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).

Chhath Puja - Kartika Chhath Festival - Chhati Maiya Ritual

women performing Chhath Puja 
(image provided by Gemini)

 What is Chhath

Chhath Puja is a ritual observed by women on the sixth day after Deepavali. It is also known as Surya Shashti. Surya Shasthi means the sixth-day ritual observed in veneration of the Sun God.

In the year 2025, the main Chhath Puja is celebrated on 27 October. It is done on the 3rd day.

Chhath Puja is actually a 4-day-long ritual, observed strictly by the devotees. The main Puja is done on the third day without taking any food.

People worship the Sun God along with his consort, known as Chhathi Maiya, by fasting and bathing in rivers or nearby water bodies. The sun is the God of Energy, light, heat, and is the source of life on Earth. So, it is a form of gratitude and devotion shown to Him through fasting and worship.

The four parts of the worship are given the following names and are done on four consecutive days/tithis.

The Four Tithis and parts of the worship are: 

Kartika Shukla Chaturthi Tithi: Nahaay-Khaay (Bathe and Eat)

Kartika Shukla Panchami Tithi: Lohanda-Kharna (Lohanda is a deep iron bowl or pan in which food is cooked. Kharna refers to strictness and purity. It is a kind of tool used to prepare the body for the next stage of a 36-hour fast) 

Kartika Shukla Shashti Tithi: Sandhya Arghya

Kartika Shukla Saptami Tithi: Suryodaya and Usha Arghya

How to Do Chhath Puja

As mentioned earlier, there are four stages in the Chhath Puja ritual. I am discussing them one by one.

Day One- Nahaay-Khaay

The devotees wake up early in the morning, clean their homes and surroundings, and take a holy bath. They wear clean and pure clothes. The home and the puja area should be consecrated with Ganga jal or water purified by reciting the slokam "gangEcha, yamunEchhaiva, gOdaavari, saraswati. narmada sindhu kAvEri jalsmin sannidhim kuru." Then, a vegetarian meal is prepared with rice. Bengal gram lentils, and green vegetables such as bottle gourd. This food is cooked in Ghee and water, and offered to the deity (Sun) in the afternoon as Naivedyam. It is then consumed by the devotee performing the ritual as the sole meal for the day.

Day Two- Lohanda/Kharna

On the second day, after taking a bath, some devotees may abstain from drinking water as an austerity before consuming the prasadam. A sweet food known as Rasiyav or Kheer is prepared as naivedyam for the God. It is cooked in a pot made of tin. The ingredients for rasia are rice, milk, and jaggery. This food is offered to Surya Bhagawan in the evening and thereafter consumed with rotis. After this food, most devotees prefer to observe a 36-hour fast, even foregoing water. If you can't go without water, you may drink it or any fruit juices.

Day Three- Sandhya Arghya and Kosi Bharai

The third is the most important part of this ritual. After taking the holy bath, the entire day is spent in worship, bhajan kirtans, and preparing food for the evening offering. It is a way of distracting the mind from stress and strain caused by the fasting done by devotees. 

It is better to invite people from your neighbourhood to participate in these rituals. Performing the rituals as a group is the best way to uplift your spirits. It could be a shared happiness and satisfaction. 

The main receipes cooked for the offering are thekua or khajuria sweets/cookies, rice laddus known as kasar, puri, etc. These varieties are cooked wearing pure clothes, and employing pure ingredients.

In the evening, the devotees carry these food items in the baskets to a riverbed nearby or any waterbody. Arghyam is offered to the Sun, before sunset, along with his consort Sandhya Devi (also known as the Chhathi Maiya). You may offer Ganga jal if available, or collect the water from the riverbeds and pour it down facing the Sun, uttering chants. Offer flowers, dhoop, and aarti. Thereafter, offer the food items as Naivedyam.

After the arghyam is done, return to your home and worship your deity. A ritual known as Kosi Bharai is performed. A sacred open space is decorated by erecting a canopy supported by sugar canes to form a mandap. Under this mandap, 12 to 24 oil lamps are lighted. A clay elephant, an earthen pot, and fruits are placed to create an atmosphere of sacred ambience. Offerings of food and fruits are made to those lamps. The participants listen to the vrat katha (the story of the Chhath ritual performed by angels and other epic personalities) and sing Chhath songs throughout the entire night, maintaining a complete fast for more than 30 hours.

Day Four - Usha Arghya and Chhath Samaapan

On the fourth day of the ritual, the devotees go to the river banks by 4 AM, take a bath, and offer the Arghya to the rising sun. The sun may not be visible, but you will witness the purple/red skies and offer the arghya along with fruits and other offerings. They sing the Chhathi Maiya songs and conclude the ritual by eating food.

Deepavali - A Festival of Five Days, Lights and Fireworks

Hi Friends, Happy Deepavali to you all. May Goddess Lakshmi bless you with Prosperity and Happiness.

This year, the Deepavali will be celebrated on two days, October 20 and 21, 2025. The Amavasya tithi begins on the 20th after 3:30 PM and ends at 5:40 PM on October 21st.

So, we will be celebrating the major rituals of the extended festival for six days in 2025 instead of the customary five days. 

For those new to this festival, it is a festival of lights and enjoyment. The lights are lit to drive away darkness, evil, and ignorance. Enjoyment is achieved through wearing new clothes, bursting crackers, and gobbling delicious food.

The traditional practice is to light the oil diyas in the earthen trays. This is the natural way to create an auspicious atmosphere for the celebration. The electric lights are superficial and sometimes give rise to ego.

The same applies to burning crackers. Lighting or bursting a few crackers can be reasonable. However, nowadays, the entire atmosphere is disturbed by continuous fireworks displays, with loud sounds that last all night during Deepavali. 

For me, Deepavali is a festival of 5 to 7 days, depending on traditions and customs. I am including activities such as planning and buying new clothes to extend it to a 7-day celebration, since the first two days can be dedicated to shopping for new clothes, decoration items, and beautifying your home. 

So, after spending the first two days on shopping, cleaning, painting, and decorating activities as mentioned above, the remaining five days are dedicated to the following sequence of celebrations.

Dhanteras

Dhanteras tithi starts at 12:18 PM on 18 and ends at 01:51 PM on October 19, 2025. (It is two days before Deepavali under normal circumstances). Worship can be conducted either on the evening of the 18th or the morning of the 19th. 

On this day, people buy Gold and other metal articles according to their whims and fancies. Idols of Lakshmi made from Gold or Silver are also purchased for worship. Whatever you buy, place them before God during worship on this day. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera are worshipped on this day, seeking their blessings for prosperity and good luck. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi was born on this day of Ksheer Sagar Manthan (the churning of the Milky Ocean). You may cook any sweet pudding, probably the kheer, in a new utensil purchased for this purpose, and offer it as naivedyam to God.

Chhoti Deepavali or Naraka Chaturdashi

As the major Deepavali celebrations are taking place for four days this year due to the lengthened tithi timings, Naraka Chaturdashi can be split into Naraka Chaturdashi and Chhoti Deepavali. Naraka Chaturdashi was the day when the demon Narakasura was slain by Sri Krishna with the help of his consort Satyabhama. This incident occurred during the late hours of the day, following a fierce battle between them. So, we can celebrate the demise of Narakasura during the late evening hours of October 19 by burning his effigies. As people were free from demons, they celebrated the day by burning the effigies of the Demon Narakasura. That practice continues even today. We erect the effigies of the demons and throw them into a bonfire lit on this night. Children enjoy this occasion by playing with toy drums around the fire. After the bonfire, take an oil bath, put on new clothes, and enjoy the day, relishing feasts, visiting temples, lighting crackers, and more.

On October 20, 2025, we can celebrate the Chhoti Deepavali in the morning by taking an oil bath and lighting some crackers. The real Deepavali celebrations, including the Lakshmi Puja and the lighting of crackers, can be observed in the evening and again on the morning of the 21st.

Deepavali

This year, the main festival of Deepavali is to be celebrated in the evening hours of the 20th and throughout the entire day of October 21. As the Deepavali Lakshmi Puja is to done in the evening hours of the Amavasya tithi, it will be performed on 20th evening. On 21st evening, the tithi changes to Padyami by 5:40 PM.

Deepavali Festival is celebrated on Ashwayuja Amavasya, which normally falls between the second half of October and the first week of November. This day is the continuation of the celebration of the destruction of the evil forces in a grand manner.

Most traditional people take an oil bath in the early hours of Naraka Chaturdashi day itself, and, thereafter, celebrate the demise of Narakasura by worshiping Sri Krishna, wearing new or clean and pure clothes. But nowadays, people are wearing those new clothes on Deepavali Day. 

Homes are decorated with Rangolis, designer garlands, flower garlands, mango leaves, and more. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and light earthen diyas. 

Lakshmi Puja is to be done in the first prahar (or Jhaamu) after sunset. So, it is to be done within 2 hours and 24 minutes after the sunset. 

The worship is done to the oil lamps also by offering dhupa, deepa, naivedyam to those diyas along with Lakshmi Devi. It is customary to light earthen diyas, even if artificial lights are used. After the worship is over, place the diyas on both sides of the entrance door, on porches, boundary walls, and in the backyard. Now, light the crackers and, depending on your mood, indulge in the fireworks display.

There is one more ritual observed by the South Indians, especially in the Telugu culture, to tie oil clothes around the Red Sorrel sticks, light them, and sing a song that translates to " Today, we are celebrating the Deepavali and again will be celebrating this on Nagula Chavithi," which is a festival worshiping the snakes four days after Deepavali. This celebration is designed for the children so that they enjoy some fun by beating those lighted sticks on the ground while singing the lyrics. It is done in the evening, before or after the worship. After this fun activity, the children are offered some sweets before indulging in the fireworks.

Govardhan Puja/ Kedar Gauri Vratam

October 22, 2025

The day after Deepavali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja. People worship Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect them and the cattle from Indra's anger. Indra was upset because Krishna suggested his followers worship nature instead of him. Besides Krishna, we worship the cattle, the farms and fields, and the tools on this day. The entire day is spent admiring and thanking nature.

Another ritual associated with the day after Deepavali is the worship of Parvati in the form of Mother Gauri. This ritual is performed by married women and teenage girls seeking prosperity and a happy married life in their families.

Bhai Dooj

October 23, 2025

The second day after Deepavali is celebrated as Bhai Dooj. This is the day that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. They reach out to each other on this occasion; whether the brother visits the sister or she visits him, it is up to their convenience. If she visits him, she may carry sweets and other puja items with her.

The brother is seated on a clean chair or the puja stool. He will be ready by having his bath and wearing new/clean clothes. She applies a tilak (made up of vermilion, rice flour, and sandal powder) to his forehead. Then, offers the mangal harati to him while chanting some hymns seeking God's blessings for him. Thereafter, she gives some sweets to eat. The brother, in turn, gifts her clothes/jewelry/money as a token of love. The entire family enjoys this day with feasts and celebrations. They may light some crackers also. 

 

Karwa Chauth and Significance of Sargi

Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on October 10, 2025.

Karwa Chauth is a waterless fast and austerity observed by married women to ensure the well-being of their husbands. It is celebrated each year on the fourth day after Purnima (the full moon) between Dussehra and Deepavali.

The word "Karwa" (karawa) refers to the earthen or copper pot in which water is taken for offering to the moon.

The fast begins before sunrise and ends after sighting the moon in the evening. The moon is the ruler of the mind. Worship is performed seeking long life for their husbands, as well as prosperity and peace in marital life.  

Looking at the moon through a sieve represents the process of screening out scattered or unpleasant thoughts. Prayer is the medium for stabilizing the mind. The woman purifies her mind and thoughts through these rituals and, thereafter, looks into the face of her husband. The husband needs to be ready by the time she completes her fast, so that she can look at his face before seeing others. 

What is Sargi

Sargi is a pre-dawn meal prepared by the mother-in-law and given to her daughter-in-law, who is about to fast on this Karwa Chauth day. The food is served on a thali (preferably a new plate) and should contain satvik food, rich in vitamins, nutrients, and proteins.

Besides the pre-dawn meal, Sargi contains clothes and ornaments known as Solah Singaar (16 types of golden jewelry and ornaments that include a necklace, waist-belt, bangles, lipsticks, anklets, bracelets, and other auspicious items for the lady). These are all part of the Sargi offered to the woman by her mother-in-law before the start of the fasting ritual. 

How To Perform Karwa Chauth

• Get up early in the morning before dawn.
• Take a complete bath (known as the oil bath) to purify the body.
• Wear clean and pure clothes, preferably new. If clothes were offered by the mother-in-law, you should wear them for the ritual.
• Wear the jewelry and other items that signify auspiciousness (mangal-sutra, bindi, mehndi,sindhoor, etc.)
• If you are on Nirjala Upavas, you should not drink water till the moon-sighting ceremony.
• Indulge in the worship, chanting prayers, performing bhajans, reading scriptures, etc., throughout the day.
• Preferably, read stories centered around the divinity of women. Stories of Sita Mata, Urmila Devi, Sati Savitri, Ahalya, Arundhati, etc.
• When the moon becomes visible in the sky, offer water to Him and look at him through the sieve.
• She will have to wait till the moon appears, and then only can she break her fast. 
• After seeing the moon, look at your husband's face without looking at other people or things.
• Thereafter, obtain the blessings from her husband and his parents. The ritual concludes in this manner.
• Now, you can eat food/drink water.

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati Stotram Lyrics With Meanings

In this post, I am providing some of the popular worship hymns for Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati.

There is one "trayambakam yajAmahE..." verse that I am applying to worship both Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi.

First, I am providing the lyrics for Shiva, and thereafter, the hymns/stotrams for Parvati worship.

Shiva Stuti Verses With Meanings

Om trayambakam yajAmahE sugandhim pushtivardhanam

urvAruka miva bandhanAt mrutyOr muksheeya mAmamrutAt || (1)

Meaning:

 O Lord, Shiva! You are Three-Eyed, the Supreme Being, the abode of fragrance-filled knowledge, bestower of sustenance (growth and strength, both physical and mental). 

Please relieve us from the bonds of death to liberation, just like a gourd becomes free from the bondage of its hold at its prime stage (it gets cut or falls apart from the vine).

vandE shambhu-mumApatim, suragurum, vandE jagadkAraNam,

vandE pannaga-bhooshaNam, mruga-dharam, vandE pashoonAm-patim | 

vandE surya-shashAnka vahni nayanam, vandE mukunda-priyam,

vandE bhakta-janAshrayancha varadam, vandE shivam-shankaram || (2)

Meaning:

O Lord, Shambhu, the consort of Uma! Shiva is addressed as Shambhu, and Parvati as Uma.

O Reverend teacher of Angels! My salutations, O Cause of Creation!

Salutations, bejeweled with snake, clothed in deer-skin, and Lord of Beings! (Here, the word 'pashu' means animal, but in a broader sense refers to all living beings).

Salutations, who bears the Sun and Moon as his eyes, and is dearer to Vishnu, known as Mukunda.

My salutations, O Shiva, Shankara, who grants boons to his devotees. 

angikam bhuvanam, yasya vAchikam sarva-vANgmayam,

aahAryam chandra-tArAdi, tam numa sAtvikam, Sivam || (3)

Meaning:

The whole universe is your body/garment. Your voice is the knowledge. Your food is the Sun and the Moon. Here, food is symbolic. It denotes that the Sun and Moon are in his abode/belly.

My salutations to such a virtuous and supreme Lord Shiva.

mrityunjayAya, rudrAya,

NeelakanthAya, shambhavE,

amrutEshAya, sharvAya,

sri mahAdEvatE namaha || (4) 

Meaning:

You are Mrutyunjaya, the conqueror and controller of Death. You are Rudra, the fierce deity who is the destructive power who aids in the cycles of Destruction and Creation of the Universe.

Your neck is blue due to the gulping of the poison that emerged from the Ocean while churning for the Nectar. You are the blissful and holy Shambhava.

You are the God of Nectar, AmrutEsha. You are the Sharva who is present and spread throughout the Universe.

My salutations to such a mighty, Supreme Lord. 

Goddess Parvati Stuti and Stotram Lyrics

Om triyambakam yajAmahE sugandhim pushtivardhanam

urvAruka miva bandhanAn mrutyOr-muksheeya mAmrutAt || (1)

Meaning: 

O Mother (of the three Goddesses of Lakshmi, Parvati, and Saraswati), you are the greatest Deity, spreading the fragrances of Auspicious Qualities. You are the bestower of Power and Strength.

O Mother, please release us from the bondages of worldly attachments just like a gourd gets released from its root when ripe.

mahAkALi, mahAlakshmi, mahAsAraswati prabhA

ishta-kAmEshwari kuryAt visva-shreer-vishvamangaLam || (2)

Meaning:

O Mother, you are Lakshmi, KaaLi, and Saraswati. You are the shining glory behind them.

Please grant my wishes. Please bestow Auspiciousness and Wellbeing for the entire Universe.

shOdashi-poorNa chandrAbhA, mallikArjuna-gEhini

ishta-kAmEshwari kuryAt jaganneerOga shObhanam || (3)

Meaning:

O Mother, you are gladiant with the sixteen qualities of Moon-Light. Your body sports the hues of the Mallikarjuna flowers ( a celestial blossoming tree).

Please grant my wishes. Make the universe free of diseases. Mallikarjuna has healing powers.

jagad-dhAtri, lOka-nEtri, sudhA-nishyandi sushmitA

ishta-kAmEshwari kuryAt lOkam sadbuddhi-sundaram || (4)

Meaning:

O Mother. You are the Bearer of this Universe, the Eye of this World, your eyes sport the Nectar (her eyes are cool and pleasant as if filled with the nectar), and your face is delightful.

O Mother, grant my wishes. Make this World beautiful with good-charactered beings.

paramEshwara-vAllabhya divya-soubhAgya suprabhA

ishta-kAmEshwari dadyAt mAngaLyAnanda jeevanam || (5)

Meaning:

O Mother, you, along with your consort's auspicious qualities and glorious radiances, bestow us with a blessed and auspicious life full of happiness and peace.

Raksha Bandhan Facts, Stories, and Celebration Tips

This year, Raksha Bandhan is to be celebrated on August 9, 2025.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the Full Moon Day of the Shravana month each year. The Purnima tithi begins after 2 pm on August 8th and ends after 1 pm on the following day. Though some people may celebrate the ceremony on the beginning day, most others follow the tradition of celebrating their festivals and rituals on the following day, if there is enough time left during the day. If enough daytime (at least 3 to 4 hours after sunrise) is not available, then celebrate it the previous evening.

What is Raksha Bandhan

The phrase Raksha Bandhan means Protective Bond. It is the ritual of tying an auspicious thread around the wrist of the beneficier.

This Raksha Bandhan is a cord or string made up of threads. The threads are a blend of red and yellow colors. Yellow represents turmeric, symbolizing purity and holiness, while red stands for vermilion (Kumkuma). Both colors signify prosperity, well-being, and luck.

The raksha should contain some grains of rice and mustard seeds.

According to the modern version of this celebration, this festival honors the tradition of a thread tied around a brother's wrist by his sister as a symbol of her care for his well-being. The brother promises his sister that he will be there to protect her from any troubles she may face during her life.

Stories Behind the Birth of Raksha Bandhan

There are many legends surrounding the origin of the Raksha Bandhan celebration.

Originally, Raksha Bandhan was not limited to brothers and sisters. Brahmins and Priests used to tie the thread to their disciples or devotees as a protection against evil forces. Wives used to tie these protective threads to their husbands after performing puja, wishing for their good luck in new jobs, ventures, or wars. So, it was considered an auspicious ritual that involved prayers, yajnas, and austerities observed by the person tying the Raksha.    

• There is a reference in the Uttara Parva of Bhavishya Purana to an incident where Sri Krishna advised Yudhisthira to have a raksha tied to his wrist by their Royal Priest. The Raksha should be made up of fresh cotton or silk cloth, wrapped with grains of rice, mustard seeds, and vermilion inside. He should wear it after taking a holy bath and performing sandhyavandanam, tarpan to his ancestors, etc., during midday time.
• According to Vishnu Purana, during the Vamana avatar, Mahabali offered three feet of land to Vamana as an act of charity. Vamana grew into his Vishwaroopa form and covered the entire earth with one foot and the whole sky with the other. For the third step, Bali asked him to place his foot on his head. Vishnu placed his foot on Bali's head and thrust him into Paataala Loka, telling him to live there and rule that realm. Bali prayed to Vishnu to be his guardian and reside there. Lakshmi Devi learned of this and wanted Vishnu to return home. She went to Patala Loka and tied a raksha bandhan to Mahabali. He was pleased with her gesture and asked her to choose any gift. She immediately asked for Vishnu's release, and Bali had to agree, since he was committed to keeping his vows.  
• There is another legend in the Mahabharata where Krishna was tied with a bandage by Draupadi. Krishna was flying a kite along with others and cut his finger while doing so. Draupadi saw the blood dropping from his fingers and got agitated. She immediately tore a piece from her saree and bandaged his finger. Krishna was grateful to her and treated her as his sister. He bestowed upon her a boon that he would be there to protect her at all times of misery. 
• There was the story of Indra's wife (Sachi Devi) tying the rakhee to her husband as a protection from the demons on the advice of their Guru, Brihaspati.
• There was another legend that tells of Yama (the God of Death) visiting his parents and sister after a long gap. His sister, Yamuna, tied a sacred thread around his wrist, seeking his regular presence and her protection from any untoward happenings. 

How to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan

Although I am not very familiar with celebration traditions, I am sharing some insights on how to observe this festival for your information and consideration.

• Purchase the Raksha Bandhan straps, vermilion, and some sweets on the eve of this festival so you can tie the rakhee to your brothers the next morning. 
• If you're interested in arts and crafts, you can make the rakhee yourself. Create a circular or square plate using some thick paper or cloth, decorating it with painted or crafted designs. Put some whole grains of rice and mustard seeds, and cover them with a layer of top. Glue the designs onto the top layer. Then, attach ribbon-like cotton strings to both sides using the same glue for tying.
• On the day of the celebration, take a bath and wear fresh, clean clothes.
• Light an oil lamp in front of your God and place the rakhee and kumkuma in a clean plate before the deity. Say your prayers and perform the worship, both to God and the rakhee.
• Offer naivedyam to God; the sweets should also be offered.
• Meanwhile, your brothers should also prepare by bathing and putting on fresh clothes. They may also do the worship.
• Now, you can tie the rakhee to each of them, one by one. Apply a tilak on their forehead with the worshiped kumkuma. Give aarati (circumambulate the plate containing the Raksha, oil lamp, and the sweets around his face, and then, tie the rakhee around their right wrist. Feed them a sweet, and as they bite into it, offer them other food as well.
• Now, it's their turn to give you a gift.
• You may like to visit the temple along with your siblings/parents and seek blessings for your entire family.
• Enjoy the whole day with your brothers and family.  

Daily Puja: My Unique Method of Worship

If you are offering prayers to God regularly, daily, it is better to devise a consistent method that suits your convenience.

Regular worship involves following a sequence of rituals systematically and, often, depends on your available time and energy. To accommodate your schedule and stamina, create your own method that doesn't miss the key parts of the ritual.

In my case, I am a 70-year-old, retired person. I am habituated to the ritual for decades, and with constantly changing circumstances, I kept evolving my progressive methods of performing the Daily Puja.

Presently, I am sitting with my God for one full hour in the morning from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM and for half an hour in the evening from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

Regarding the dress for puja, I wear the silk dhoti and shawl for morning puja, and the normal pyjama-kurta during the evening worship.

This is How I Do My Puja

I am splitting the entire procedure into sections with suitable subheadings to make the presentation more easily accessible. It will make you grasp the idea of how to perform worship systematically. But you don't need to adopt this procedure. Devise your own method and sequence of rituals to suit your environment and culture.

Preparation for Puja

After having your morning bath, apply the tilak on your forehead with kumkuma or thiruchoornam. It is considered auspicious and brings purity to mind. Wear the silk dhoti or any clean clothes.

• Clean the oil lamp holders with a paper napkin and arrange the vattulu.
• Fill the oil up to 60% of the holder (maximum 80%) and place it on a plate to avert spills.
• You may use a single lamp or two lamps. Place them in front of the worship idol and light the diyas.
• Folding your hands, offer respects to God. 
• Fill water into the puja vessel from the tap (better to keep two vessels, one for your achamanam and the other for services to God). 
• Besides the water holders, you need a deep plate for dropping the water during the worship procedure.

Services to God While Starting Puja

• Placing your right palm on one vessel, welcome the seven rivers to purify the water. The sloka for this is "gangEcha yamunEchaiva gOdAvari Saraswati narmadA sindhu kAvEri ja;asmin sannidhim kuru".
• Offer arghyam to the Gods with the purified water. Draw some water with a spoon (this spoon, the vessel/s, and plates should be used exclusively for worship purposes and not to be mingled with your kitchen crockery). The water in the spoon should be shown to the hands of God and dropped into the deep plate.
• Then, I offer pAdyam. It is the act of washing God's feet. Show the water-filled spoon to their feet and drop that water into the plate.
• Now, I offer snAnam. Take a spoonful of water and circumambulate it around the Gods. Then, drop it into the plate.
• Next is aachamanam. Take water with the spoon and place it near the lips of the God, as if he is sipping the water, and drop it into the plate. Repeat this process three times.
• You can do the sandhyAvandanam at this stage, if you haven't done it earlier in the morning. My habit is to do it at this time of worship. Most people can find fault with me. But I believe my God does not find fault with me. Previously, I used to perform it much earlier, but not nowadays. 

My Ritual of Worship

• After completing the above processes, I begin my puja by chanting the "Suklambaradharam Vishnum" slokam. Then, I sing a Telugu prayer for Ganesha "tondamu nEkadantamu dOrapu bojjayu vAmahastamun". Thereafter, I chant the "jnAnAnandamayam dEvam nirmala spatikAkrutim" and the Vishwaksena slokam. These are slokas for protection from hurdles and for granting wisdom (by removing the darkness).
• Next, I sit down and recite the 24 names of Vishnu. Thereafter, sing 3 stotrams for Vishnu and two for Lakshmi Devi.
• Then I chant "Om ganeshaaya namaha" eight times and the slokam "vakratunda mahAkAya...". Thereafter, I recite the Rama mantra, gifted by Lord Shiva, three times.  
• Now, Hanuman dandakam that starts with "Sri Anjaneyam, prasanna Anjaneyam" (only two lines of it). Thereafter, Hanuman dwAdasha nAmAvaLi is recited by me. 
• Then, I chant another slokam glorifying Goddess Lakshmi "vandE padma karAm..."
• Now, I close my eyes and contemplate the Supreme Being with my concentration centered on my inner self. This is done for 5 minutes.
• Thereafter, I recite some more prayers and bhajans.

Bhajan and Prayers

• I do "harE rAma harE krishna bhajan for some time.
• Thereafter, I recite Sri Krishna Ashtakam.
• Then, I chant Sri Venkateswara Swamy Stotram, PanchAyudha stotram, and Shiva Panchakshari.
• Now, I do the prayers for Goda Devi, Sri Krishna, Andal, and Ranganathaswamy. These contain the hymns of "neeLAtungastana...", "annavayal puduvai AndAlarngarku", "shitrum siru kAlE...", and "vangakkadal kadaintha mAdhavanai...". These are important in our Vaishnava tradition. They are the closing hymns expressing love and submission towards God.

Naivedyam and Mangala Aarati

• Before naivedyam, dhoop sticks are lit and shown to God, and the light from the diyas is offered to God.
• Then, offer achamanam three times.
• Now, naivedyam is offered. Generally, I offer two bananas and jaggery. On special occasions, we may cook some food for offerings.
• After naivedyam, God's hands and feet are washed. Then, I offer some water for drinking.
• I chant the mangala aarati lyrics now, while circumambulating the oil diyas around God. I do not light camphor nowadays.
• Now, pay obeisance to God and take the prasadam. Prasadam includes the water from the plate and the naivedyam items. 

Weekly Prayers

Besides the daily routine of worship, I have some weekly rotational recitations. I pray to Lord Shiva on Mondays, to Hanuman and Goddess Gouri on Tuesdays, to Ganesha on Wednesdays, to the Teachers and Vaishnava Acharyas on Thursdays, to Goddess Lakshmi on Fridays, to Venkateswara Swamy on Saturdays, and the Sun God on Sundays.

• I chant "shivAya nama Om" bhajan for 2, 3 minutes on each Monday.
• On Tuesdays, I do Hanuman Chalisa and three hymns of Gouri.
• On Wednesdays, I sing "Om gam GaNapathayE namaha" 21 times or so.
• I pay respects to all Gurus (including my mother and father) and the Acharyas, including ALwars and Sri Krishna, on Thursdays.
• I recite the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamam stotram on Fridays.
• On Saturdays, I do the entire Suprabhatam that contains four sections to Lord Venkateswara.
• I recite the Surya Ashtakam on Sundays.

This is how I do my puja. The total time taken for this entire process is one hour. In the evening, I do not perform the preliminary services, nor wear the puja dress. I do the worship prayers and offer the naivedyam.

Follow your own method and choose whatever slokams and hymns appeal to you. God does not force you to do them compulsorily. Whatever you do should come from your heart. You should enjoy the bliss and satisfaction.

How to Do Gayatri Mantra

The Gayatri mantra is a sacred hymn recited in reverence of the Supreme Soul, considered the primordial source of sound, light, and energy. It is the underlying source of all life and activity.

This mantra is part of the Sandhyavandanam ritual, which is performed to invoke the Sun God and goddesses like Gayatri, Saraswati, Savitri, and Sandhya Devi. It is a ritual through which we pay our respects, along with purified water, to Lord Narayan by uttering his 24 names and to other celestial beings, including our ancestors.

The mantra itself starts with the primordial sound of "aum".

While reciting the mantra, we focus our attention on the Supreme Being as a central point dwelling inside the visible glow of the Sun.

Now, let me first explain the mantra itself and the inherent meanings of each syllable/word.

Gayatri Mantra 

Om bhoor bhuva svah |

tat savitur varENyam |

bhargO dEvasya dheemahi |

dhiyO yO nah prachOdayAt ||

Meanings:

• Om is the pranava naadam, the primordial sound that underlies the entire creation process. The three elements of creation, preservation, and dissolution are embodied within this "onkar" syllable.  
• "bhoo" denotes the physical earth, the element of earth, and nature.  
• "bhuva" is the place between the earth and the sky, referring to the element that connects the physical world with the celestial universe.  
• "sva" represents heaven and celestial nature.  
• "tat" means that or that form/element.  
• "savitu" refers to the Sun or the light emanating from the Sun, and it also denotes the heavenly form of the Supreme Being.  
• "varenyam" refers to that reverential being or the best quality of that being.  
• "bhargo" refers to the holiness and celestial nature of knowledge.  
• "devasya" means that celestial power is being revered by me.  
• "dheemahi" means let us pray to that being.  
• "dhiyo" signifies knowledge, particularly celestial knowledge.  
• "yO + nah" becomes "yona," which means that such a revered Supreme Being will bestow upon us.  
• "prachodayat" means may He bestow upon me or instill me.

So, the complete meaning of the above mantra can be understood as follows: I pay my obeisance to that primordial source or being who encompasses the earth, the heavens, and the space, and shines through the radiance of the Sun. This being is pure, adorable, and is the source and embodiment of knowledge. I seek his blessings for enlightenment and knowledge.

How to Do Gayatri Japam

As already mentioned, the GAyatri mantra is generally performed during the daily ritual of Sandhyavandanam. 

Sandhyavandanam is the ritual of paying respects to the Almighty through the medium of the visible God of Power and Energy, the Sun. He is the "Savitr" referred to above. The Almighty is believed to be centered amid the Sun.

Besides the Almighty and the Sun, we bow our heads to the celestial mothers like Sandhya Devi (the wife of the Sun), Savitri Devi, GAyatri Devi, and Goddess Saraswati during this process. They are the presiding deities of the four directions (from East to North, respectively).

I am providing here a simplified version of Gayatri Japam. If you like to perform the entire Sandhyavandanam ritual, you can do it according to the steps provided in another post at this link.

• Get ready by wearing some pure clothes after taking your bath. A dhoti and kanduva (cotton or silk) are recommended.
• Keep clean and pure water in a small vessel and a small pot (copper or any metal), and sit facing the east. Keep a bowl or deep plate (by your side) for dropping the water.
• Now, you may like to purify your body once again by sprinkling drops of water on your head. For this purpose, place your right palm on the water-filled vessel and take the names of holy rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, Kaveri are regarded as celestial by Hindu scriptures) and dip the tip of your right thumb into the water and sprinkle it over head for three times.
• Then, do the aachamanam (sipping the water 3 times, reciting the names - Om Achyutaaya namaha, Om Anataaya namaha, and Om Govindaaya namaha).
• Thereafter, chant the twelve names of Vishnu as follows: Om kEsavAya namaha, Om nArAyanAya namaha,
• Fold your hands and bow your head in reverence of Vishnu, the Sun God, Sandhya Devi in the east, Savitri in the south, Mother GAyatri in the west, and Saraswati in the north.
• Facing the east, take the water pot and offer water to the Sun, gently dropping the water into your bowl-shaped palm and releasing it into the deep plate or onto the ground, if no plate, three times.
• Now, recite the GAyatri mantra 11 times and offer the water again from the pot with both hands.
• Express your reverence and gratitude to Mother Gayatri.

This is the method of performing Gayatri.

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam Lyrics With Meanings

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam was composed and sung by Indra, the Lord of Heaven, to invoke Goddess Lakshmi and seek her blessings. According to The Art of Living website and other scriptures, when Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning of it by the devas and asuras, she became the consort of Vishnu. 

Indra, who had lost his kingdom, prestige, and wealth to the asuras during their previous battles, invoked Goddess Lakshmi through this Mahalakshmi Ashtakam and prayed for the restoration of his lost fame and wealth. That is how this Ashtakam came into being.

Whoever recites these lyrics with true devotion and faith will beget the blessings of the Goddess. 

 

namastEstu mahAmAyE, shri-piithE, surapoojitE,

shankh-chakr gadAhastE, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (1)

Meaning:-

My salutations to you, O Goddess of Mystical Powers. O Dweller of the Transcendental Abode, worshiped by celestial beings, who carries in her hands the wheel, conch, and mace; my salutations to you, O MahAlakshmi. 

namastE garudAroodhE, kOlaasura bhayankarii,

sarvapaapa harE dEvi mahAlakshmi namOstute || (2)

Meaning:-

Salutations to you who ride on the mighty Garuda (the celestial Eagle); who terrified and killed the Kola demon; you are the destroyer of all evils; please accept my salutations, O MahAlakshmi.

sarvajnyE sarva-varadE, sarvadushta bhayankarii,

sarvadukha harE dEvi, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (3)

Meaning:-

You are All-Knowing; you are the bestower of all boons; you are a terror to all evil beings; please evaporate all our troubles; I salute you, O MahAlakshmi. 

siddhi-buddhi pradE dEvi, bhakti-mukti pradAyinii,

mantra-moortE sadaa dEvi, mahAlakshmi namOstute || (4)

Meaning:- 

O Bestower of Accomplishments (there are eight types of divine powers) and Intelligence; you are the provider of Devotion and Liberation; you are one divinified form of all Mantras; my salutations to you, O MahAlakshmi.

aadyantara-hitE dEvi, aadyashakti mahEshvarii,

yOgajE, yOgasambhootE, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (5)

Meaning:-

You are without any Beginning or End; the Primeordeal Force; O Great Goddess (MahEshvari) representing the Primeordeal Force! Born out of Yoga and united with Yoga, please accept my salutations, O MahAlakshmi. 

Yoga can be defined as a State of Great Consciousness. It is the union of all celestial powers.

sthoola-sookshma mahAroudrE, mahAshakti mahOdarE,

mahApApa harE dEvi, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (6)

Meaning:-

Your form is both subtle and massive, and truly terrific as well. You are the greatest power, Great-Wombed. Please destroy the greatest sins committed by me, O Goddess MahAlakshmi, I salute You.

padmAsana-stithE dEvi, parabrahma svaroopiNii,

paramEshi jaganmAta, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (7)

Meaning:-

O Goddess, who is seated in a padmAsana posture, you are the form of the eternal and transcendental Parabrahma; O Supreme Mother of the entire World/Universe; please accept my salutations.

ShvEtAmbar-dharE dEvi, nAnAlankaar bhooshitE,

jagadsthitE jaganmAta, mahAlakshmi namOstutE || (8)

Meaning:-

O Goddess, who is adorned in purest white clothes and decorated with multiple jewelry, you abide within this universe as the Mother of the Universe. Please accept my salutations. 

White clothes denote inner purity, whereas the jewels denote the inner beauty of the Goddess.

mahAlakshmyashtakam stOtram yah-pathEt bhaktimAnnaraha,

sarvasiddhimavApnOti, rAjyam prApnOti sarvadA || (9)

Meaning:-

Whoever recites this Mahalakshmi Ashtakam with utmost devotion will obtain all accomplishments. They will possess kingdoms. Here, the kingdom may refer to power and authority over circumstances, both adverse and favorable.

EkakAlE pathEnnityam mahApApa vinAshanam

dvikAlah yah pathEnnityam dhanadhAnya samanvitaha || (10)

Meaning:-

If recited once in a day, his sins will evaporate. If the same is recited twice in a day, he will obtain wealth and prosperity.

trikAlam yah pathEnnityam mahAshatru vinAshanam

mahAlakshmir-bhavEnnityam prasannA, varadaa, subhA || (11)

Meaning:-

If recited thrice in a day, the greatest of enemies will be destroyed. He will be gifted with the everpresence of Mahalakshmi within him, in her boon-gifting, smiling, auspicious form.

Saraswati Ashtottara Shatanamavali - 108 Names of Saraswati With Meanings

Ashtottara ShatanamavaLi translates to the Garland or a Row of 108 names recited during worship of any God. In this particular post, this refers to the worship of the Goddess of Knowledge.

It is a practice of worshiping Saraswati at the time of the initiation of the first alphabet to a child. This occasion is known as the Aksharabhyasam ceremony. 

The child gets introduced to education after the Saraswati worship. 

This worship can be performed by chanting stotrams of the Goddess and through the recitation of the 108 names of Saraswati. While reciting the names, you can offer flowers and kumkuma/haldi to Saraswati at each name. The same procedure can be followed for celebrating Basant Panchami Day.

Now, I am providing the 108 names along with their meanings (shown in brackets)

Om saraswatyai namaha            (My salutations to Goddess Saraswati)

Om mahAbhadrAyai namaha      (Mahabhadra, the Protector)

Om mahAmAyAyai namaha        (the great mystic forcce) 

Om varapradAyai namaha           (Provider of Gifts and Boons)

Om sri pradAyai namaha            (Provider of Fame and Wealth)

Om padmanilayAyai namaha     (Her Abode is Lotus)

Om padmAkshyai namaha         (Lotus-Eyed Mother)

Om padmavaktrAyai namaha     (Lotus-Faced Mother) 

Om shivAnujAyai namaha         (Sister of Shiva)

Om pustakabhrutE namaha || 10 || (Holder of Books)

Om jnAnamudrAyai namaha     (the Symbol of Knowledge)

Om ramAyai namaha                 (Pleasing One) 

Om parAyai namaha                  (Celestial Being)

Om kAmaroopAyai namaha      (Changes Forms at will)

Om mahAvidyAyai namaha       (Goddess of Great Knowledge)

Om mahApaataka nAsinyai namaha (Destroyer of Greatest Sins)

Om mahAshrayAyai namaha      (The Ultimate Refuge)

Om mAlinyai namaha                 (Wears huge Garlands)

Om mahAbhOgAyai namaha      (Experiencable, Pleasing Mother)

Om mahAbhujaayai namaha || 20 || (She has large shoulders)

Om mahAbhAgAyai namaha     (She is the Primeordial or Atom)

Om mahOtsAhAyai namaha       (Extremely Enthusiastic)

Om divyAngAyai namaha          (Possesses Divine Organs)

Om suravanditAyai namaha       (Respected by Angels)

Om mahAkAlyai namaha           (the Eternal Time)

Om mahApAshAyai namaha      (Bears a large Noose of Affection)

Om mahAkArAyai namaha        (Huge Formed)

Om mahAnkushAyai namaha     (Has a large Hook)

Om piitAyai namaha                   (Dressed in Golden Robe)

Om vimalAyai namaha || 30 ||    (Pure Being)

Om vishvAyai namaha               (Universal Being)

Om vidyunmAlAyai namaha      (Bears a Garland of Lighting)

Om vaishnavyai namaha            (She is Vaishnavi Devi)

Om chandrikAyai namaha         (Crescent of Moon)

Om chandravadanAyai namaha  (Moon-Like Face)

Om chandralekhA vibhooshitAyai namaha (Adorned by the rays of Moon)

Om sAvitryai namaha                (She is Savitri, the Glowing Sun)

Om surasAyai namaha               (Pleasant Nectar or Essence of KNowledge)

Om dEvyai namaha                    (The Mother Goddess)

Om divyAlankAra bhooshitAyai namaha || 40 || (Decorated with Divine Ornaments)

Om vAgdEvyai namaha             (Goddess of Speech)

Om vasudhAyai namaha             (Goddess of Earth)

Om tiivrAyai namaha                  (Sharp and Quick)

Om mahAbhadrAyai namaha      (Protector, Saviour)

Om mahAbalAyai namaha          (Strong, Powerful) 

Om bhOgadAyai namaha            (Gifter of Boons)

Om bhAratyai namaha                (Bharati is her Name) 

Om bhAmAyai namaha               (Passionate Lady)

Om gOvindAyai namaha             (Saviour/Protector, Krishna's Wife)

Om gOmatyai namaha || 50 ||       (Having Cows or Feelings of a Cow)

Om shivAyai namaha                  (Auspicious and Gentle)

Om jatilAyai namaha                   (Rough or Difficult Being)

Om vindhyavAsAyai namaha      (Lives in Vindhya Pradesh)

Om vindhyAchala virAjitAyai namaha (Dwells on Vindhya Hill)

Om chandikAyai namaha             (Bearer of Crescent Moon or Glow)

Om vaishnavyai namaha              (She is Vaishnavi or Celestial Being)  

Om brAhmyai namaha                 (The Consort of Brahma) 

Om brahmajnAnaikasAdhanAyai namaha (The lone path for Brahmajnana)

Om soudAminyai namaha            (She is Lightning)

Om sudhAmoortyai namaha || 60 || (She is the Nectar)

Om subhadrAyai namaha              (Protector from Ignorance)

Om surapoojitAyai namaha           (Worshiped by Angels)

Om suvAsinyai namaha                 (A Nice Refuge for Wisdom Seekers)

Om sunAsAyai namaha                  (Having beautiful nose, or Easily Approachable)

Om vinidrAyai namaha                   (Dispels Slumber)

Om padmalOchanAyai namaha       (Lotus-Eyed)

Om vidyAroopAyai namaha            (Wisdom personified)

Om vishAlAkshyai namaha             (Large-Eyed)

Om brahmajAyAyai namaha            (Created from Brahma)

Om mahAphalAyai namaha || 70 ||   (She is the Great Fruit/Boon)

Om trayiimoortyai namaha               (One of the Three Goddesses)

Om trikAlajNAyai namaha                (Knower of Past, Present, Future)

Om triguNAyai namaha                     (Three qualities of Satva, Rajas, and Tamas) 

Om shAstraroopiNyai namaha           (She is the essence of Science, Arts, etc.)

Om shumbhAsura pramathinyai namaha (Destroyer demon Shumbhaasura)

Om shubhadAyai namaha                   (She is Auspicious Protector)

Om svarAtmikAyai namaha                (She is the Soul of Speech & Letters)

Om raktabiija nihantryai namaha         (Slayer of Raktabija, a Demon)

Om chAmundAyai namaha                   (the Slayer of Chanda and Munda demons)

Om ambikAyai namaha || 80 ||               (She is the Supreme Goddess)

Om mundakAya praharaNAyai namaha  (Slayer of Mundaka demon)

Om dhoomralOchana mardanAyai namaha (Slayer of Grey-Eyed Dhoomra)

Om sarvadEvastutAyai namaha                 (Entire Gods sing her glories)

Om soumyAyai namaha                             (Pleasant in nature)

Om surAsura namaskrutAyai namaha        (Revered by Angels and Demons)

Om kAlarAtryai namaha                             (She is the Dark Night or Kali)

Om kaLAdhArAyai namaha                        (The base or abode of Arts)

Om roopasoubhAgya dAyinyai namaha       (Bestower of Form and Prosperity)

Om vAgdEvyai namaha                                (The Speech Goddess)

Om varArOhAyai namaha || 90 ||                   (Bestower of endless boons)

Om vArAhyai namaha                                   (Herself, she is the Boon)

Om vArijAsanAyai namaha                            (Lotus-Seated)  

Om chitrAmbarAyai namaha                           (Amazingly Dressed One)

Om chitragandhAyai namaha                           (Bears astounding scents)

Om chitramAlya vibhooshitAyai namaha        (Adorned with magnificient garlands)

Om kAntAyai namaha                                       (the Essence of Womanhood) 

Om kAmapradAyai namaha                              (Bestower of Desires and Wants)

Om vandyAyai namaha                                      (Reverable Goddess)

Om vidhyAdhara supoojitAyai namaha      (Worshiped by vidyAdharAs, skilled celestials)

Om shvEtAnanAyai namaha || 100 ||           (Her face is Pure-White hued, soft and beautiful) 

Om niilabhujAyai namaha                            (Blue-Hued Shoulders)

Om chaturvarga phalapradAyai namaha   (Granter of 4 Fruits of Dharmaartha, kaama, moksha)

Om chaturAnana sAmrAjNyAyai namaha   (Queen of Four-Faced Brahma)

Om raktamadhyAyai namaha                        (Essence of (Blood) Life, or Red-garlanded)

Om niranjanAyai namaha                              (Indifferent and Blissful) 

Om hansAsanAyai namaha                            (She is Swan-Faced)

Om niilajanghAyai namaha                            (Blue-Hued Thighs)

Om brahmavishNusivAtmikAyai namaha || 108 ||  (Dwells in Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva)