A Scene from Sundarakanda of Valmiki Ramayana- Hanuman's Visit to Lanka

Introduction to Sundarakanda and Hanuman

Sundara Kanda is the 5th part/section of the great Indian epic, Valmiki Ramayana, composed by the great sage Valmiki in the original Sanskrit language. Ramayana is the story of Rama and Sita, describing their birth, childhood, marriage, their 14-year exile to the forest, the kidnapping of Sita to Lanka by Ravana, the war between Rama and Ravana, Sita's union with Rama, and their return to Ayodhya, culminating in Rama's coronation as the Emperor.

This particular section of Sundara Kanda narrates the story after the kidnapping of Sita by a demon king, Ravana, starting from Hanuman's flight over the ocean to Lanka till he meets Sita and delivers Rama's message and gets her message back again to Rama, including his meeting with Ravana and the burning of Lanka. Sundara Kanda has 68 sub-sections, and each one of them is known as a 'sarga'. Each sarga is made up of hundreds of slokas or verses.

The first sarga (sub-section) of Sundara Kanda narrates the beautiful scene of the monkey lord Hanuman crossing the vast ocean until Lanka becomes visible to him. This sub-section comprises 210 verses. I was fascinated by the vivid description of this journey and wanted to share it with you here in English for your enjoyment. The entire section of Sundara Kanda (with all its 68 chapters) is named "Sundara Kanda" because it is the most beautiful part of the whole Ramayana. 'Sundar' means beautiful, and 'Kanda' means part or section. Another belief holds that Hanuman's original name was "Sundara," and his parents often called him 'Sundara.' As Sundara Kanda narrates Hanuman's heroism in crossing the ocean, this episode is named after his name.

Hanuman Prepares for His Giant Leap 

Hanuman was reminded of his powers by Jambavan, and he regained confidence in his innate abilities. He decided to begin his search for Sita by taking the sky route. He stood on the tall mountain Mahendragiri, stretching his neck and raising his head. The great Hanuman glowed like 'an elephant in a lake' as the green lawns of the hill looked like large stretches of still water. He paid his respects to the Sun God, the Lord of Heaven 'Indra', the Wind God, and Lord Brahma. Thereafter, he saluted his father, the Wind God, once again, and decided to head south over the ocean, growing his body further.

He pressed his feet and hands heavily against the mountaintop before leaping. His strength was so powerful that the whole mountain shook under his pressure. The trees also moved violently, shedding all their flowers. Covered in flowers, the whole mountain shone like a flowered mountain. Water began emerging from the mountain, forming lakes like an excited elephant in a rut releasing the rut juice. Mineral rocks in the mountain also burst under the heavy pressure, emitting streaks of gold, silver, and other mineral colors in all directions. The whole mountain glowed like burning flames.

The caves resounded with the shrieks of creatures running out frightened due to the heavy jolt. The hidden snakes began biting the rocks furiously, turning them black with the effect of their poison, whereby they split into thousands of pieces. The frightening sounds filled the whole atmosphere, causing panic among the ascetics and vidyadharas (semi-gods), prompting them to flee from that place, leaving their belongings behind, in the fear that some demons were destroying the mountain. The vidyadhara women wearing garlands, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, and anklets gathered in the corner of the sky with surprise and excitement to know what was going on. Just then, they heard the sages, wanderers, and enlightened souls speaking among themselves about Hanuman getting determined to trace Sita by crossing the ocean in his giant form. Just then, they noticed Hanuman standing there on the mountaintop in his giant form, ready to take his grand leap.

Hanuman Takes His Path in the Sky 

Hanuman shook his body, shouting loudly, and flew into the air, jolting his long tail. Many trees were uprooted by the violent jerk and sound. He increased his speed, jolting the tail repeatedly. He seemed like Garuda, the king of birds, carrying a great serpent. He narrowed his body, shrinking his neck and shoulders, to maintain a steady speed. He compared his speed with that of an arrow released from Rama's bow and his flight with that of Garuda. The uprooted trees also flew along with him for some moments, folding back their branches just like relatives would follow their beloved ones, due to the force of his speed. After following for some time, they fell, losing the force. Some other lightweight trees flew for some more time with him, like soldiers following their king. The flowers from the trees showered down due to the forceful winds, like a rain of flowers. Hanuman's body glittered like a mountain shining with fireflies, due to the colorful flowers, buds, and leaves sticking to his body. Hanuman shone like a cloud filled with lightning, due to the colorful, shining flowers. The sea below also glittered like the sky glittering with stars. Hanuman was flying with his arms stretched forward, and the arms looked like five-headed snakes coming out of a mountain peak. While on the surface of the ocean, he seemed to be drinking the whole waters of the ocean, and while above in the sky, he seemed to swallow the whole sky. His eyes, glowing with lightning, resembled two fireballs, and he himself resembled a mountain with fires. Both eyes were shining like the sun and moon. Whenever he lifted his tail, it appeared like the flag of Indra. Whenever he circled his tail, Hanuman, with his glowing white teeth, looked like the sun encircled in a ring. 

Due to the force of his flight, the waves from the ocean rose as high as they seemed to touch the sky. His gigantic shadow in the waters seemed as if white clouds were following him. The air passing through his armpits sounded like the fearful sound produced by the thunderclouds.

An Encounter With Mainaka Mountain

The Ocean God thought he should help Hanuman by giving him some rest, as Hanuman might have been very tired. So he asked the mountain Mainaka, hidden in the ocean, to rise and provide shelter to Hanuman for a while. Mount Mainaka was indebted to the Wind God, Hanuman's father, so he gladly accepted the request and began rising from the water like the sun emerging from clouds. He rose high in the ocean so that all his peaks were visible. The whole sky began to glitter with his golden light. (Mt. Mainaka is believed to be a mountain with rich treasures of gold.) Seeing the mountain, Hanuman thought it was an obstacle in his path. So he touched the mountain with his chest at great speed. The impact was so strong that the mountain's peaks shattered all around, deafeningly. Mt. Mainaka was pleased with Hanuman's speed and strength. He immediately took human form, paid his respects to Hanuman, beseeching him to rest on his back for a while as per the ocean god's instructions, and then proceed with his work thereafter. Hanuman was happy with his hospitality. But he did not want to rest until his job was fully accomplished. So he touched Mainaka gently and told him that the hospitality had already been shown through his gentle words, and that was sufficient for him.

Hanuman flew again into the sky after thanking Mainaka. All the angels watching this scene praised Hanuman's devotion and determination, and were happy with the hospitality shown by Mt.Mainaka.

Surasa, The Mother of Snakes, Obstructs Hanuman's Path

The Devas (angels) were happy with Hanuman but wanted to test him further. They asked the Mother of Snakes, Surasa, to take a fearsome, demon-like form and obstruct Hanuman for a time to see whether he could defeat her with his strength, courage, and wisdom. Accordingly, Surasa took a fearsome, ugly shape and stood in Hanuman's path, telling him he could not escape her without entering her mouth, as she had been blessed by the Devas. Hanuman promised to enter her mouth after completing his task and asked her to let him go for now. But Surasa refused and stood before him with her mouth wide open. Growing angry, Hanuman expanded his form, and Surasa likewise enlarged her form and her mouth. Hanuman kept expanding, but Surasa did not tire. She kept widening her mouth. Realizing she would not let him go, Hanuman suddenly entered her mouth in a tiny form and quickly came out. He told her he had fulfilled her desire and asked her to let him go. Surasa was stunned by his cleverness and speed. She was very pleased and blessed him for success in his mission. The angels also greatly appreciated his cleverness and courage.

Hanuman Encounters Another Female Demon, Simhika

After obtaining the blessings of Surasa, Hanuman again climbed up into the sky, taking his original path. He was flying like a king of birds, Garuda, in the path tread by birds, clouds, and the pouring rains. It was the path of great musicians like tumbura and other vidyadharas singing their musical notes; the abode of great pious souls like sages, Gandharvas, nagas, and yakshas. It is the place where the sun, moon, and stars always glow, and the abode of Indra's diamond weapon and white elephant. Hanuman was traveling like a huge mountain with long wings.

Suddenly, Hanuman experienced some hindrance in his speed. A demoness named Simhika caught his shadow and began dragging it towards her. She was pleased to have some great food after a very long time. She was dragging his shadow further and further, and Hanuman could not understand why he was losing speed. He looked around and then looked down. There he witnessed a very giant and strange creature rise from the ocean. Quickly, he recollected Sugriva telling him about an animal's presence in the salty ocean named Simhika. He became confident that it must be Simhika approaching him with her mouth wide open. He quickly enlarged his body. Simhika also began enlarging her mouth. She ran behind him with her wide-open mouth, and Hanuman was smart enough to notice her internal organs. He quickly narrowed his body and decreased his size drastically, and fell into her mouth with great speed. Before she was able to close her mouth, Hanuman caught hold of her internal organs and tore them off with his sharp nails, and quickly emerged from her mouth with equal speed. Simhika fell dead with her torn heart into the waters of the ocean. The angels, sages, and others watching all this praised Hanuman for his cleverness, skill, and courage and blessed him for success in his mission.

Hanuman Reaches Lanka

After the death of Simhika, Hanuman had almost cleared all his obstacles on his flight to Lanka. He regained his full speed and completed the remaining 100 yojanas of the sea journey. (One yojana may be anywhere from 3 to 8 km, as scholars dispute the exact measure.) He could now see the other side of the ocean. Gradually, everything became visible to him. He looked around and saw the mountain named Malaya, the forests, the bay, and the rivers flowing into the ocean, which seemed like wives going to meet their husbands. He considered it an auspicious sign, welcomed by married women. Hanuman slowed his speed and reduced his body to its normal size to avoid drawing attention and to hide from view. He reached the peak of the Malaya mountain and descended from it. He sat on the mountain, looked around at the beautiful trees, and frightened the birds and animals. The City of Lanka was visible to him, with its glowing lights resembling Amaravati, the capital city of Indra. 

Thus, Hanuman, the great monkey king, accomplished the very difficult task of crossing the ocean to reach Lanka, which was otherwise unachievable for anyone else.

Niladevi, Nappinnai, and Vakula Devi- Who are They

Nila is on the left side of Vishnu 

 Nila (Niladevi) and Nappinna (Nappinnai) are the same goddess, a consort of the Hindu deity Vishnu in the form of Sri Krishna. Nila is a Sanskrit name, whereas Nappinai is a Tamil name used for the same goddess.

Nila Devi

Nila Devi is a Hindu goddess, one of the three primary consorts of Vishnu, alongside Sridevi and Bhudevi. Nila is primarily revered in South Indian Vaishnavism.

Nila is a Sanskrit word that translates to " blue. She is referred to as the Blue Goddess, the Goddess of Sky, representing senses and the Tamas guna.

There is this Sanskrit hymn which starts like this:
Nilatungastana giritati supta mudbhodhya krishnam..., sung by Andal while awakening Sri Krishna in Tiruppavai. Krishna was sleeping on her breast when Andal came to wake him up in the early hours of a morning during her Tiruppavai ritual (which incident establishes Nila as one of his beloved consorts).

Narayan (Vishnu), in his Supreme aspect, is depicted seated on the serpent Shesha with Sridevi on his right and Bhudevi and Niladevi on his left.

Nappinnai

Nappinnai is the name used for Nila Devi in Tamil literature and by the AzhvArs (saints). In her mortal avatar during the time of Krishna, she was a cowherd girl and the daughter of Kumbhaka (brother of Yashoda). Krishna married her by taming seven bulls, according to some stories.

It is believed that Niladevi took the avatar of Nappinnai, the daughter of Kumbagan/Kumbhaka. Krishna won Nappinnai's hand after conquering the seven ferocious bulls of her father as a condition for the marriage. Kumbhaka wanted to ascertain whether Krishna could protect his daughter throughout her life. 

Nappinnai's brother is Sudama. He is the Kuchela of the Kuchelopaakhyaan. It tells the story of Sudama, a father of 21 children, reeling under poverty. His wife advises him to visit his childhood friend Krishna and seek help. He takes some beaten rice (poha) as a gift for Krishna, but hesitates to offer it, as Krishna was a rich person who served food on golden plates. But, Krishna, who can foresee everything, eats the beaten rice. Thereafter, when Sudama returns home, he finds his home transformed into a golden bungalow.  

Andal, a South Indian saintess who sang Tiruppavai Paasurams, considering herself a gopika, mentioned Nappinnai in Paasurams 16 and 17. This mention is believed to identify Nappinnai as Radha.

 In her Nachhiyar ThirumoLi, Andal mentions the three nachiyars (consorts) as Ponmangai (Sridevi), Nilamangai (Bhudevi), and Pulamangai (Niladevi). 

In the name Nilamangai, nilam refers to the land or Earth. The "i" is short-pronounced. 

But in the name Niladevi, the 'i ' is pronounced longer as NeelaadEvi, who is considered to be the goddess of senses. It is Niladevi who keeps his mind stable by offering him her bliss.

This establishes that Nappinnai, NiLadEvi, and Radha are the same Goddess.

Vakula Devi

VakuLaa Devi is entirely distinct from Nappinna or Niladevi. I used to confuse her with Nila.

Vakula Devi is the foster-mother of the Hindu god Venkateshwara, a form of Vishnu. 

As per the legend of Tirumala, the mention of Vakula Devi dates back to the Dwapara Yuga. In the legend, Yashoda, the foster-mother of Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, complained to him that she could not witness his wedding with Rukmini, an avatara of Lakshmi. To this, Krishna replied that he would ensure she would get the opportunity to see his marriage to a form of Lakshmi in his next incarnation during the Kali Yuga.

In the Kali Yuga, Vishnu has taken the form of Venkateshwara, and Yashoda was reborn as Vakula Devi, the foster-mother of Venkateshwara. She took care of him in the hills and, as promised by the god, she arranged her foster-son's wedding with Padmavati, the foster-daughter of Akasha Raja and Dharani Rani, who was a form of Lakshmi. 

Surya Ashtakam - Hymns for Worship of Sun God

Surya Ashtakam is a composition of 8 hymns for the worship of the Sun God. The hymns glorify the Sun God's virtues and his importance. He is described as the transcendental source of light and energy that provides and sustains life in the universe. Worshipping him will provide you with knowledge, strength, and energy, and protect you from diseases. 

The sun is the source of our life and energy. For this reason, he is worshipped and adored throughout the ages. Sandhyavandanam is a ritual practised by all our ancestors and sages. Throughout our Epics, there have been incidents of his worship performed by even the Paramatma's incarnations, such as Sri Rama, Krishna, and others.

So, it is natural that we humans should adore and worship him to obtain his blessings for our health and sustenance.

Prelude to Suryashtakam

DhyEya ssadaa savitr mandala madhyavartee

NArAyaNa sarasijaasana sannivishtah 

Keyooravaan makara kundalavaan kireetee 

Haaree HiraNmaya vapuhu dhrita Shanka chakra ||

Meaning:

Concentrating on the central point of you, which is believed to be the abode of Lord Srimannarayan sitting on a lotus, bearing armlets, earrings, a crown, a conch, and the Sudarshana wheel, in his golden hue, O Sun! I pray to thee.  

Suryashtakam with Meanings

AadidEva namastubhyam

Praseeda mama Bhaaskaraha

Diwaakara namastubhyam

Prabhaakara namOstutE || (1)

Meaning:

O Primeordial God, known as Bhaskar, I bow to thee. Please grace me.

O Diwaakar, I salute you. I prostrate to you, O Prabhakar!

Bhaskara means provider of light and wisdom. Diwakar provides the daylight. Prabhakar means provider of glow.

saptaasva rathamaaroodham

prachandam kashyapaatmajam

svEta padma dharam dEvam

tam Suryam praNamaamyaham || (2)

I offer salutes to you who rides on a chariot drawn by seven horses. who are ferocious due to the heat and the blinding glow, who are the offspring of Kashyapa Maharshi, who bear a white lotus.

LOhitam rathamaaroodham

sarvalOka pitaamaham

mahaapaapa haram dEvam

tam Suryam praNamaamyaham || (3)

Meaning:

I salute you, who rides on a chariot that glows reddish with emeralds and jewels, who is the grandfather (ancestor) of the whole universe, and who destroys and removes the greatest sins and evils from the world.

traiguNyam cha mahaa sooram

Brahma Vishnu MahEsvaram

mahaapaapa haram dEvam

tam Suryam praNamaamyaham || (4)

Meaning:

You are the greatest warrior, an embodiment of the three qualities of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. You are Brahma, Vishnu, and Parameswar. You are the destroyer of all sins. I salute Thee.

Brumhitam tEjasaam punjam

vaayuraakaasha mEvacha

priyamcha sarvalOkaanaam

tam Suryam praNamaamyaham || (5)

Meaning:

Spreading the bright and powerful rays all through the air and sky, you are the beloved of all lokas. I salute you, O Sun God.

Bandhooka Pushpa Samkaasham

haara kundala bhooshitam

Ekachakra dharam dEvam

tam Suryam praNamaamyaham || (6)

Meaning:

O Sun! You are bright red-hued like a Bandhooka flower. You are adorned with garlands and earrings. You bear a Wheel in your hands. I salute you, O Surya Narayan.

Tam Suryam lOka kartaaram

mahaatEja pradeepanam

mahaapaapa haram dEvam

tam Suryam praNamaamyaham || (7)

Meaning:

You, O Sun God, are the creator of the Universe, the spreader of brilliant heat and light. You, who destroys even the greatest of sins, I offer my salutations to Thee.

Tam Suryam jagataam naatham

jnaana praakaashya mOkshadam

mahaapaapa haram dEvam

tam Suryam praNamaamyaham || (8)

Meaning:

O Surya! You are the Lord of this Universe, the provider of Knowledge, light, and liberation. I salute Thee, who can evaporate the greatest of sins.

Phala Shruti

Suryaashtakam paThE nnityam

graha peedaa praNaashanam

aputrO labhatE putram

daridrO dhanavaan bhavEt ||

Meaning:

Whoever recites this Suryashtakam will be released from the troubles of the Grahas (the planetary effects). Childless will beget children, the poor will beget riches.

stree taila madhu maamsaani

yE tyajanti ravEr dinE

na vyaadhi shOka daaridryam

Surya lOkam cha gachhati ||

Meaning:

Whoever refrains from women, alcohol, and meat on Sundays will not suffer from diseases, sadness, or want. They will reach the Sun's abode at the end.

itihi Suryaashtakam sampoorNam ||

Om naMo shri Surya nAraayaNaaya namaha |

Om namO shri Lakshmi nArAyaNaaya namaha ||

Sankata Nashak Ganesha Stotram - Sankashtahara Chaturthi

Sankata Naashan Ganesh Stotram was recited by Narada Maharshi, as per the Narada Puran. The hymns refer to the twelve names of Ganesha, each embodying significant qualities. 

I believe this recitation was performed by Narada to appease Vighneswara after Narada bathed in a river to rid himself of a curse, possibly the Alakananda River in Badrinath or the Narayana Lake at the site of Saraswati's merger into the sea in Gujarat. Though I am not certain whether my belief is true.

Whatever the context, this stotram was offered by Narada Muni to us to obtain the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

Devotees observing Sankashtahara Chaturthi consider this stotram as one of the most effective means to obtain his grace and blessings by observing the fast on that day.

Sankata Nashak Ganesha Stotram

PraNamya sirasaa dEvam Gouriputram vinaayakam

bhaktaavaasam smarEn nityam aayuh kaamaartha siddhayE || (1)

Meaning:

I offer my salutations to Lord Ganesha, the son of Mother Gauri and known as Vinaayak (short form of Vighna Naayak), with my head bowed. I worship him daily to obtain the blessings of long life and other fruits of requirements.

Prathamam vakratundam cha Ekadantam dviteeyakam

triteeyam krishna pingaaksham gajavaktram chaturthakam || (2)

Meaning:

First of all, you have a twisted/curved trunk/snout, which signifies your adaptability to circumstances.

Second, you are single-tusked, which refers to your quick wit ( he broke one of his tusks to use it as a pen while writing the Mahabharat)

Thirdly, your eyes are dark red (or golden wheat-hued), which signifies your sharp vision and intelligence.

Your fourth identity is an elephant countenance (the front portion of his face) that signifies your magnanimous nature/generosity, and cleverness.

LambOdaram panchamam cha sashtam vikatamEva cha

saptamam vighnaraajam dhoomra varNam tathaashtamam || (3)

Meaning:

The fifth quality of Ganesha is a large stomach, which refers to his ability to engross the whole universe within him, and the largeness of his qualities.

Sixth is Vikatam, referring to the seriousness and ferocity of his nature.

Seventh, he is Vighnaraj, the King of Obstacles. It specifies his control over obstacles and hindrances.

His eighth speciality is his smoky/ashy hue, wherein he appears in his four shoulders to control ego and arrogance. 

navamam phaalachandram cha dashamam tu vinaayakam

Ekaadasham GaNapatim dvaadasham tu Gajaananam || (4)

Meaning:

Ninth is Phaalachandraa. His face glows like moonlight attributing to his glowing personality, as well as his superb position.

Tenth is that He is Vinayak, without any superior above him. It denotes his empowerment.

Eleventh, He is GaNapati, the Lord of GaNAs. All beings are under his control, assisting Him to protect his devotees from any kind of obstacles or problems.

Twelve, He is Gajaanan. He bears an elephant face. This attribute points to his huge form, Strength, Valor, and Rule.

Phalashruthi

dvaadashaitaani naamaani trisandhyam yah pathEnnaraha

na cha vighna bhayam tasya sarvasiddhi kaarakam prabhO (5)

Meaning:

These are the twelve names of Ganesha that showcase his unique features and qualities. Whoever recites these twelve names, thrice a day, does not suffer from fear or obstacles. They succeed in their endeavors with his grace.

Vidyaarthi labhatE vidyaan dhanaarthi labhatE dhanam

putraarthi labhatE putraan mOkshaarthi labhatE gatim (6)

Meaning:

Those who seek education obtain Education/Knowledge. Those seeking wealth possess wealth. Seekers of children obtain children, and seekers of Moksha/Liberation are granted thus.

JapEt gaNapati stotram shadbhirmaasai phalam labhEt

samvatsarENa siddhimcha labhatE naatra sanshayah (7)

Meaning:

Reciting this stotram for six months grants all the fruits of life.

If one renders such service for a full year, they earn enlightenment and superior powers.

There is no doubt in these results.

AshtabhyO braahmaNebhyascha likhitvaa yah samarpayEt

tasya vidyaa bhavEt sarvaa GaNeshasya prasaadatah (8)

Meaning:

If you write these lyrics in your handwriting and distribute them to eight brahmins, you will be graced with complete knowledge and everything blessed by Ganesha.

Ganesh Puja Hymns With Meanings

It is a belief that before starting your daily puja, or embarking on any new ventures, the Lord of Angels, Vighneswara, is to be worshiped for unhindered completion of the task.

Wednesdays are normally considered the day of the week for worshiping Ganesha. So, I recite some of the hymns on this day to appease him.

I am sharing some of the hymns with their meanings, as per my knowledge, for Ganesha worship in this post.

 

 

Vakratunda mahaakaaya suryakOti samaprabhah,

nirvighnam kurumE dEva sarva kaaryEshu sarvadaa (1)

O Lord of all gaNaas (divine attendants), Ganesha! One whose snout is curled like a trumpet, whose body is huge and large, and whose glow equals the radiance of one crore Suns! Please remove all obstacles in my life at all times.

Suklambaradharam Vishnum, shashivarNam, chaturbhujam,

prasanna vadanam, dhyaayEt sarva vighnOpashAntayE (2)

I worship you, who wears pure white clothes, who is spread throughout the whole universe, whose hue resembles the Moon, who is four-armed, whose face is pleasing, to get rid of all obstacles from my life.

gajavaktram, surashrEstam, karNachAmara bhooshitam,

paashAmkusha dharam dEvam, vandEham gaNa nAyakam (3)

I prostrate before him whose face is that of an elephant, who is great among the angels, whose ears resemble the chAmaras (fans made of a specific leaf), who bears the paasha and ankusha (the noose and goad), and who is the leader of all gaNas. 

agajAnana padmArkam, gajAnanam, aharnisham,

anEkadantam bhaktAnAm, Ekadantam upAsmahE (4)

I worship that single-tusked Ganesha, who bears the face of an elephant protected by the lotus-like rays emanating from Maa Gouri's countenance; that elephant-faced gajaanan who protects his devotees (who possess multi-tusks) throughout days and nights.

VighneswarAya, varadAya, surapriyAya,

lambOdarAya, sakalAya, jagat jitAya |

naagAnanAya, shruti yajna vibhooshitAya,

GouriisutAya, gaNa naatha, namOstu tE || (5)

O Lord, Vighneshwar! One who bestows boons, who is dearer to the angels, and has a large stomach, who possesses all virtues, O, winner and dearer of the whole universe! I salute you whose face bears a snake-shaped snout; you are adorned with Vedas and yajnas; O son of Mother Gouri and lord of all gaNas (please protect me).