16 Names of Ganesha - Ganesha Shodasa nama stotram

Ganesha, as you know, is the Lord of all Ganas. He is the Pratham Poojya Lord. You need to worship him at first before performing any worship or ritual. By doing so, it is believed that all your efforts and desires get fulfilled without any hindrance or failure. Such are the powers of this Lord Ganesha.

But, most of us may not be familiar with the fact that Ganesha bears sixteen wonderful names to his credit which are being recited by each one of us during the Ganesh Chauth puja performance. He gets worshiped with those names even by Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and all the angels, etc. before performing any auspicious or important work.

Here is the full verse that contains these sixteen names.

sumukha schaikadantascha kapilO gajakarNakah |
lambOdarascha vikatO vighnarAjO gaNAdhipah |
dhoomakEtur gaNadhyakshah phAlachandrO gajAnanah |
vakratunda shsoorpakarNah hEramba sskandapoorvajah |
shOdashaitAni nAmAni yah paTEh shruNuyAdapi ||
vidyArambhE vivAhEcha pravEshE nirgamE tathA |
samgrAmE sarvakAryESu vighnastanya najAyatE |
abhiipsitArtha sidhyartham poojitO yassurairapi |
sarvavighnachchidE tasmai shri gaNAdhipatayE namah ||

In the above verse, each line of the First Four Lines contains four names each of Ganesha thus totaling to the sixteen names (shodashaitaani naamaani) of Lord Ganesha as follows:

16 Names of Ganesha

1)Sumukha (beautiful-faced)
2)Ekadanta (one possessing a single tusk)
3)Kapila (of reddish-brown-colored)
4)Gajakarnaka (elephant-eared)
5)Lambodara (possessor of large stomach or belly)
6)Vikata (ferocious and misshapen))
7)Vighnaraja (lord of obstacles)
8)Ganadhipa (leader of ganas)
9)Dhumaketu (smoky-flag bearer)
10)Ganadyaksha (lord of ganas)
11)Phalachandra (bearing Moon-Like Face)
12)Gajanana (elephant-faced or headed)
13)Vakratunda (of twisted-tusk)
14)Shoorpakarna (Having large fan-shaped ears)
15)Heramba (protector of the weak)
16)Skandapoorvaja (Born before Skanda)

The remaining lines of the above verse signify the benefits of uttering these above-mentioned sixteen names of Lord Ganesha.

5th line tells us that these are the sixteen names that need to be recited or listened to.
6th line tells this should be done at the start of introducing a child to school or at marriages and at all occasions of the beginning of any work or accomplishment of rituals, etc.
7th line refers to all battles or fights during daily life and at all work involvements that it should be applied for getting protection from failures.
8th line tells that even the angels, demons, and all celestial and other inhabitants practice this for fulfilling their desires.
The 9th line expresses gratitude to Lord Ganesha for destroying and driving away all those vighnas or obstructions from our life.

Purusha Suktam Lyrics | The Story of Creation as per Vedas

Purusha Suktam is the praise of God as well as a story of "Creation of This Universe" as narrated in our ancient Vedas.

It narrates to us in detail how the Supreme Being created this wonderful universe along with all the living and non-living entities of it. Understanding the meaning of this great scripture (while reciting it) fills us with awe at the marvels of it all.

This Purusha Suktam is recited by rishis and priests during the performance of any type of sacred ritual. The chanting of these verses protects us from any hindrances or obstacles of life and bestows the blessings of the Almighty upon all of us.

There are two parts to it. The first part contains 18 verses which describe the creation process. The second part has 6 verses. The first six of them tell us about his greatness and qualities whereas the 6th one seeks blessings also from him.

Purusha Suktam

Part-1

sahasra shirSaa purushah; sahasrAksha sahasra paat |

sa bhoomim viswatO vrutvA atyatiSta dashAnguLam || (1)

Meaning: Purusha or the Supreme Being possesses one thousand heads, eyes, and feet. That implies that his form is inconceivable with our eyes. He occupies the space throughout the earth and the whole universe and even more space than that. (Even though dashAnguLam means ten inches more space it is to be understood as some incalculable space.)

purusha E vEdam sarvam yat bhootam yachha bhavyam |

utAmrutatva syEshAnah yadannE nAtirOhati || (2)

Meaning: Purusha Himself is knowledge. He is the past, present, and future. He is the Lord for our Mortality and Existence as well as the Lord for Food.

EtaavA nasya mahimA aatO jyAyAgamsha poorushah |
pAdOsya vishwA bhootAni tripAdasyAmrutam divihi || (3)

Meaning: His magic is like that. It is far from our conception or imagination. This visible world is only a foot of his. The other invisible worlds that form three feet or three-thirds-of-whole are free from mortality. It constitutes the Heaven.


tripAdoordhva udait purushah pAdOsyEhaa bhavAtpunaha |
tatO vishvajyvyakrAmat saashanAnasanE abhi || (4)

Meaning: Whereas three parts of Him ascended towards upward, one part descended to the downward. That part encompassed all the living and non-living entities thereupon.


tasmAdvirAdajAyata virAjo adhipoorushaha |
sajAtO tyarichyata paschAbhoomi madhO puraha || (5)

Meaning: From that Supreme Being, VirAtpurusha came. He took the form of Purusha and from him separated all the angels, humans and living and non-living entities. Earth and the Underworld formed afterward


yatpuruSEna haviSaa dEvA yajna matanvata |
vasantO asyAsii dAjyam griiSma idhmah sharadhhavihi || (6)

Meaning: In that PuruSa's presence, treating Him as the accomplisher, the angels or devas, while performing the yajna, offered Spring as ghee, Summer as fuel, and Sharat season as the naivedyam or food.


saptAsyAsan paridhayah trisapta-ssamidhah kritAh |
dEvA yadyajnam tanvAnAh abhadhnan puruSam pasum || (7)

Meaning: Encircling the boundaries with the seven elements of earth, water, fire, air, ether (or sky), self, and knowledge; the devas performed the yajna with 21 samidhas or fuels and bound the Purusha (the first-born being) for offering in the yajna.


tam yajnam barhiSi proukSan puruSam jAta magratah |
tEna dEvA ayajanta sAdhyA riSayasshayE || (8)

Meaning: Thus, the firstborn Purusha- who is the best suitable person for that sacrifice- is secreted with holy waters by the Devas, spiritual gurus, and the sages performing that yajna.


tasmAdyajnAt sarvahutah sambhrutam vriSadAjyam |
pasoomnAn schakrE vAyavyAn aaraNyAn grAmAschayE || (9)

Meaning: From that perfect yajna of creation, took birth Curd and Ghee; thereafter the auspicious sacrificial cattle, the birds, and the animals of the forests and villages.


tasmAdyajnAt sarvahutah richaya sAmAni jajNirE |
chhandAgansi jajNirE tasmAt tasmA jNAtA ajAvayaha || (10)

Meaning: From that perfect yajna, came forth the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, and all mantras. All the charming slokas and hymns and the Yajurveda mantras.


tasmAdashvA ajAyanta yEkEchObhayA dataha |
gAvOha jajnirE tasmAt tasmA jjAtA ajAvayaha || (11)

Meaning: From that same yajna emerged the horses, animals of single-lined and double-lined teeth took birth, and the cows, goats, sheep.


yatpuruSam vyadadhuh katidhA vyakalpayan |
mukham kimasya kau bAhoo kAvooroo pAdA vuchyEtE || (12)

Meaning: When that PuruSa was created what formed His shape? What were his face, his shoulders, thighs, and feet?


brAhmaNOsya mukhamAsiit bAhoo rAjanya kritah |
ooroo tadasya yadvaisyah padbhvAgam shudrO ajAyata || (13)

Meaning: The brahmins came from His head, kshatriyas from shoulders, vaishya from thighs, and sudra from His feet.


chandramA manasO jAtaha chakshO suryO ajAyata |
mukhA dindra schAgnischa prANA dvAyu rajAyata || (14)

Meaning: The Moon got created from His mind; Surya or the Sun from his eyes, Indra and Agni emerged from his Face and the Air from his respiration or breath.


nAbhyA Asii dantariksham shiirSaNO dyouh samavartata |
padbhyAm bhoomir dishah shrOtAt tathA lOkAn akalpayan || (15)

Meaning: From the navel emerged the antariksha or the sky; Swarga or the heaven from his head; from the feet emerged Earth and the 4 or 8 directions from his ears. In this way, the universe took place through his volition.


vEdAhamEtam puruSam mahAntam AdityavarNam tamasastu pArE |
sarvANi roopANi vichitya dhiiraha nAmAnikritvAbhivadan yAdAstE || (16)

Meaning: Now, I get to know of Purusha who is boundless and shining with the glow of the sun. He is very different from all this nature and the one who creates all these beings, naming and activating them by entering into them.


dhAtA purstAdya mudAjahAra shakra pravidvAn pradisha schatasraha |
tamEvam vidvA namruta iha bhavati nAnya panthA ayanAya vidyatE || (17)

Meaning: Brahma learned that Purusha to be his creator. Even the thousand-eyed Indra came to know of his greatness and spread about His superior qualities all the directions. Whoever knew His powers, learned that they can attain moksha in this life itself. There is no other path than this.


yajnEna yajna mayajanta dEvA tAni dharmANi prathamA nyAsan |
tEha nAkam mahimAna ssachantE yatra poorvE sAdhyA ssanti dEvA || (18)

Meaning: In this manner, the Devas gained knowledge about the greatness of Yajna. Further, they realized that the rituals of yajna are of most importance. Just as the great sages reach directly to Vishnu Loka, whoever performs these auspicious yajna rituals can also reach and live in there.

Purusha Suktam (Part-2)

adbhyah sambhootaha prithvai rasAchha | vishwakarmaNah samavartatAdhi |

tasya tvaSTA vidadhadroopamEti | tatpuruSasya vishvamA jAnamagrE || (1)

Meaning: From the Water and the essence of Earth, was born the universe or Brahmanda. Visvakarma, who is more than that, appears and as the divine smith, he embodies all. Thus, His Visvaroopa formed. 

vEdAhamEtam puruSam mahAntam | aaditya varNam tamasah parastAt |

tamEvam vidvAnamruta iha bhavati | nAnyapanthA vidyatEyanAya || (2)

Meaning: I know Him as Purusha, the great and brilliant One that transcends all darkness. Whoever knows Him as that will become immortal in this life itself. No other path is known for Moksha or liberation.

prajApatischarati garbhE antaha | ajAyamAnO bahudhA vijAyatE |

tasya dhiirA parijAnanti yOnim | mariichiinAm pada mischhanti vEdhasaha || (3)

Meaning: Prajapati (the Lord of his subjects) lives in the womb and unborn, He appears in many forms. The unwavering wise beings know well of His true form. Even the possessors of sublime powers desire to be the great sage Marichi, who worships that Prajapati.


yO dEvEbhya aatapati | yO dEvAnAm purOhitaha |
poorvO yO dEvEbhyO jAtaha | namO ruchAya brAhmayE || (4)

Meaning: He who is glowing as the divine power inside the Devas (angels & Gods), who is the priest of all Gods, and born before the birth of all Gods; I salute to Him the Supreme Being (Parabrahma) who is brilliant in himself.


rucham brAhmam janayantaha | dEvA agrE tadabruvan |
yastvaivam brAhmaNO vidyAt | tasya dEvA asanvashE || (5)

Meaning: When spreading the essence of the knowledge about the Supreme Being (Parabrahman), the Devas, first of all, told thus: whoever knows Brahman as thus, in his control will be all the Devas (Gods and Angels).


hriischatE lakshmiischa patnyau | ahOrAtrE pArshvE |
nakshatrANi roopam | ashvinou vyAttam |

iShtam maniiShANa |
amum maniiShANa |
sarvam maniiShANa | (6)

Meaning: Goddess of Modesty (Hree) and Goddess of Wealth (Lakshmi) are His consorts. Day and Night are his shoulders. Stars make His Form. And, the Voice is of the healing powers of the Ashvini Devata.

Grant us our desires. (chit)
Grant us our joys. (Ananda)
Grants us all yours. (Sat)

In this sloka, what we ask for is His True Form that is the Satchidananda roopam.

The Concluding Peace Prayer

Often, this concluding part is also recited in the rituals for the peace of Humanity and the Universe.

tachhamyOrAvriNiimahE | gAtum yajnyAya |

gAtum yajnapatayE | daivii svastirastu nah |

svastirmAnuShEbhyaha | oordhvam jigAtu bhEShajam |

sham nO astu dvipadE | sham chatuShpadE |

Om shAntih shAntih shAntihi ||

Meaning: We seek that which gives us peace from sorrows. May the rites and rituals grow. May there be the growth of wellness for the master of the Rites. The grace of Gods may be there. May wellbeing be there for mankind. Let medicinal herbs and plants grow upwards. May goodness come from two-feet creatures. From four-feet ones. 

Let there be peace, peace, and peace forever.   

Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam - Lyrics in English With Meanings

Venkateswara Suprabhatam is a lyrical worship of Lord Venkateswara, also known as Tirupati Balaji. Though it is desirable to sing these hymns daily during the morning hours, most of us, including me, chant these lyrics weekly once on Saturday mornings.

To tell the truth, the complete Suprabhatam of Lord Venkateswara or Balaji is in 4 parts. They are:

1. Venkateswara Suprabhatam (lyrics sung to awaken Lord)

2. Venkateswara Stotram (lyrics in praise of Lord)

3. Venkateswara Prapatti (sung, expressing our submission to God)

4. Venkateswara Mangalashasanam (lyrics for the well-being of the Lord and humanity)

My post addresses the first part of it.

 

The rendition of the Suprabhatam begins with the awakening service of God for his daily worship, reminding him of the beautiful scenery and blissful activities visible in the surroundings during the early morning hours. Thereby, the devotee informs Him that it is already dawn and that He should be ready for His worship. It further continues with praise and glory of God, who is the creator of those wonderful sceneries and beautiful things. The prayer ends with requests for protection and benevolence from the Almighty.

There are 29 verses in this Suprabhatam. The first 12 verses describe the beautiful scenario and the ongoing activities around there during the early hours of the day. The next 12 verses talk about the greatness and praise for the Lord. It tells us how all the gods, planets, sages, and entire living beings are waiting in his court to seek his presence and blessings. The final verses seek the protection and well-being of living beings of the whole universe.

Venkateswara Suprabhatam Lyrics With Meanings

Kousalyaa suprajaa Rama poorvaa sandhyaa pravartatE
uttistha nara shaardoolaa kartavyam daiva-maahnikam || (1)

Meaning:
Mother Kousalya's benevolent son, O Rama! The predawn hours are passing by. Please get up, O Lion of Humans! Let us perform our daily rituals.


UttisthOttishta gOvinda uttishta garuda dhwaja
uttishta kamalaa kaantaa trailOkyam mangaLam kuru || (2)

Meaning:
Please get up, Oh Lord Govinda. Get up! You bearing the flag of Garuda; get up, O Lotus-Bodied! Bestow the three worlds with auspiciousness.


Maatah samasta jagatAm madhu-kaitabhArE
vakshO vihAriNi manOhara divya moortE
sri svAmini srita jana priya dAna seelE
sri VenkatEsa dayitE tava suprabhAtam || (3)

Meaning:
O Mother of the entire universe, Lakshmi! You, the enemy of demons Madhu and Kaitabha! One who resides in the heart of Vishnu, O pleasant one! Consort of God! One fulfilling the wishes of all those seeking your shelter, O, the beloved of Lord Venkatesha! Good morning to you.


tava suprabhAta maravinda lOchanE
bhavatu prasanna mukha chandramandalE
Vidhi ShankarEndra vanitAbhi rarchitE
vrishasaila Natha dayitE dayAnidhE || (4)

Meaning:
O Lotus-Eyed Goddess, good morning to you. Your pleasant face resembles the Moon. You are worshiped by the consorts of Lord Brahma, Shiva, and Indra. You are the beloved of Lord Vrishasaila, O abode of love and kindness!


atryAdi saptaRushaya ssamupAsya sandhyAm
aakAsha sindhu kamalAni manOharANi
aadAya pAdayuga marchayitum prapannAh
shEshAdri sEkhara vibhO tava suprabhAtam || (5)

Meaning:
The seven rishis, like Atri, etc., on completion of their Sandhyavandanam, are bringing the beautiful lotuses from the divine Ganges to worship your feet. O Lord of Sheshadri mountain! An auspicious morning to you.


panchAnana, abjabhava, shanmukha, vAsavAdyAh
traivikramAdi charitam vibhudA stuvanti
bhAshApatih paThati vAsara suddhi mArAt
Seshadri sekhara vibhO tava suprabhAtam || (6)

Meaning:
The Gods like Shiva, Brahma, Kartikeya, and other angels are singing the glories of your Trivikrama incarnation. Brihaspati, presently nearby, is reading out the Panchanga and the planetary positions. O Lord of Sheshasaila! An auspicious morning to you.


iishatpraphulla sarasiiruha nArikELa
poogadrumAdi sumanOhara pAlikAnAm
aayaati mandamanilah sahadivyagandhaih
shEshAdri sEkhara vibhO tava suprabhAtam || (7)

Meaning:
Fragrances from the majestically blooming lotuses, and from the beautiful trees of Coconut, Areca & Parijata are getting scattered around by the gentle breezes. O Lord of Sheshasaila! An auspicious morning to you.


unmeelya nEtrayuga muttama panjarasthaah
pAtrAvasishTa kadaLiiphala pAyasAni
bhuktvA saliila matha kELi sukaah paThanti
shEshAdri sEkhara vibhO tava suprabhAtam || (8)

Meaning:
The parrots in the cages with their half-opened eyes, having eaten the remains of the bananas and payasam from their vessels, are singing and dancing merrily. O Lord of Sheshasaila! An auspicious morning to you.


tantrii prakarsha madhurasvanayA vipanchyA
gAyatyantacharitam tava nAradOpi
bhAshA samagra masakrutkara chAruramyam
shEshAdri sEkhara vibhO tava suprabhAtam || (9)

Meaning:
Bringing forth melodious tunes from the strings of his veena, the sage Narada is singing your endless deeds of glory in a refined language very beautifully. O Lord of Sheshasaila! An auspicious morning to you.


bhrungAvaLii cha makaranda rasAnuvidhha
jhankAra giita ninadai sahasEvanAya
niryAtyupAnta sarasii kamalOdarEbhyah
shEshAdri sEkhara vibhO tava suprabhAtam || (10)

Meaning:
Beetles and honey bees, after sucking the honey, are making humming sounds and emerging from the interiors of the lotuses in the ponds, in order to serve you. O Lord of Sheshasaila! An auspicious morning to you. 

yOshAgaNEna varadadhni vimadhyamAnou
ghOSaalayESu dadhimandhana teevra ghOSAh
rOSaatkalim vidadhatE kakubhascha kumbhAh
shEshAdri sEkhara vibhO tava suprabhAtam || (11)

Meaning:
While the cowherds are churning curds in their pots, the loud sounds and the echoes emerging from the bellies of their pots seem as if the pots and sounds are quarreling fiercely among themselves. O Lord of Sheshasaila! An auspicious morning to you.


padmEsha mitra shatapatra gatALivargAh
hartum shriyam kuvalayasya nijAngalakshmyA
bhErininAda miva bhibhrati teevranAdam
shEshAdri sEkhara vibhO tava suprabhAtam || (12)

Meaning:
The swarms of bees in the lotuses (lotus is known as a friend of the sun) are making loud humming sounds to surpass the glory of those lustrous lotuses. O Lord of Sheshasaila! An auspicious morning to you.


sreeman abhiisTa varadAkhila lOka bandhO
sri sreenivAsa jagadEka dayaika sindhO
srree dEvatA grihabhujAntara divya moortE
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (13)

Meaning:
O Prosperous One! Granter of boons; the friend of all worldly beings; the abode of Lakshmi! The matchless ocean of kindness! One who is profoundly beautiful with a wide distance between shoulders due to the abode of Lakshmi in your chest! O Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.


Sree Swamy pushkariNi cAplava nirmalAngA
srEyordhinO haravirinchi sanandanAdyAh
dvArE vasanti varavEtra hatOttamAngAh
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (14)

Meaning:
After taking a bath in your lake of purified waters for their own well-being, Lord Shiva, Brahma, Sanandana, and several others are waiting eagerly at your doorsteps in spite of being hurt by your guards. O Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.


sree shEshashaila garudAchala vEnkatAdri
nArAyaNAdri vrishabhAdri vrishAdri mukhyAm
aakhyAm tvadeeya vasatE ranisham vadanti
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (15)

Meaning:
O, Lord! Your abode is always referred to by various names important of them being Sheshasaila, Garudachal, Venkatadri, Narayanadri, Vrishabhadri, Vrishadri, etc. Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.


sEvAparAh shivasurEsha krishAnudharma
rakshOmbhunAtha pavamAna dhanAdhinAthAh
badhhAnjali pravilasa nnijashiirsha deshAh
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (16)

Meaning:
Eager to offer their services, Shiva, Indra, Agni, Yama, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, etc., are waiting for your orders, with their hands folded over their heads. O Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.


dhAtiiSutE vihagarAja mrigAdhirAja
nAgAdhirAja gajarAja hayadhirAjAh
svasvAdhikAra mahimAdika marthayantE
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (17)

Meaning:
Your riders - the King of birds Garuda, the Animal king Lion, the Serpent king Adi Shesa, Elephant king Airavat, Horses king Uchchaisravas are beseeching you to grant them their powers to serve you better. O Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.


sooryEndu, bhouma, budha, vAkpati, kAvyasouri,
svarbhAnukEtu, diviSat pariSatpradhAnA
tvaddAsa dAsa paramAvadhi dAsadAsaAh
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (18)

Meaning:
The nine planet angels like Surya (Sun), Indu or Chandra (Moon), Bhouma or Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Vakpati or Brihaspati (Jupiter), Kavya's son Sukra (Venus), Sauri or Shani (Saturn), Svarabhanu (Rahu), and Ketu - who are the chiefs of your assembly of angels - are happy to serve even the servants of you and remain obedient to Thee. O Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.


tvatpAdadhooLi bharita sphuritOttamAngAh
svargApavarga nirapEkshya nijAntarangAh
kalpAgamA kalanayA kulatAm labhamtE
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (19)

Meaning:
O, Lord! Sanctifying their bodies by the dust of your feet, the devotees in your presence do not desire in their hearts even for Svarga or Apavarga (Enjoyment or Liberation). But, they are worried about the deluge at the end of this present Kalpa as to what may occur to your present abode here. O Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.


tvatgOpurAgra shikharANi niriikshamANAh
svargApavarga padaviim paramAshrayantah
martyA manushya bhuvanE matimAshrayantE
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (20)

Meaning:
On seeing the crest or crown at the top of your temple tower, the mortal beings- who have been aspiring for Heaven and Liberation- now, leaving all those desires, just want to be here in this mortal world so that they can keep worshipping you. O Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.

sree bhoominAyaka dayAdiguNAmrutAbdE
dEvAdidEva jagaDEka sharaNyamoortE
sreeman ananta garudAdibhi rarchitAnghrE
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (21)

Meaning:
O Lord of Sri (Lakhmi) and Bhudevi (Mother Earth). Ocean of the nectar of kindness! God of Gods and the sole refuge of the entire universe! One who is worshiped by the king of serpents, Ananta (Shesha), and the king of birds, Garuda, and others! O Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.

sree padmanAbha purushOttama vAsudEva
vaikunTa mAdhava janArdana chakrapANE
srivatsachihna sharaNAgata pArijAta
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (22)

Meaning:
One bearing a lotus as his navel! O Supreme Purusha! Lord of Vasus ( an attendant of Vishnu is known as Vasu), Vaikunta (One residing in Vaikunt Loka), Madhava (one bearing mother (goddess) in him), Janardana (one who provides relief to human worries), Chakrapani (holding the wheel in his hand), Srivatsa (one bearing mole in the chest), and who is like Parijata providing refuge in its shade to all the victims! O Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.


kandarpa darpa hara sundara divyamoortE
kAntAkuchAmburuha kutmalalOla driStE
kaLyAna nirmala guNAkara divyakiirtE
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (23)

Meaning:
O Lord, you are the possessor of a charming divine form that surpasses the pride of handsome Manmatha (Cupid God)! The ladies' looks are attracted to your lotus-like breasts. Your form is auspicious and pure, and your fame is divine. O Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.


meenAkrutE kamaTakOla nrisimhavarNin
swAmin parashvatha tapOdhana Ramachandra
shESAmsharAma Yadunandana kalkiroopa
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (24)

Meaning:
O Lord, who appeared in the forms of Meena (Fish), Kamata or Kurma (Tortoise), Kola or Varaha (Boar), Nrisimha (Lion-Faced Human), Swamin is used for Vamana (The Dwarf God), Parashurama (Rama with Axe), Ramachandra (Rama), SheshamshaRama (Balarama), Yadunandana (Krishna), and Kalki. O Lord of Venkatachala! An auspicious morning to you.


aelAlavanga ghanasAra sugandhi tiirtham
divyam viyatsariti hEma ghatESu poorNam
dhrutvAdya,vaidika shikhAmaNayah prahuStAh
tiStanti vEnkatapatE tava suprabhAtam || (25)

Meaning:
Mixing the cardamom, cloves, and camphor to make it fragrant, divine Ganges-water-filled Golden pots are carried by the Brahmins who are well-versed with the Vedas, and I can see them waiting there for you.  O Lord of Venkatachala! Let it be an auspicious morning for you.


bhAsvAnudEti vikachAni sarOruhANi
sampoorayanti ninadaih kakubhO vihangAh
srivaishNavA ssatata marthita mangaLAstE
dhAmAshrayanti tava vEnkata suprabhAtam || (26)

Meaning:
The Sun has risen. Lotuses are blooming. The birds on the Kakubha tree (Arjuna tree) are making noises. Srivaishnavas, who always aspire for the common good, are waiting at your abode.  O Lord of Venkatachala! Let it be an auspicious morning for you.


brahmAdaya ssuravarAssa maharSayastE
santassanandana mukhA stathayOgivaryAh
dhAmAntikE tavahi mangaLa vastuhastA
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (27)

Meaning:
Brahma, along with similar supreme Gods, the great sages, yogins, and Sanandana-like great saints, and all other enlightened beings, are eagerly awaiting your abode with auspicious offerings in their hands.  O Lord of Venkatachala! Let it be an auspicious morning for you.


lakshmii nivAsa niravadya guNaika sindhO
samsArasAgara samuttaraNaika sEtO
vEdAnta vEdya nijavaibhava bhakta bhOgya
sree vEnkatAchalapatE tava suprabhAtam || (28)

Meaning:
O, an abode of Lakshmi! Ocean of flawless virtues! You are the bridge for crossing this ocean of worldly life. Whose greatness can be known only through the Vedanta or Upanishads! One who is enjoyed by his devotees!   O Lord of Venkatachala! Let it be an auspicious morning for you.


ittham vrishAchalapatE riha suprabhAtam
yE mAnavAh pratidinam paTitum pravruttAh
tESAm prabhAta samayE smrutirangabhAjAm
praJNAm parArthasulabhAm paramAm prasootE || (29)

Meaning:
This is the Suprabhatam (morning prayer) of Lord Venkateswara. Whoever recites this prayer daily morning with true devotion or sings the lyrics in tunes and bhajans gets bestowed with wisdom, spiritual wealth, and grace.


Ending Line:

Om, itihi sri venkatEswara suprabhAtam samAptam ||

Meaning:
This is the completion of Lord Venkateswara's morning welcome prayers.

It is advisable to recite this Venkateswara Suprabhatam at least every Saturday morning to obtain his grace and blessings.

May Lord Venkateswara bless you with happiness and prosperity.

For the remaining three parts of this Venkateswara Suprabhatam (whole version), I am providing the links here:

Second Part: Venkateswara Stotram

Third Part: Sri Venkateswara Prapatti

Fourth Part: Venkateswara MangaLaashaasanam

Ganesha Ashtakam Lyrics With Meanings

Ganesha Ashtakam is rendered in the worship of Lord Ganesha, the Elephant-Headed God. He is the Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Lord.




Lord Ganesha is the lord of all Ganas. Gana means a group. So, Ganesha is the head or chief of all the different groups of living beings all over the universe. He is in control of all those Ganas and thereby he is able to execute various tasks through them.

Ganesha is believed to be capable of removing all the obstacles in your path if you worship Him with sincere faith and belief.

That is why people pray to Ganesha before starting any work or project. Even for the worship of Lord Shiva or Lord Narayan, you need to first worship Ganesha and then start your puja or worship. Thereby Ganesha helps you in seeking their blessings.

Ashtakam is a composition of eight verses in the praise of God describing his beauty and other superb qualities.

The eight verses or slokas in the praise of Lord Ganesha are provided here with their meanings in English.

Ganesha Ashtakam

Gaja vakthram, sura srEshtam, karNa chAmara bhooshitam |
pAsAngusha dharam devam, vandEham GaNa nAyakam ||     ( 1 )

Meaning: Oh, elephant-headed (or necked), superior among angels, and adorned with fan-like ears, oh God that holds the rope and goad in Thy hands, my salutations to You the leader of Ganas.


Eka dantam, mahAkAyam, taptha kAnchana sannibham |
lambOdaram, vishAlAksham, vandEham GaNa nAyakam ||  ( 2 )

Meaning: Oh God, possessing a single tusk, large body, and resembling (glowing like) a molten Gold, whose stomach is long (big), and eyes are wide; my salutations to Thee, the leader of Ganas.


MounjiikrishnAjina dharam, nAga yajnOpaviitinam |
bAlEndu vilAsa mouLiim, vandEham GaNa nAyakam || ( 3 )

Meaning: One who wears moonja grass & deerskin on his waist, and a serpent as the sacred thread, who has the infant moon in his lock of hair over the head; my salutations to Thee, Oh leader of GaNas.


AmbikAhridayAnandam, matrubhih paripAlitam |
Bhaktapriyam, madOnmattam, vandEham GaNa nAyakam || ( 4 )

Meaning: One who makes Mother Ambika's (Parvati's) heart happy, who is looked after by his mother, one who loves his devotees, and gets excited by his vigor, my salutations to Thee, the leader of Ganas.


Chitra ratna chitrAnga, chitramAlA vibhooshitam |
chitra roopa dharam dEvam, vandEham GaNa nAyakam || ( 5 )

Meaning: Oh Lord, who has unique features decorated with colorful gems and garlands, and who bears a unique form; my salutations to Thee, oh leader of GaNas.


Mooshakottama mAroohya, dEvAsura mahAhavE |
yOdhukAmam mahAviiryam, vandEham GaNa nAyakam || ( 6 )

Meaning: One who rides on the superior mouse, who is worshiped by devas (angels) and asuras (demons) alike, and greatest among all warriors, my salutations to Thee, oh leader of GaNas.


Yaksha kinnara ghandarva siddha vidyAdharai sadA |
sthuyamAnam mahAbAhum, vandEham GaNa nAyakam || ( 7 )

Meaning: The Yakshas, Kinnaras, Gandharvas, and Vidyadharas always keep offering prayers to Thee, oh valorous-shouldered, my salutations to Thee, oh leader of GaNas.


Sarva vighna haram dEvam, sarva vighna vivarjitam |
sarva siddhi pradAtaram, vandEham GaNa nAyakam || ( 8 )

Meaning: One who removes all obstacles, and relieves you from the hurdles in your path, one who provides you with all divine powers (or your desires); my salutations to Thee, oh leader (or Lord) of GaNas.

Ending sloka:

GaNAshtakamidam puNyam bhaktitho ya padhEnnarah |
vimuktA sarva pApEbhyO rudra lOkam sa gachhati ||

Meaning: Whoever recites this pious and virtuous octane (eight verses) of Ganesha with utter devotion, he will get relieved from all his worldly sins and goes to the Rudra Loka which is the abode of Lord Shiva.

Dear Newspapers! Stop Hijacking Those Front Pages

I am much worried about seeing that these publishers of NewsPapers have forgotten the definition and the meaning of a newspaper.

I hope that a newspaper is for providing the news. Not for presenting those advertisements as the
main content of it. 

We subscribe to newspapers to get the news that happens around the world. We would like to know at a first glance the main events that took place all around there during the last 24 hours. That's why we buy these newspapers. Is it right?

But, if we are prevented from seeing that frontpage news, what is the benefit in procuring the paper?

Most of these publishers are blocking the subscribers from their privileged news by big banners of frontpage advertisements. It is simply the hijacking of the privilege of their customers. Isn't it?

You should know that people who are interested in those advertising banners of posh villas and apartments, or jewelry and other luxury items are simply a minority and, even then, they too might want to know the big news around the world at first instant than look at those advertisements. Am I right? 

And, you must also know this one more important point.

Most of us (or maybe some ample percentage of your subscribers) do not have time to read the news at the instant of the paperboy throwing the paper at our doorsteps.

We have our daily routine more important work than reading the news that early. We simply want to look at the headlines in that fraction of a minute while we take the paper from our doorstep and put it inside. I could afford only those few seconds to glance at the top news of the day and I feel much embarrassed to find that big banner staring at me on the front page. So, I am prevented from looking at the news. And, keep it aside only to find time after my lunch. This is my case. And, I hope many subscribers of these newspapers might be facing some similar problems due to these advertisements blocking their view.

As all of us know, there is certainly no need to subscribe to these newspapers as we are getting everything readymade on the internet. So, why should we subscribe to these things paying an ample amount of money?

Because I am very fond of those editorials and the wonderful columns in the center page of the newspaper. I am very much interested and enjoy reading those views and articles of popular writers and feel some pleasure as if I am interacting with them and enjoying their presence in my room. This is the main purpose of my buying these hard copies of newspapers and for the frontpage news and the almanac, weather report, etc. also. And, a bit of those sports news and getting acquainted with financial matters.

And I hope that many of you also must be having your own choices of buying these newspapers. But, definitely not for those marketing advertisements like that which frustrate you.

I am not against the media people making their business. I simply want to remind them that there should be some norms and limits for their indulgences. Don't play with your subscribers in any way.

Kindly don't block our front page with that unwanted advertisement.

You can put it at the back of the front page or the next page. Already you are having so many pages allocated for advertisements, especially in the weekend days, that cover half of the total number of pages. So, not on the main page of your news, please!