GOD is an impersonal abstraction devoid of form and attributes. To comprehend HIM with our limited senses and propitiate HIM in our own way, a Temple is built at HIS VIRAT or COSMIC BODY and a form is given to HIM, which human eyes could behold and minds could concentrate upon.
We are devout Hindus who believe that there is an external force in the name of GOD who controls our destiny. Of course......we do not believe in those blind folded superstitions followed in the yester years. I have managed to collect some slokhas [ hymns in the praise of God] which could bring in a positive outlook towards life.
Click on the hyperlink Hinduism. It is an interesting reading explaining the tenets of Hinduism in the form of an conversation between a enthusiastic son and patient father.
Ganesha Pancharatham by Adi Shankaracharya
Lord
Ganesha or Lord Ganapati is the destroyer of obstacles. People mostly worship
Him for siddhi, success in undertakings, and buddhi, intelligence. He is
worshipped before any venture is begun. He is also the God of education,
knowledge and wisdom, literature and fine arts. Lord Ganesha is also one of the
five Gods - the worship of whom was popularized by Adi Shankaracharya; the other
four being Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti and Surya. The worship of these five deities is
called the panchaayatana puja. In some cases, Skanda is also worshipped. It is
said that Ganesha was born when the eternal couple contemplated on
"Ohm". If you view Lord Ganesha sideways, you will see the symbol
"Ohm" in Sanskrit. That's why Ganesha is called "Ohmkara"
and worshipped first. "Ohm" is the pranava mantram which means
"Excellent Boat" (Prakriti +Nava = PraNava). The PraNavam is the only
means to cross the ocean of worldly existence.
Ganesha has four hands, an elephant's head and a big belly. His vehicle is a tiny mouse. In his hands he carries a rope (to carry devotees to truth), an axe (to cut devotees' attachments), and a sweet dessert ball - laddoo (to reward devotees for their spiritual activity). His fourth hand's palm is always extended to bless people. A unique combination of his elephant-like head and a quick moving mouse vehicle represents tremendous wisdom, intelligence and presence of mind.
Mudakaraatha Modakam Sada Vimukti
Saadhakam
Kalaadharaavatamsakam Vilasiloka Rakshakam
Anaaya Kaika Naayakam Vinasitebha Daityakam
Nataasubhasu Naashakam Namaami Tham Vinaayakam.
Meaning: I prostrate before Lord Vinaayaka who joyously holds modaka in His hand, who bestows salvation, who wears the moon as a crown in His head, who is the sole leader of those who lose themselves in the world. The leader of the leaderless who destroyed the elephant demon called Gajaasura and who quickly destroys the sins of those who bow down to Him, I worship such a Lord Ganesh.
Natetaraati Bheekaram Navoditaarka
Bhaasvaram
Namat Suraari Nirjanam Nataadhi Kaapa Duddharam
Suresvaram Nidheesvaram Gajesvaram Ganeshvaram
Mahesvaram Samaasraye Paraatparam Nirantaram.
Meaning: I meditate eternally on Him, the Lord of the Ganas, who is frightening to those not devoted, who shines like the morning sun, to whom all the Gods and demons bow, who removes the great distress of His devotees and who is the best among the best.
Samasta Loka Samkaram Nirasta Daitya
Kunjaram
Daredarodaram Varam Vare Bhavaktra Maksharam
Krupaakaram Kshamaakaram Mudaakaram Yasaskaram
Manaskaram Namaskrutaam Namaskaromi Bhaasvaram.
Meaning: I bow down with my whole mind to the shining Ganapati who brings happiness to all the worlds, who destroyed the demon Gajasura, who has a big belly, beautiful elephant face, who is immortal, who gives mercy, forgiveness and happiness to those who bow to Him and who bestows fame and a well disposed mind.
Akimchanaarti Marjanam Chirantanokti
Bhaajanam
Puraari Poorva Nandanam Suraari Garva Charvanam
Prapancha Naasha Bheeshanam Dhananjayaadi Bhushanam
Kapola Daana Vaaranam Bhajaey Puraana Vaaranam.
Meaning: I worship the ancient elephant God who destroys the pains of the poor, who is the abode of Aum, who is the first son of Lord Shiva (Shiva who is the destroyer of triple cities), who destroys the pride of the enemies of the Gods, who is frightening to look at during the time of world's destruction, who is fierce like an elephant in rut and who wears Dhananjaya and other serpents as his ornaments.
Nitaantikaanta Dantakaanti Mantakaanta
Kaatmajam
Achintya Rupa Mantaheena Mantaraaya Krintanam
Hrudantarey Nirantaram Vasantameva Yoginam
Tameka Danta Meva Tam Vichintayaami Santatam.
Meaning: I constantly reflect upon that single tusked God only, whose lustrous tusk is very beautiful, who is the son of Lord Shiva, (Shiva, the God of destruction), whose form is immortal and unknowable, who tears asunder all obstacles, and who dwells forever in the hearts of the Yogis.
Mahaaganesa Pancharatnam Aadarena
Yonvaham
Prajapati Prabhaatake Hrudi Smaran Ganesvaram
Arogatham Adoshataam Susaahitim Suputrataam
Samaahitaayu Rastabhootim Abhyupaiti Sochiraat.
Meaning: He who recites this every morning with devotion, these five gems about Lord Ganapati and who remembers in his heart the great Ganesha, will soon be endowed with a healthy life free of blemishes, will attain learning, noble sons, a long life that is calm and pleasant and will be endowed with spiritual and material prosperity.
Sri Suktham for wealth and luxuries
Goddess Lakshmi, consort of
Lord Vishnu, is also the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The word ''Lakshmi''
is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksme, meaning "goal." Lakshmi,
therefore, represents the goal of life, which includes worldly as well as
spiritual prosperity. Worship Goddess Lakshmi for promotion, success and
personal virtues. Women who chant her mantra will develop irresistible beauty
and radiance, that shines from within. Praying to Laxmi you will learn how to be
truly feminine and win everybody's admiration. This mantra is a supplement for
those, who are in show business or in acting and modeling. The mantra will help
you to be noticed, brings luck and fortune. The drawing of Laxmi's footprints
are used as a magic charm in India. Women draw these small, auspicious
footprints on thresholds at twilight to welcome Lakshmi, who bestows wealth and
wisdom, health and good cheer.
When the Gods and Demons were churning the celestial milky ocean to extract the ambrosia (Amirtham), the elixir of life, many divine products came out of the ocean, including Goddess Lakshmi. She was "so radiant that white elephants bathed her in milk, a lotus graced her feet and was holding the garland of victory - Vyjayanthi". She was shining so brilliantly bringing light and warmth to everything she looked upon, that the Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) were amazed. But she chose Lord Vishnu who was as perfect and as beautiful as her.
Goddess Lakshmi provides Lord Vishnu with wealth for the maintenance and preservation of the creation. Lakshmi is an example of the most faithful, dedicated and loving wife. Every time Vishnu, her husband, had to come to save the world, she was born to accompany her spouse in his every avatar, or incarnation. She was born as Sita when Vishnu appeared as Rama, she was Rukmini when Vishnu appeared as Krishna and she was Padma when her husband came as Vamana. Sita was perhaps the most heroic example of her devotion
Her four hands represent four spiritual virtues. She sits on a fully blossomed lotus, a seat of divine truth. An aura of divine happiness, charm, mental and spiritual satisfaction, and prosperity always exists around her. Her palm is always extended to bless people. Ashta Lakshmi are her eight forms which are the commonly worshipped aspects: Aadi Lakshmi, Santhana Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhaanya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Veera Lakshmi and Aiswarya Lakshmi. In each form, she bestows one form of wealth to her devotees. She wears red clothes with a golden lining and is poised on a lotus. She has golden coins and lotuses in her hands. Two elephants are shown next to the Goddess. Her four arms represent the four directions in space and thus symbolize omnipresence and omnipotence of the Goddess. The red color symbolizes activity. The golden lining on Her red dress denotes prosperity.
Goddess Lakshmi is regularly worshipped in houses and temples by Her devotees. A special worship is offered to Her annually on the auspicious day of Diwali, with religious rituals and colorful ceremonies specifically devoted to Her.
Om Hiranya Varnam Harineem Survanam Rajatas Rajam Chandraam
Hiranmayim LakshmeEm Jatavedo Mamaavaha
O all-knowing fire-god (Agni), would you kindly propitiate Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity, one whose body has the golden color; one who is decked with gold and silver garlands; one whose sari is yellow colored and one Whose face is like the full moon and whose eyes bless humanity with soothing grace. O Jata Veda, the fire-god, kindly tell Her of our supplications. O, Agni, the great fire-god, with the blessings of Mahalakshmi, wealth and prosperity, gold and cattle, horses and useful animals, family and children and every type of prosperity will come to me. By the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi in my home, the prosperity will be imperishable. Health, friends, knowledge, everlasting peace and finally freedom -- all these types of wealth will be mine by the arrival of the Universal Mother, Lakshmi, into my home. That Goddess Lakshmi in whose procession the celestial horses and the divine chariots are used, as the elephants roar the OM sound which pleases that Goddess. She being Gajalakshmi or Lakshmi Who is worshiped by the elephants. O Agni, I am invoking that power, the spouse of Vishnu. May I attain Her grace. One Who is sitting on the blossomed thousand-petalled lotus; one whose body has the color of the lotus; may that great Goddess. The compassionate, radiant, ever-smiling, fulfiller of all the desires of Her votaries, hear my prayers. I invoke that Mother, Mahalakshmi of golden color. I invoke Mahalakshmi Who shines like the full moon and like lightening. Her fame is all-pervading. Denizens of heaven constantly worship Her. She is minificent. Her benevolent hands are like lotuses. I take refuge in Her lotus feet. Let Her destroy my poverty forever. O Mother Mahalakshmi, I take shelter at Your lotus feet O Universal Mother, shining like the sun, it is through Your penance that the holiest trees of Bilva and Tulasi are born. They symbolize the tree of life. The fruit of that tree of life removes our poverty from both within and without. In other words, bless us with inner light and outer independence and abundance. O Devi, the great Goddess, with Your blessings let Kubera, the treasurer of the gods; his friend, Manibhadra, the protector of wealth, and Keerti, the goddess of fame who was the daughter of Daksha Prajapati. That goddess of hunger and thirst, one who is reduced to a skeleton; I would like the death of the goddess of poverty. O Mahalakshmi, may You kindly drive away any fear of poverty and inauspiciousness from my home. In other words, bless me always with abundance and joy. I invoke that supreme Goddess Lakshmi to dwell in my home forever. She is the supreme power of protection and Goddess of all the universes and cosmic elements. She is Mother Earth, the bestower of great contentment. Her blessings are bringing us the fragrance of the sandalwood paste. May that Ishwari be ever present in me. May Mahalakshmi fulfill all my desires. May I attain perfection. May my words come true. May I be bestowed with cattle, wealth, food, milk and honey to share with all. May that Sri Devi come to my home in the form of undying fame. We are the progeny of our forefather, Sage Kardama, who is one of the sons of Goddess Lakshmi. We invoke that Sage Kardama to install in his family the Universal Mother, Mahalakshmi, who is decked with the garland of lotuses. So be it. We invoke another son of Lakshmi named Chikleeta. May he dwell in our home and may his mother, Mahalakshmi, dwell in our family. O Agni, may You propitiate Mahalakshmi, the destroyer of demons but merciful to Her devotees, abode of auspiciousness, bestower of total protection, extraordinarily beautiful,bedecked with valuable ornaments, shining like a thousand suns; may that Hiranmayi, the golden colored Goddess, be pleased with us.The Mother Who is merciful blessings with Her lotus hand. O Agni, the fire-god, I once again pray unto you to invoke the presence of the Lakshmi Devi with us. May that yellow-clad, lotus-garlanded, moon-faced Goddess shower Her choicest cup of blessings upon us. O Agni, please pray to that Lakshmi that we should be blessed with inexhaustible wealth. May that wealth bring that greatest joy and peace along with all material comforts of cows, servants, horses, family and good children, and the highest of all, freedom. Let that Mahalakshmi be invoked on Whom I meditate upon, Who is the consort of Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Mother. Let peace prevail everywhere.
Aditya Hridayam - caffeine of your life
For
centuries, "Surya" (Sun) has been worshipped as a major deity in
India. The sun, acknowledged as the source of energy, vitality and life,
controls the course of our life. Our concepts of life, time and death, good and
evil, happiness and misery stem from this primeval source of divine effulgence.
. Surya riding a chariot driven by seven horses is a familiar image in Indian
art and sculpture.
Lord Rama was, by sage Agastaya, the Adityahridayam, a prayer addressed to the sun god. Ramayana says that when Rama stood exhausted in the battle with Ravana, sage Agastya, who is Surya’s son, recited Aditya Hridayam to Rama, and that Rama recited it thrice, became rejuvenated and proceeded to vanquish Ravana.
1. thatho yuddha parishrantham samare chinthayaa sthitham ravanam chagratho drushtva yuddhaaya samupasthitham
Seeing (Sri Rama) standing absorbed in the thought of the battle field, exhausted by the fight and Ravana facing him, duly prepared for the fight 2. deivyatheishcha samaagamya drushtabhyaagatho ranam upaagamya abraveeth raamam agastyo bhagavaan rishihi
The blessed sage Agastya, who had come with Gods to witness the battle, approaching Sri Rama spoke thus.. 3. rama rama mahaabaaho shrunu guhyam sanaathanam yena sarvaan arren vatsa samare vijayeeshyasi
Rama, O might armed Sri Raama, listen to the eternal secret by knowing which, O! my child you will conquer all your enemies in the battle field. 4. aadtiyahrudayam punyam sarva shatru vinashanam jayavaham japey nityam akshayam paramam shivam
It is called Aaditya hridayam, which is holy, destroyer enemies, bestower of victory, eternal and supereme blessed. One should recite it... 5. sarva mangala mangalyam sarva paapa pranashanam chintha shoka prashamanam aayurvardhana uttamam
It is the blessing of all blessings the best means to destroy all sins, remove anxiety and grief and promote longivity. 6. rashmimatham samudyantham devaasuraanamaskrutham pujayasva vivasvantham bhaskaram bhuvaneshwaram
You worship the rising Sun-god, the ruler of the worlds, who is crowned with rays, who is greeted by gods and demons alike and who illumines (the world). 7. sarva devathmako heysha tejasvi rashmibhavanaha yesha devaasuraganaan lokaan paathi gabhasthibhihi
Indeed He is the embodiement of all gods, He is bright and He creates and sustains the hosts of gods, demons and their world by his rays. 8. yesha brahmacha vishnuscha shivas skandah prajaapathihi mahendro dhandhah kaalo yamaha somo hyapaam pathihi
Indeed he is brahma, vishnu, siva, skand, prajapathi (lord of creation), the might Indira, Kuber (god of wealth), Kaala, Yama, Soma and varuna.. 9. pitharoh vasava saadhyo hyashivanou maruthu manuhu vayur ahnihi prajaaprana rithukartha prabhaakaraha
Indeed he is Pitrs (manes), the eight Vasus (ashta Vasus), twelve sandyas, two ashwiniis, marut-s manu, the wind-god, the god of fire, the life-breath of the universe, the source of the seasons, and the store house of light. 10. aadityaha savithaa suryva khagah poosha gabhasthimaan suvarna sadrusho bhaanur-vishvaretha diwaakaraha
He is the son of Aaditi, the progenitor of all, the sun-god, the courser in the heavens, the nourisher (of all), the possessor of rays, the golden, the brilliant, the seed of the universe and the makeer of the day.. 11. haridashavah sahasrarshihi sapta sapta marichamaan timiromanthanaha shambhusthuthva maarthanda anshumaan
He has seven green horses, (yoked to his chariot), is the myriad-rayed, full of rays, the destroyer of darkness, the source of auspiciousness, the mitigator of the suffering (of his devotees) and is the infuser of life in the cosmic egg. 12. hiranya garbhah shishira sthapano bhaskaro ravihi agnigarbho aditey putrah shankah shishira naashanaha
He is the Hiranyagrabha, the Lord, shishirastapan, bhaaskara, ravi, bearer of fire in his womb, he is the son of aditi and the destroyer of cold. 13. vyomanaathas-thamobedhi rugyajuhu saama paragaha ganavrushtirapaam mitroh vindyavithi plavamgamaha
He is the lord of the heavens, the disperser of darkness, a master of Rig, yajur, saama vedas, the sender of thick showers, friend of water, he courses swiftly along his own orbit... 14. aatapi mandali mruthyuhu pingalah sarvataapamaan kavir vishvo mahaatejaa rakhta sarva bhavodhbhavaha
He is adorned with a circle of rays, he is death itself, tawny and the destroyer of all. he is omniscient, all formed, extremely brilliant, coppery and the source of all evolutes. 15. nakshatra grahataranaam adipo vishva bhavanaha tejasaamapi tejasvi dwaadashaatma namostuthey
He is the controller of the house of planets and stars, the creator of all and the replendent among the splendid. O god, appearing in twelve forms (in the shape of twelve months pf the year), hail to u. 16. namah purvaaya giraye paschimaadraye namaha jyotirganaanaam pathaye dinaadhipathaye namaha
Salutations to (you in the form of) the eastern mountain and the western mountain. Hail to the lord of hosts of luminaries and the lord of the day. 17. jayaya jayabhdraaya harya shvaaya namo namaha namo namaha sahasraamsha aadityaaya namo namaha
Salutations, to (you) the giver of victory. Salutations to u the joy born of victory. Salutations to you the god having green horses (yoked to your chariot), the son of Aditi and the one with thousands of rays. 18. namah ugraaya veeraaya saarangaaya namo namaha namah padmoprabhodhaya maarthaandaaya namo namaha
Hail to (u) the subduer of the senses, the valiant one; Hail to you as denoted by the mystic syllable om! Hail to you the awakener of the lotus, Hail to you the fierce one 19. brahmashaanachutheshaaya suryaaya aaditya varchasey bhaasvatey sarvabhakshaaya roudraya vapushey namaha
Salutations to the ruler of Brahma. lord shiva and Lord vishnu, salutations to you, the sun god, the spiritual light indwelling the solar orb, the resplendent one, devourer of all, the one appearing in the form of Rudra (who drives away ignorance) 20. tamognaya himagnaaya shatrugnaaya amitaathmaney krutgna hanaaya devaaya jyotishaam pathaye namaha
Salutations to you the dispeller of darkness the destroyer of cold, the exterminator of foes, the one whose extent is immeasurable, the destroyer of the ungrateful, the God who is ruler of all lights. 21. taptachaamikaaraabhaya haraye vishvakarmaney namasto tamo abhinignaaya ruchaye sarvaa saakshiney
Salutations to you, possessing the lusture of refined gold, the dispeller of ignorance, the architect of the universe, the uprooter of darkness, splendour incarnate, the witness of the world. 22. naashayatyesha vay bhootam tadeva srujathi prabhuhu paayathyesha tapathyesha varshatyesha gabhasthibhi
(O Raama) The aforesaid lord alone actually destroys, brings into existence and sustains (all) that has come into existence. he alone radiates heat by his rays and sends showers. 23. yesha suptheshu jaagarthi bhooteshu parinishtithaha yesha yevaaganihotram cha falam cheyvaagnihotraanaam
seated in all created beings (as their inner controller), he remains awake when they have fallen asleep. He himself is the act of pouring oblation into the sacred fire as well as the fruit attained by those who pour such oblation. 24. vedaascha kruthavascha yeva kruthunaam palameva cha yaani kruthyaani lokeshu sarva yesha ravi prabhuhu
He himself is the scriptures, as well as the sacrfices as also the fruit of sacrifices. He (the sun-god) alone is the supreme controller of all activities which are found in all living being. 25. yenamaapatsu kruchreshu kaanthareshu bhayeshu cha kirthiyan purushaha kaschith na avaseedhathi raghava
No individual, singing the glories of the lord in great difficulties, in the woods as well as in the times of peril comes to grief, oh! scion of raghu. 26. pujayasva yainam yekaagroh devadevam jagathpathim yethath trigunitham japtva yuddheshu vijayayeshyasi
Worship this lord of the universe, the god of all gods, with a concentrated mind, chanting this praise three times one will be victorious in combats/ 27. asmin kshaney mahaabaaho ravanam tvam vadiyishyasi yevum ukthva tadha agastyo jagaama yathaagatham
Oh-mighty-armed (raama)! this very moment you will be able to kill ravana. saying so the sage agastya, thereupon left in the same way as he had come. 28. yethath shruthva mahaateja nashtoshoko abhavadh tadha daarayamaasa suprito raghavah prayataathmavaan
Hearing this advice Sri raama, who was endowed with extraordinary energy and had a subdued mind, found his grief immediately dispelled. Feeling greatly delighted he retained (this hymn aaditya hridayam) in his memory. 29. aadityam preshya japtva tu param harsham avaaptavaan trirachamya shuchir bhootva dhanuraadhaya veeryavaan
Sipping water thrice (with the name of the lord on his lips) and getting purified looking intently on the orb of the sun and repeating this prayer, the valiant one (Raama) experienced supreme joy, seizing hold of his bow.. 30. ravanam preshya hrushtaatma yuddya samupaagatham sarva yatnena mahata vadhe tasya drutho abhavath
Fixing his eyes on Raavana, (Sri Raama) who felt delighted in mind advanced in the battle-field and stood vowed to kill Raavana with an intense and all sided effort. 31. atha ravi avadan nirishya ramam mudithamaanaha paramam prahashymaanah nishicharapathi samshayam vidhitva suraganamadhyagatho vachaha tvara ithi
Delighted in mind seeing Sri Raama feeling supremely exhilarated on perceiving the destruction of Raavana, the ruler of the night stalker at hand, the sun-god standing (in person) in the midst of a host of gods, exclaimed: "Make haste''.
© Karthik Kailasam. All rights reserved, 2002.
