Ganesh Chaturthi Story and Shamantakamani Jewel

The story of Ganesh Chaturthi is an important part of the festival. It is believed that no one should see the moon without reading or hearing the story of Ganesha and Krishna's ShamantakamaNi episode. Otherwise, they will suffer from unnecessary blame and indignity due to Goddess Parvati's curse on the Moon.

So, we should tell the story of Ganesha's attaining his title as "Lord of GaNas", why Parvati curses Moon, and the after-effects of that curse. Lord Krishna was kind enough to turn this curse ineffective for those who read, tell, or remember this story on this day and put some akshata on their heads after performing the Ganesh Puja and hearing the story.

I am sharing this story in a simple format for everyone's benefit.

The Story of Ganesha, Krishna, and Shamantakamani

The whole story of the Ganesh Chauth celebration has many points that emphasize the importance of observing this ritual.

There is the birth of Ganesha, his appointment as Lord of GaNas and Obstacles, the Curse on the Moon, the story of Sri Krishna getting affected by the curse, and his solution in relaxing the powers and effects of the curse. I am telling all these incidents with suitable headings in the following paragraphs.

The Story of Gajasura & Ganesha's Birth

According to an incident from Shiv Purana, the story goes that Lord Shiva granted a boon to a demon Gajaasura (an ardent devotee of Shiva) to reside in his belly and protect him from enemies. When Parvati could not find her consort, Shiva, she approached Brahma, Vishnu, and others for help. Lord Vishnu crafts a plan to save him and all of them reach Gajasura's city. They reach Gajasura's court in disguised forms with musical instruments, decorating the divine Nandi as a bull. The bull dances to their musical performance. Gajasura was pleased and asked them to tell their wish as he wanted to award them. Vishnu asked for Shiva's release after revealing their identities. Gajasura couldn't retreat from his word. So, he allowed Nandi to break open his belly for the release of Shiva on the condition that his head would be provided a worthy status of reverence and kept with Lord Shiva.

Hearing about the news of Lord Shiva's release, Parvati gets joyous and decides to have a bath to get herself ready to welcome him. Before going to bath, she made the figure of a child with the sandalwood paste that she used to apply to her skin while bathing, breathed life into it, and kept the child as a guard at the doors to not allow anybody while bathing.

 When Lord Shiva enters, the boy stops him as he does not know him. Shiva gets enraged beheads the child and enters in. Knowing this, Parvati weeps for the child. Realizing his mistake, Shiva orders his ganas (or troops) to bring the head of Gajasura (whom he had given a boon before Lord Vishnu ordered Nandi to break open his womb for Shiva's release) and joins the head to the body of the child and makes him alive. From that time, Ganesha came to be known as Gajaanan.

Ganesha Becomes Lord of GaNas & Protector From Obstacles

Parvati gets happy and celebrates the occasion inviting all angels, sages, etc. The Devatas and Rishis request Lord Shiva for a Protector who can safeguard them from Obstacles during their daily activities and rituals.

Lord Shiva chooses Ganesha as the head of the ganas and appoints him as the Protector from Obstacles as he wins the test of bathing in all the rivers of the world and returns first to his parents before his brother Kumaraswamy (with the help of the Narayana mantra bestowed to him by Lord Shiva because of his humbleness and respect to his parents).

The Curse on the Moon

 All the angels and the troops celebrate the occasion by offering various kinds of food and fruits to Ganesha. After eating all those offerings, Ganesha returns to his parents and tries to bend down to pay obeisance to them seeking blessings. But due to his heavy belly (after eating so much food offered by so many beings), he experiences much difficulty in bowing to them. 

Witnessing Ganesha's inability to bend his body, the Moon on the head of Lord Shiva breaks into laughter. Immediately the stomach of Ganesha breaks out and he falls down unconscious on the floor with all food scattered out from his belly. Goddess Parvati gets very angry at this with the Moon and curses him, saying that whoever sees him will get a bad name and ill luck thereafter.

Lord Shiva cools Parvati and makes Ganesha alive again using his powers on the advice of Brahma, Vishnu, and others.

Parvati Relaxed Curse, But Krishna Became a Victim of the Curse

 

Later, all people, including sages, approached Parvati and requested her to take back her curse upon the Moon as it is not possible to live in the world without seeing the moon. Parvati realized their problem and said that her curse could not be taken back, but she could relax it. The Curse would be applicable for one day only on this day of Ganesh Chaturthi tithi each year, on which day nobody should witness the moon. They all were pleased and observed the practice as per her instructions.

Later, after many years, Lord Krishna happens to see the moon in the milk while he was churning the cows, on this day of Ganesh Chauth. He becomes worried about this sight and foresees that he is also not spared from being affected by that curse.

It happened that one king Satrajit once pleased Sun God through his prayers and got a golden jewel known as Shamantakamani. It has some magical powers of producing gold of 160 tulas (one Tula is equal to 10 grams) daily for whoever keeps the jewel with him. After possessing it, the king once visited Lord Krishna and revealed the secrets of his possession. Krishna asks him to give it to him. But the king does not agree and returns home. 

After that incident, one day Satrajit's brother happens to wear it and go hunting in the forests where he gets killed by a lion. The lion swallowed the jewel thinking it to be meat. Jambavantha, an immortal vanara in the shape of a bear of the Ramayana period, was roaming around at that time. He sees the dazzling jewel in the belly of the lion and kills it. Jambavantha ties the jewel to the cradle of his small daughter to play with it.

When Satrajit finds his brother missing, he accuses Lord Krishna of killing his brother and stealing the jewel. Krishna realizes that he got this false accusation because of the curse on the Moon as he witnessed the moon in the milk.

 

Krishna's Fight With Jambavantha & Relaxation of the Curse

 

So Krishna immediately goes in search of Satrajit's brother to prove himself innocent and finds the dead body of the person and the body of a lion at some distance. Then following the footprints, he reaches the cave of Jambavantha wherein the jewel was shining brilliantly like a sun tied to the cradle of Jaambavan's daughter. When he snatches the jewel, the child cries and Jambavantha comes there and fights with Sri Krishna fiercely. The battle takes place continuously for 21 days while nobody gives in.  Jambavantha realizes that it must be Sri Rama of the Ramayana period with whom he had requested foolishly for a fight when he was asked to seek a reward for his services. So he realizes his mistake and bows to Sri Krishna and seeks his forgiveness for his sin and returns him the jewel and along with it his daughter also as a gift.

Sri Krishna returns the jewel to King Satrajit after telling him all that had happened. The king feels ashamed for his action and seeks forgiveness from Krishna and gives the jewel to him as a repentance and also requests him to marry his daughter Satyabhama. Lord Krishna accepts Satyabhama but returns back the jewel to keep with Satrajit.

When all the angels, sages, and human beings come to know of these incidents, they reach Sri Krishna and ask for his help in seeking a remedy for saving themselves also from the curse of Goddess Parvati. Then Sri Krishna gets pity on them and tells them to remember this story and read it or hear it from others on this day of Ganesh Chaturthi each year after offering prayers to Ganesha and take the prasadam and then they will not get any bad name on seeing the moon on that day. 

So from that day onwards, everybody began performing Ganesh Pooja and hearing the story of Lord Ganesha and the Shamanthakamani story of Sri Krishna each year on this auspicious day.

Thiruppavai Thaniyan and Meaning of Taniyan

What is Taniyan

A taniyan is a composition glorifying a Guru, an Acharyan, or the author of a spiritual rendition. It is a song or hymn paying respects in cognizance of the reverential intellectual being.

In Tamil literature, according to their grammatical rules, there are prefatory verses/songs known as "Paayirams". These Paayirams are known as Taniyans in the Vaishnava Sampradayam.

Taniyan is composed at the beginning of any divine or literary composition. It has been an obligatory ritual to revere the great seers of divine literature before presenting their works in script form.

The name or title "taniyan" is a Tamil word. It combines the words "tani" and "yaan". Tani means that which stands alone or unique. The suffix of "yan" is an affectionate personification mark.

Thiruppavai Thaniyans

Thiruppavai taniyans are hymns composed in praise and reverence of Sri AandaL who provided us a holy composition of 30 hymns glorifying an observance known as "Paavai' or Vrat by performing which a devotee can attain moksha or reunion with God.

These taniyans were composed by ParAshara Bhattar and Uyyakondar swAmigaL during the 12th century and 9th century AD, respectively.

We sing ParAshara Bhattar's taniyan first and, then, 2 taniyans of Uyyakondar before starting Thiruppavai. In all, three hymns are sung before starting the Dhanurmasam Vrat.

I am presenting the taniyans in order of rendition, the first one from ParAshara Bhattar and the other two taniyans from Uyyakondar.

NeeLAtungastana giritatee suptamudbhOdhya krishNam

paarArthyam svam shruti shata Sirah siddham adhyApayantee|

svOcchishtAyAm sraji nigaLitam yaa balAkritya bhunktE

gOdA tasyai nama idamidam bhooya EvAstu bhooyaha|| (1)

Meaning:

Awakening Krishna who was resting on the breasts of NeeLa, and imparting him the truth of her own (Goda's) dependence on Him as established by the hundreds of hymns from the crowns of Vedas (namely Upanishads, Vedanta, etc.), Goda Devi forcefully enjoys Krishna by binding him with the flower garlands (which she tests herself by wearing them before offering to him).

I pay my respects to such Goda Devi again and again.

Here, Krishna was blissfully sleeping with NeeLa Devi when Goda Devi arrived to offer her services to Him. She reminds him of her dependence on Him (that she is living only to do services to Him) and thus binds Krishna with her love and bhakti.

annavayal puduvai AndAL arangarku 

pannu tiruppAvai palpadiyam innisaiyaal

pAdikoduttAL narpAmAlai poomAlai

choodi koduttALai sollu || (2)

Meaning:

Annavayalai refers to the Swan (annam) and paddy or green (vayal) fields. Puduvai refers to Srivilliputtur where AndAL was born. Goda Devi was born in the beautiful place of Srivilliputtur where there was an abundance of paddy fields and lakes full of swans, She offered a garland of melodious Thiruppavai songs and garlands of flowers to God. Let us pray to her (sollu) and sing her poems.

Goda Devi was born and walked through the green fields of Srivilliputtor like swans. She composed the beautiful Thiruppavai Paasurams and sang them melodiously to God Sri Krishna. She offered Him flower garlands, after wearing them with love, and thus bonded Krishna to marry her. Let us pray to her and sing her songs so that she can lead us to Moksha.

choodi kodutta sudarkodiyE tolpAvai

paadi yaruLavalla palvaLayAi naadi nee 

vEnkadavaRku ennai vidhi enra immAtram

nAm kadavA vaNNamE nalgu || (3)

Meaning:

O AndAL, shining like a flare of lightning, you are the first one to offer garlands adorned by you to God! You composed songs and sang them melodiously like the sounds of beautiful bangles to please God. Just like you obtained Lord Venkata's grace, please take us also to His abode with your graceful guidance.

Goda Devi was the first blessed being to offer garlands worn by her to God. She tested the flower garlands by wearing them on her neck and around her bun (she used to tie her hair into a bun similar to Krishna who used to wear a peacock feather in his tied-up bun). So the embedded hair of Goda used to glow like a lighting spark. Her colorful bangles used to make beautiful sounds while she sang her composed hymns. Lord Venkateswara refers to Lord Krishna as both are the forms of The Supreme God.

So, above are the important taniyans to be recited while performing the Thiruppavai recitation. Even though these taniyans are perhaps intended for the Dhanurmasam Vratam, I sing these three taniyans daily during my everyday worship. These three taniyans and the concluding hymns from Thiruppavai (Paasurams 29 and 30) are performed by me daily. It gives much satisfaction.

Hari Ashtakam - Sri Hari Worship Chanting 8 Hymns

Hari is one of the names of Lord Vishnu. Literally, Hari means evaporator or remover. He dispels our ignorance and sins if we believe and worship Him. Hari means Green color also. It points to his body hue. Hari is sometimes understood as an enemy of devils, sins, and darkness.

In this post, I am sharing a prayer containing hymns rendered to Vishnu, who is in the form of Hari.

 

Ashtakam refers to a composition of eight hymns. But sometimes, it may have 9 or 10 hymns also. 

In this composition of Hari Ashtakam, 9 hymns glorify the greatness of chanting Hari's name, and a further concluding hymn mentions the fruits obtained by reciting this prayer.

Hari Ashtakam

harir harati paapaani dushta chittair api smrutha

anichhayaapi samsprushtO dahatyEva hi paavaka (1)

Meaning: 

Sri Hari removes sins from even the bad ones who meditate on Him, similar to the fire that burns one who touches it unknowingly.

sa Gangaa sa Gayaa sEthu sa Kaasee sa cha pushkaram

jihwaagrE varthatE yasya hari rithyakshara dvayam (2)

Meaning:

He is the Ganga, Gaya, Sethu, Kashi, and Pushkaram whose tongue's tip resides the two letters of "Hari". Pushkaram refers to the Holy Waters. Ganga is the sacred Ganges river. Gaya is a Holy place where the last rites are performed for the attainment of Moksha. Kashi is a divine city from where people directly reach Heaven. Sethu refers to the bridge through which a person reaches Heaven.

vaaraaNasyaam, kurukshEtrE, naimishaaraNya Evacha

yatkrutam thEna yEnOktam hari rithyakshara dvayam (3)

Meaning:

All the good results got by visiting holy places like Varanasi, Kurukshetra, and Naimishaaranya are possessed by him who recites the two letters of Hari.

pruthvyam yaani theerthaani puNyaa nyaayathaani cha

taani sarvaa NyashEshaani hari rithyakshara dvayam (4)

Meaning:

The holy waters from all rivers of the world reach themselves to him who chants the two letters of Hari.

gavaam kOti sahasraaNi hEmakanyaa sahasrakam

dattam syaattEna yEnoktam hari rithyakshara dvayam (5)

Meaning:

The fruits of donating a thousand crores of cows, gold coins, and virgins are obtained by chanting the two letters of Hari.

rigvEdO athah yajurvEda saama vEdOpyaadharvaNa,

adheetasthEna yEnOktam hari rithyakshara dvayam (6)

Meaning:

He who recites the two letters of Hari, all the four Vedas of Rig, Yajur, Saama, and Atharva dwell in his control.

ashvamEdhair mahaayajnair naramEdhasthaiva cha

ishtam syaattEna yEnOktam hari rithyakshara dvayam (7)

Meaning:

The fruits of performing great yajnas like Ashwamedha and other sacrificial yajnas will befit him whoever recites the two letters of Hari.

praaNa prayaaNa paadhEyam samsaara vyaadhinaashanam

dukhaatyanta paritraaNam hari rithyakshara dvayam (8)

Meaning:

The two letters of Hari are the sustenance for the journey of the Soul, the cure for worldly diseases, and the protection against sorrows.

baddha parikarastEna mOkshaaya gamanam prati

sakruduchaaritam yEna hari rithyakshara dvayam (9)

Meaning:

He is treated as ready to attain moksha, whoever spells the two letters of Hari devotedly.

haryashtakam idam puNyam praatarutthaaya yah pathEth

aayushyam balamaarOgyam yashO vruddhi shriyaavaham (10)

Meaning:

Whoever recites these two letters of Hari is gifted with virtues, long life, strength/valor, health, and fame.

itihi prahlaada kruta shri haryashtakam sampoorNam ||

Meaning:

Here concludes the octave of Hari which was scripted by Prahlada.

Purification of Water for Daily Puja Performance

God's puja or worship is done by sprinkling purified water over the puja sthal, puja items, and God's idols/images.

During ancient times, people used to live around river basins. River waters were considered to be holy in those days.

Our grandparents used to keep a stock of Ganga water for performing religious rituals. Even now, we can buy Ganga water online if we like it. But it is not possible at short notices.

To overcome these difficulties and hindrances, our rishis and sages have developed a simple mantra invoking the sacred rivers for the purification of water in our puja pot.

Mantra for Purification of Water

To purify water before the start of puja, this mantra/sloka is to be recited:

"GangEcha, YamunEchaiva, GOdAvaree, Saraswatee,

Narmadaa, Sindhu, KaavEree jalasmin sannidhim kuru"

The meaning of the above Mantra is as follows:

O Lord, be kind! Please bring the waters from the rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri into this puja pot.

By chanting this mantra, it is believed that the water in your puja pot gets purified and you can use that water for performing the puja rituals. 

Place your palm over the top of the pot while chanting the above sloka with complete belief in God.

The Seven Rivers mentioned in the above sloka (Saptanadhi) are considered holy rivers by all epics of Hinduism.

This is a simple procedure of purification for daily puja purposes. When sacred rituals and special pujas are performed by employing priests, they may suggest a complete Udaka Shanthi Puja which involves a lengthy procedure of purifying water and then sprinkling it all over the house, and for executing other rituals like Griha Pravesham, Upanayanam, Marriage, etc.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami - How to Worship Lord Krishna Performing Sixteen Sevas

Sri Krishna Janmashtami falls on 26th August 2024 this year and is observed till 27th morning.

His birth took place at midnight on Shravana Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi with Rohini Nakshatra (Bhadrapada month for North Indians), exactly the midnight between Ashtami and Navami days.

Most of us celebrate this festival when the Ashtami tithi coincides with the Shravana Nakshatra. So, there can be a difference of 2 weeks to 4 weeks in celebrating this festival, if the Krishna Paksha Ashtami does not happen to be a Rohini Nakshatra.

People celebrate this occasion with bhajans/prayers and worship throughout the night. During this festival, many varieties of sweet and milk dishes are prepared and offered as naivedyam to Krishna.

How to Celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami

• On this Ashtami day, get up early, have a full bath (oil bath), wear clean clothes, and make preparations for the celebration.
• Clean the entire house by giving it a wash. Decorate the puja place with flower garlands, etc. Wash/clean the idol of Lord Krishna and wear clothes if possible. Apply tilak to His forehead and wear a garland.
• You can perform the special puja in the morning or at night, according to your interests and convenience.
• If you think of keeping awake till midnight, you may do normal worship in the morning and indulge in the special puja in the evening/night.
• The special puja involves bhajans and recitation of Vishnu Sahasranamam, Sri Krishna Ashtottara Shata Namam, etc. 
• Offer flowers, kumkuma, and akshata while chanting the names of the God.
• Kirtan and Bhajan are performed throughout the night by many devotees who stay awake throughout the period.
• There is a custom of offering 21 food items to Sri Krishna as naivedyam after the puja is complete. Kirtan and Bhajan can be done after eating the prasadam.

How to Worship Krishna Offering 16 Services (Shodashopachara Puja)

A complete Puja involves sixteen services to God. If you are a daily worshiper, you need not perform the 2nd and 3rd steps mentioned below.

1. Dhyaanam: Close your eyes and invoke God in your mind.
2. Aavaahanam: Welcome/Invite God to your house.
3. Aasanam: Offer a seat/throne. This is done by placing a flower or leaf before your Puja God.
4. Arghyam: Offer drops of water to God's hand.
5. Paadyam: Offer drops of water to the feet of God.
6. Snaanam: Sprinkle water over the entire body of God.
7. Vastram: Offer some clothes to God. You may offer a flower or a flattened piece of cotton.
8. Aachamanam: Offer water 3 times to the mouth of God.
9. Kumkumam/Gandham: Apply a tilak on God's forehead with kumkum and/or sandal paste.
10. Pushpam: Offer flowers. Place flowers over his head and/or around Him.
11. Archanam: Worship God starting with 24 names of Kesava and other stotras. You may do the Kesava naama archana with kumkum and flowers. Thereafter, do the rest of the worship.
12. Dhoopam: Light incense sticks and show them around God.
13. Deepam: Show the lighted diyas towards God's face with your right palm.
14. Naivedyam: Offer the naivedyam to God. If you continue the worship later, doing Sahasranamam, etc., a small naivedyam is offered at this stage like two bananas or some jaggery. The cooked dishes will be offered as Mahanaivedyam after the completion of the special puja.
15. Aachamanam: Offer water to God for drinking. This is done 3 times like the first aachamanam.
16. Mangala Haarati: Light camphor and circle it around God chanting the mangaLa haarathi slokas.

At this stage, you can take the prasadam of jaggery or banana offered to God sharing with your family members. 

The special puja can be continued now or at a later stage according to your convenience.

Whenever I indulge in a special puja, I start with Sri Lakshmi Ashtottara Shata Naama stotram and then chant the 1000 names of Vishnu known as Vishnusahasranaamam. After that, I perform the bhajan with the following bhajan/kirtans.

The bhajan is performed by repeating these lines continuously: 
"harE krishNa harE krishNa krishNa KrishNa harE harE|
 harE raam harE raam raama raama harE harE"||

For Kirtan's performance, I recommend this beautiful rhyming rendition of "Govind Bolo Hari, Gopal Bolo" lyrics which are available at this link.

For me, I do not indulge in the nighttime pujas. I observe all celebrations during the morning times only except the Deepavali puja. But, as far as possible, I try my best to perform the ceremonies at the concluding portion of any tithi. 

If I have to recite the Vishnu Sahasranamam, I do it in the evening Puja time which is performed without changing into the silk dhoti attire. I simply chant the prayers at this time without touching God. Though I offer banana naivedyam after the chants.

We observe the Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebration when both Ashtami tithi and Rohini nakshatra coincide. This year, they are coinciding on 26th August 2024.

Naamkaran Ceremony - The Naming Ceremony of Baby

Naamakarana Ceremony is the naming ceremony of a child after its birth. It is also known as "Barasala". This ceremony is a religious ritual practiced by most Orthodox Hindu families. It usually takes place on the 12th day of the child.

After the birth of a child, male or female, the child and the mother are kept in seclusion for 11 days. Most of the orthodox communities believe this period to be an inauspicious time and treat the mother to be impure and unhygienic. But, the fact is otherwise. Both the mother and the child are protected from infections. This tradition of keeping them in seclusion for 11 days is practiced to protect the child who is very sensitive and needs to adjust to the external environment after coming out from the womb. 

Only a close relative (preferably the grandmother, maternal/paternal, will attend to the needs of the child and the mother during these 11 days.

Generally, the baby becomes habituated to the external environment by the 11th day. After the 11th day, he/she can come out of the protected atmosphere and mingle with the family and neighbors.

So, this naamkaran ceremony is held on the 12th day inviting family members/relatives and the neighbors. Some people may celebrate it on the 16th or 21st day.

How to Perform the Naamkaran Ritual

On the 11th and 12th day after the child's birth, the mother and the child are given oil baths. They are offered sambrani/loban dhoop and dress in new clothes.

A priest/pundit is booked for the ceremony in advance. Neighbors, relatives, and close friends are invited to the ceremony. The entire house is washed and decorated for the occasion.

• The child is adored in new clothes on the 12th day. A thread (usually black or red) is tied around the baby's waist and a black spot is made on the cheek and/or forehead of the baby (with kajal/kohl/kaatuka) to protect it from evil spirits. (For your information, I wear a black thread even now at the age of 72 years. I keep changing it every 5 years or so.)
• At the time of the ceremony, the mother, father, and close relatives sit at the sanctum sanctorum. The baby is held by the mother in her lap.
• The Preist may perform "Udaka Santhi" puja at first to purify the house. A sacred fire is ignited and Vedic hymns are recited invoking Gods to purify water kept in a steel pot. The water is then sprinkled all over the house and on the heads of the people gathered there.
• The naamakarana ritual involves the calculation of the tides and positions of the nine planets known as nava grahas, and performing shanti puja. Using the astrological rules, the priest calculates what the first letter of the baby's name should be. The father or grandfather suggests a name using that letter and the others may approve it or suggest modifications. But, the final choice depends on the decision of the parents and grandparents of the baby.
• The name is, thereafter, written by the father on a plate filled with rice. The mother of the baby will hold his hand while it gets written.
• The name is whispered into the right ear of the baby (covering the other ear with a betel leaf). The procedure gets repeated to the left ear also.
• After the ceremony is complete, the baby is put into a cradle so that all guests can have access to the baby to greet him/her.
• Each guest, present there, will utter the name one by one.
• Thereafter, Puja prasadam is distributed among the gathering.
• Guests may gift the baby and the parents if they wish.
• Dinner/banquet may be arranged for the guests, or satisfy with sweets distribution.

This is the main procedure of performing the naamkaran ceremony. You may simply or elaborate it according to your convenience.

Sri Rama Bhajan Lyrics, Mantras, and Hare Krishna Bhajan

Bhajan is a type of worship in which the same name of God, or the same mantra or verse of God is uttered repeatedly for a certain number of times during each session. Some people keep reciting God's name throughout the day and their entire lives. This is also known as Bhajan.

You can keep repeating the word "Rama or Ram" as often as possible from your early morning hours till you go to bed.

To inculcate the habit of indulgence in Bhajan or repeated chanting of God's name, some spiritual saints and devotees have created slokas and hymns for the benefit of people. 

In this post, I am sharing some bhajans of Shri Rama.

Sri Rama Mantra Sloka Recitation

Rama mantra is a divine utterance provided by Lord Shiva at the request of Goddess Parvati. 

Mother Parvati always thinks of her devotees. One day, she was much disturbed by the fact that whoever recites Vishnu Sahasranamam will attain moksha unconditionally. It was a guarantee provided by Sri Krishna in the Mahabharat Epic. But it was a lengthy and time-consuming rendition.

Parvati was afraid that due to ignorance and lack of time in this worldly life, her devotees couldn't recite the entire Vishnu Sahasranamam with full dedication. So, she requests her consort Shiva to show some easier method of attaining moksha. Lord Shiva tells her that whoever utters the name of Rama with dedication 3 times will acquire the benefits of reciting sahasranamams (the thousand names of Vishnu) and thus attain moksha.

The following is the sloka through which Lord Shiva imparted this fact to Parvati.

"sri raama raama raamEti ramE raamE manOramE sahasranaama tattulyam raama naama varaananE".

Meaning:

O, Dear Parvati! Whoever recites raama, raama, raama, he will receive the results of reciting Sahasranamam. Thus, is the Rama name gifted.

Sri Rama Bhajans

Bhajan (1)

Reciting this rhyming two-liner will provide you much peace of mind and happiness. You can sing it whenever you want mental peace.

raama raama raama raama raam raajaaraam |

raama raama raama raama raam seetaaraam ||

Bhajan (2)

Another bhajan that can be recited often daily, three times, or eleven times per session.

raamaa raamaa dasharatha raamaa tEhe raajaa raamaa, tEhe seetaaraamaa ||

Hare Krishna Hare Ram Bhajan

This bhajan is a popular bhajan throughout the world. The Hare Krishna Movement also adopted this bhajan. It is performed at all events and gatherings by the devotees. It brings people into a spiritual and blissful mood.

Here is the bhajan:

harE raam harE raam, raama raama harE harE

harE krishna harE krishna, krishna krishna harE harE ||

You simply repeat these two lines eternally and enjoy the Bliss.

Naga Panchami Festival and The Story of Snakes

Naga Panchami is to be celebrated on the 9th of August in 2024.

Naga Panchami is a popular festival in India and Nepal. It falls on the 5th day of the ascending moon fortnight (shukla paksha) in Shravana month. Snakes are worshiped on this day.

People keep celibacy on this day and worship snakes offering them flowers and milk.

They eat vegetarian food, visit temples, and maintain pureness of body and mind throughout this day in reverence of Manasa Devi and Shiva. Lord Shiva wears a snake on his neck. Lord Vishnu is depicted sleeping on Adi Seshu, a huge and noble serpent.

The Story of Snakes & Takshaka

Snakes are believed to be the children of Kadruva, a wife of Kashyapa Prajapati, per legends. Takshaka, Vasuki, etc. were famous among them. Another wife of Kashyapa was Vinata who gave birth to Garuda, the carrier of Lord Vishnu. Kashyapa Prajapati's noble wife Aditi gave birth to the angels like Indra, Surya, Chandra, Agni, etc. Another wife, Diti, gave birth to the demons.

Manasa Devi is the protector of snakes. So, snakes are considered Gods and worshiped as such by the devotees on this day. They are believed to be deities of the Naaga Lok (Paatal Lok).

There is a story behind the celebration of this festival.

After the great war of Mahabharata was over, Parikshit (Grandson of Arjuna) was born to Abhimanyu and Uttara. He was a renowned and powerful king. One day when he was on his usual horse ride along with his attendants through the forests, he gets tired and thirsty. So he went to the hermitage of a sage (named Samika, perhaps), and requested for water. But, the sage was in deep meditation and didn't notice his presence. Parikshit felt frustrated and threw a snake over his neck and returned. The sage's son got angry and cursed him to be bitten by a snake.

Due to the influence of the curse, Parikshit dies bitten by a powerful snake called Takshaka. As Parikshit was residing in a single-towered building amid the sea, Takshak entered the building through the fruits carried by his attendants who were taking care of his security. So, Parikshit's son organized a ritual of Snake Sacrifice to avenge his father's death.

In that sacrificial ritual, while the priests were uttering mantras, the snakes began to fall into the sacrificial fire, one by one. Most of the snakes get killed in that sacrifice. Fearing death, Takshaka runs to Indra for help. Indra was afraid and did not want to help him. The mantras were getting powerful and began to drag Takshaka towards the fire. So, Takshaka coils himself around Indra and holds him tightly. But, the power of the mantras is so strong that even Indra gets dragged toward the fire. Fearing calamity, the angels along with Brahma go to Manasa Devi, the Goddess of Snakes, and pray for the stoppage of the sacrificial ritual. She sends her son Astika to impress Janamejaya with his knowledge and thereby get the sacrifice stopped. Janamejaya is a great scholar and he admires the astounding wisdom of Astika. He asks him to seek something worthy of him as a gift. Astika seeks for the stoppage of the ritual and Janamejaya could not refuse because he is a keeper of his words. Thus, the Sarpa Yaga (the sacrificial ceremony) was stopped.

From that day, Snakes were regarded as forms of angels. This incident took place on a Panchami Day of the Shravana (month). So, snakes were worshiped each year on this day remembering Manasa Devi and Takshaka. 

Takshaka was only an instrument in the death of Parikshit as it was fate. Nobody can escape fate. So, the Sacrificial Ceremony performed by Janamejaya was unwarranted.

Tryambakam- Goddess Parvati/Gauri Stuti Lyrics for Universal Wellbeing

Trayambakam yajamahe sugandhim . . . I recite these hymns on each Tuesday, the dearest day for Mother Gauri/Parvati, seeking the wellbeing of all. There are four hymns in this prayer seeking auspiciousness for the Universe, keeping away diseases, providing healthy mentality, and bestowing a blissful life free from all evils.

Om tryambakam yajaamahE sugandhiim pushti vardhineem

urvaaruka mima bhandanaat mrutyOr mukshiiya maamrutaat

mahaakaaLii mahalakshmii mahaasaaraswatii prabhaa

ishtakaamEswarii kuryaat viswasreer viswamangaLam || (1)

Meaning:

O Supreme Mother! Mother of three Mothers! Mother of All, Embodied with all beautiful and fragrant qualities, the one who is the booster of growth! Please lead me from this mortality toward Immortality, just like a ripened fruit gets free from its stem!

O Mother, you are the Shining Light and Power of MahakaaLi, Mahalakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. 

O Mother, who grants desired wishes! Please let there be auspiciousness and prosperity in this Universe!

shOdashii poorna chandraabhaa mallikaarjuna gEhinii

ishtakaamEswarii kuryaat jagam niirOgasambhavam || (2)

Meaning:

O Mother, Abode of the 16 qualities of the glowing Full Moon and whose form glows like the flowers of jasmine (mallika) and arjuna flower or tree.

O Mother, please bless the world free of diseases.

jagaddhaatrii lOkanEtrii sudhaanishyandi sannibhaa

ishtakaamEswarii kuryaat lOkam sadbhuddhi sundaram || (3)

Meaning:

O Mother, the bearer of the entire world/universe! You are Eye of the Universe with your nectar-filled, graceful shining eyes! 

O Mother, please bless the world with Nice Character and Wisdom.

paramEswara vaallabya divya soubhaagya suprabhaa

ishtakaamEswarii dadyaat maangaLyaanda jeevanam || (4)

Meaning:

O Mother, your entire form shines with the auspiciousness possessed from your consort (the ParamEshwar) who is the Supreme Being!

O Mother, please bless the world with auspiciousness filled Happy Life.

Adi Shankaracharya's Nirvana Satakam - Verses Discussing God's Form and Nature

Chidananda roopam sivOham, sivOham... You are the embodiment of Consciousness and Happiness, O Lord Shiva!

Nirvana Shatakam is composed by Jagad Guru Shankaracharya explaining the form and nature of God.

Nirvana or Nirvanam is a transcendental state where the self experiences neither joy nor sorrow. It is a state of enlightenment where there is perfect peace and happiness.

There is a vast difference in pronouncing the word "shatakam" or "satakam". But both are written as 'shatakam' by most people.

The word 'shatakam' is to be pronounced as if you are pronouncing the letter 's' in "shut" + 'akam' (six + verse). It means six verses. 

Shankaracharya describes the nature and form of the Supreme Brahman by negating all qualities and attributes to understand His real essence or Truth in six poetical verses.

True Nature and Form of God

manO buddhi ahankaara chittaani naaham

na cha shrOtrav-jihvE na cha ghraaNa nEtrE

na cha vyOma bhoomir na tEjo na vaayuhu

chidaananda roopah sivOham sivOham || (1)


Meaning:

I am not any of the mental aspects like the mind, the intellect, the ego, or the consciousness;

nor the sensory organs of hearing, taste, smell, or the eyes;

I am not the space, nor earth, nor fire, nor the wind;

I am the form of consciousness and bliss,

I am the eternal Shiva... 


na cha praaNa sangyO na vai pancha vaayuhu

na va sapta dhaatur na va pancha kOsah

na vak paaNi-paadam na chOpastha-paayu

chidaananda roopah sivOham sivOham || (2)


Meaning:

I am not the vital energy, nor the five elements of air,

I am not the seven elements of matter in body, nor the five layers of consciousness,

Nor am I the speech, the hands, the feet, the presence, or the time;

I am the form of consciousness and bliss,

I am the eternal Shiva...


na mE dvEsha raagau na mE lObha mOhau

na mE vai madO naiva maatsarya bhaavau

na dharmO na cha arthO na kaamO na mOkshaha

chidaananda roopah sivOham sivOham || (3)


Meaning:

There is no grudge or passion in me, no greed, nor delusion;

I have no pride or the feeling of jealousy,

There is no obligation, nor desire for wealth, no lust nor liberation;

I am the form of consciousness and bliss,

I am the eternal Shiva...


na puNyam na paapam na saukhyam na duhkham

na mantrO na tiirtham na vEdaa na yajnah

aham bhOjanam naiva bhOjyam na bhOkta

chidaananda roopah sivOham sivOham || (4)

Meaning:

I am neither virtue nor vice nor pleasure or pain,

I need no sacred utterances nor pilgrimages, no scriptures nor rituals,

I am the experience, not the experienced, nor one who experiences;

I am the form of consciousness and bliss,

I am the eternal Shiva...


na mE mrityu shankaa na mE jaati bhEdaha

pitaa naiva mE naiva maataa na janmaha

na bandhur na mitra, gurur naiva shishyaha

chidaananda roopah sivOham sivOham || (5)


Meaning:

I have no fear of death, no caste or creed,

I have neither father nor mother, for I was never born,

I am not a relative, a friend, a teacher or a student,

I am the form of consciousness and bliss,

I am the eternal Shiva...


aham nirvikalpO niraakaara rupO

vibhootva-acha sarvatra sarvEndriyaaNaam

nachaa sangatham naiva muktir na mayaha

chidaananda roopah sivOham sivOham || (6)


Meaning:

I am devoid of duality, am formless,

I exit within, everywhere, and beyond all senses,

I am neither attached, nor free, nor captive;

I am the form of consciousness and bliss,

I am the eternal Shiva...

Govinda Namavali - A Garland of 108 Names in Worship of Govinda/Krishna/Venkateswara Swamy

Govinda is a name that applies to Sri Krishna and Sri Venkateswara Swamy.

 

To be more clear, it is one of the numerous names applicable to the Supreme Being Narayan who incarnated in various forms, from time to time, to save his devotees from miseries and bad elements. With that concept in mind, some exceptional devotees of Vishnu Bhagavan must have created this wonderful garland of 108 names in a lyrical form. The identity of that author is unknown to my perception. But these names of Govinda are trendy and get recited with amazing tunes by many devotees around us.

When we go through these names, it becomes evident that they are addressed to Venkateswara, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, and many other forms of God.

And, let me say one more fact before starting with the names.

I was provided with a pamphlet containing these 108 names of Govinda by a temple priest in Andhra Pradesh when I visited the Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple in a village on the border of Kakinada City some 3 to 4 years ago. I started reciting these names every Saturday afternoon from that day onwards and still continuing this practice. It provides me much satisfaction and happiness.

Here are the Names in Govinda NaamaavaLi

1. Sri Srinivasa gOvinda
2. Sri VenkatEsa gOvinda
3. Bhaktavatsala gOvinda
4. Bhaagavata priya gOvinda
5. nitya nirmala gOvinda
6. neelamEghashyaama gOvinda
7. puraaNa purusha gOvinda
8. pundariikaaksha gOvinda || (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times) || 
9. nandanandana gOvinda
10. navaniita chOra gOvinda
11. pashupaalaka sri gOvinda
12. paapavimOchana gOvinda
13. dushta samhaara gOvinda
14. durita nivAraNa gOvinda
15. sishta paripaalaka gOvinda
16. kashta nivAraNa gOvinda || (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)
17. vajramakuta dhara gOvinda
18. varaahamoorti gOvinda
19. gOpijana lOla gOvinda 
20. gOvardhana dhAra gOvinda
21. dashrath nandana gOvinda 
22. dashamukha mardana gOvinda
23. pakshivAhana gOvinda
24. paandava priya gOvinda || (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)
25. matsya koorma gOvinda
26. madhusoodana hari gOvinda
27. varAha narasimha gOvinda
28. vAmana bhrigurAma govinda
29. balarAmAnuja gOvinda
30. boudhdha kalki dhara gOvinda
31. vEnugaana priya gOvinda
32. vEnkata ramaNA gOvinda ||  (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)
33. siitaa nAyaka gOvinda
34. shrita paripaalaka gOvinda
35. daridrajana pOshaka gOvinda
36. dharma samsthaapaka gOvinda
37. anaatha rakshaka gOvinda
38. aapadbhAndava gOvinda
39. sharaNAgata vatsala gOvinda
40. karuNA saagara gOvinda ||  (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)
41. kamala daLaaksha gOvinda
42. kaamitaphala dAta gOvinda
43. paapa vinAshaka gOvinda
44. paahi murArE gOvinda
45. sri mudrAnkita gOvinda
46. sri vastAnkita gOvinda
47. dharaNee nAyaka gOvinda
48. dinakara tEja gOvinda ||  (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)
49. padmaavati priya gOvinda
50. prasanna moorati gOvinda
51. aashrita paksha gOvinda
52. abhayahasta pradarshana gOvinda
53. shankhchakra dhara gOvinda
54. shArNga gadAdhara gOvinda
55. virajaa tiirasta gOvinda
56. virOdhi mardana gOvinda ||  (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)
57. saalagrAma dhara gOvinda
58. sahsra nAmA gOvinda
59. lakshmiivallabh gOvinda
60. lakshman agraja gOvinda
61. kastoori tilakaa gOvinda
62. kAnchanAmbara dhara gOvinda
63. garuda vAhana gOvinda
64. gaja rAja rakshak gOvinda ||  (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)
65. vAnara sEvita gOvinda
66. vAradhi bandhana gOvinda
67. Edukondala vaada gOvinda
68. Eka svaroopa gOvinda
69. srirAmakrishNa gOvinda
70. raghukul bandana gOvinda
71. pratyaksha dEva gOvinda
72. paramdayAkara gOvinda ||  (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)
73. vajrakavacha dhArA gOvinda
74. vyjayanti maalaa gOvinda
75. vaddiikAsula vaadaa gOvinda
76. vAsudEva tanayaa gOvinda
77. bilvapatrArchita gOvinda
78. bikshuka samstuta gOvinda
79. stree-pum roopA govinda
80. shivkEshav moorti gOvinda
81. brahmAnda roopA govinda
82. bhakta rakshaka gOvinda || (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)
83. nitya kalyaaNa gOvinda
84. neeraja nAbhA gOvinda
85. haatiirAma priya gOvinda
86. hari sarvOttama gOvinda
87. janArdana moorti gOvinda
88. jagat-sAkshi roopa gOvinda
89. abhishEka priya gOvinda
90. aapannivAraNa gOvinda || (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)
91. ratna kiriitaa gOvinda
92. rAmAnuja suta gOvinda      

    

    Last page of Govinda Namavali Pamphlet

    
    
93. svayamprakAsa gOvinda
94. sahasra aksha gOvinda
95. nitya subhaprada gOvinda
96. nikhila lOkEsha gOvinda
97. aananda roopA gOvinda
98. aadyanta rahitA gOvinda || (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)
99. ihapara dAyaka gOvinda
100. ibha rAja rakshaka gOvinda
101. parama dayALO gOvinda
102. padmanAbha hari gOvinda
103. tirumala vAsA gOvinda
104. tulasii vanamAlA gOvinda
105. shEshAdri nilaya gOvinda
106. shEsha shAyinii gOvinda
107. sri Srinivasa gOvinda
108. sri VenkatEsa gOvinda || (gOvindaa hari gOvindaa gOkulanandana gOvindaa - 2 times)

After chanting these names, it is a practice of expressing one's bhakti bhavana (devotional love) through this chant "Edu kondala vaadaa Venkata Ramana gOvindaa gOvindaa gOvinda" which gets translated into "O Lord Venkateswara residing on the seven hills, protect me, protect me, protect me. It is a Telugu-language devotional submission. Other devotees express their bhakti by simply repeating one name "Govinda" three or more times.

Sri Venkateswara Ashtottara Shatanamavali - Worship With 108 Names

Lord Venkateswara Swamy is a personification of Vishnu who left Vaikunt to reside in the Seven Hills of Shesha Shaila. He has been described in the scriptures with various names of which these 108 names are popular as per the puja books. Just like Vishnu puja, his worship is also done by reciting the 108 names by offering flowers and/or kumkuma after each name. Simple recitation itself is enough if these are not available.

108 Names of Venkateswara With Meanings

1. Om sri venkatEswaraaya namaha (my salutations to you, Sri Venkateswara)
2. Om srinivaasaaya namaha (my salutations to you, O Abode of Lakshmi)
3. Om Lakshmi patayE namaha (my salutations to you, O Consort of Lakshmi)
4. Om anaamayaaya namaha (my salutations O Trouble-Less/ Disease-Less One)
5. Om amrutaanshaaya namaha (my salutations O Nectar Like Sweet Being)
6. Om jagadvandyaaya namaha (my salutatioons O Lord Revered & Worshiped by World)
7. Om govindaaya namaha (my salutations, O Protector of All)
8. Om shaasvataaya namaha (my salutations O Eternal Being)
9. Om prabhavE namaha (my salutations to you, O Lord/  Shining Brilliance)
10. Om shEshaadri nilayaaya namaha (my salutations, O Dweller of shEsaadri mountain)
11. Om dEvaaya namaha (my salutations O God)
12. Om kEsavaaya namaha (my salutations O Slayer of Demon kEsi/ O Lord with Long Hair)
13. Om madhusoodanaaya namaha (my salutations to you, O Slayer of Madhu)
14. Om amrutaaya namaha (my salutations, O Everlasting Being)
15. Om maadhavaaya namaha (my salutations O Lord, Bearing Lakshmi)
16. Om krishnaaya namaha (my salutation O Krishna - The Blue-Hued Blissful One)
17. Om sri harayE namaha (my salutations, O Srihari; the remover of sins & obstructions)
18. Om jnaana panjaraaya namaha (my salutations, O Abode (Cage) of Wisdom)
19. Om srivatsa vakshasE namaha (my salutations, O Bearer of Srivatsa Mark on the Chest)
20. Om sarvEshaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord of All Beings)
21. Om gOpaalaaya namaha (my salutations, O Protector of Cows /Earth)
22. Om purushOttamaaya namaha (my salutaions to you, The Supreme Being)
23. Om gopiishvaraaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord of Gopis)
24. Om paramjyOtishE namaha (my salutations, O Transcendental Light)
25. Om vaikuntha patayE namaha (my salutations, O Lord of Vaikunt)
26. Om avyayaaya namaha (my salutations, O DestructionLess / BodyLess Being)
27. Om sudhaatanavE namaha (my salutations, O Nectar-Bodied)
28. Om yaadavEndraaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord of Yadavas)
29. Om nitya-yauvana roopa patE namaha (my salutations, O Ever Youthful Handsome Being)
30. Om chaturvEdaatmakaaya namaha (my salutations, O Abode of Four Vedas)
31. Om vishNavE namaha (my salutations, Vishnu, O All-Pervading One)
32. Om achyutaaya namaha (my salutations, O Infallible One)
33. Om padmini priyaaya namaha (my salutations, O Padmini's Dearest Being)
34. Om dharaa patayE namaha (my salutations, O Lord of Mother Earth)
35. Om surapatayE namaha (my salutations, O Lord of Divine Beings)
36. Om nirmalaaya namaha (my salutations, O Pure Being)
37. Om dEvapoojitaaya namaha (my salutations, O God worshiped by All)
38. Om chaturbhujaaya namaha (my salutations, O Four-Shouldered Being)
39. Om chakradharaaya namaha (my salutations to you, O Lord with The Divine Disc)
40. Om tri-dhaamnE namaha (my salutations, O God who lives in three worlds)
41. Om trigunaashrayaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord with the three qualities of Sat-Chit-Anand as your shelter)
42. Om nirvikalpaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord you are the only option for us)
43. Om nishkaLankaaya namaha (my salutations to You who are blemishless)
44. Om niraatamkaaya namaha (my salutations, O Brave and Bold One with no terror)
45. Om niranjanaaya namaha (my salutations, O Peaceful indulged Being)
46. Om niraabhaasaaya namaha (my salutations, O Unmanifest Being)
47. Om nitya triptaaya namaha (my salutations, O Ever-Satient Being)
48. Om nirupadravaaya namaha (my salutations, O Trouble-Less Non-Violent Being)
49. Om nirguNaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord devoid of material qualities)
50. Om gadaadharaaya namaha (my salutations, O Bearer of Gada, the Mace)
51. Om shaarnga paaNinE namaha (my salutations, O Holder of Bow in your hand)
52. Om nandakinE namaha (my salutations, O Bearer of the Sword nandaka)
53. Om shankh dhaarakaaya namaha (my salutations, O Bearer of Shankh, the conch)
54. Om anEkamoortayE namaha (my salutations, O Bearer of Unlimited Forms)
55. Om avyaktaaya namaha (my solutions, O Invisible Being)
56. Om katihastaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord with Thy Hand on the Waist/ lower back)
57. Om varapradaaya namaha (my salutations, O Benevolent Grantor of Boons)
58. Om anEkaatmanE namaha (my salutations, O Dwellor of innumerable Souls)
59. Om deenabhandavE namaha (my salutations, O Friend of the Poor Beings)
60. Om aartalOka abhayapradaaya namaha (my salutations, O Bestower of Safety to troubled worlds)
61. Om aakaasharaaja varadaaya namaha (my salutations, O Grantor of Boon to Sky Lord from the Demons living in three cities built in sky)
62. Om yOgi hrutpadma mandiraaya namaha (my salutations, O Dweller in the Lotus like Hearts of Sages)
63. Om daamOdaraaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord who has all Worlds in his Belly)
64. Om jagatpaalaaya namaha (my salutations to the Being who Reigns the Universe)
65. Om paapaghnaaya namaha (my salutations to the Destroyer of Sins)
66. Om bhakta vatsalaaya namaha ( my salutations to You who is Fond of Devotees)
67. Om Trivikramaaya namaha (my salutations, O Trivikram who spread through all three directions)
68. Om simsumaaraaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord who is the Milky Way for attaining Moksha)
69. Om jataamakuta sObhitaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lustrous Lord wearing Crown over Matted Hair) 
70. Om shankhamadhyOllasa manju kinkiNyaadhya karandakaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord who enjoys wearing the garland of pearls retrieved from the conches)
71. Om neelamEgha shyaama tanavE namaha (my salutations to You whose Body resembles the hue of a Blue Sky)
72. Om bilvapatraarchana priyaaya namaha (my salutations to You who loves to be worshiped with Bilva Patra {the bEl leaves})
73. Om jagadvyaapinE namaha (my salutations to Lord who Spread through the entire Universe)
74. Om jagat kartrE namaha (my salutations to Lord who is the creator of Universe)
75. Om jagat saakshiNe namaha (my salutations to One who is the Witness of entire Universe)
76. Om jagat patayE namaha (my salutations to Lord of the Universe)
77. Om chimtitaartha pradaayakaaya namaha (my salutations to One who Provides all Wished Results)
78. Om jishNavE namaha (my salutations to You who is Spread through All Forms)
79. Om daashaarhaaya namaha (my salutions, O Remover of Sins/Evils)
80. Om dasharoopavatE namaha (my salutations, O God who Took Ten Forms - 10 avatars)
81. Om dEvakii nandanaaya namaha (my salutations, O Son of Devaki)
82. Om shourayE namaha (my salutations, O Brave Being)
83. Om hayagriivaaya namaha (my salutations, O Horse-Necked One)
84. Om janaardanaaya namaha (my salutations to you Who Destroys the Miseries of people)
85. Om kanyaashravaNa taadyaaya namaha (my salutations to You Whose Flute-Sound enchants the ears of Maids)
86. Om piitaambara dharaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord wearing the Silk clothes)
87. Om anaghaaya namaha (my salutations, O Devoid of Sins)
88. Om vanamaalinE namaha (my salutations to You who wears a Garland of Flowers/ wild flowers)
89. Om padmanaabhaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lotus-Bellied)
90. Om mrugayaasakta maanasaaya namaha (my salutations to You, Who is interested in Hunting) 
91. Om ashvaarudyaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord, Riding on Horse)
92. Om khadga dhaariNE namaha (my salutations, O Lord bearing the Sword)
93. Om dhanaarjana samutsukaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord interested in earning Money to repay the debt to Kuber)
94. Om Ghanasaara lasanmadhya kastoorii tilakOjjvalaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord whose central part in between the thick eyebrows is glowing with a sandal paste tilak)
95. Om satchidaananda roopaaya namaha (my salutations, O Lord, the embodiment of the three qualities of Truth, Consciousness, and Bliss)
96. Om jaganmangaLa daayakaaya namaha (my salutations to Him who bestows the wellbeing of the Universe)
97. Om yajna roopaaya namaha (my salutations to Him who is the Personification of Sacrifice)
98. Om yajna bhOktrE namaha (my salutations to Him who is the Receiver of Sacrifices)
99. Om chinmayaaya namaha (my salutations to Him who is the Personification of Blissful Consciousness)
100. Om paramEshwaraaya namaha (my salutations, O Supreme Being)
101. Om paramaartha pradaaya namaha (my salutations, O Provider of Ultimate Truth/ Salvation)
102. Om shaantaaya namaha (my salutations to You, O Peaceful Being)
103. Om sriimatE namaha (my salutations, O Prosperous Being)
104. Om dOrdanda vikramaaya namaha (my salutations to You, whose hands resemble Two Valorous Weapons)
105. Om paraatparaaya namaha (my salutations to You, who are The Greatest of the Great)
106. Om parabrahmaNE namaha (my salutations O Supreme Brahman)
107. Om sriivibhavE namaha (my salutations to You, who are the Prosperity of Sri Lakshmi)
108. Om jagadiishwaraaya namaha (my salutations, O Supreme Lord of Universe) 

Mangala Harathi Lyrics With Meanings - The Ending Part of Venkateswara Suprabhatam

Mangala harathi or Arati is a unique ritual performed at the end of any traditional ritual involving reciting vedic hymns, worship prayers, performing of homam/sacrifice, etc. It is a part of auspicious indulgements like marriage, upanayanam, griha pravesh, etc. The hymns are sung for the well-being of Gods, Angels, Gurus, and the Universe. 

Venkateswara Mangalaasaasanam is all about the lyrics recited for the well-being of God being sought by his devotees. The devotees being worried or doubtful that something bad may happen to God, keep praying for his wellness through hymns invoking blessings for God. It includes some lines at the end for the well-being of our teachers, Gurus.

 

Suprabhatam is being recited daily in Tirupati Devasthanams. It has four parts in it. 

These are 1) Suprabhatam, 2) Stotram, 3) Prapatti, and 4) Mangalaasaasanam.

In this post, I am providing the lyrics for the Mangalaasaasanam Part with their meanings in the English language.

I have dealt with the other 3 parts in my previous posts.

From the outside, one may think it absurd and foolish to wish for the safety and eternity of God who himself is supreme and all-powerful. But a true devotee, always worried about the well-being of his God (imagining him as his dearest child), keeps praying for his safety, just like the mother praying or wishing for her child's wellness.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalaasaasanam With Meanings in English

sriyah kaantaaya kaLyaaNa nidhayE nidhayErthinaam

sri venkata nivaasaaya srinivaasaaya mangaLam ( 1 ) 

Meaning:

May there be auspiciousness to you, O Lord Srinivasa, who lives on Venkata Hill, who having Lakshmi as his consort is thus the mine of auspiciousness itself; as well as for the seekers of his abode.

lakshmi savibhramaalOka subhroo vibhrama chaksusE

chaksusE sarvalOkaanaam venkatEshaaya mangaLam ( 2 )

Meaning:

May auspiciousness shower on Venkatesa, whose eyes are so beautiful that the beautiful Lakshmi herself gets astonished and overcome by glancing at his eyebrows. May those eyes be ever auspicious, which are visualized by the entire universe.

sri vEnkataadri srungaagra mangaLaa bharaNaamghrayE

mangaLaanaam nivaasaaya srinivaasaaya mangaLam ( 3 )

Meaning:

Sri Venkata Hill's summit is adorned by the divine feet of Srinivasa; the feet thus divinifying the Hill and thereby gracing all his devotees whoever dwells there; may no harm happen to him and be there auspiciousness to him.

sarvaavayava soundarya sampadaam sarva chEtasaam

sadaa sammOhanaayaastu venkatEshaaya mangaLam ( 4 )

Meaning:

Whose body and limbs are enriched with divine beauty and thus enchanting his devotees with that beauty, let there be all auspiciousness to that Venkatesa, and may no harm come to him.

nityaaya niravadyaaya satyaananda chidaatmanE

sarvaantaraatmanE srimad venkatEshaaya mangaLam ( 5 )

Meaning:

One who is eternal, blemishless, and the embodiment of sat, chit, ananda (truth, knowledge, bliss); who dwells in all beings; may there be auspiciousness to that Venkatesa.

svatah sarvavidE sarva shaktayE sarva sEshinE

sulabhaaya suseelaaya venkatEshaaya mangaLam ( 6 )

Meaning:

One who is Omniscient on his own, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent; one who is virtuous and easily accessible; may no harm come his way and let there be all auspiciousness to that Venkatesa.

parasmai brahmaNE poorNa kaamaaya paramaatmanE

prayunjE paratattvaaya venkatEshaaya mangaLam ( 7 )

Meaning:

Who himself is the Parabrahman, with no wanting desires; the Supreme Being, with none surpassing him; may there be all auspiciousness and no harm come to such Venkatesa.

aakAla tattva mashraanta maatmanaam-anupasyataam

atrupta-amrutaroopaaya venkatEshaaya mangaLam ( 8 )

Meaning:

There has been nobody, nor present, nor there will be in the future who satiated himself by looking at his beauty or by understanding his divine qualities. May there be all auspiciousness to such Venkatesa.

praayah svacharaNau pumsaam sharaNyatvEna paaNinaa

krupayaa dishatE srimad venkatEshaaya mangaLam ( 9 )

Meaning:

Your right hand is held in a posture that points to your feet as if by the grace of kindness you are revealing the secret of your divine feet to be the abode of salvation to all your devotees. O Venkatesha, let there be all auspiciousness to you!

dayaamruta tarangiNyaa starangair-iva sheetalaihi

apaamgaih sinchatE viswam venkatEshaaya mangaLam ( 10 )

Meaning:

The merciful, nectar-filled eyes of Venkatesa when glanced at his devotees make them experience as if their bodies are immersed in cool waters thereby providing a blissful experience. 

sragbhooshaambara hEteenaam sushamaavaha moortayE

sarvaarti shamanaayaastu venkatEshaaya mangaLam ( 11 )

Meaning:

Adorned by divine clothes, jewelry, and garlands, the beauty of Lord Venkatesa becomes more adorable thereby removing all sorrows of his devotees and filling them with joy. May auspiciousness be there to such Venkatesa.

sri vaikunta viraktaaya swaami pushkariNee tate

ramayaa ramamaaNaaya venkatEshaaya mangaLam ( 12 )

Meaning:

Being disenchanted and tired by the abode of Vaikunt, Lord took abode at the lake on Tirumala Hills along with Sri Lakshmi and is enjoying there with her. May there be auspiciousness to Sri Venkatesa.

srimat sundara jaamaatru muni  maanasa vaasinE

sarvalOka nivaasaaya srinivaasaaya mangaLam ( 13 )

Meaning:

Residing in the beautiful mind of Manavala Muni, he also resides in the entire universe. May no evil reach him and be there all auspiciousness to Srinivasa.

mangaLaasaasana parair-madaachaarya purOgamaihi

sarvaischa poorvaachaaryai satkrutaayaastu mangaLam ( 14 )

Meaning:

Let there be all well-being and auspiciousness to all the acharyas beginning with my own guru to the primordial guru including Sri Lakshmi and Sriman Narayan, who are the supreme acharyas.

Om itihi srivenkatEswara mangaLaasaasanam sampoorNam ||

Meaning:

Thus end the hymns offering "auspicious felicitations" to Lord Venkateswara.

Sri Venkateswara Prapatti - Suprabhatam - Part 3 - Lyrics With Meanings

Prapatti means Sharanaagati or the act of surrendering to God with full faith in Him.

Venkateswara prapatti deals with the lyrical singing of prayers expressing one's unconditional submission before Lord Venkateswara.

 

Venkateswara Suprabhatam has four chapters in it. The first Chapter deals with the Awakening of God, and the Second one is the lyrical prayers sung in praise of Him. I have provided the lyrics with their meanings for these two parts already in my previous posts.

Now, I am providing the hymns sung in submission to God that constitute the Sri Venkateswara Prapatti Chapter. There are sixteen verses in this part. Each hymn is narrated with its meaning in English. 

Sri Venkateswara Prapatti

iishaanaam jagatOsya vEnkatapatE(r) vishnO paraam prEyasiim

tadvakshasthala nityavaasa rasikaam tat kshaanti samvardhiniim

padmaalamkruta paaNipallava yugaam padmaasanasthaam sriyam

vaatsalyaadi guNojjvalaam bhagavatiim vandE jaganmaataram || ( 1 )

Meaning:

O Mother, who is the beloved of the Lord of the Universe, Vishnu in the form of Venkateswara!

Who likes to reside in Lord's chest always, and promotes forgiveness!

Whose tender red-hued hands are decorated with Lotus flowers, and sit in Lotus flowers!

I salute to you O, Goddess! who is radiant with love and kindness.

sriman krupaajala nidhE ! kritasarvalOka 

sarvajna ! bhakta natavatsala ! sarva shEsin

swaamin ! susheela sulabhaashrita paarijaata

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 2 )

Meaning: 

O, Abode of Prosperity and Ocean of Compassion! Creator of all Universe!

Omniscient! Caretaker of Devotees! The Primordial Being!

O Goddess! Easily reachable Parijata (divine tree) for morally good ones seeking refuge!

I beseech shelter at Lord Venkateswara's feet.

  

aanoopuraarchita sujaata sugandhi pushpa

sourabhya sourabha karou sama sannivEshau

soumyau sadaanubhavanEpi  navaanubhaavyau

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 3 )

Meaning:

I seek refuge at the feet of Sri Venkatesa whose feet up to the anklets are being worshipped with good-smelling superb flowers that are enrichened by the feet of Venkatesa. The well-placed flowers are handsome thereby making the feet more enjoyable. Even though we have already enjoyed and enjoying them daily, each experience brings some new and unique enjoyment.

sadyO vikaasi samuditvara saamdra raaga

sourabhya nirbhara sarOruha saamya vaartaam

samyakshu saahasa padEsu vilEkhayantau

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 4 )

Meaning:

Those feet which are inducing me to quickly reach to them as they mesmerize me with the beauty and red hues surpassing the beauty and fragrances of the lotus flowers, (though it is foolishness to compare Lord's feet with Lotuses and that act itself is a bold folly), I surrender myself at Sri Venkatesa's feet.

rEkhaamaya dhwaja sudhaakala saatapatra

vajraamkusha amburuha kalpaka shankhachakrai

bhavyair alankrita talau paratattva chihnaih

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 5 )

Meaning:

The feet whose soles bear divine marks like the Flag or banner, the Nectar pot, the Umbrella, the Thunderbolt, the Goad, the Lotus, the Kalpaka (divine tree), The Conch, and the Wheel - at these feet of Sri Venkatesa I seek refuge which are thus decorated gloriously. 

taamrOdara dyuti paraajita padmaraagau

baahyair mahobhi rabhoota mahEndra neelau

udyannakhaamsubhi rudasta shashaamka bhaasau 

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 6 )

Meaning:

I seek refuge at the feet of Sri Venkatesa whose copper-hued abdomen's glow surpasses the shining glory of even the Rubies and Lotuses; whose radiance surpasses the brilliance of Sapphires known as Indraneela Stones; and whose toenails also outpower the brilliance of the moonlight.   

saprEmabheeti kamalaa kara pallavaabhyaam

samvaahanEpi sapadiklama maadadhaanau

kaantaava vaangmaanasa gOchara saukumaaryau

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 7 )

Meaning:

Whose feet, even though massaged with utmost love and anxiety (because of his restlessness) by the lotus-like tender hands of Lakshmi, keep on experiencing fatigue and restlessness; those feet that are so soft and charming resembling the feet of young women of which any description is out of the scope mind or speech; I seek refuge at those feet of Sri Venkatesa.

lakshmii mahii tadanuroopa nijaanubhaava

neeLaadi divyamahishii kara pallavaanaam

aaruNya sankramaNatah kila saamdra raagau

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 8 )

Meaning:

I seek refuge at those feet of Sri Venkatesa, whose feet have become red due to the touch of the lotus-hued hands of Lakshmi Devi and similarly great hands of his Divine Queens like Neela and others.

nityaa namadvidhi sivaadi kiriitakOti

pratyuptadeepta navaratna mahah prarOhai

neeraajanaa vidhi mudaara mupaadadhaanau

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 9 )

Meaning:

I seek refuge at those feet of Sri Venkatesa which seem to receive the beautiful aarati (nirajanam) from the glowing radiance of the nine gems studded crowns touching his feet due to the bowed heads of Shiva and other thousands of Gods.

"vishNO padE parama" ityudita prasamsau

yau 'madhva utsa' iti bhOgyatayaa pyupaattau

bhooyastadhEti tava paaNitalau pratiStau

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 10 )

Meaning:

The feet that have been praised with much touching and divinely phrases such as "Vishno Pade Parama" in Vedas meaning 'in the most exalted abode' and also as "madhva utsa" meaning 'fountain of honey' and as such are mostly enjoyable feet which is further bestowed by your graceful palm; I seek refuge at those feet of Sri Venkatesa.

paarthaaya tatsadrusa saaradhinaa tyayaiva

yau darshitau svacharaNau sharaNam prajEti

BhooyOpi mahya mihatau kara darshitautE

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 11 )

Meaning:

I seek refuge at the feet of Sri Venkatesa, who himself as a charioteer of Arjuna has revealed his divine form thereby inspiring Arjuna to seek refuge at his feet; which feet are again positioned here in Tirumala Tirupati to be sought as refuge as indicated by your palm, O Lord.

manmoordhni kaaLiyaphaNe vikataataveeSu

sri vEnkataadri shikharE sirasi shrutiinaam

chittEpyananya manasaam samamaahitautE

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 12 )

Meaning:

Those feet that are alike placed on my head, on the serpent KaLi's hood, in the midst of dreadful forest, on the summit of Venkata mountain, in the Vedas & Upanishads, in the hearts of the sages who are immersed in the meditation of God, thus present all around as omnipresent; I seek refuge at thoose feet of Sri Venkatesa.

amlaanahruSya davaniitala kiirNa pushpau

sri vEnkataadri shikharaabharaNaaya maanau

aananditaakhila manOnayanau tavaitau

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 13 )

Meaning:

Those feet that are surrounded by flowers that keep ever blossoming without withering; such feet which are like ornaments to the Venkatachala hill and by the sight of which everyone's eyes and minds are filled with utmost pleasure and bliss; I seek refuge at those feet of Sri Venkatesa.

praayah prasanna janataa prathamaavagaahyau

maatuh stanaaviva sisOr amrutaaya maanau

praaptau paraspara tulaa matulaamtarautE

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 14 )

Meaning:

Those feet that are most pleasurable even at first sight itself providing a nectar-like enjoyment just like mother's breasts are to the baby; those that can be compared with one another and are inseparable from each other; I seek refuge at those feet.

satvOttarai ssatatasEvya padaambujEna

samsaara taaraka dayaadra druganchalEna

soumyau payantru muninaa mama darsitautE

sri venkatEsa charaNau sharaNam prapadyE || ( 15 )

Meaning:

I seek refuge at those feet of Sri Venkatesa that were shown to me by the great Sage (Guru) Manavaala Muni; whose feet themselves get worshipped daily by the pure and virtuous men; and the sight of which feet themselves are capable of liberating people from the worldly realms.

Sri sa sriyaa ghatikayaa tvadupaaya bhaavE

praapyE tvayi svaya mupEtayaa sphurantyaa

nityaasritaaya niravadya guNaaya tubhyam

syaam kinkarO vrushagiriisa na jaatu mahyam || ( 16 )

Meaning:

Oh Lord! Whenever people seek for Liberation from this material world, Sri Lakshmi also gracess them with that pursuit; and whenever we look at you as our goal, Lakshmi also is visualised to be our goal due to her attachment to your glories. O, Venkatesa, I always seek refuge at your feet and am not aware of any other abodes.

Om itih Sri Venkatesa Prapatti SampoorNam -

Thus ends the renditions of Sri Venkateswara Lord's Prapatti (expression of Surrendrance hymns).