auspiciousness, and the light it emits is to spread these noble forces into our life.

Though the post may seem long, the ritual is very simple and takes little time.A thorough cleaning of the household is the first practice in the initiation of the Diwali/Deepavali celebrations. [I would also like to add that it hasn’t been specified in any scripture that works like cleaning should only be done by women. So please do help your mother and wife to make it a happy and unified effort J ]. It is a common custom to throw away old clothes and unwanted items lying around in the household [I would suggest donating it to needy people who would greatly benefit from even such little things].

Now choose a suitable spot at home where you plan on performing the pooja. Wipe the area with a wet cloth and place a clean cloth on the ground. Place a suitable stool or any similar elevated platform.

As with any ritual in Hindu tradition, after bathing, place an idol of Lord Ganesha on the platform. Then place two clay lamps (diya) on either sides of the idol and keep one main lamp in front of the idol. Then place idols/photos of Lakshmi Devi and Lord Vishnu on either side of Lord Ganesha. [Idols of other gods/goddesses may also be kept according to whom the family believes most in]. A separate lamp may also be kept to represent the family deity (if it is known).It would be advisable to place a suitable plate or utensil under the idols so as to avoid spillage of the pooja items.

Now take water in a small copper/silver pot and pour it slowly over the idol of Lord Ganesha while chanting the following well-known sloka 3 times :-

Overcome Death And Misfortune This Diwali

Though Lord Krishna or Lord Rama are mostly associated with the celebration of Diwali/Deepavali, it is also an appropriate time to appease Lord Shiva and get his blessings to overcome impending misfortunes. Diwali/Deepavali is a very auspicious time to atone for your sins, rejuvenate the soul and be closer to god.

On the holy day of Diwali/Deepavali, it is most fitting to perform Mrityunjaya Pooja and pacify Lord Shiva. As with any ritual in our Hindu tradition, after having a bath, start the pooja process by invoking Lord Ganesha, by chanting the following well-known sloka 3 times :-

Om vakratunda mahakaya kotisurya samaprabha

Nirvighnam kurume deiva sarvakaryeshtu sarvadha

Then place a suitable clay pot in front of you. The clay pot should be able to withstand high levels of heat. We shall be performing a simple ‘yagnya’ in this pot.

Now place suitable dry wood pieces in the clay pot. Take a little copper pot full of pure ghee and keep it near you. Keep a clean tablespoon ready with you. Then dip the handle of the tablespoon into the ghee pot and pour the drops of ghee into the clay pot while chanting the following mantra 7 times :- Om gum ganapathaye namaha . Drop ghee into the clay pot each time you chant the mantra.

Then pay respect to Lord Agni (Fire God) by pouring 3 drops of ghee while chanting Om agnidevaya namaha each time.

Diwali/Deepavali - How Each Day Is Celebrated

Depending on the regional differences, Diwali / Deepavali is celebrated from 1-6 days and follow different rituals. The northern regions of India usually celebrate Diwali / Deepavali for longer durations and give it more importance than the southern regions.

In the five day celebration of Diwali / Deepavali, the first day is known as ‘Gowatsa Dwadashi’. It is celebrated as the day on which the King Prithu chased Mother Earth and eventually brought prosperity to it’s inhabitants. Since Mother Earth is represented as a cow in the legend, on this day pooja is performed for cows and their calves.

The second day known as, Dhanteras is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Dhanwantari , the God of Medicines. It is also considered auspicious to buy gold, silver, gems and other wealth on this day.

Narka Chaturdasi is the name of the third day and is rejoiced as the day on which Lord Krishna killed Narakasura. This day is celebrated by the burning of Narakasura effigies, in a symbolic representation of the destruction of evil. This day is considered as the main day of Diwali / Deepavali. Devotees perform pooja to Lord Vishnu / Krishna, exchange gifts, prepare sweets and burst firecrackers.

The fourth day is celebrated with Lakshmi Devi pooja. It is a request to Devi Lakshmi to bless the family with prosperity and wealth. The lighting of clay lamps (diyas) is done on this day also.

Govardhan pooja is the day on which lord Krishna is said to have saved the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra by lifting the mighty mountain Govardhana on his little finger. It is the fifth day of Diwali / Deepavali and is celebrated as a show of gratitude to the compassion of the Lord.

The sixth and final day of Diwali / Deepavali is known as Yama Dwitiya. This day is celebrated mostly by the women of the household to ask Lord Yama (the god of death), to safeguard the lives of their brothers and husband.

This is just a very brief look at the various celebrations since like I said before, it varies greatly from region to region. Om

Please do let me know how you celebrate your Diwali / Deepavali through the comments. 

Fulfil Desires By Circumambulation In Temples

It is a common Hindu practice to perform a circumambulation around temples.  Even Muslims perform such circumambulations at the holy Mecca. This post deals with the specific benefits attached to the number of times circumambulation is done in temples.

It is important to note that the term circumambulation around the temple does not mean a brisk walk. It denotes a slow devotional walk around the temple so as to fully absorb and benefit from the positive energy present there. It is described that the pace of circumambulation should be equivalent to ‘a 6months pregnant woman walking while carrying a vessel full of water’. This importance to a slow pace is given since the object around which we are performing circumambulation (god’s idol) is one which radiates immense positive energy all around it, and the aim of the circumambulation is to fully make use of this energy. The slow pace along with the chanting of the god’s name, influences us psychologically. The effect of the positive energy from the temple and our own concentration on the god, enables our stress to be relieved and increases the sharpness of our mind.

Circumambulation can also be used as a form of ‘saadhana’ for the fulfilment of one’s desires. Below I present a list of the number of circumambulation and the specific desires which are said to be fulfilled through them.

                                        3 – attainment of desired skill/talent

                                        5 – success

                                        7 – overcoming enemies

                                        9 – to beget children for childless couples

                                       11- safeguarding life expectancy

                                       13- fulfilment of a specific desire/wish

                                       15- to be wealthier

                                       17 – to be more prosperous

                                       19 – to overcome diseases

                                       21 – to increase knowledge

                                       25 – for general well-being

                                     108 – fulfilment of all desires

The ritual of circumambulation is to be performed daily for a minimum period of 21 days to fulfil one’s desire. I reiterate that it is important to chant god’s name/mantra and pray with devotion while performing the circumambulation slowly for it to be beneficial.

Rituals & Slokas For Durga Pooja/Navratri Celebration [Part 3]

On the 9^th and final day of Navratri , it is important to express one’s gratitude to Devi in general and Devi Saraswathi in particular. It is also an occasion to review one’s actions and make necessary changes. It is an opportunity to make resolutions and start a new life. Since your sins will be washed away due to regular prayers to Durga Devi, this is your chance to mend your mistakes. It is a time to realize one’s priorities in life and to get Durga devi’s blessings to fulfil them.

Get up before sunrise on the final day of navratri (oct 6th in 2011) and after bathing, light camphor in front of the devi photo. Then invoke lord Ganesha and Lord Dakshinamoorthy by chanting the slokas given in the second post of this series [ Rituals & Slokas For Durga Pooja/Navratri Celebration [Part 2]].

Then chant the following sloka 11 times and pray to devi Saraswati & Durga Devi to bless your family with knowledge, success, health,unity and happiness. Shower the Durga Devi photo with flowers while chanting the slokas.

Om Araala kesheshu prakruthi saraala manda hasithe

Sireeshabha chite drushad upala sobha kucha thate

Bhrusam thanvi madhye pruthur urasijharoha vishaye

Jagat trathum sambhor jayahti karuna kaachid aruna

Rituals & Slokas For Durga Pooja/Navratri Celebration [Part 2]

On the 8^th day day of Durga pooja/Navratri, we have to perform special poojas throughout the day for Devi Durga. The usual practice is to perform 4 poojas on this day, one each during sunrise, noon,sunset and at night.

In the morning, the devotee should get up before sunrise and finish bath. It is advisable to prepare some form of simple dish or delicacy to use during pooja for Durga devi. [ One simple dish is a mixture of honey, raisins and bananas].

Place the dish in a small utensil in front of the idol of Durga devi. Now sit in front of Durga devi together with your family, and invoke Lord Ganesha with the following sloka. Hold a flower in your right hand above the utensil while chanting the sloka. Chant the sloka 3 times and then place the flower on the books.

Mudakaratha modakam sada vimukthi saadhakam

Kaladhara vatamsakam vilasilola rakshakam

Anaaya kaika naayagam vinasiteibha daityakam

Nataasubhasunashakam namamitham vinayagam

Rituals & Slokas For Durga Pooja/Navratri Celebration [Part 1]

 The month of October 2011 is a golden chance for every Hindu to rejuvenate their life thanks to the occurrence of Navratri and Diwali. This is the first post in a 3 part series of posts on how to perform ritual pooja during Durga pooja/Navratri. You can use these rituals to be showered with Durga devi’s blessings.

The Navratri festival is widely celebrated throughout India as a way of showing gratitude to Devi for taking the incarnation of Durga. Parvathi devi manifested as Durga to annihilate Mahishasura. Though most people observe fasts during all the 9 days of navratri, the final three days are the most significant.  In this post we shall look at a few things to do on the 7^th day of navratri.

After having bath in the evening (around sunset time), it is important to light a lamp in front of a photo of Devi durga. It is preferred to keep the lamp lit till the ninth day, hence make appropriate arrangements of thread and oil.

Then place a piece of wood or a little table in front of the photo. Keep a piece of cloth on the table.

Now we have to place all items related to our profession/education on this piece of cloth. These items include any textbooks, instruments, tools, machines, etc. that we may use in our daily life. This can also include paper, pens and devotional books.  Now tie this piece of cloth such that the items are fully covered.

Now we shall start the puja process. 

What Is Upasana ?

Upasana is an intense practice of a fast or mantra so as to ensure that one gets the full intended benefit. Fasting done on important days or done on regular intervals can be considered a form of light upasana. The chanting of mantras daily is termed as 'mantra upasana'. In mantra upasana, the aim of the devotee is to show full determination in achieving 'mantra siddhi'. Each mantra and fasting ritual have different rites and regulations based on the related god.

It is important to note that there is no necessity to pursue only tough penances to maintain proper upasana. Even simple saadhana can be called an upasana if it is accompanied by regular mantra chanting or fasting. Thus, it is possible for even family people to practise upasana of a suitable mantra, depending on their intentions.There are certain mantras of gods like Lord Nrisimha, Lord Bhairava,etc. which require continuous upasana, due to the aggressive nature of the related gods. Om

What is Saadhana?

Saadhana refers to a strict regime that one follows in order to gain control over the senses. To gain the full power of any mantra quicker and more effectively, it is advised to have such a regime. Saadhana may vary depending on the level of intensity one wishes to pursue. It can be anything from not eating for weeks to skipping one meal.

The most practical lifestyle changes which people living in families can practice mainly include :-

• eating only vegetarian food
• refraining from sexual activity
• having control over anger and jealousy
• eating and sleeping on time

The control of the above mentioned aspects automatically helps to induce more discipline in one’s life by controlling the mind’s natural weaknesses. It also makes the body able to be at harmony with the mantra being practiced. Such simple tweaks to life can greatly enhance one’s inner power and make life more fulfilling. It is not necessary to be a saint or sage to get the benefits of a mantra or to do saadhana. Saadhana can be done most effectively by family members since they will have a more natural and determined urge to overcome their difficulties. Om