Hindu Deities Archives - Tirumala Tirupati Yatra

Glorious forms of Lord Ganesha

Posted on by

Glory of Lord Ganesha

Ganesha is worshipped across India as the Lord of benignity and auspiciousness. He is also the God of wisdom. Before undertaking any work Hindus offer their obeisance to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that He is instrumental in removing all hurdles, hence he is called ‘Vighneswara’.

He is invoked at the commencement of all pujas and functions. He is also known as ‘Ganapati’ as He was made the chief of the Ganas by Siva and Parvati. Sage Vyasa worshipped Ganesha by reciting His sixteen names before commencing Skandam.

16 Names

They are: ‘Sumukhan, Ekadantan, Kapilan, Gajakarnan, Lambodaran, Vikatan, Vighnarajan, Vinayakan, Dhumaketu, Ganadhyakshan, Phalachandran, Gajanan, Vakratundan, Surpakarnan, Heramban, and Skanda Purvajan.’

Worshipped in Many Forms

Sri Ganesha has shrines even in the remote villages of South India. In most of the images of Ganesha, the trunk is turned towards the left side. According to the South Indian tradition, Ganesha is represented as a celibate but is shown in the company of His consorts in the North.

They are Siddhi, a personification of success and Buddhi, a symbol of wisdom.

He is worshipped in many forms.

The worship of Ganapati has become very popular nowadays. Ganesh puja is performed with great devotion and enthusiasm by Hindus throughout India. ‘Vinayaka Chaturthi’ festival is celebrated with great eclat throughout India in the month of Bhadrapada, usually in September.

The temples as well as the temporary structures dedicated to the deity that come up in all the streets are brilliantly lit, attracting large crowds. The huge processions during the immersion (Nimajjanam) mark a sense of unity among the Hindus.

According to legends, Ganesha Himself wrote the great Epic ‘Maha Bharata’ to the dictation of sage Vyasa.

Glorious forms of Lord Ganesha

The glorious forms of Lord Ganesha are

Bala Ganapati

Seated on a lotus, He has four hands holding a banana, mango, sugar cane and jackfruit, all representing the earth’s abundance.

Taruna Ganapati

The youthful Ganapati is in a sitting posture with eight hands. His bright red colour reflects the blossoming of youth.

Bhakta Ganapati

With four hands He shines like the full moon. Bhakta Ganapati is seen holding a banana, a mango, a coconut and a bowl of sweet payasa pudding.

Vira Ganapati

Red in colour, He is in a standing posture with 16 arms. The commanding warrior is seen with various weapons.

Shakti Ganapati

With four hands, He is in a sitting pose with a consort on His left thigh. Powerful and assuring, He allays fears with this posture.

Dvija Ganapati

Four-headed and four-armed, He is moon-like in appearance. He is adorned with ornaments in his hands.

Siddhi Ganapati

He is a symbol of confidence and accomplishment. His colour is golden yellow and He is seen holding a bouquet, axe, mango and sugarcane.

Uchchishta Ganapati

He is the Lord of offerings. Blue in colour, He has six hands. His consort is seated on his left thigh.

Vighna Ganapati

Having eight hands, brilliant goldcoloured, He is adorned with ornaments.

Kshipra Ganapati

Red-hued, and four-armed, He is a giver of boons.

Heramba Ganapati

Seated on a lion He has five heads with ten hands. His posture is one of offering safety and protection.

Lakshmi Ganapati

With eight hands, He is seen with two consorts. He is the embodiment of wisdom and achievement. His colour is white and He is known to grant boons.

Maha Ganapati

He is red-hued having three eyes. He has His consort seated on His left thigh and the Moon on His head.

Vijaya Ganapati

A bestower of success, He is robust and resourceful. He is red with four hands. He is seen riding a mouse.

Nritya Ganapati

Yellow in colour and joyful in appearance, He is seen in a dancing posture under a kalpavriksha tree.

Urdhva Ganapati

With six hands He is of golden hue. His consort is seated on His left thigh.

Ekakshara Ganapati

Having four hands and three eyes, He is red-complexioned. He is seen in a lotus pose on a Mushika.

Varada Ganapati

Four-armed and three-eyed, He is a boon giver. He is seen with a consort named ‘Pushti Devi.’ He holds a pot filled with jewels in his trunk.

Tryakshara Ganapati

The Lord of three letters, He is of golden hue having four hands. He is the embodiment of the sacred word, AUM.

Kshipra Prasada Ganapati

He has six hands and three eyes. He is red and is seated on a grass throne.

Haridra Ganapati

With four hands, He is of yellow colour assuring and protecting His devotees.

Ekadanta Ganapati:

With a single tusk, His form is marked by a blue colour with four hands.

Srishti Ganapati

Lord of happiness and success, He is of red complexion riding on his friendly mouse.

Uddanda Ganapati

With ten hands His posture is one of assertiveness enforcing dharma. He is red. His consort is seated on the left thigh.

Rinamochana Ganapati

A liberator, He has four hands. He is of crystal colour and dressed in red.

Dvimukha Ganapati

He has two heads and four hands. He is blue and is adorned in a red dress.

Dhundhi Ganapati

Red-coloured, He has four hands. He is the remover of all obstacles.

Trimukha Ganapati

He has three heads and six hands. He is seated on a golden lotus and is of red hue.

Simha Ganapati

Seated on a lion, He has eight hands. He is of white hue and holds another lion in one hand suggesting fearlessness.

Yoga Ganapati

He has four hands, and his legs are strapped symbolising a meditative posture. He is of red hue.

Durga Ganapati

Of golden hue with eight hands, He is adorned with a red dress. He is seen holding a bow and arrow in His hands.

Sankatahara Ganapati

Having four hands, He is seated on a red lotus flower dispelling the sorrow of his devotees. A consort is seated on His left thigh.

21 leaves for Lord Ganesha Pooja

The 21 leaves hold a unique significance and purpose in Ganesha Pooja. By offering these twenty-one leaves to Lord Ganesha, devotees seek His divine blessings for wisdom, success, and the removal of obstacles in their lives. Here we are giving the leaf name along with its medicinal value.

Machi Patram – (Davana): Treats skin diseases.
Bruhati Patram – (Dorali): It relieves joint pains.
Bilva Patram – (Bela): All parts of this tree’s leaves, fruit, stem, and roots are used as medicine to cure various diseases.
Doorvayugmam – (Doorva): Doorva helps to arrest bleeding and anaemia.
Dhattura Patram – (Dhotara): It works as an antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory.
Badari Patram – (Bora): It treats Laryngitis, cough, digestive disorders, wounds, and injuries.
Apamarga Patram – (Aaghada): It treats digestive disorders, poisonous bites, and asthma. Improves digestion and metabolism.
Tulasi Patram – (Tulas): It is one of the best antiviral herbs. It is an antimicrobial and anti-toxic.
Chootha Patram – (Aamba): It treats diabetes, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin discolouration. It also acts as a good energizer and stimulant.
Karaveera Patram – (Kanheri): This is a toxic herb and it is used for external applications.
Vishnukranta Patram – (Shankhapushpi): Used to treat brain and nervous system-related disorders.
Daadimee Patram – (Dalimb): It treats dysentery, food poisoning, diarrhea, and acidity-related disorders.
Devadaru Patram – (Devadar): It treats skin diseases, wounds, injuries, headaches, arthritis, mastitis, and stiffness.
Maruvaka Patram – (Murva): It treats skin diseases and stops abnormal menstrual flow.
Sindhuvara Patram – (Nirgundi): It treats Vatarelated problems, is used as anti-poisonous drugs, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and grey hair.
Jaati Patram – (Chameli): It treats skin diseases, wounds, mouth-related problems, indigestion, erectile dysfunction, gingivitis, and eye diseases.
Gandaki Patram – (Kanchanar): Used to treat heart-related diseases, piles, skin diseases, and cervical lymphadenitis.
Shamee Patram – (Shami): It treats mouth ulcers, joint pains, diarrhea, itching skin diseases, scorpion bites, wounds, bleeding disorders, and repeated abortion.
Ashwathha Patram – (Pimpal): It treats joint swelling, pain, pimples, bleeding and wounds. Its bark is used in the preparation of many medicines.
Arjuna Patram – (Arjun): It treats joint pains, heart diseases, wound and septic conditions, fractures, chronic respiratory disorders, and tuberculosis.
Arka / Mandar patram – (Rui): It treats poisonous bites, wounds, injuries, leprosy, tumours, joint pains.

Eco-Friendly Clay Idols

The practice of people making and worshipping Ganesha idols made of PoP, different chemicals and colours causes enormous damage to ecological balance. Especially after the Ganesha idol immersion that normally takes place on the ninth day, the tanks, lakes, rivers and other water bodies are contaminated.

These are nonbiodegradable and, hence, pollute the waters and harm aqua life. This adds to the woes of already depleting water resources. Such environmental pollution is still widespread as the practice of making PoP idols is followed in many places.

However, environmentalists and social awareness groups are making this practice obsolete by making clay idols of Ganesha. Eco-friendly clay idols will not harm the natural surroundings, and the benefits of this practice need to be propagated on a large scale.

Gokulashtami – Celebrating Lord Krishna’s Birth

Posted on by

Krishna Janmashtami, also known simply as Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami, is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.

Gokulashtami

The birth of Lord Krishna represents the triumph of good over evil. He is worshipped as the eighth incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu who is known for his compassion, righteousness, love and dharma.

The name ‘Krishna’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Krishna’, an adjective meaning ‘black’, ‘dark’, or ‘dark blue.’ The name ‘Krishna’ also means ‘all attractive.’ The word ‘janma’ means ‘birth’ and ‘ashta’ means ‘eight.’

The number 8 has much significance in this context. Lord Krishna was the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Krishna – 8th Child of Devaki

He was born as the eighth child of Princess Devaki and Vasudeva who belonged to the Yadava clan of Mathura on the eighth day (Ashtami tithi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase) under the Rohini Nakshatra in the holy month of Shravana. The waning moon is called Krishna Paksha and is related to the adjective meaning of ‘dark’.

Gokulashtami is also known as Krishnashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Sri Krishna Jayanthi etc. This celebration usually happens at the end of August or the beginning of September in the Western Gregorian calendar.

Most people in India celebrate Krishna Janmashtami based on the Lunar calendar but a few temples and some regions in South India like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and part of Karnataka observe Janmashtami based on the Solar calendar.

According to Hindu mythology, a prophecy stated that Kamsa, the tyrant ruler of the Vrishni kingdom with its capital at Mathura, would be killed by the eighth son of his sister Princess Devaki consequent on the sins committed by him. Kamsa therefore put his sister and her husband in prison. To prevent the prophecy from taking effect, he killed Devaki’s children one by one immediately after their birth.

When Devaki gave birth to her eighth child, the whole palace was put into deep sleep by some divine intervention. Vasudeva capitalized on the situation and secretly carried his infant in a basket out of Mathura during the night while it was pouring heavily.

Shesnag, who is known as the king of snakes, protected the two with his five-headed hood from the rain. Vasudeva managed to cross the Yamuna River with the help of divine forces and reach his friend Nanda’s house at Gokul near Brindavan in Mathura.

At that time, Nanda’s wife Yashoda had given birth to a girl baby who was deemed to be Goddess Durga’s incarnation. Vasudev conceived a strategy to fool Kamsa. Vasudeva took the infant girl to Devaki in jail. He inveigled Kamsa into thinking that the prophecy of his demise at the hands of Devaki’s eighth son was untrue, and it made Kamsa feel relieved. Thereafter, Devaki’s son was brought up by his foster parents, Nanda and his wife Yashoda at Gokul.

Why is the celebration named Gokulashtami

This is the reason why the celebration is also known as Gokulashtami. This boy was none other than an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who later took the name of Sri Krishna and killed his maternal uncle, Kamsa, ending his reign of terror. Lord Vishnu takes on various incarnations like this on the earth to restore the rule of dharma (righteousness) whenever the world is overtaken by chaos and terror.

He is thus the protector who keeps the world from being destroyed by adharma (wickedness) and its adherents.

Gokulashtami festival is celebrated across the world for 2-3 days. Mathura which happens to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna has some 400 temples dedicated to Him, all of which are decorated beautifully during this time. Celebrations begin almost 10 days before the birthday in Brindavan as Lord Krishna spent his formative years in Brindavan near Mathura.

After leaving Mathura, Lord Krishna is said to have stayed in Dwaraka, a beautiful city that became the home of Lord Krishna approximately for 5,000 years. The town holds a month-long festival in the name of ‘Janmashtami Utsav’.

On the day of Gokulashtami or Krishna Janmashtami

On the day of Gokulashtami or Krishna Janmashtami, Lord Krishna’s devotees all over the world offer prayers and fast all day. Devotees chant the Lord’s name, filling the air with their devotion and dedication. In addition to doing Janmashtami decorations at home with flowers, they sing hymns and recite mantras, blow conchs, and ring bells.

A lot of devotional songs are sung, particularly at Krishna temples all day long. The fast concludes at midnight, which is thought to be the time of Lord Krishna’s birth. During the festival, various rituals inspired by the life of Lord Krishna are held throughout the country.

Drama-dance enactments and elaborate skits retelling his different ‘leelas’ in His boyhood are played out in the form of ‘Krishna Leelas’. Children dressed as Lord Krishna and his Gopis (young girls) perform ‘Raas Leela’.

After midnight, the idol of baby Lord Krishna is bathed, adorned with new clothes and put in a cradle. Devotees then sing devotional songs or perform bhajans in praise of the new-born, beautiful Lord Krishna.

Offerings of sweets and flower garlands are made with joy. Many devotees paint tiny footprints outside the main entrance leading to their houses and it signifies that Lord Krishna is welcome to step into their houses.

Devotees break their fast the following morning and a festive ambience sets in where sweets made with milk, mainly payasam dry fruits and sugar, fruits, and other delicacies that were offered to the Lord are distributed as Prasad and relished by all.

Again, passages from the Bhagavad Gita are recited aloud to help us remember Krishna’s teachings and understand the meaning of life from a spiritual angle. Lord Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita emphasize the importance of performing one’s duty without being concerned with the results thereof.

It teaches devotees significant life lessons such as the pursuit of righteousness, the value of selfless service, and the ultimate victory of good over evil.

Gokulasthami Celebrations in and Around TTD Temples

Gokulasthami, the festival of the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated at Sri Venugopalaswamy temple in the Sri Kapileswara Temple grandly every year. Suprabatham and abhishekam will be performed for the Mula Virat in the morning and Gokulashtami Asthanam will be performed at night.

At Sri Kalyana Venkateswara temple at Narayanavanam, suprabatham, Thomala and Shuddhi will be performed and later abhishekam will be performed for Lord Sri Krishna. Later in the evening, Gokulashtami Asthanam and Nivedanam will be conducted.

At Sri Venugopalaswamy temple of Karvetinagaram, suprabatham, thomala, koluvu, panchanga shravanam will be performed in the morning and later a grand Gau puja Mahotsavam will be performed. Gokulashtami Asthanam and Unjal Seva will be grandly conducted in the evening.

The Splendour of Goddess Lakshmi

Posted on by

Goddess Lakshmi

Goddess Lakshmi is considered the goddess of wealth and prosperity. She also represents prosperity. In the olden days prosperity was considered based on a number of cows and horses. Our ancient mythology says that Goddess Lakshmi rose out of the Milk Ocean when the great churning was done by the gods and asuras (demons).

Lord Vishnu balanced the Mandara mountain to give stability to the process of churning.

One of the names of Goddess Lakshmi is Gajalakshmi. The kumbhasthala(skull) of an elephant is considered as the abode of Goddess Lakshmi. There is a description in a verse that indicates that two elephants do abhishekam to Goddess Lakshmi with golden pots full of nectar.

The Splendour of Goddess Lakshmi

SriSukta

In srisukta her gorgeous nature and beauty have been lucidly described. She adores golden and silver ornaments on her body. She is considered as an embodiment of wealth.

According to Srisukta, she is awakened every day by the trumpeting (gheenkara) of elephants (Hastinaada prabhodhineem). Goddess Lakshmi resides in the bosom of Lord Venkateswara. She is considered as anapaayinee which means inseparable. She cannot be separated from the Lord of Seven Hills.

‘Sravana’ is the birth star of Lord Venkateswara. Thus the month of Sravana is considered auspicious for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. As rains fall, farmers will be happy due to prosperity in the form of grains. Grains are also considered as another form of Goddess Lakshmi. In the olden days grains were given to labourers instead of money.

How to obtain the grace of Goddess Lakshmi?

It’s a million-dollar question. Maintenance of personal hygiene is more important for the devotees of Goddess Lakshmi. Those devotees who want to get the grace of the goddess of wealth should have a pleasant and serene atmosphere in the house.

Decoration of the place of worship and the place near the threshold with cow dung and flowers will invoke Goddess Lakshmi. She will shower her choicest blessings on those who recite Srisukta or Kanaka dhara stotra daily with devotion. There are numerous stotras to placate Goddess Lakshmi. A guru or priest will be able to tell you what should be recited and how they should be recited.

The Splendour of Goddess Lakshmi

To obtain the grace of the goddess of wealth one should bath and wear clean robes. The devotee should sit facing north while doing worship of Goddess Lakshmi. In tantra Goddess Lakshmi is called kamalatmika. She is one of the powerful ten wisdom Goddesses.

While doing japa or recital of kamalatmika mantra one should wear red robes or white robes. One should have an energized portrait of Gajalakshmi. As per the instructions of priest, japa must be done with a rosary of lotus seeds. After japa, one should do the havan with pure ghee, because fire is considered as the medium to send our request to the deity of prosperity.

The following mantra should be recited 1008 times with a rosary.

Sreedhara karasthaaya payonidhi
jaataayalakshmee sahodaraayachintita
arthaphala pradaayadakshi
naavartashankhaayate namaha

Gomatichakras are also considered replicas of the goddess of wealth. These are also available in the ocean. One should get the chakra mantra energised by any guru or priest. Worship of Lord Kubera will also give the grace of Goddess Lakshmi. It is described in the Puranas that great treasures namely Shankha and Padma are under the control of Kubera.

The bilva tree is also considered a symbol of the Goddess Lakshmi. Legend says that Goddess Lakshmi was born out of a bilva tree. Doing homa with bilva fruits will bring prosperity to the devotees. While doing homa, srisukta mantras should be recited. In srisukta Lord Agnideva is described as the medium between the Goddess and the devotees. Homa with lotus seeds will also bring prosperity.

Let us worship Goddess Mahalakshmi with devotion so that we will get material as well as spiritual benefits.

Sudarsan Chakra – Protector of the Good

Posted on by

Sudarsan Chakra

Sudarsan Chakra is the most powerful weapon of Lord Vishnu in the form of a rotating disc with sparkling spikes to protect the righteous and destroy evil-minded people. The literal meaning of the weapon is that it is a “wheel with an auspicious vision which is always in motion.”

Lord Vishnu as Protector of the Universe used the wheel to protect His devotees and punish those who harm His followers. During the incarnation of Lord Krishna in Dwaparayuga, He adorned the same weapon to protect the Pandavas.

Click here to learn about Sudarshana Chakra Snanam

Stories

Here are a few stories where Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna used this magnificent weapon.

The story of Ambarisha

King Ambarisha was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu who religiously followed the rituals of ‘dharma.’ He was performing the auspicious “Ekadasi Vrata” on each Ekadasi day. As per the ritual, the devotee should be fasting on Ekadasi and should consume the food before the next star (day) Dwadashi.

On one occasion, when Ambarisha was about to consume his food on Dwadashi day, Rishi Durvasa came to his court and said that he would receive food from him. He left to take his bath. He did not return in time and Ambarisha observed that the period of Dwadashi would not last long.

On the advice of his ministers and ‘gurus’, he drank a few drops of water to complete the ‘Ekadasi Vrata’. He found Durvasa entering his place and saw him taking food in the form of water without feeding the guests whom he invited. Angered by this action, Durvasa in a fit of anger created a demon and ordered him to kill the king.

Lord Vishnu became furious. He ordered His Sudarshan Chakra to kill the demon to protect the king. The Wheel of Lord Vishnu after killing the demon, chased Durvasa. The rishi went to Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva requesting them for protection from the Sudarshan Chakra.

When none were giving refuge to him, he approached Ambarisha to pray to the Sudarshan Chakra to save the life of the sage. Ambarisha prayed to the Lord to withdraw Sudarshan Chakra.

He prayed:

“O Sudarsan Chakra, You are fire. You are the most powerful Sun and the Moon, the Master of all Luminaries. You are the water, the earth and the sky. You are the air. You are the five senses sound, touch, sight, taste and smell.

Please forgive the ‘rishi.’ The sage Durvasa was saved.

The Story of Shisupala

Lord Vishnu in His incarnation as Lord Krishna used the Sudarshan Chakra as His magnificent weapon. Owing to a vow given to His aunt, Lord Krishna has to spare Shisupala for the one hundred mistakes he committed.

During Lord Krishna’s visit to Duryodhana’s court to bring peace between the brothers, Shisupala started blaming Lord Krishna once again and crossed his limit of a hundred mistakes. Then Lord Krishna used Sudarshan Chakra to kill Shisupala.

The story of Sati

Aggrieved by the decision of his father, Daksha, not to invite Lord Shiva to the ‘yagna’ performed by him, Sati immolated herself. Lord Shiva out of love and affection towards his wife carried the charred body of Sati all around the world and was not allowing anyone to separate the body from him.

Lord Vishnu to remove the illusion of Lord Shiva ordered the Sudarshan Chakra to cut the body of Sati into pieces. The charred body was made into 51 pieces which fell at various places in the world. Those holy places are called ‘Sakti Peetams’ and are being worshipped in reverence to Sati and Lord Shiva.

The story of Rahu and Ketu

Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini and distributed the ‘amrita’ churned out of the Milky Ocean between the ‘devatas’ and the demons. She distributed the entire ‘amrita’ to the ‘devatas.’

Two demons, Rahu and Ketu noticed this and mixed in the line of the Devatas. They were also served the ‘amrita’ by Mohini. Before they gulp it, Lord Vishnu noticed the mischief of the demons and cut their throats with the Sudarshan Chakra. Thus, He protected the ‘devatas’ from the devastating effect of the demons.

The Story of Jayadrath

During the war at Kurukshetra, Abhimanyu was killed by Jayadrath when he entered the Padmavyuha laid down by the Kauravas as a strategy to kill all the Pandavas who entered the riddle. Angered by the death of his son, Arjuna vows to kill Jayadrath before sunset.

All the Kauravas hid him in a place where Arjuna could not find him. Lord Krishna mastered a plan and hides the Sun with His Sudarsan Chakra. Jayadrath comes from the hiding place presuming that it is already sunset and he could not be killed by Arjuna. Lord Krishna removes His Wheel. Immediately, Arjuna kills Jayadrath.

Final Word

Sudarshan Chakra always adorns the right hand of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu protects His devotees and safeguards them with His blissful vision and with His marvellous weapons.

Gayatri is worshipped as Vedamata

Posted on by

Goddess Gayatri worshipped as Vedamata

Goddess Gayatri is worshipped as Vedamata by almost all the people. The Goddess Gayatri’s Gayatri Mantra is the most divine and powerful. She is the goddess of all the Vedas, she is worshipped as ‘Vedamata‘.

It is believed in our Sanatana Dharma that the Goddess Gayatri is the manifestation and embodiment of all the three goddesses i.e.

Goddess Saraswati,
Goddess Parvati and
Goddess Lakshmi.

And in many epics and our divine literature, she is honoured as the mother of all the Gods.

According to our Bhrugu Samhita in which it is briefed that the Goddess Gayatri is an Incarnation of Goddess Saraswati who symbolises all knowledge, Art, Music, Skills and Literature, Goddess Parvati who rules Shakti or strength, and courage and the Goddess Lakshmi who possesses wealth, treasure, Victories and Accomplishments in this creation.

So, as Lord Sri Krishna said in both Srimad Bhagavadgita and Srimad Bhagavatam, if you worship Goddess Gayatri, it is like you worshipping all the gods in this creation including himself as he declares he is the Gayatri mantra out of all the Veda mantras of our Sanatana Dharma.

It is like worshipping all the Vedas as she is the Vedamata according to our divine literature. Truly it is very divine and blissful to see the image or the photo of the goddess Gayatri at any time at any place.

Five Pranas or Vayus – Panchatatvas

If you see Gayatri’s photo, you will see that she is always depicted that she is sitting on a lotus. All five faces are equally distributed and depicted as if, all her faces are different and preaching something unique, different and separate. Her five faces represent the basic Five Pranas or Vayus, which are known as Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana and Samana and also the basic five principle elements i.e. panchatatvas like earth (Prithvi), water (Jala), air (Vayu), fire (Agni) and sky (Aakash).

The Shining and Smiling face of the Goddess Gayatri always makes you more divine, inspiring and sacred, whenever you see, worship or pray to her at any time during any difficulties whatsoever in your life.

Goddess Gayatri is the Universal divine mother who is the mother of all the sacred Mantras, Vedas and Living beings of this creation according to our Sanatana Literature. Normally all the devotees are preached to chant at least 108 Gayatri Mantras thrice in a day or once in a day or at least 16 mantras thrice in a day or 108 mantras once in Brahma muhurtam i.e. in the dawn.

If the Gayatri Mantras are chanted and meditated, it is known as Gayatri Japam and if the same practice is done in the temple or with the fire, by sacrificing the pure Ghee (Cow) in the fire, then it is known as Gayatri Havan or Homan either in-home or in temples.

Gayatri Mantra

In our Vedic Literature, the Gayatri Mantra has been designed and created with Vedic regulations like rhyme, Vedic meter and classical–poetical syllables. Having 24 syllables, if the Gayatri Mantra is chanted with grace, divinity, prominence and bliss, it is proved time and again that all our sins, pains and depressions are nullified and due to this naturally life will become more spiritual, devotional and eternal.

If we look into the Gayatri Mantra and its chanting carefully, only the chanting of Gayatri Mantra will be,

Om bhoorbhuvahsvaha
Om Tat Saviturvarenyam
Bhargodevasyadheemahi
Dheeyoyonahprachodayat

But when we sit for penance (Tapas), we chant Gayatri Mantra but add “Om Namo Naaraayanaaya Namaha” along with Gayatri Mantra which automatically chants 108 Mula (Primary) Mantras of Sriman Narayana i.e. Lord Vishnu.

Meaning of Gayatri Mantra

Om Bhur Bhuvah Svaha

The Gayatri Mantra’s first line i.e. ‘Om Bhur Bhuvah Svaha’ is an invocation praying as ‘Om’ being the supremacy of the God,

‘Bhur Bhuvah Svaha’ represents the inherent qualities and nature of God.
‘Bhur’ means god’s eternal existence and ‘Bhuvah’ means Ananta or Limitless or the absolute consciousness of the god and
‘Swah’ represents God’s bliss, omnipresent and omnipotent potential.

Tat Savitur Varenyam

And ‘Tat Savitur Varenyam’, ‘Tat’ represents selfless God himself and here as Lord Vishnu and ‘Savit’ leads to self-driven, self-motivational, self–engineered potential, which is the built-in nature of mankind.

Further, ‘Varenyam’ signifies acceptance of the highest master of this Universe as the God or a devotional surrenderance.

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi

‘Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi ‘ means, ‘Bhargo’ is the divine, pure, highly potential, glorious, blissful, light or energy and ‘Devasya’ represents Absolute existence and proof of the god in all living and non-living beings of this creation and ‘Dhimahi’ means, Focusing, meditating or concentrating to reach or communicate with the god.

dhiyoyo nah prachodayat

Ultimately, ‘dhiyoyo nah prachodayat’, ‘Dhiyo’ means, identifying the supreme ability of god’s super wisdom and success and ‘yo’ means that one who and ‘Nah’ means the one who accepts all, ourness, mine and ‘prachodayaat’ means, finally praying the god for Inspiration, Guidance and Protection.

Ultimate Meaning

The ultimate meaning is,

“Oh God, the Protector, the basis of all life,

Who is self-existent,
Who is free from all pains and Whose contact frees the soul from all troubles,
Who pervades the Universe and sustains all, the Creator and Energizer of the whole Universe, the Giver of happiness,
Who is worthy of acceptance, the most excellent,
Who is Pure and the Purifier of all, let us embrace that very God, so that He may direct our mental faculties in the right direction”.

This means, “the light of the sun illumines all the three worlds namely ‘Bhu lok’, ‘Bhuvar lok’ and ‘Suvar Lok‘. I meditate upon that highly effulgent light. Let that light kindle and illumine my intellect too”.

Normally the Gayatri Mantra is chanted for four main reasons:

To Praise and Glorify the God
To Thank God
To Ask for Forgiveness from the God and
To make a Pray or Request from the God

Since our soul is the Light of Life within us, and that acts on our body via the medium of the brain, we ask God to make this contact pure and righteous. The soul is of course inherently pure, being itself Divine. The body is under the complete control of the mind.

The link is the mind, which is affected not only by the soul but also by the outside world. We ask in these four words that God help us to improve our intellect, and guide it towards what is right.

By regularly chanting the Gayatri Mantra, we can achieve better Learning Power, Increase our focus or concentration, make us more divine and spiritual, we can gain prosperity in life, a significant increase in both physical and eternal lives erase past sins, pains and depression and the life gets charged and energised since the first day itself!

Deities of Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple (Kapila Teertham) – Tirupati

Posted on by

Deities of Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple

The holy Kapila Tirtham is known to have had its first appearance in this region of Seven Hills in an unknown past in the chain of many Mahayugas before the present Kali Yuga. It is because of the fortune and pride of the inhabitants of Tirupati.

The Kapila Tirtham is situated at the foot region of Tirumala Hills in the North East Direction of Tirupati City.

Click here for the Google Maps location

This is an abode of Natural Beauty and Divinity filled with the endless grace of all the gods. Interestingly here one can see the divine presence of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara in this holy place.

Holy Place of the Trio of Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara

The sage Kapila, the son of Kardama Prajapati and Devahuti, is one of the 24 great incarnations of Sri Maha Vishnu according to Bhagavata and other puranas. So the grandness and grace of Vishnu always guard this region.

Here the main deity being worshipped is ‘Siva’ whose LINGA IDOL was worshipped by Kapila.

In the remote past of earlier yugas, this LINGA was in the Kapila Ashram, a place in the Nether Worlds (Patalaloka) on the banks of the Patala Ganga called ‘Bhogavati‘.

Kapila Dhenu

Suddenly it started growing at one time. Having started with such unlimited might the Siva Linga reached the surface of the Hill foot of Seshachala Mountain. Vishnu and Brahma wanted to stop its further growth. Hence Vishnu assumed the form of a cowherd and Brahma assumed the form of a Kapila Dhenu (A cow tawny in colour) and started offering Abhisheka with endless streams of milk.

When Siva was pleased with the way Vishnu and Brahma worshipped Him both of them requested him to stop growing further. Siva obliged their request and settled in this region as a self emergent God (Svayambhu).

At the same time having merged with the Abhisheka milk offered by Vishnu and Brahma, the River ‘Bhogavati’ of Patala region flowers over the brim and reaches this place near the cave where Siva settled. Soon all the Gods came there and worshipped Siva in the Abhisheka Process with the holy waters of the river Bhogavati.

Kapila Teertham

Ever since the God has been known by the name ‘Kapileswara’ for two reasons, as he was previously worshipped by the sage Kapila and as he received the Kshira Abhisheka (Abhisheka of Milk) with the Milk of the Kapila Dhenu (Brahma in the form of Kapila Cow). His divine spouse, the mother Goddess Parvati is popularly known as ‘Kamakshi’ in this place.

The River Bhogavati got the name ‘Kapila Teertham’.

Divine Tirthas / Theerthams

This holy place is situated near the confluence of seventeen other divine Tirthas (Holy streams) –

Chakra Tirtha,
Vishvaksena Tirtha,
Panchayudha Tirtha (Five in Number of Sankha, Chakra, Gada, Khadga and Sarnga bow),
Vahni Tirtha (The Tirtha of Fire God),
Brahma Tirtha,
Saptarshi Tirthas – (the seven Tirthas of Seven Sages) and
the Trimurthi Tirthas (Vishnu Kunda, Brahma Kunda and Maheswara Kunda).

According to Vamana purana Sudarshana Chakra, the lord of all the weapons of Sri Maha Vishnu, was ordered by Vishnu to dwell in this place. Ever since this place has been called Chakra Tirtha or Chakrattalwar Tirtha or Alwar Tirtha by the devotees.

As this is the abode of Vishnu, Brahma and Maheswara, the rest of the Gods of the divine world also came here and settled. Here is a brief account of the other Gods whose presence enriched the sacredness of this region.

While the Pair of Sri Kamakshi and Kapileswara are the main deities of this kshetra or region there are other gods like the

Door Attendants Dindi and Mundi,
Sri Siddhivinayaka Swami, Nandiswara,
Sri Chandiswara,
Sri Dakshina Murti,
Kalabhairava,
Mahaganapati,
Mahasasta,
Kashi Vishveswara,
Umamaheswara,
Ramalingeswara,
Pramatha Ganapati,
Sri Siva Surya Swamy,
The elevated dais of the Nine Grahas,
Lord Kumara swami with his two spouses Srivalli and
Devasena in the inner complex of Kapileswara.

In the outer premises of the temple, there is a huge collection of Snake idols, Siva Lingas and Subrahmanyeswara idols in an open place under the shades of bilva and other holy trees. By the side of these idols, there are the temples of Sri Koti Lingeswara Swami and Agastyeswara Swami.

Besides all these temples of Siva’s Family there are the temples of Venugopala, Sri Lakshminarayana, Nammalwar and Anjaneya in the outside of the Kapileswara Temple complex starting from the banks of Kapila Tirtha gradually towards the roadway into the temple.

Sri Siddhivinayaka Swami

This temple of Sri Siddhivinayaka is just by the side of the Dhwajasthambha and Balipitha of Sri Kapileswara Swami and welcomes all the devotees to have a wonderful Darshan of Kapileswara and Kamakshi.

God Vinayaka’s Darshan at this little shrine assures the fulfilment of all the desires and success in all attempts of the devotees.

The Door Attendants Dindi and Mundi

Just after crossing the Dhwajasthambha and Bali Pitham on either sides of the Main threshold there the two-door attendants of Sri Kapileswara whose names are Dindi and Mundi. The sculptural beauty of the two idols has nice patterns of artistic excellence.

The two idols look with life-wielding Damaru, Trisula and Mace.

Nandiswara

When the devotees cross the main threshold can see the gentle idol of Nandishwara in the wide Mukha Mandapa. It is a two feet high and two and half feet long idol of Nandi, the Bull vehicle of Sri Kapleswara Swami knelt down on his four feet in front of Kapileswara.

Sri Chandiswara

He is one of the most prominent ones among the attendants of Shiva. His idol can be seen in the Clockwise direction path near the Somasutra in a meditating posture. While the First Puja is offered to Siva Surya Swami at dawn the last puja during the night time is offered to Sri Chandiswara.

Sri Dakshina Murti

This is in the hall of the family Gods of Kapileswara and Kamakshi. This hall is on the Southern side of the Mukha Mandapa of Sri Kapileswara and Kamakshi. Dakshina Murti is a Siva’s idol. Unlike the normal Siva lingas, this is in human form with four hands and five heads. In all four hands, he bears Snake Snares, a Trident, a chain of beads and a Jnanamudra.

He sits facing the South Direction hence called Dakshina Murthi. He is the bestower of Knowledge and Moksha.

Sri Kalabhairava

He is Kapala Bhairava according to his appearance. He appears with four hands wielding a Trident, Damaru, sharp sword and a skull. On his side a Dog’s idol also can be seen. This idol is by the side of Sri Dakshina Murthi.

Sri Mahaganapati

This idol of Sri Mahaganapati can be seen on the left side of Sri Kalabhairava. He appears mounting his Mouse vehicle and holding snares and goad in the upper hands and a piece of his own tusk and a Modakam (The dearest food item for him) in his two downward hands. He bestows fulfilment of all the desires of devotees.

Sri Mahasasta

He is on the left side of Mahaganapati in the same row beginning with Sri Dakshina Murthi. He is the son of Hari (Mohini incarnation) and of Hara.

Sri Kashi Vishveswara

Swami is located in the same Parivara Devata Mandapa in the Linga form. The height of the Lord is two and a half feet.

Sri Umamaheswara

This is a west-facing idol of Siva in human form holding a Deer in one lifted left hand, a trident in the lifted right hand and with the right downward hand blessing the devotees assuring fearlessness and with the downward left holding tight Goddess Umadevi who is seated on His left thigh on his lap. This is a single-stone idol.

Sri Ramalingeswara

On the left side of Sri Uma Maheswara, the devotees can have the Darshan of Sri Ramalingeswara. On having the darshan of this Sri Ramalingeswara after seeing Sri Kashi Vishveswara in this Mandapa a devotee can get the fruit of visiting both Kashi and Rameswaram.

Sri Pramatha Ganapati

This is on the southern side of Sri Ramalingeswara. His appearance is also similar to that of Sri Mahaganapati but a little bit dwarf in form. He is the leader of the entire army of Pramathas and he is the remover of the obstacles of his devotees.

Sri Siva Surya Swamy

This is the special place of the Sun god in the Kapileswara Temple, hence called Siva Surya Swamy, and worshipping this God will assure good health and even ailment from all kinds of chronic illness.

The elevated dais of the Nine Grahas

This is in the same Parivara Devata Mandapa. Here one can have the darshan of the Sun, Moon, Kuja, Budha, Bruhaspati, Sukra, Sani, Rahu and Ketu by having which one can be freed from any and every kind of adverse effect of any of the Nine Grahas.

Sri Kumara swami with his two spouses Srivalli and Devasena

This is very beautiful place of the Six faced Subrahmanya Swami with Srivalli and Devasena on either sides. These idols are east-facing ones. The Darshan of Sri Kumara Swami in this posture removes all the disturbances in life and assures children to childless.

Once the Darshan of all the Gods in the Parivara Mandapa is over, the devotees can come to the large area in the Southern side of it. In this outer premises of the temple, there is a huge collection of Snake idols, Siva Lingas and Subrahmanyeswara idols in an open place under the shades of bilva and other holy trees.

By the side of these idols there are the temples of Sri Koti Lingeswara Swami and Agastyeswara Swami. The Darshan of all these idols and gods will make once life blessed and blissful.

Besides all these temples of Siva’s Family, there are the temples of

Venugopala,
Sri Lakshminarayana,
Nammalwar and
Anjaneya

in the outside of the Kapileswara Temple complex starting from the banks of Kapila Tirtha and gradually towards the roadway into the temple. Thus the temple of Sri Kapileswara in the Kapilatirtham is a very sightworthy place for those who want to lead an obstacle-free, happy and comfortable life by the grace of Sri Kapileswara and his Parivara Gods.

Brahmotsavams

The brahmotsavams of Sri Kapileswara Swami are celebrated every year in the month of Magha according to the Lunar calendar having been planned to end by the Amavasya of Magha Masa. As in any other temples here also Vahana Sevas also occupies a major role in the festival.

The Festival begins on Magha Bahula Panchami (the 5th Tithi of the Black Fortnight of Magha Masa) with the Mushika Vahana Seva of Ganesha in the evening of the day with the Ankuraropana ritual.

The next day morning onwards the Vahana Sevas commence with Pallaki Seva and Dhvajarohana. Then Hamsa Vahana, Suryaprabha Vahana, Chandraprabhavahana and other Vahana Sevas are shared to all the nine days on the basis of Two Vahana Sevas for each day.

On the Mahasivaratri night, the Nandivahana Seva is of high importance. On the Tenth day i.e. Magha Amavasya, Avabrutha snana, Trisula snana and Dhvajavarohana will be celebrated as the end rituals of Sri Kapileswara Swami Brahmotsavams.

Gems of Hanuman Chalisa

Posted on by

Hanuman Chalisa

“Hanuman Chalisa” was written by Tulasidas Goswami in praise of Hanuman. Why it is very popular? Because the hymn praises the devotee of the Supreme.

If “Bhagavata” is praised, the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes happy and blesses immediately. Lord is always fond of devotees. Such a devotee is Lord Hanuman the hero of “Hanuman Chalisa”. It is written in the “Awadhi” language closer to Hindi. The “Chalis” means “forty” verses.

There is no other Bhakta greater than Hanuman who had served Lord Ram. He is “Chiranjeevi” who lives ever. He had adopted the “Dasya Bhakti – Servant to Lord”. This type of Bhakti makes one immortal is what we have seen in the life of Hanumanji. He had completely surrendered to Lord Sita Ram and, hence attained the highest life.

Chanting Hanuman Chalisa

Chanting “Hanuman Chalisa” is considered sacred. It is also easy to understand as it is written in the local language. It invokes divine intervention and shows us the right path to overcome difficulties in life.

Each word in “Hanuman Chalisa” is auspicious. It gives energy to the soul. “Rama Nama” gives life, but for Lord Ram, Hanumanji gave life to him in many incidents in Sundara Kanda and Yuddha Kanda. Thus, reciting “Hanuman Chalisa” is one of the best ways to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Hanuman Chalisa Explained

The “Hanuman Chalisa” starts with “Sri-Guru Carann Saroja-Raja…” salutations to the lotus feet of Guru. It is a tradition in Sanatana Dharma to first bow to “Guru” to get enlightened. Because Guru shows us the right path of life.

Tulasidas praises Lord Hanuman like how Valmiki had praised in his original text of Ramayana.

Hanuman is praised as “Nava-Vyakarana- Pandita – nine types of knowledge including grammar” and was very humble. One of the incidents where each of the monkeys tried to show the strength to cross the ocean but was not confident. Jambavan knew that only Hanuman could cross the ocean and invoked his strength. Hanuman agreed to the task. This incident shows he is egoless.

Hanuman – Ocean of Wisdom

Hanuman is “Jnaan Gunn Saagar….Lok Ujaagar” Hanuman is the ocean of Wisdom and enlightener of three worlds. When Lord Ram met Hanuman, he was very much impressed by the way Hanuman spoke. He found that Hanuman is no ordinary monkey. The way he expressed his greetings was like a person who must be a Vedic Scholar. Thus, Hanuman’s wisdom was showcased during the introduction to Ram.

Hanuman – Messenger of Lord Rama

Anjaneya is “Raama-Dhoota Atulit Bala-Dhaamaa” He is the messenger of Lord Ram and has i m m e a s u r a b l e strength. It is obvious that when Lakshmana was stuck by the arrows of Indrajith, nobody could save him. Hanuman lifted the mountain and got the “Sanjeevini” herb which brought back the life of Lakshmana.

Such a strength he has. He was hailed as “Rama Dhoota” when he had taken the signet ring from Rama and gave it to Sita, which brought back the life of both.

Hanuman – Great Hero

Hanuman is “Mahaa-biir Bikrama Bajarangi” Great Hero with strength of a Thunderbolt. When he was young, he mistook the Sun for fruit and tried to catch him. He was stuck by Indra’s weapon which would kill if it were others. Because it was Hanuman, he was just pushed down by a powerful weapon.

Anjani Putra

Anjani Putra is “Shankar-Suvan” the incarnation of Lord Shiva as he was born after praying to Lord Shiva by his mother Anjana Devi.

“Prabhu Caritra Sunibe Ko Rasiyaa” He likes to always listen to Ramayana. It is even today when any Bhajan or Ramayana is read, we put a seat for Hanuman as it is told by him that he would attend to hear about Lord Rama, anywhere, anytime, by anybody.

“Raamalassann Siitaa Man Basiyaa” is one of the incidents where Hanuman tears open his heart and shows that his heart is full of “Sita Ram” and one can see even today.

Ashta Siddhi

“ Sookshma Roopadhari ….Vikatt Roop Dhari” when meeting Sita Devi, he took a very small form initially, but when he burnt Lanka, he took a gigantic form. Thus, he knows “Ashta Siddhi”.

“Tum Mam Priya Bharatahisam Bhaaii” Lord Ram himself praised and hugged him saying, you are like my brother Bharatha.

Getting the best acknowledgement from the Supreme is what Hanuman received after giving the “Choodamani- Hair Clip” of Sita.

“Bhuut Pishaaca Nikatt Nahi Aavai” Ghosts, evil spirits do not come near when one recites the glory of Hanuman says the author. As Hanuman had handled many Rakshasas like Lankini, Surasa, Simhika, and Ahiravan, Aksay gained victory over them.

“Naashau Rog Harai Sab Piiraa” will destroy disease and pain as he had saved the life of Lakshmana in the battle, and removed the pain of separation between Rama and Sita. “Saadhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhavaare” savior of Sages because he helped Ram on the battlefield where Ravana was killed, and many saints were saved.

“Assttasiddhi Nava Nidhi Ke Daataa” by praying to him one can get superpowers and prosperity. Sugriva, who lost his kingdom got back all the prosperity when Hanuman helped him meeting Lord Ram.

“Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Daasaa” whatever he is praised, Hanuman likes to be the servant of Lord Ram. Such is the “Dasya Bhakti” shown by him.

“Janma Janma Ke Dukh Bisaraavai” if we have the “Dasya Bhakti” like Hanuman, we will be saved from the life of birth and death cycle. We have been born for multiple times and suffered in this world. That cycle will be broken and will attain “Moksha-Salvation”.

“Hanumat Sei Sarva Sukh Karaii” the author authenticates that one who worships Hanuman will always be happy.

“Sankatta Harai Mittai Sab Piiraa” to the above statement, the answer is because Hanuman removes all our sorrows which makes our life Happy.

“Krpaa Karahu Gurudev Kii Naaii” author requests Hanuman to show grace as he considers him as “Guru” the teacher. It is also said by our ancestors that in Ramayana, Lord Ram is “Paramatma”, Maa Sita is “Jeevatma” when she suffered, Lord Hanuman “as Guru” showed the path of light to “Jeevatma” to get united with “Paramatma”.

Hanuman – Universal Teacher

Thus, Hanuman is considered a “Universal Teacher”. Ramayana is not only an incident but also a “Way of Life” in this modern world. “Hrday Basahu Surabhuup” Tulasidas finally says that if one recites “Hanuman Chalisa” with devotion will be blessed by Lord Shiva as he is the witness and always be the servant of “Sri Hari”.

He also requests the Lord to reside in his heart. Hanuman’s life shows us how one should be brave, humble, energetic, positively oriented, goal-focused, maintain inner strength, always happy and contended, take service to the Lord as motto, protect the weak, uplift Dharma, always chant “Rama Nama”, always think of Lord, knowledgeable yet egoless and so on……and ….on….

“Rama Lakshmana Janaki
Jai Bholo Hanumanki”

Manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi

Posted on by

Manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi

One should be aware of Ashtalakshmis or the manifestations of Goddess Sri Lakshmi.

Veda Lakshmi in TretaYuga

A sage named Brahmarishi Kushadhvaja was fixated on the Vedas. He was apathetic towards the institution of marriage but enthusiastic about begetting Goddess Lakshmi. One day while pursuing the Vedas, the celestial Narthaki (dancer) Urvashi ambled past Brahmarishi Kushadhvaja.

Bewitched by her beauty, he gets distracted for a second. As a consequence, Lakshmi descends to the Earth. She was born whilst pursuing the Vedas, hence the epithet Vedavathi.

During Her formative years, being Lakshmi’s apparent incarnation, She was engrossed in Lord Vishnu’s thoughts. She performs austere penance in the Himalayas. Whilst exploring the Himalayas on Pushpaka Vimana, Ravana saw Vedavathi. She self-immolates in indignation and reaches ‘Agni Loka.’

At the time of the capture of Sita, Agni substitutes Sita with Vedavathi considering the intolerable imminent adversities. At the event of ‘agni pravesha’, Lord Agni replaces the true Sita who acknowledges and appreciates Vedavathi’s selflessness granting Her a wish as a token of gratitude.

Perpetually ambitious about Lord Narayana, Vedavathi gladly expresses Her desire to be His eternal divine consort.

Being monogamous in Treta Yuga, Lord Narayana comforts Vedavathi permitting Her desire to come to fruition in Kaliyuga instead. This narrative is documented in Kurma Purana, one of the indisputable compilations of Sri Veda Vyasa.

The Valmiki Ramayana is not exhaustive, but a comprehensive account of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. However, the remainder of the Puranas encompasses intricate details. In comforting Vedavathi, Lord Vishnu conceives an opportunity to descend to the earth in Kaliyuga.

Ever since the spirit of Vedavathi endured as Veda Lakshmi anxiously awaited the Lord’s descent. The Lord manifests as Matsya Narayana or Veda Narayana at Vedanarayana Swamy temple of Nagalapuram near Tirupati.

Srivatsa Lakshmi (Vaikunta)

Srivatsa Lakshmi resides as a mole on the chest of Lord Vishnu. Everyone is well-acquainted with the episode of Bhrigu Maharshi paying a visit to Vaikunta to see Lord Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi who were absorbed in a sobering conversation at the time of his arrival.

Since it is the onset of Kaliyuga, Lord Vishnu advises Sri Lakshmi that it is high time to manifest on the earth. Anomalously, He suggests Lakshmi descend ahead for Him to follow His lead. Lakshmi apprehensively reminds the Lord that she customarily follows His lead in every avatar instead; subsequently, gets married and partakes in annihilating the evil.

Lord Vishnu remarks the upcoming ‘avatar’ is distinctive and does not ensure a return to Vaikunta upon conclusion, unlike the earlier ones. With negative personality traits being an inherent attribute in everyone, it is futile to seek change. It would be pragmatic to change their thought patterns and safeguard the staunch devotees from evil instead.

Persistent about goddess Lakshmi’s descent, the Lord takes the honorific ‘Srinivasa’ as an explicit homage to Sri Lakshmi. With Lakshmi being perturbed over the forthcoming separation, the Lord suggests Her to take solace from the fact that He shall descend as a mere mortal and invigorate His supremacy once they reunite.

Bhrigu Maharshi arrives at that instant and eventually hurts Lord Vishnu. Bhrigu was comforted by the Lord, which enrages Sri Lakshmi. She determines to leave Vaikunta and descends to the earth in resentment. Bhrigu Maharshi’s episode is merely a divine interlude.

As Bhrigu was impertinent towards Lord Vishnu out of ‘tamo guna,’ Sri Lakshmi vows She shall return to Vaikunta in Her ‘shuddha sattva’ form alone.

Mahalakshmi (Kolhapur)

Goddess Sri Lakshmi went to Kapilaranya i.e. Kapila Maharshi’s hermitage. One can perceive Her presence in Kolhapur with the spiritual powers of the ancient sages. As Sri Lakshmi performed acute penance, Agastya and the other sages sought her refuge.

Sati Devi’s eyes fell on Padmavatipuram as she self-immolated during Daksha Yagna. Once, Lord Brahma created three ‘manasaputras.’ They were Gaya, Lavana, and Kolha who regrettably turned unrighteous. Gayasura and Lavanasura were eliminated by Lord Vishnu, but Kolhasura wreaked havoc in Padmavatipuram under his reign.

Kolhasura, along with his son Karavira, dissuaded Agastya and the other sages from their divine austerities. As Agastya and the sages sought Sri Lakshmi to extinguish them. Since her imminent return, Sri Lakshmi slaughtered them. As a dying wish, Kolhasura and Karavira entreat Sri Lakshmi to name their province after them.

Hence the eponymous Kolhapur! Sri Lakshmi obliges and manifests as Maha Lakshmi to safeguard Her devotees.

The third manifestation since Veda Lakshmi and Srivatsa Lakshmi. The divine architect Vishwakarma replicated Manidweepa (the abode of Shakthi) for Kolhapur Maha Lakshmi. Vaikunta being desolate since Lakshmi’s departure, the Lord expeditiously descended to the Earth.

Swatantra Veera Lakshmi in Tiruchanur

Meanwhile, in Treta Yuga Veda Lakshmi’s spirit prevailing on the earth was discovered as Padmavathi Devi by Akasha Raja. She was discovered in a lotus while ploughing the earth. Hence the epithet Padmavathi. The union of Lord Venkateswara with Goddess Padmavathi is a widely-known narrative.

Since Maha Lakshmi manifested in Kolhapur, Lord Venkateswara had to borrow money from Lord Kubera as goddess Padmavathi is goddess Lakshmi’s partial incarnation. Her absolute incarnation manifested in Kolhapur, The Lord felt inadequate without His eternal divine companion.

Honouring Padmavathi, the Lord suggests Her remain at Vakula Mata’s hermitage while He goes in quest of Sri Lakshmi. As the Lord reached Kolhapur, all deities were discernable except Sri Lakshmi despite Her manifestation.

The distraught Lord bathes in Padma Kund, Panchaganga and Rudraprayaga which is an undiscovered sanctified confluence, to pacify His eternal consort. Ensuing ten years of vain penance, ‘akashvani’ apprises the Lord that goddess Lakshmi manifested in Her unsympathetic (rajo guna) form to eradicate the nefarious.

Hence, the mace, ‘paana paatra’ and lion. Goddess Lakshmi shall be apparent merely in Her purest form. ‘You visit Shuka Maharshi’s hermitage, excavate a pond, and plant lotuses from Deva Loka and ensure those lotuses do not wilt for about twelve years whilst meditating on Sri Lakshmi.

Subsequently, She shall emerge on Karthika Panchami in Her ‘shuddha Sattvika’ form and reach You’. The Lord acts per the divine voice and visits Suka Maharshi’s hermitage. Every Durgashtami, temple honours are sent to Kolhapur from Tirumala, in keeping with the long-established tradition since her manifestation. Eventually, the Lord visits Sri Shukapuram i.e. the present Tiruchanur.

Distressed by the Lord’s abandonment, Sri Padmavathi was prescribed severe penance on Venkatachalam by Vakula Matha to expedite His return. With the Lord at Shuka Maharshi’s hermitage, Sri Padmavathi at Venkatachalam, and goddess Maha Lakshmi in Kolhapur, when do they unite? When the Lord arrives at Suka Maharshi’s hermitage, He excavates a divine pond. Vayu Deva was entrusted to equip the excavated pond with the majestic golden lotuses from Deva Loka.

To prevent the lotuses from wilting, the Lord directs the Sun to remain in Kolhapur for twelve years. Reflecting upon Sri Lakshmi’s ‘shuddha sattva’ form, the Lord recites the Maha Lakshmi Moola Mantra meditating on the heart of lotus for twelve years. Reaching Padmasarovaram, the Gods and sages intensified their prayers pleading with Sri Lakshmi to return to the Lord.

With the advent of Panchami of Karthika month in the twelfth year, while the Lord was immersed in deep penance. Brighu Maharshi earnestly apologised for his impertinence urging Maha Lakshmi to be His descendant offering to perform fervent penance.

The golden lotus at the core of Padmasarovaram unfurled revealing a pacified Maha Lakshmi on Karthika Shukla Panchami in Her serene form. Be-jewelled, illuminating, and adorned in white while the majestic elephants showered Her with the sacred Akasha Ganga.

Maha Lakshmi manifested as a sixteen-year-old maiden. Subsequently, the Lord opens His eyes as the deities showered flowers from Heaven. The Lord embraced Goddess Maha Lakshmi and adorned Her with His garland.

With Maha Lakshmi’s absence from Vaikunta, the gods and sages were ecstatic over the Lord’s demonstrativeness. Consequently, they began a soul-stirring recital of Sri Lakshmi Hrudaya Stotra earnestly pleading with Sri Lakshmi to never abandon Vaikunta.

Since Maha Lakshmi’s illustrious emergence in Padmasarovaram, Shuka Maharshi and the gods plead with Her to manifest. She graciously obliges and manifests as Sarva Swatantra Veera Lakshmi in Tiruchanur. At Tiruchanur, all rituals are wholly devoted to the goddess regardless of the Lord’s idol being consecrated later.

So the deity at Tiruchanur is ‘shuddha sattva’ Lakshmi flanked by lotuses She emerged as seated in a golden lotus, hence the epithet Alarmelu Manga. Padmam (lotus) being Sri Lakshmi’s abode, She is hence mellifluously referred to as Padmavathi Devi.

Tiruchanur’s Padmavathi Devi is not Akasha Raja’s daughter, but Sri Lakshmi’s partial incarnation Padmavathi Devi instead. The goddess emerged in a golden lotus in Padmasarovaram, the modern day pillared hall in the temple tank, excavated by the Lord Himself.

One dip in the holy ‘pushkarini’ will dissipate one’s worries. Every Karthika Panchami, to commemorate the occasion of Her emergence, Lord Venkateswara accords temple honours to His divine consort.

Vyuha Lakshmi

Despite being Sarva Swatantra Veera Lakshmi, to remain inseparable, She also manifests as Vyuha Lakshmi in ‘shuddha sattva’ form on the Lord’s chest. Vyuha Lakshmi apprises the Lord that she shall eternally remain on His chest to be able to convey the devotees’ pleas ahead.

The consecration and worship of Vyuha-Lakshmi are meant to secure unbounded and eternal prosperity. In the daily worship of the Hill-God, after the Venkatesa Sahasranama Archana in the morning, this Vyuha-Lakshmi on the Lord’s chest is also worshipped reciting sixteen names of Sri Lakshmi (shodasha-nama) with the offering of Tulasi leaves after each name and also Goddess Padmavathi on the left chest is worshipped at the same time.

This image is specially worshipped during the main deity’s ceremonial bath on Fridays, as also during Makara- Sankranthi, when this Sri Lakshmi on the right chest of the Lord receives a bath with perfumed water.

Lord Venkateswara’s idol has a ‘Srivatsam’ mark on His right chest, which is a permanent part of the idol. It can be seen embossed, but only on Thursdays when the jewels are removed completely, except the Melchat Vastram and on Fridays, during Abhishekam and Nijapada Darshanam. The ‘darshan’ of Vakshasthala Lakshmi can be seen if one comes very near to Kulasekhara Padi and even from there also, one can only assume Her shape.

Only ‘archakas’ can see the image of Vakshasthala Lakshmi on the Lord’s divine chest. This Lakshmi is called Dvi-bhuja-Vyuha-Lakshmi in Vaikhanasa Samhithas. The presence of Lakshmi on the body of the Lord is responsible for the name Sri-Nivasa (the abode of Lakshmi) for Him. This image of Lakshmi is in the Agamas prescribed to be twoarmed and seated in the lotus posture. This form is called Vyuha-Lakshmi.

Bhootha Karunya Lakshmi

Along with Vyuha Lakshmi, the Lord departs for Tirumala to reunite with Goddess Padmavathi who wept uncontrollably upon reconciliation. Lord Venkateswara consoles Her and apprises of Her illustrious previous births.

To quell the separation from the Lord further, She manifests as Bhootha Karunya Lakshmi, unifying with Vyuha Lakshmi, the fifth and sixth manifestations of Ashta Lakshmi. Lord Venkateswara equally embraces His divine consorts Lakshmi and Padmavathi and bears them on His chest. The revered embodiment of Vyuha Lakshmi and Bhootha Karunya Lakshmi gets Srivari Abhishekam duly observed every Friday.

Except Tirumala, the Lord is customarily accompanied by His divine consorts in any Vaishnava temple. One can visit Tiruchanur to offer prayers to Goddess Maha Lakshmi. The Lord married Padmavathi Devi in Narayanavanam. In the southwest corner of the temple Goddess Padmavathi manifests as a radiant new bride and sets out only during the festivities and processions.

This is the contemporaneous exhaustive saga of the sublime Alarmelu Manga, Padmavathi, and Sri Lakshmi.

The Most Used Names of Lord Shiva

Posted on by

Names of Lord Shiva

The month of Magha is meant for the worship of Siva, Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesha. Particularly the last week of this month is devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. It is the much-awaited annual holy festival of Lord Shiva for all the Devotees of this supreme God.

This is the most auspicious and greatest day for the devotees. The Object of worship, the worshipper and the process of worship are all the three essential things in every kind of worship. Similarly on this Mahasiva Ratri Day also it is essential to know about all these three things.

This present writing sheds focus on various magnanimous aspects of Siva the object of worship of Maha Sivaratri. It is known to all that Shiva has several thousands of names as available in the Mahabharata, Markandeya Purana, Skanda Purana and in the other Agama Texts.

Out of all these the following few names are much heard and very frequently found in most of the common prayers. These names have both phenomenal and philosophic meanings. A brief introduction is given to these names.

Rudra

Rudra is that aspect of Lord Shiva which clears away the ruja (disease) and duhkha (sorrow). Rudra is God dissolution. At the end of the creation, all the beings merge in Rudra. Hence he is called Layakara.

Another sense of this word is who makes all living beings to weep or to shout with pangs of separation of their relatives who were graced by Rudra to leave their mortal bodies. Thus the relieved souls merge in Him. The rest of the beings lament for the departed ones.

Shankara

One who makes the life auspicious is Shankara. Usually, Lord Shiva is believed to be the God of Dissolution. But all kinds of auspicious elements spring from this God. Hence he is called Shankara. Sham – means Auspiciousness. As he brings auspiciousness He is known by the name Shankara.

Sthanu

Phenomenally Sthanu means a pillar. As he is the single supporting pillar of the world (Samsara) he is called Sthanu.

Kapardi

A God of matted hair is called Kapardi. The inner meaning is that he is called Kapardi because of retaining the entire Divine River in his tight closed matted hair and released on the request of Bhagiratha.

Trilochana / Tryambaka

One who has three eyes is known as Trilochana or Tryambaka. His three eyes are The Sun, The Moon and The Fire. The Third Eye of Fire is the Eye of Fire like Pure Knowledge.

Shiva

As all the beings at the time of dissolution rest in this Supreme God he is called Lord Shiva. The other meaning of the word Shiva is the Auspicious one.

Adibhikshu

One meaning of this is the First Seeker of Alms. The inner meaning of this is that he begs for the six vices Kama (Desire), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Greed), Moha (Infatuation), Mada (Intoxication) and Matsarya (Jealousy) in his devotees and blesses them with great boons for their upliftment.

Tripurantaka

The killer of the Three Cities of Demons was known as Tripurantaka. But one who dissolves the three tendencies in human beings: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas are called Tripurantaka.

Garalakantha

The word Garala means the poison. One who swallowed the dreadful poison Kalakuta is called Garalakantha. Here symbolically the worldly attractions are called poison. The human senses are attracted by worldly attractions and victimise human beings.

For protecting the devotees lord Shiva swallows the poison of worldly attractions and saves the devotees. Hence he is called Garalakantha.

Nagabhushana

Whose ornaments are snakes he is Nagabhushana. Here Lord Shiva adorns himself with snakes of the six inner enemies Kama (Desire), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Greed), Moha (Infatuation), Mada (Intoxication) and Matsarya (Jealousy) of the human world.

Hence Lord Shiva is praised with the epithet Nagabhushana.

Bhashmadharin

Lord Shiva besmears his body with the ashes from the burial ground. Hence he is called Bhashmadharin. Philosophically the ashes on the body of Lord Shiva are compared to the ashes of Karma (The past deeds) burnt by the Fire of Jnana (Knowledge).

Adi Kirata

Adi Kirata means the First Hunter. Lord Shiva is the hunter who chases after wild animals in the form of lust in human beings. Hence he is called Adi Kirata or the First Hunter as one has to suppress the inner desires before conquering the world.

Digambara

The word Digambara means undressed. Lord Shiva by nature is the form of pure knowledge without any adjectives. Hence such a form of pure knowledge is known as Digambara.

Vrushabhavahana

The word Vrushabha in Sanskrit is a representation of Dharma. Sometimes metaphorically Dharma is said to have been in the form of Vrushabha. As a Vrushabha has four feet and moves on four feet Dharma also lays on four feet and moves on four feet. Hence this resemblance.

Here Nandisvara, the vehicle of Shiva is considered as the divine manifestation of Dharma. Hence Shiva is called Vrushabhavahana as He is pervasive everywhere through Dharma.

Trisulin

He is the wielder of Trident. This trident is the symbol of the three Gunas Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. As he bears all these three Gunas in Him He is called Trisulin. According to another interpretation, the three edges of the Trident are Peace, Dispassion and Realization.

Hence He, Lord Shiva, is called Trisulin.

Chandrasekhara

One who bears the crescent of the moon on his forehead is called Chandrasekhara. According to the second meaning, he sheds the rays of Nectar. So he is called Chandrasekhara.

Arthanarishvara

Both the forms of Purusha (the Consciousness) and Prakrti (The World) are the very forms of Lord Shiva. Hence known as Artha Nari and Artha Easwara together called Arthanarishvara.

Nataraja

Natya is Jnana of both the world and the cause of the world. As Lord Shiva does bestow Jnana he is extolled as the king of Natya or Nataraja.

Pashupati

All the beings (Jivas) are beasts (Pasus in Sanskrit). Mother Goddess Parvathi is the snares of the world that binds the beings (Pasa in Sanskrit) and Shiva is the ruler of all beings (Pasupati or Pasusasaka in Sanskrit).

In addition to the above important names, the following eight names have prominence in worshipping Lord Siva.

Sarva

The Ekmaranatha of Kanchipura is Lord Shiva of Prithvi Tattva or the Earthen Element and is recommended to be worshipped in the form of Sarva.

Bhava

Jambukesvara of Jambukesvaram at Sriranga Kshetra is the manifestation of the Jala Tattva or the Water Element and to be worshipped in the form of Bhava. Hence Bhava (The world the physical manifestation of Lord Shiva is known by the name Bhava).

Rudra

Arunachalesvara of Arunachala is said to be worshipped by the name Rudra and he is the Agni Tattva (The Element of Fire) aspect of Shiva.

Ugra

Lord Shiva at Srikalahasti is popular as Sri Kala Hastisvara. He is the manifestation of Vayu Tattva or the Element of Air. He is recommended to be worshipped by the name Ugra.

Bhima

Chidambaresvara of Chidambaram in Tamilnadu is the manifestation of the Akasa Tattva or the element of Ether. He is known by the name Bhima.

Pashupati

Pashupatinatha of Nepal is the Kshetrajna or the Supreme Consciousness in every individual due to whose presence Jiva becomes Shiva in the absence of whom Jiva remains a Sava (a mere corpse).

Isana

He is the presiding deity in all the Sun temples in India. Mahadeva- He is Somanatha in the Prabhasa Tirtha in Gujarat. He is said to be worshipped by the name Mahadeva the presiding deity of the Moon.

Thus having known these meanings of various names of Lord Siva if one worships Lord Siva the devotional discipline in every individual will lead him/her towards perfection as a human being in the spiritual journey.

108 Names of Lord Shiva with Meanings

Andal Thiruvaadipooram

Posted on by

Andal Thiruvaadipooram (Birthday of Andal or GodaDevi)

Goda Devi – Incarnation of Bhumi Devi

Goda Devi, hailed as Sri Andal is an incarnation of Bhumi Devi. She was bought up by Perialwar named Vishnuchittar in the temple town of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu. She is considered one of the 12 Vaishnava Saints known as Alwars who are devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Click here for the Google Maps Location of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu

Adding auspicious to Aashada month, she came to earth as a cute baby girl lying near the Tulasi plant. Perialwar was extremely happy to get the girl and brought up with care. She was raised like a Gopika of Vrindavan.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram – Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star

In Tamil, the birthday of Goda Devi is celebrated as “Thiruvaadipooram” means “Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star”, this little superstar was born to eradicate all our ignorance in our lives.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram is celebrated by walking up early in the morning, cleaning the house, putting nice kolams, decorating that with flowers, and then taking a holy bath.

Clean the puja room and decorate it with flowers. Sri Andal is decorated with a new dress especially green as she is Mother Earth, offering flowers Sandal Paste and Scented water. As Andal has lengthy hair, the hairdressing for Andal is made in a style.

She also carries a parrot in hand, so one can make a parrot out of leaves to decorate her. Then, offer her with bangles and donate to women. Fortunate to get those bangles as they give prosperity, a good family, good progeny, health and blessings.

Andal Thiruppavai & Goda Stuti

“Kalkandu Rice”, sugar candy rice can be prepared to be offered to Goddesses and distributed to devotees. “Andal Thiruppavai”, “Goda Stuti” etc can be recited. Young girls dress up like Andal and perform “Kolaatam” with sticks and dance with garlands in praise of Lord Krishna and Sri Andal.

Sri Villiputtur, Sri Rangam and many Vishnu Temples celebrate with pomp and glory.

One Among 12 Alwars

“Thiruppavai” and “Naachiyaar Thirumoli” sung by little Goda Devi were the essence of all the philosophies to attain Lord Krishna. Eleven Alwars were men, but Sri Andal was the only girl Sri Vaishnava Saint who surpassed all of them as her songs reached out even to the common people.

The simple style and positivity of the verses boost our minds with more self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm. That is the reason, “Thirupaavai” is famous and recited by all of them.

It is a known incident, where Goda Devi used to decorate herself as a Gopika and wear the garland that is meant for “Vatapatrasayee Perumaal”. When Vishnuchittar found this, he was very much upset.

But Lord himself told, that he loved the garland that is worn by Sri Goda Devi. She is hailed as “Andal” because she ruled the Lord. She decided not to get married to a human and started observing “Kartyayani Vrata”.

Thiruppavai

“Thiruppavai” has 30 songs that talk about the Vrata, way of living, hails Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, prosperity of the mother earth, how one should always be united and the blessings to be celebrated in groups highlighting the “Bhaagavatha Sangamam” – “Union of Satsang -the wise”.

The second set of Paasurams is “Naachiyaar Thirumoli”, where she talks about the Lord’s beauty, the weapons of the Lord, the Divine Marriage through a dream, Vrindavan’s infant-Little Krishna, the messenger, the Divya Desams etc.

As she is the incarnation of Mother Earth – Bhumi Devi, always wanted the residents of Earth to be happy. She was born to show us how easily one can get the blessings of the Lord. In Varaha Avatara, Bhumi Devi gets a promise from the Lord Varaha that he should always bless the devotees despite their time. Thus, is the affection shown by Bhumi Devi to her children.

Paasuram’s of Andal talks about

The paasuram’s of Andal talks about the Supreme Lord who prevails everywhere. Hence, all are prosperous, and she prays for the well-being of all. The verses say about the good rain which makes the crops grow healthily, ultimately fills the fields with plants where humans are hunger-free, and the animals and birds enjoy nature flooded with food which finally leads to a healthy environment.

The animals serve humanity by giving good milk in terms that give more health. She says, getting up early in the morning is good. Taking a bath early in the morning is good. Doing good things with friends, and teaching friends all good things that each of us knows leads to a healthy society.

She describes the beauty of nature, flowers blooming, flooded rivers, clear waterfalls, honey overflowing, cows milking themselves without a milkman, crops growing tall, churning of buttermilk, and temple bell sound during naivedhyam.

To complete the Vrata, she says, she will dress up nicely, decorated with flowers, adorned with ornaments and will eat jaggery rice filled with ghee flowing from her hand to elbow. She enjoys going with her friends and calves to the forest to graze cows, shares food with her friends, and prays to Lord Krishna to be with her always.

She proudly says that she is the daughter of Vishnuchitta and as per his guidance (as Guru), she overcame this mundane life. Thus, Goda Devi talks only about the positivity that is needed for today’s life to come out of depression.

Final Word

As per Sri Andal’s wishes, let this World be filled with Joy, let this World be filled with prosperity, let this World be filled with Devotion, let this World be filled with Peace and Harmony.