Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Ganapthy Stuthi - Lyrics and Meaning

Lord Ganesha, Pillayar, Pillayar Stuthi, Pillayar Slokams
Given below is Ganesha Stuti. Please practice this sloka on a daily basis and get the blessings of Muzhu Mudhar Kadavul "Lord Ganesha:"

Ganesha Sthuthi

Lyrics:

Om vakrathunda mahaa-kaaya /
Koti-soorya-sama-prabhaa
Nirvighnam kuru may-dhevaa/
Sarva-kaaryeshu sarvadhaa.

Meaning:

You (Lord Ganesh), the one with the twisted trunk and massive body, with the dazzle and radiance equal to those of a million of suns, lead me on the path devoid of obstacles or hindrances, clearing the way in all that I do, ever and always

Lyrics:

Agajaanana- padhmaarkam / Gajaananamaharnisham
Aneka-dhantham bhakthaa naam/ ekadhantham upaasmahe

Meaning:

The one who makes the lotus like face of Parvati bloom with happiness. He (Gajanana) is the savior at all times. He who has innumerable devotes, the Lord with the single tusk, let us all worship He who can bestow many boons upon us.

Lyrics:

Om Gananaam Thwaa/ Ganapathighm havaa-mahe Kavim kavinaam / upa-mashra masthamam/
Hesgta-raajam / Brahmanaam Brahma-na-spatha aanaha-shrun-van-nothi-bhiss-seedha-saadhanam/
Om Mahaa Ganapathaye Namaha.

Meaning:

Om, Oh supreme lord of the great elements, the Lord of speech and knowledge, the Lord of food and sacrifices, the most famous and venerable, the seer and the knower, the one in the form of the Supreme Creator, we invite you to occupy the seat in our minds.

Lyrics:

Om Ekadhanthaaya vidhmahe vakrathundaaya dheemahi.
Thanno dhanthih pracho-dhayaath

Meaning:

(This is ‘Ganapati Gayatri’ adopting the dictum of Gayatri mantra.) The one with a single tusk, praises to you, you are the great one with the twisted trunk, I invoke your blessings to motivate and guide me.

Lyrics:

Vandhe niranthara-samastha-kalaa-kalaapam sampathkaram bhavaharam, girijaa-kumaaram
Lambodharam Gajamukham pranava-swaroopam Lakshmi-Ganesham akhilaa-shrita-kalpa-bhoojam!”

Meaning:

My salutations to Lord Lakshmi Ganapati, the one who is eternal, the on ewho is the origin of all action, the giver of wealth, the destroyer of obstacles and difficulties, the one who is the son of goddess Girija (Parvati), the one who has a large stomach, the one who has an elephant face, the one who is the physical form of ‘Omkara’, the one who is the giver of fulfilled wishes to seekers.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Hanuman Chalisa - Sloka and Meaning


Hanuman Chalisa is in praise of Lord Hanuman written by Great Saint Thulasidas. He has praised the Lord on his powers, wonders and how he saves his devotees.

Lyrics
Sri Guru charana saroja raj,
Nija mana mukura sudhar,
Varanau Raghuvara vimala yasa,
Jo dayaka phala char.

Meaning:
With the dust of Guru’s Lotus feet, I clean the mirror of my mind and then narrate the sacred glory of Sri Ram Chandra, The Supreme among the Raghu dynasty. The giver of the four attainments of life.

Lyrics
Budhi heena thanu jaani ke,
Sumeerou pavana kumar,
Bala budhi vidhya dehu moheem,
Harau klesa vikar.

Meaning:
Knowing myself to be ignorant, I urge you, O Hanuman, The son of Pavan! O Lord! Kindly Bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge, removing all my miseries and mistakes.

Lyrics: Poem 1
Jaya Hanuman gnan guna sagara,
Jaya kapeesa thihu loka ujagara.

Meaning:
Victory of Thee, O Hanuman, Ocean of wisdom and virtue, victory to the Lord of monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds

Lyrics: Poem 2
Rama dhootha, athulitha bala dhama,
Anjani puthra pavana sutha nama,

Meaning:
You, the Divine messager of Ram and repository of immeasurable strength, are also known as Anjaniputra and known as the son of the wind - Pavanputra.

Lyrics: Poem 3
Maha veera vikrama bhaja rangi,
Kumathi nivara sumathi ke sangi.

Meaning:
Oh Hanumanji! You are valiant and brave, with a body like lightening. You are the dispeller of darkness of evil thoughts and companion of good sense and wisdom.

Lyrics: Poem 4
Kaanchan varna viraja suvesha,
Kannan kundala kunchitha kesa.

Meaning:
Shri Hanumanji’s physique is golden colored. His dress is pretty, wearing ‘Kundals’ ear-rings and his hairs are long and curly.

Lyrics: Poem 5
Hatha bajra aur thwajaa virajai,
Kanthe munja janehu sajai.

Meaning:
Shri Hanumanji is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the other a banner with sacred thread across his shoulder.

Lyrics: Poem 6
Shankara suvana, kesari nandana,
Theja prathapa maha jaga vandana.

Meaning:
Oh Hanumanji! You are the emanation of ‘SHIVA’ and you delight Shri Keshri. Being ever effulgent, you and hold vast sway over the universe. The entire world propitiates. You are adorable of all.

Lyrics: Poem 7
Vidhyavan, gunee athi chathura,
Ram kaaja karibe ko aathura.

Meaning:
Oh! Shri Hanumanji! You are the repository learning, virtuous, very wise and highly keen to do the work of Shri Ram

Lyrics: Poem 8
Prabhu charitha sunibhe ko rasiya,
Rama Lakshmana Sita mana basiya.

Meaning:
You are intensely greedy for listening to the narration of Lord Ram’s life story and revel on its enjoyment. You ever d well in the hearts of Shri Ram-Sita and Shri Lakshman.

Lyrics: Poem 9
Sookshma roopa dhari siya him dikhava,
Vikata roopa dhari Lanka jarava.

Meaning:
You appeared before Sita in a diminutive form and spoke to her, while you assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.

Lyrics: Poem 10
Bheema roopa dhari asura samhare,
Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare,

Meaning:
He, with his terrible form, killed demons in Lanka and performed all acts of Shri Ram.

Lyrics: Poem 11
Laaya sanjeevan lashana jiyaye,
Sri Raghuveera harashi ura laye,

Meaning:
When Hanumanji made Lakshman alive after bringing ‘Sanjivni herb’ Shri Ram took him in his deep embrace, his heart full of joy.

Lyrics: Poem 12
Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai,
Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bahi.

Meaning:
Shri Ram lustily extolled Hanumanji’s excellence and remarked, “You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat”

Lyrics: Poem 13
Sahastra Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave,
Asa kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave.

Meaning:
Shri Ram embraced Hanumanji saying: “Let the thousand - tongued sheshnaag sing your glories”

Lyrics: Poem 14
Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa,
Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa

Meaning:
Sanak and the sages, saints. Lord Brahma, the great hermits Narad and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the cosmic serpent, fail to sing the glories of Hanumanji exactly.

Lyrics: Poem 15
Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te,
Kabi Kabid Kahin Sake Kahan Te

Meaning:
What to talk of denizens of the earth like poets and scholar’s ones etc even Gods like Yamraj, Kuber, and Digpal fail to narrate Hanman’s greatness in toto.

Lyrics: Poem 16
Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha,
Ram Miali Rajpad Deenha

Meaning:
Hanumanji! You rendered a great service for Sugriva, It was you who united him with SHRI RAM and installed him on the Royal Throne.

Lyrics: Poem 17
Tumharo Mantro Bibhishan Maana,
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana.

Meaning:
By heeding your advice, Vibhushan became Lord of Lanka, which is known all over the universe.

Lyrics: Poem 18
Juug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu,
Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu

Meaning:
Hanumanji gulped, the SUN at distance of sixteen thousand miles considering it to be a sweet fruit.

Lyrics: Poem 19
Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maaheen,
Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Naheen.

Meaning:
Carrying the Lord’s ring in his mouth, he went across the ocean. There is no wonder in that.

Lyrics: Poem 20
Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jeete,
Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Te Te.

Meaning:
Oh Hanumanji! All the difficult tasks in the world are rendered easiest by your grace.

Lyrics: Poem 21
Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare,
Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare.

Meaning:
Oh Hanumanji! You are the sentinel at the door of Ram’s mercy mansion or His divine abode No one may enter without your permission.

Lyrics: Poem 22
Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna,
Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darnaa.

Meaning:
By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and one need not have any fear under your protection.

Lyrics: Poem 23
Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei,
Tanau Lok Hank Te Kanpei

Meaning:
When you roar all the three worlds tremble and only you can control your might.

Lyrics: Poem 24
Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Avei,
Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei.

Meaning:
Hanumanji’s name keeps all the Ghosts, Demons & evils spirits away from his devotees.

Lyrics: Poem 25
Nasei Rog Hare Sab Peera,
Japat Niranter Hanumant Beera

Meaning:
On reciting Hanumanji’s holy name regularly all the maladies perish the entire pain disappears.

Lyrics: Poem 26
Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavei,
Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei.

Meaning:
Those who remember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are well guarded against their odds in life.

Lyrics: Poem 27
Sub Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja,
Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja

Meaning:
Oh Hanumanji! You are the caretaker of even Lord Rama, who has been hailed as the Supreme Lord and the Monarch of all those devoted in penances.

Lyrics: Poem 28
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave,
Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pave.

Meaning:
Oh Hanumanji! You fulfill the desires of those who come to you and bestow the eternal nectar the highest fruit of life.

Lyrics: Poem 29
Charo Juung Partap Tumhara,
Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara.

Meaning:
Oh Hanumanji! Your magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide all through the four ages and your fame is radiantly noted all over the cosmos.

Lyrics: Poem 30
Sadho Sant Ke Tum R akhvare,
Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare.

Meaning:
Oh Hanumanji! You are the savior and the guardian angel of saints and sages and destroy all the Demons; you are the seraphic darling of Shri Ram.

Lyrics: Poem 31
Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data,
Asa Bar Din Janki Mata.

Meaning:
Hanumanji has been blessed with mother Janki to grant to any one any YOGIC power of eight Sidhis and Nava Nidhis as per choice.

Lyrics: Poem 32
Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa,
Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.

Meaning:
Oh Hanumanji! You hold the essence of devotion to RAM, always remaining His Servant.

Lyrics: Poem 33
Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Pavei.
Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei.

Meaning:
Oh Hanumanji! Through devotion to you, one comes to RAM and became free from suffering of several lives.

Lyrics: Poem 34
Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai,
Jahan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahai.

Meaning:
After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains a devotee of him, whenever, taking new birth on earth.

Lyrics: Poem 35
Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai,
Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai

Meaning:
You need not hold any other demigod in mind. Hanumanji alone will give all happiness.

Lyrics: Poem 36
Sankat Kate Mitey Sab Peera,
Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera

Meaning:
Oh Powerful Hanumanji! You end the sufferings and remove all the pain from those who remember you.

Lyrics: Poem 37
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai
Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee

Meaning:
Jai–Jai–Jai–Lord Hanumanji! I beseech you Honor to bless me in the capacity of my supreme ‘GURU’ (teacher).

Lyrics: Poem 38
Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi,
Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.

Meaning:
One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times daily for one hundred days became free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last!

Lyrics: Poem 39
Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa,
Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa

Meaning:
As Lord Shankar witnesses, all those who recite Hanuman Chalisa regularly are sure to be benedicted

Lyrics: Poem 40
Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera,
Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera.

Meaning:
Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays. “Oh my Lord! You enshrine within my heart!”

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Srinivasa Peruamal Abhishegam Pictures - ISKON Bangalore - Set 3

Set 3 pictures from ISKON Bangalore!

Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji

Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji

Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji

Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji

Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji

Srinivasa Peruamal Abhishegam Pictures - ISKON Bangalore - Set 2

Some more pictures of Srinivasa Perumal from ISKON Bangalore!

Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji

Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji

Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji

Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji

Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji

Srinivasa Peruamal Abhishegam Pictures - ISKON Bangalore - Set 1

I received 15 pictures from my friend which I am sharing with you all. These pictures are rare to find and the credit goes to ISKON in Bangalore.

All of these pictures are taken from ISKON Bangalore during the abhishegam (bath) of Lord Srinivasa Perumal. Enjoy these pictures! (Credit: ISKON Bangalore)

Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji
Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji Vennai Abhishegam
Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji Milk Abishegam
Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji
Srinivasa Perumal Tirupathi Tirumala TTD ISKON Lord Venkatachalapathy Balaji

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Various Abishegams Performed in Indian Culture!


In the Hindu religion, there are so many gods. Poojas, prayers, rituals, ceremonies vary according to the deity the one worships. There is no forcing on this by anyone, but every family has a "Family God" known in Tamil as "Kula Daivam." For example, Tirupathi Venkatachalapathy is a kula daivam for so many families.

Every year, families perform pooja and other rituals to the family god. The family god ensures that the family is given the necessary needs and secure them whenever they are in trouble.

Similarly, each god is performed poojas including abhishegams. Abhishegam is bathing the main deities, is a ritual which is performed during poojas.

Abishegam is performed chanting the vedic mantras often with "Purusha Suktam" for the male deity and "Shree Suktam" for female deity. In addition to this, specific slokas / mantras are chanted specific to the deities. For example, "Ganapatyatharvasheersha Stotram" is also said in addition to Purusha Suktam while performing the Abishegams of Ganapati.

Mostly Abishegams are done only for Lord Shiva. The same is not done to Lord Narayana. It is also said that Lord Shiva is an "Abishega Priyar--he loves Abishegams" So, lots of Abishegams are done for Lord Shiva.

For Lord Shiva's sons--Vinayaga also known in so many other names like Ganapathy, Pillayar, and Murugan also Abishegams are performed.

Various types of Abishegams are:

  1. Shuddhodak Abishegams--Done with pure fresh water;

  2. Pal Abishegams--Done with Milk;

  3. Panneer Abishegams--Done with Rose Water;

  4. Sandana (Gandhodakabhishekam) Abishegams--Done with Sandlewood paste mixed with water;

  5. Shankhodakabhishekam--Done with water blowing from conch;

  6. Manjal Abishegams--Done with Turmeric Powder;

  7. Then Abishegams--Done with Honey;

  8. Vibudhi Abishegams--Done with Ash;

  9. Panchamirham Abishegams--Done with various fruits mixed;

  10. Tender Cocunut Abishegams--Done with Tender Cocunut;

  11. Kumkum Abishegams--Done with KumKum;

  12. Pushpabhishekam--Done with Flowers;


Each time the Abishegam is performed with any of the above, Kum Kum is put on the foreahead, camphor is shown (karpoor Aarthi) and then next Abishegam is performed.

For all the deities, mostly Pal Abhisegam (Milk bath) is done. Other items are added as necessary and based on affordability. Individuals also can contribute to this ritual.

Individuals pray to God for certain favor and in turn they perform one or more of these Abishegams.

Dos and Don'ts In the Temple!

Several of us go to temples seeking the blessings of The Divine! In most of the places like railways stations, schools, or in fact while driving, rules are laid out to ensure the user is convenient. It yields result only if it is followed.

There are no strict rules in most of the temples except like wearing lungies, mini skirts, smoking but there are general DOs and DON'Ts. If they are followed, all the devotees will be benefited not only in peaceful darshan for the self but for others as well. This would also help in keeping the temples clean and less noisy.

If you think I need to do some more, do let me know and I will be glad to add as it would help everyone!

DOs inside the temple

  1. Always think about the god;

  2. Say only god's name and talk only good things;

  3. Chant RAMA RAMA RAMA or your mantra until you come out of the temple;

  4. Come in the line and obey the rules set by the temple;

  5. Dress code for Men: Preferably wear dhothis and go without a shirt; if not, wear a decent pant and shirt. You can decide on wearing the shirt or to remove it; Only dhotis are allowed in Guruvayurappan temples--in Guruvayur, Kerala and in Madippakkam, Chennai. Shirts should be removed;

  6. Dress Code for Women: Preferably madisar, if not in saree or chudidhar or salwaar. Please avoid wearing jeans, or sleveless tops;

  7. Use dustbins kept inside the temple; if not availble, bring the waste outside and throw it in the dustbin or garbage box;

  8. Eat the prasadam outside the temple in a neat place, put the dhonnai in the container.


DON'Ts inside the temple

  1. Do not enter the temple after taking alchoal;

  2. Do not enter the temple with your footwear;

  3. Do not wear 'lungi', one of the dresses used by Men;

  4. Do not wear short skirts or dress that exposes the body parts;

  5. Do not talk anything other than chanting Lord Rama or your favorite mantra;

  6. Do not wish others inside the temple;

  7. Do not namaskaram others inside the temple regarldess of how senior they are;

  8. Do not violate any rules set by the temple authorities; it is only for the good of us and others to see the god piecefully and get his blessings;

  9. Do not use mobile phones and cameras;

  10. Do not eat prasadam inside the temple;

  11. Do not spill the waste in other areas, put it in the dustbin;

  12. Do not write anything on the walls of the temple;

  13. Do not go straight facing the "Lingam / Lord Shiva." The believe is that, his powers would destroy you. It is suggested that you go on the side allocated and not straight towards the Lord. This is only in Shivan Temple;

  14. Do not spill the Prasadam.