daily prayers

daily prayers

Sarvaebhyo Daveaebhyo Namaha

Shuklaambaradharam Vishnum
Shashivarnam Chaturbhujam
Prasannavadanam Dhyaayaet
Sarva vighnopa shaantayae

I pray to him who removes all obstacles, who is always clad in
White clothes, who is all pervading, who has moon like complexion,
Who has four arms(hands) and whose face is always cheerful.

Shree Ganesha Stotraani

Om Ganaanaam Tvaa Ganapatigum Havaamahae
Karim kaveenaamupamashravastamam
Jyaeshtharaajam Brahmanaam Brahmanaspata
Aa nah shrunavannootibhih seedasaadanam

Aum, we invoke you with great honour, o lord of
Forces (Ganapati). You are move knowledgable than
Any one, among the gathering of the learned. You are
Exceeding famous (among all the dieties) owing to your
Supreme qualities, you are the greatest in the company
Of lords. You are the leader of leaders of all
the vedas. Please listen to our prayers and come and
be seated here, for the sake of protecting us.

Gajaananam bhootaganaadhi saevitam
Kapittha jamboophala saarbhakshitam
Umaasutam shoka vinaashakaaranam
Namaami vighnaeshvara paada pankajam

I bow down to the lotus feet of the lord Vighneshwara,
Who has the face of an elephant, who is always
Worshipped by the crowd of bhutas, who is fond of
Wood apple, who fond of the essence of the fruit of rose apple(jamun)
Who is the sun of Uma, and who is the cause for destroying
Ones grief and sorrow.

Mooshika vaahana modaka hasta
Chaamara karma vilambita putra
Vaamana roopa maheshvara putra
Vighna vinayaka paada namastee

I bow down in obeisance to the feet of vinayaka the destroyer of grief,
who has rat as his conveyance(vehicle),
who holds modhaka(his favourite sweet balls) in hands,
whose ears look like large winnows,
whose long sacred thread hangs loose,
who has a very short stature, and
who is the son of great ishwara (shiva)
the nee for performing ‘Pradakshina’ we cannot
draw a circle without a centre point. The lord is
the centre, source and essence of our lives.
Recognising him as the focal point in our lives,
We go about doing our daily chores,
This is the significance of ‘Pradakshina’.

Agajaanana padmaarkam gajaananam aharnisham
Anaekadantam bhaktaanaam ekdantam upaasmahae

I offer my workship to that lord Ganesha, day and
Night, who gives extreme happiness by which the lotus
Like face of parvati, the daughter of mountains, blossoms forth
Like the lotus that would bloom by the sight of the sun
My workship be to that god who possesses the face of an
Elephant with a single irory horn, who bestows
Enormous boons to his devotees.

Vakratunda mahaakaaya kotisoorya samaprabha
Nirvighnam kurumae daeva sarvakaaryaeshu sarvadaa

O, the great god who possesses a curved trunk and a big
Body, who is as lustrous as ten million suns, simultaneously
Shining, pleasure remove obstacles that may be encountered
In any of my (holy) deeds.

Sumukhashchikadantashcha kapilo gajakamakaha
Lambodarashcha vikato vighnaraajo vinaayakaha

He possesses a good inviting face; he is one horned,
He is honey red hued, his ears are like those of an
Elephants, his belly is stout and hanging he is good
Humoured, he is the foremost of kings in suppressing
Miseries, he is the supreme leader and the destroyer of all troubles.

Dhoomakaetuh gannadhyakshah phaalachandro gajananaha
Vakratundah shoorpakamo haerambhah skandapoorvajaha

His colours resembles the smokes, he is the leader of all
Ganas(forces). He keeps the phase of the moon at the temple
Of his forehead, his face is like an elephants, the trunk of his
Elephants face is curved, his ears are broad like the winnows,
He resides in the herambha country, he is elder to lord shanda (kartikeya)

Shodashaitaani naamaani yah pathaet shrunuyaadapi
Vidhyaarambhae vivaahaecha pravaeshae nirgamae tathaa
Sangraambhae sarva kaaryaeshu vighnastasya na jaayatae

If anyone reads or hears all these sixteen names of lord ganesha,
At the time of commencement of learing or at the time of marriage,
Or when going to place (praveshae) or while starting from a place
(nirgamae) or during fighting or quarelling (samgramae) or (as a matter
Of fact) at the time of doing all works he does not face any impediments
(from delusion lead me to truth, from darkness lead me to light,
From death lead me to immortality, brihad aaranyaka unpanisad(1.3.28)

Pranamya shirasaa daevam gowreeputum vinaayakam
Bhaktaavaasam smaraennityam aayush kaamaarthasiddhayae

After bowing down by head, If anyone remembers the great
God vinayaka, the son of gowri (parvathi), who resides with
The devotes, his/her life is cherished and all desires fulfilled.

Prathamam vakratundam ch ekadantam dviteeyakam
Truteeyam krushna pingaaksham gajavaktram chaturthkam

Firstly, he has a curved trunk of an elephant, secondly he is
One homed, thirdly his eyes are honey coloured (black and red)
Brownish, and fourthly he is elephant headed (vaktram means the mouth face)

Lambodaram panchaman cha shashatham vikatamaeva cha
Saptamam vighnaraajam cha dhoomravarnam tathaa shtamam

Fifthly, he possesses a hanging belly, sixthly he is verily,
Good humoured also, seventhly , he is king like is suppressing
Ones miseries, he is smoke coloured eightly.

Navamam phallachandram cha dashamanm tu vinaayakam
Ekaadasham ganapatim dvaadasham tu gajaananam

Ninethly, he is adorned with the phase of the moon, at his
Temple(forhead). Tenthly, he is the removers of miseries
Is ganapathi, the head of ganas or forces, counted as
Eleventh. He bears the face of an elephant that is counted
As twelth.
Dvadashaitaani naamaani trisandhyam yah pathaennaraha
Na cha vighnabhayam tasya sarvasiddhikaram param

Anyone who reads these twelve names., three times in day
At the junction of sandhyas, in deprived of fear from any
Obstacles, and he drives enormous success in all ventures

Vidyaarthee labhatae vidyaam dhanaarthee labhatae dhanam
Putraarthee labhatae putraan mokshaarthee labhatae gatim

An aspiring student is benefited by good education
(knowledge) person who is desirous of wealth is bestowed upon
with enormous riches, a person who is desirous of progeny gets
many sons and a person who is desirous of getting liberations (moksha)
gets access to it.

Japaed ganapati stotram shadbhirmaasaih phalam labhaet
Samvatsaraena siddhim cha labhatee naa(a)tra samshayaha

If anyone chants this ganapati strotram for six months, he/she
Derives the fruit of having chanted it. If anyone does it for a year,
He/she gets enormous success also, there is no doubt about it.

Ashtaanaam braahmanaanam cha likhitvaa yah samarpayaet
Tasya vidyaa bhavaet sarvaa ganeshasya prasaadataha.

If anyone submits these hymns in writing to eight Brahmins,
He is bestowed with knowledge and also gets the favour of lord ganesha

Praatah Darshanam

Karaagrae vasatae lakshmee karamdhyae sarsvatee
Karmoolae sthitaa gowree prabhaatae karadarshanam

At the front of the hand resides lakshmi at the middle of the
Hand dwells saraswathi, while at the root or base of the hand
Dwells parvats. At dawn, 9 perform the darshan of my hands.
(may the day, therefore, dawn to me, bringing me all prosperities)

Note:- The great men advised one to get up from the bed
At least one and a half hours before sunrise,at the time know as
Braahma muhoortha and without seeing anything else, around one
Is adviced to spread one’s own palms and perform’ Darshan of the hands.
This is know as ‘kara-Darshanam’ or ‘kara avalokanam’. While seeing the
Pams, the above mentioned sloka should be chanted when one automatically
Remembers three supreme goddesses laxmi, saraswathi and parvati at down.

Kapilam darpanam daenum bhaagyavantam cha bhoopatim
Aachaaryam annadaataaram praatah pashyaed budhojanaha

A wiseman will see in the morning a brown cow, a mirror,
Milch cow, a rich person, a king, his preceptor and a person
Offers food to offers food to poor as charity

Saadhoonaam darshanam punyam teerthoopootaa hi saadhavata
Kaalaena phalatae teertham sadyah saadhu samaagamaha

It is auspicious to see the virtuous men (saints or sages)
It is meritorious to get purified in holy waters. While it takes
Some time to reap the fruit,from the dip in the holy tirthas,
It gives instantaneous and meritorious result by coming
Together with holy men.

Pruthvee kshamaapanam

Samudravasanae daevee parvatastana manditae
Vishnupathi namastubhyam paadasparsham kshamasvamae

O, bhoomi devi, you are clothed by the oceans and the
Circumferences of the mountains adorn abd beatify you. O,
Consort of lord Vishnu, I make obeisance to you I may be pardoned for
The feet that tread on the land (earth)
Note:- As soon as one gets up from the bed in the morning,
One Is expected to chant this, seeking pardon from the bhoomi
devi, before he/she sets food on the ground.

Govind Stutihi

Govindaeti sadas snaanam govindaeti sadaajapam
Govindaeti sadaa dhyaanam sadaa govinda keertanam
While taking bath, always remember the name of lord
Govinda always chant govind’s name, meditate upon
Govinda always and sing govinda’s praise always.

Teertha Praarthanaa

Gangae cha yamunae chaiva godaavari sarasvati
Narmadae sindhu kaaveri jalea (a) smin sannidhim kuru

O, rivers ganges, yamuna, godavari, sarswati, narmda,
Sindu(the Indus) abd kaveri; all of you, please gather
Together, in this water (kept in the kumbha or sacred pot)

Gangaa sindhu sarasvatee cha yamunaa godaavaree narmadaa
Krushnaa bheemarathee cha phalgu sarayooti shreegandakee gomatee
Kaavaeree kapila prayaaga vinataa naetraavateetyaadayoho
Nadyaah shreehari paadapankaja bhavaah kurvantu mangalam

May the rivers ganges, sindu (the indus), Saraswati, Yamuna, Godavari,
Narmada, Krishana, Bhimarathee, Palgunipalghu at gayaa-sarayu, sir
Gandaki, Gomathi, Kaveri, Kapila and the rivers netravathi depressed at
Prayag all these that reside at the sacred lotus feet of Sri.Hari, bring
Prosperity to us.

Deepa Stutihi

Shubham karoti kalyaanam aarogyam dhanasampadaha
Shkatru buddhi vinaashaaya deepajyotih namo(a) stutae

I adore you in obeisance, you the radiance of the lamp
That bestows upon welfare, auspiciousness, health and
All types of riches also that destroys any adverse knowledge.

Deepo jyotih param brahma deepo jyotih janaardanaha
Deepo haratu mae paapam sandhyaa deepo namo(a) stutae

The radiance of the lamp is form of supreme Brahman. The
Radiance of the lamp is form of supreme Brahman. The
Radiance of the lamp is the form of lord janaradhana. May the
Radiance of the lamp destroy my sins. I bow down in obeisance to
You in the dusk

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men
That the defences of peace, must be consitructed “
The Unesco Preamble.

Tulasi Stutihi

Tulasi shree sakhi shubhae paapahaarinim punyadae
Namastae naaradanutae namo naaraayana priyae

O, Tulasi, you are the friend of devi lakshmi you are
Pure you destroy all sins, you give luck, auspiciousness and
merit. I pray to you the one praised by the sage narada and
who (tulasi) is the favourite of narayana.

Panchmaatuha stutihi

Gaayatreem tulaseem gangaam kaamadhaenum arundhateem
Pancha maatuh smaraennityam mahaapaataka naashanam

The following five mothers, whose names when remembered
Daily, destroy in to the very serious sins committed by
One ‘Gayatri, Tulasi, Ganga (the ganges) kamadhenu (the celestial
Cow) and arundathi

Go stutihi

Sarvakaamadughae daevee sarvateerthaabhishaechanee
Paavani surabhishraeshthee daevee tubhyam namo(o) stutae

May the prayers be upto you, the sacred cow,the fom of devi,
Who bestows all wishes one way aspire, who is sanctified and
Bathed by all the holy waters, who emanates around her a very
Sweet smelling atmosphere and frees anyone from sins and purifies him/her

Soorya Praarthanaa

Namah savitrae jagadaekachakshushae jagat prasootih sthiti naasha haetavae
Trayeemayaaya trigunaatmadhaarinae virinchinaaraayana shankaraatmanae

We offer our prayers to the sun god who plays the role of being the eyes to the
World, who is the creater, sunstainer and destroyer of the universe, who is the
Very form of Vedas and who has also taken the three forms, owing to his inherent three characteristics and who is the very embodiment of brahma, Vishnu
And rudra.

Brahma svaroopamudayae madhyaahnae tu maheshvaraha
Astakaalae svapam vishnuh trayeemoortih divaakaraha

The sun god is in the form of lord brahma in the morning, as her rises,
He is in the form of lord shiva in the mid noon and in the form of lord
Vshnu at the time of setting

Poorna tatvam

Om poornamadah poornamidam poornaat poornamudachyatae
Pooramasya poornamaadaaya poornamae vaavashishyatae

Aum, he is the whole without parts (poornam). He is called complete
And whole. If anything is taken out, that also is complete and whole.
What remains is compelte and whole such is para Brahman or para shiva
Let us meditate upon that perfect “he”

On kaara dhyaanam

On kaaram bindusamyuktam nityam dhyaayanti yoginaha
Kaamadam mokshadam chaiva onkaaraaya namo namaha

The great yogis meditate upon the pranava aum united with central
Bindu. I offer my workship to that state of “Aum Kara” that fulfills all
Desires and bestows the supreme liberation (moksha)

Concept: the central bindu in “Aum” is a sacred dot it denotes sakti
The divine mother is that dot; and shiva is the father in the form of
Sound of ‘Aum’

Shanti paathaha

Om saha naavavatu saha now bhunaktu sahaveeryam karavaa vahai
Taejasvi naavadheetamastu maa vidvishavahai
Om shaantih shaantih shaantih

Aum, May it (the brahma) protect us (the preceptor and the disciple)
May it sustain us. May we work together with energy in its full form
May our knowledge illumine brightly. May we not have ill will towards
each other.

Subrahmanya stutihi

Shanmukham cha ganaadeesham shaamdukha cha paramaeshvaram
Sarvadukha vinaashaaya santatam chintayaamyaham

I always think of him, who has six faces, who is the god of ganas (forces)
Who is the form of lord shiva the most supreme lord and who destroys
All the miseries

Shadaanaham chandana laepitaangam mahoradam divya mayoora vaahanam
Rudrasya soonum suraloka naatham brahmanyadaevam sharanam prapadyae

He has six faces his body is smeared with sandal paste all over. He Is very
Delightful. His vehicle is a superb peacock he is the son of lord rudra.
He is the leader of the army of the land of devas. He is supreme Brahman
I surrender to him, the lord subrahmanya.

Neelakanthavaahanam dvishadbhujam kireetinam
Lolaratna kundala-prabhaabhiraama-shanmukham
Shoola-shakti danda kukkutaaksha maalikaadharam
Baalameeshvaram kumaara-shaila-vaasinam bhajae

He possesses a blue-necked vehicle as his conveyance(peacock)
He has two times six arms (twelve) he wears a crown. He wears ear
Rings studded with precious gems that hang beautifully (kundalam), in
All twelve ears on his six faces when they move here and there, they dazzale
Brilliantly. He bears a trident (sula), a spear (sakti), a mace (danda) a flag with
Cock in signia and an akshamla as weapons and emblems.
I pray to that lord subrahmanya, the young god who resides in the kumara hills.

Valleedaevayaanikaa samullasan tameeshvaram
mallikaadi divya pushpaMaalikaa viraajitam.
Jallareeri naada shankha vaadana priyam sadaa
Pallaavaarunam kumara shaila vaasinam bhajae

The lord is happily found with his consorts valli and
Devayani. He is adorned with high quality flowers like
Jasmine and others. He is happy with the sound beat of
Cymbals, he is always happy with the sound raised by conches.

I pray to (that lord subrahmanya) that god, who resides in the
Kumara hills, that shines red with the morning twilight.

Shaastaa pancharatnam

Lokaveeram mahaapoojyam sarvarkshaakaram vibhum
Parvateehrudayaanandam shaastaaram pranamaamyaham

He is the mightiest of warriors; he is greatly adored; he protects
Every being; he is supreme; he causes happiness to parvati. I offer
My salutations to that great lord shaasta.

Viprapoojyam vishvavandyam vishnushambhoh priyamsutam
Kshipraprasaada niratam shaastaaram pranamaamyaham

You are adored by the brahmanas (scholars) you are worshipped
By the entire universe, you are the beloved son of Vishnu and shambhu
(shiva). You are always engaged in bestowing upon boons (to your devotees)
I offer my salutations to you, the great shaastha

“Enough is never enough, until you have had enough of having enough!”

Mattamaatangagamanam kaarunyaamrutapooritam
Sarvavighnaharam daevam shaastaaram pranamaamyaham

He walks like an elephant in rut. He is satiated to bestow,
His full form of ambrosial compassion. He is the god who
Erases all the miseries (of his devotees). I offer my
Salutations to that great lord sastha.

Asmatkulaeshvaram daevam asmachchatruvinaashanam
Asmadishtapradaataaram shaastaaram pranamaamyaham

You are the iswara or the great god (bestower) of my family;
You are the destroyer of my enemies; you are my favourite
Deity; I offer my salutations to you, the great sastha.

Paandyaeshavamshatilakam kaeralae kaelivigraham
Aartatraanaparam daevam shaastaaram pranamaamyaham

You are the distinguished chief in the pandya clan. You have
Taken a very pleasant and playful form in kerala. You are the
Great god in protecting the distressed and the ones struck by
Calamities. (arta traana) I offer my salutations to that great sastha.

He who is born in the fire will not fade in the sun.

Pancharatnaakhyamaetadyo nityam shuddhah pathaennara ha
Tasya prasanno bhagavaan shaastaa vasati maanasae

Whoever with purity (of body and mind) recites this sastha
Pancha ratna daily, the god sastha becomes pleased with him
And resides permanently in his mind (and thoughts).

Bhootanaatha sadaananda sarvabhoota dayaapura raksha
Raksha mahaabaaho shaastrae tubhyam namonamaha

You are the captain of all the bootha ganaas(forces). You
Always give them happiness. You show extreme compassion
To all beings (in all the worlds) O, shaasthaa, who possesses
Broad shoulders (arms), I offer my prostrations to you
Please protect me; protect me.

Yasya dhanvantarimaataa pitaarudro(a) bhishaktamaha
Tam shaastaaramaham vandae mahaavaidyam dayaanidhim

I offer my prayer to that great shaastha, who is the store house
Of compassion, who is no wonder a great physician, for his mother is no
Less than dhanwantari and his father the supreme physcician of all the
World.
Concept: the lord shaastha is a great physician his mother is lord Vishnu-
Who took the form of mohini and who is dhanwantari too and his father is
Shiva, who is known as vishwa bishak. ( the great docter to all world)
Vide sri rudram 1.6 and 10.2 no doubt, their son becomes a great physician
to the world.

Shruti smruti puraanaanaam aalayam karunaalayam
Namaami bhagavatpaada shankaram lokashankaram

I offer my workship to the great adhi shankara, who is the very form of
The feet of the great lord, who is the store house of shruti, smruti (Vedas)
That are heard and that are memorized and puranas (ancient texts) who is the
Abode of compassior and who confers happiness and prosperity to the
Entire world.

Guru vandanam

Gurubrahmaa guruvishnuh gurudaevo maheshavara
Guru saakshaat parambrahma tasmai shree guravae namah

Salutations to that glorious guru; for guru is brahma is Vishnu and
Also the lord maheshawara, the guru is verily the supreme Brahman himself

Tvamaeva maataa cha pita tvamaeva, tvameva bandhu shcha sakha tvamaeva
Tvamaeva vidya dravinam tvamaeva tvamaeva sarvam mama daeva daeva

You alone area my mother and you alone are my father. You alone are
My reation and friend. You only give me knowledge, you only give me
Prosperity. You are everything to me my god of gods.

Shree guru paramparaa

Naaraayanam padma bhuvan vasishtham
Shaktim cha tatputraparaasharam cha
Vyaasam shukam gowdapadam mahaantam
Govinda yogeendramathaasya shishyam

The guru purampara comes in the following order; sri sadhashiva, Narayana, brahma (the one born in lotus), sage, vasistha, sakti, parashara His son,
vyasa, sukhacharya, gowdapada, the great sage-denoting sri adi shankara

note:- it is very auspicious to remember and chant the names of the guru
parampara, everyday at down.

Dakshinaamoorthi stotram

Guravae sarvalokaanam bhishajae bhavaroginaam
Nidhayae sarvaridyaanam dakshinaa moortayae namaha

He is the preceptor for all the worlds. He is the physician to the
People suffering from the disease of samsara. He is the treasure-house
Of knowledge. I offer my workship to that great dakshinamurthy.

Om namahpranavaarthaaya shuddhagnyaanaikamoortayae
Nirmalaaya prashaantaaya dakshinaamoortayae namaha

He is the very meaning of the primordial pranara ’aum’ and he is the embodiment
Of purest form of knowledge he is pure, he is totally calm and serene (prashanta) I offer my obeisance to such supreme lord dakishnamurthy (the south facing supreme deity, the form of shiva)

Angushtha-tarjanee yogamudra vyaajaena dachinaam
Shrutyartham brahmajeevaikyam darshartham brahmajeevaikyam
Darshayanno(a) vataachchivaha

The lord dakishnamurthy holds his thumb and index finger (tarjanee)
And exhibits yoga mudra, which convey his form that he is a perfect yogi
When one hears him, it appears as though he is merged with Brahman.
When he Is seen he appears to be the very manifestation of lord shiva.

Mownavyaakhyaa prakatita parabrahmatatram yuvaanam
Varshishthaantae vasadrushiganaih aavrutam brahmanishtahi
Aachharyaendram karakalita chinmudramaanandaroopam
Svaatmaaraamam muditavadanam dakshinaamoortimeedae

I cherish lord dakishnamurthy he is ageless. Through his silence he
Propogates the concept of nondual Brahman. He is surrounded by aged
Disciples, who are always meditating upon the Brahman. He is the best
Among all teachers. (acharya indram) he exhibits ‘ chin mudra’ by holding
The fingers of his hand. He is the very form of joy. He reveals himself with
A smiling facerer.

The Vedas are beginningless. They are the revelations of god himself.

Kaashee kshaetra mahimaa

Om vishvaesham maadhavam dundim danadapaanim cha
Bhairavam vandae kaasheem guhaam gangaam
Bhavaaneem mani karnikaam

Aum, I pray to lord vishweshwara, madhara (in panchaganga in kashi)
The big bellied dhundi (ganpathi) lord dhandapani and (kala) bhairava.
I pray to the sacred kashi kshetra and the care and the river ganges and
Also where devi bharani is present. I also pray to the manikarnika ghat(in varanasi)

Note : there are nin madhavas in varansi valled sesha madhava, sangha madhva, Bindu madhava, Ghana madhava, sweta madhava, prayaga madhava,
Vaikunta madhava, veera madhava and kala madhava. But the madhava in panchanga is mentioned in this prayer. The reiver ganges flows through a
Natural cave at gangothri at amaranth. Hence this cave is remembered vishweswara , varanasi is the twelve jyotirlingas. Actually this prayer to kashi kshetra and the deities residing there.

Advice is no use unless there is some likelihood of its being followed.

Shiva stotrani

Namah shivaabhyaam nava yowvanaabhyaam
prasparaashlishta Vapur dharaabhyaam
nagaendrakanyaa vrushakaetanaabhyaam
namo namah shankarapaarvateebhyaam

I pray to lord shivaand his consort, a very young maidevi;
I pray to the form of ardhanari, with the mutually embraced or oneness
Of bodies of the lord and his consort; I pray to the daughter of the great
Mountain and the lord who bears the banner with a bull on it, I pray again
And again the lord shankara and his consort parvati

Shivam shivakaram shaantam shivaatmaanam shivottamam
Shivamaarga pranaetaaram pranamaami sadaashivam

I offer my prostrations to lord shiva, who Is the embodiment of
Tranguility; who confers happiness and whose atman is the
Superlative form of auspiciousness. I prostrate to that sadhaa
Shivaa (perpetually conferring happiness) who promulgates the
Doctrine of shiva marga (path of shiva)

Vandae soorya shashaanka vahni nayanam vandae mukunda priyam
Vandae bhaktajanaashrayam cha varadam vandae shivam shanakaram

I offer my prayers to the lord whose three are the sun, the moon and agni
The god of five. He is favourate of lord mukunda (maha Vishnu). I offer
my prayers to lord who protects his devotees, who bestows boons upon
them; to that lord shiva, that lord shankara (the auspicious)

shambhum daevam sakalajagataam eeshvaram tam trinaetram
gowreenaatham sukhadavaradam chandrachoodam bhajaami

I offer my worship to lord shambhu, who wears moon as his head;
Who protects all the worlds; who is ther three-eyed lord. I offer my
Worship to the consort of gowri (paravathi); to him who is the bestower
Of comforts, bestower of boons.

“he who has no time for the lord, must know that the lord has no time
For him-Aum, sai ram!
Sri narayana baba of panvel, maharashtra

Mrutyunjayaaya rudraaya neelakanthaaya shambhavae
Amrutaeshaaya sarvaaya mahaadaevaaya tae namaha

I pray to the lord maheshwara, who is known as sarva; who is
The lord of amruta (immortality); who is known as sambhu;
Who has deep blue hue on his neck, who is also known as rudra and
Who has conquered death.

Om tryambakam yajaamahae sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan mrutyormuksheeya maa(a) mrutaat

Om1 we worship the three eyed one (lord shiva), who is fragrant
And who nourishesh well all beings; may he liberate us from death
For the sake of immortality even as the cucumber is servered from its
Bondage (to the creeper)

(This is swami sivananadas translation. This is a chanting from
Sri rudram in yajur veda)

The greatness of this mantra is given below, as explained by the great
Swami sivananda of rishikesh in his own words, the readers may be benefited
By chanting the mantra as well as reading his explanation.

This mrtyunjaya mantra is a life giving mantra. In these days, when life
Is very complex and accidents are an everyday affair, this mantra words
Off deaths by snake-bites, lightning, motor accidents, air accidents and
Accidents of all descriptions. Besides, it has a great curative. Effect, again
Diseases pronounced incurable by doctors are cured by this mantra, when
Chanted with full sincerity, faith and devotion. It is a weapon against
Diseases. It is a mantra to conquer death.

It is also a moksha mantra, lord shiva’s mantra; it bestows
Long life (deerggha ayush), peace (shanti) wealth (ashiwarya)
Prosperity (pushti), satisfaction (tushti) and immortality(moksha)

Dvaadasha liga stotram

Sowraashtrae somanaatham cha shreeshailae mallikaarjunam
Ujjayinyaam mahaakaalam onkaaram amalaeshvaram
Paralyaam vaidyanaatham cha daakinyaam bheemashankaram
Saetubandhae tu vaamaesham naagesham daarukaavanae
Vaaraanasyaamtu vishvaesham tryambakam gowtameetatae
Himalayae tu kaedaaram ghushmaesham cha shivaalayae
Yaetaani jyotirlingaani saayam praatah pathaennaraha
Saptajanmakrutam paapam smaranaena vinashyati

The sins commited by any one in pervious seven births are
Erased, when one remembers the twelve jyotir linges(lingas of
Divine luster) or reads their names in the morning and evening:
Somnatha in sourashtra ; mallikarjuna in sri sailam; mahakala in
Ujjain, omkara in amaleshwara; vaidyanatha in parali; bhimashankara
In daakini; Rameshwara in sethu; nageshwara in daarukaavanam;
Vishweshwara in varanashi; triambakam at the banks of the river gautami
(godavari) kedarnath in the Himalayas and gushmesha in sivalaya.

Note: the following additional information is given for the benefits of the
Readers who may desire to perform pilgrimage to the twelve jyotir lingas.

1) The temple of lord somnath is in Gujarat state, near the port of veravel.

2) The temple of lord mallikarjuna is situated in srisailam in andra Pradesh.

3) The temple of lord mahakaleshwara is in Ujjain, on the banks of the river
Kshipra. The lords idd is white in colour.

4) The lord omkareshwara or Amaleshwara is resident on the banks of the
Reiver narmada. The temple is on the hill top this place is in Madhya
Pradesh near indore. Buese are frequently available to this temple from
Indore.

5) From latur road railway station, one can go to pairoli (another railway
Station). On the top of a hill near pairoli town, Lord vaidyanatha’s
Jyotirlinga is resident. This place is in Maharashtra. There is another
Lord Vaidyanatha’s temple in Bihar. It is near jasidih railway station,
Between tatanagar and Patna. There is a conflict as to which is to be
accepted as the jyotir linga. So, the pilgrims are advised to visit both
the temples.

6) Bhimashankara can be reached by bus from Pune in Maharashtra
(42km). It is on the banks of the river Bhima.

7) Rameswara temple is in Tamilnadu. The Jyotirlinga is lord Ramanatha.
the temple is on the sea shore. There are twenty four thirtas in and around
the temple. The pilgrims can enquire at the devasthanam and take both in
all the 24 Thirtas without any hitch.

8) The Naganatha temple is situated on the way from dwarka tookha.
There is a conflict about another temple near nanded near Aurangabad
In Maharashtra. The pilgrims are advised to have darshan of both the
Shrines.

9) Vishweshwara in kashi (varanasi) is well known, situated at the very banks
of sacred river Ganga. The pilgrims are advised to stay for the evening
saptharishi pooja at the sanctum sanctorum. It is indeed very thrilling to
Witness that.

10) The lord triambakha is in the triambakeshwara ksheta, 21 k m from
Nashik on the banks of the river godavari. One can make a visit to the
Place of origin of the river godavari, that is at up-hills nearby (gautami
Mountains).

11) Kedarnatha temple of Lord siva is located on the hills top of snow
capped kedarnath mountains situated in the Himalayas.

12) The darshan of Gushmesha can be had by going from Aurangabad
the temple is just about 5 kms.from the famous Ellora Caves the
Lord is also known as Grishmeswara or Jismeshwara.

Sapta vyaahrutihi

Om Bhooh, om Bhuvah, Ogum Suvah, Om Mahah,
Om janah, om tapah, ogum satyam

These are the seven worlds ( literally) where the aspirant carries his
Thoughts towards them. In fact all these worlds are resident within
Himself. The pranava or the primordial sound ‘ om kara’ is chanted at
The beginning with ear syllable. These are also called “ saptha (seven)
Vyahritis”.

Further esoteric explanation is also furnished for the benefiet of avid
Readers: in his ‘ the daily Practice Of the hindus’. ( published 1909),
The scholarly srisa Chandra vasu gives the following illuminating
Explanation for ‘ Vyahrutis’; and for the primordial Aum from Mandhukya
Upanished (verses 9-10-11)

“ The sarced syllable Aum,consists of there letters A, U and Um expressive of three aspects of god (creator, Preserver and Regenerator) the three states of
Consciousness namely waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. The seven syllables
‘ bhooh’ etc. denotes the seven planes physical, astral, mental, buddhic, nirvaanic, maha nirvaanic and para mahaa nirvaanic. In exoteric religion (i)’bhooh’ extend upto Meru (ii) ‘bhuvah’ the land of enjoyment after death,
From meru upto Dhruva, (iii) ‘Suvah’ the land of th virtuous after death, from
Dhruva upto svarga loka of five kinds. (iv) ‘mahah’ the middle and largest of all
Palnes. (v) ‘ Janah’ the land of archetypal briths for the first birth of every type
takes palce on the plane after the end of Pralaya and at the beginning of new
kalpa, the starting plane of creation; (vi) ‘Tapah’ the land of the siddhas where,
they live disturbed by pralaya, the land of senaka etc. (vii) ‘ Satyam’ the plane of
Brahma, free from all changes. The gnanis live here. On reaching this plane
There is no longer any compulsory re-incarnation.

“ According to Shri Shankara, these seven syllables are the names of
God also”.

Gaayatree Mantraha

Om Tatsaviturva vaenyam, Bhargo Daevasya Dheemahi dhiyo yo
Nah prachodayaat

If this mantra is translated literally it would mean. “ we meditate on the
Luminous and adorable “savita”, Who directs our intelligence towards
The fulfillment of all our desires and who is the creator of all the three
Words. (bhooh, Bhuvah, Svah) “we meditate on her accumulated
Luster so that she may enlighten our intellect. Briefly it means.
“ Let us meditate on the glory of the ceator of this universe, who is the
Remover of all sins and ignorances. May she enlighten our intellect.

“ may we imbibe in ourselves the choicest effulgence of the divine
Ceator that he evokes our interest.”
One more explanations:” We meditate upon the adorable light of that
Shining creator, who incites our buddhi.”

Another meaning: “ We meditate on the adorable luminous orb(bharga)
Of that divine sun who directs all our activities. The sadakha worship
Gayatri in the form of visible sun which means what ‘ Savita’ is worshipped
In this pristine purity.
Among innumerable mantras that are found in our scriptures ‘ Gayatri’ is
The supreme. This supreme mantra is almost impossible to be translated, say
Great scholars. They say that this mantra should only be meditated upon. The
Unfoldment ( Prachodana) of the Buddhi principle (Dhi) is facilitated by it.
The meditation of consists in affirming. ‘ yo(o)ham, So(a)sow, Yo(a)sow, so (a) ham, “what I am that he is, what he is that I am.”

Durgaa Sapta Sholkee

Maatarmae madhukaotabhaghi manish praanaapahaarodyamae
Haelaanirmita dhoomralochanavadhae hae chandamundardini
Nishshaesheekruta raktabeejadanujae nityae nishumbhaapahae
Shumbhadhavamsini samharaashu duritam durgae nameste(a)mbikae

O, my mother! O destroyer of chanda and Munda! Your killed madhu and
Kaitabha; you removed the life of the demon manisha in the battle. Without
Any difficulty just lika a playful act, you demon rakthabhija and his brother
You killed nishumbha and shumbha. You are everlasting (nitya) O bow
Down in obeisance to you, O, Durga ambika ! please remove all my sins.

This infinite and immortal atman is present in all beings, but lying hidden, and
There fore is not manifest, but it can berealived by those who have a subtle and
One pointed reason which has been trained to perceive subtle and still mere
Subtle truths- katopanished 3.12

Ashtowbhujangreem manishasya mardineem sashankhachakram
Sharashooladhaarineem taam divya yogeem sahajaatavaedaseem
Durgaam sadaa sharanamaham prapadyae

I always surrender to devi durga and fall at her feet; who has eight
Mighty arms; who is the destroyer of the demon manisha; who holds
In her hands, the conch, the discus, many arrows and a trident. I pray
To that devi durga, who is a great yogini and born in the form of Vedas.

Gnyaaninaamapi chaetaamsi daevee bhagavatee hi saa
Balaadaakrushya mohaaya mahaamaayaa prayachchati

The great devi “bagavathi” Maha Maya “through her force of attraction
Draws the minds of even the sages towards ‘maya’ the delusion.

There is a simple method of performing ‘pranayama’. The name itself
Is “adhi sukha poorvak pranayamam. “Be silent; make no noise; inhale
You breath through both the nostrils; retain your breath for some time,
As much time as you can; there after slowly exhale through both the
Nostrils. While holding the breath chant- “Aum” silently. You can perform
This Pranayamam’, while stading, sitting or reclining on chair or even while
Lying on the bed.

Durgae Smrutaa Harasi Bheetim ashaesha jantoho
Svastaih smrutaa matimateeva shubhaam dadaasi
Daaridrya dukha bhayahaarini kaa tvadanyaa
Sarvopakaarakaranaaya sadaardra chittaa

O, Devi Durga! By merely remembering you, you remove the fear
From the minds of all beings (in the world) by merely remembering
You, you bestow comfort, supreme knowledge and auspiciousness
(upon your devotees). Who else other than you, would remove poverty
Misery and fear, with the intention of helping everyone, when such
People offer their worship to you with diligent and careful thought!

Sarvamangala maangalyae shivae sarvartha saadhikae
Sharanyae tryamabakae daevi naraayani namo(a)stu tae

You are the form of all auspiciousness. You are “ Shivae” the
Auspicious maiden. You are mangala, the auspicious one. You are
Omniscient, who is able to do all things. I surrender to you Devi/Gowri
The three eyed maiden. You are narayaanee, the supreme vaishnavi
Devi, I bow down to three

He creates the universe and then reveals himself to us and in us
He makes himself manifest
Guru granth sahib, the sikh scripture

Sharanaagatadeenaarta paritraanaparaayanae
Sarvasyaartiharae daevi naaraayani namo(a)stu tae

I offer my obeisance to you, devi narayanee ( the vaishnavite form of the
Devi), who protects the feeble ones who surrender to her she redeems the
Miseries of the devotees (who pray to her)

Sarvasvaroopae sarvaeshae sarvashaktisamanvitae
Bhayaebhyastraahi no daevi durgae daevi namo(a)stu tae

O, Devi durga! We offer our obeisance to you. You are resident in all
Forms ( and you are those forms) you are the most supreme deity.
You are omnipotent you please remove the fear in our minds and protect
Us, O, Devi!

Vogaan ashaeshaan apahamsi tushtaa
rushtaa tu kaamaan sakalaan abheeshtaan
tvaamaashritaa hyaashrayataam prayaanti

you wipe out all diseases by showing your compassion. By showing your
wrath, you erase all desires. You become pleased to bestow all prosperities
on your aspirant devotees. When people seek refuge in you, there is no calamity
whatsoever to them when people seek refuge in you, you offer asylum to them

sarva baadha prashamanam trailokyasya akhilaeshwari
yaevamaeva tvayaa kaaryam asmad vairi vinaashnam

you cure the miseries of all. You are the supreme ishwari to all the three
worlds, and the universe too1 may I get this task done by you, that you
destroy my enemies ?

(Iti shree saptashlokee durgaa sampoornaa)
(Thus ends the shree saptashlokee durga)
Note: The slokas from S No. 3, to S No 9, are called the “Sri Saptashlokee
Durga”. The slokas are recited to please the Devi Durga. These slokas are
Essentially every mantras for which Narayana is Rishi. The Chands is
Anusht up. The Devatas ae Sri Maha Kali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswathi.
These are chanted as prelude to the recitation of Sri Durga Sapta Shanti.

Aayurdaehi Dhanam Daehi Vidyaam Daehi Mahaeshvari
Samastam akhilam daehi daehi mae Paramaeshvari

O, Supreme Deity Maheshwari. Please Bestow upon me Longevity,
Riches, Knowledge and upon the entire world-O, My Suprem Maheshwari.

Soundarya Laharee

Shivah Shaktyaa Yukto Yadi bhavati shaktah prabhavitum na
Chae daevam daevo na khalu kushalahspanditumapi
Atastvaam aaraadhyam hari hara virinehaadibhirapi pranantum
Stotum vaa kathamakruta punyah prabhavati

Only if he (shiva) joins you (sakti), would he earn the benefit of
Becoming the great lord; otherwise he would not be able even
To stir or move when the condition is like this, how dare one,
Who has earnedno merit, either to prostrate before you or sing
In praise of you, O, Devi Who is worthy of being adored every by
Hari, Hara and Brahma And others ?

Note: This is the opening stanza of soundarya lahiri, which literally
Means the ‘waves of beatuy’. The one hundred slokes composed
By Adi Sankara Sing the praise of the supreme goddess-sakti,
Parameshwari, raja rajeshwari and forms of the Devi.

I am against dowry. A marriage should take place between a boy
And a girl, who come together to live happily and peacefully in their
Love and affection. These should be no business attached. Dowry
Is business.
– pujya siva shankara in from one of his discourses in “ Samrat Chara

Mahalakshmee Ashtakam
Indra Uvaachaha
Namastaestu mahaamaayae shreepeethae surapoojitae
Shankhachakragadaahastae mahaalakshmi namo(a)stu tae

Indra said: O, the great maya: who is seated on the sree peeta,
Who is offered worship by the dears, Who bears conch, discus
And a mace, may our salutations be unto you, the supreme mahalakshmi

Namastae garudaaroodhae kalaasura bhayankari sarvapaapaharae
Daevi mahaalakshmi namo(a) stu tae

O, mahalakshmi, who is ascended on garuda, who gives fear to
Kolasura, who dispels all the sins (of her devotees), may our
Salutations to be unto you.

Sarvagnyae sarvarvaradae sarvadusohta bhayankari
Sarvaduhkhaharae daevi mahaalaksmi namo (a) stu tae

O, Mahalakshmi, who is omniscient or the embodiment of knowledge,
Who gives boon to all (her devotees), who gives fear to all wicked
Persons, who removes the miseries of all, may our salutations be unto you.

Siddhi-buddhi-pradae daevi bhukti-mukti-pradaayini mantramoortae sadaa
Daevi mahaalakshmi namo(a) stu tae.

O, Mahalakshmi, who is the giver of success, knowledge all prosperous
Benefits and finally mukti, who is the embodiment of all Manta, Vidyas,
May our salutations be unto you.

Aadyantarahitae daevi aadishakti mahaeshwari yogajae
Yogasambhootae mahaalakshmi namo(a) stu tae

O, mahalakshmi who does not have the beginning or the end,
Who is the primoridial goddess of shakti, who is the great
Ishwari, who becomes evolved from yoga-durga, may our salutations
Be unto you.

Sthoola-sookshma-mahaarowdrae mahaashkati mahodarae
Mahaapaapa –harae daevi mahaalakshmi namo(a) stu tae
O, Mahalakshmi who is both macrocosmic and microscopic
Who is the very form of wrath, who is the emboidiment of
Supreme energy, who is known as mahodharee who is the
Destroyer of great sins, may our salutations be unto you.

Padamaasanasthitae daevi parabrahmasvaroophi
Paramaeshi jaganmaatah mahaalakshmi namo(a) stu tae

O, Mahalakshmi, who is seated on a sacred lotus, who is the very
Form of supreme brahma, who is the supreme goddess, who is
The mother of the universe, may our salutations unto you.

Shvaetaambaradharae daevi naanaa(a) lankaarabhooshitae
Jagatsthitae jaganmaatah mahaalakshmi namo (a) stu tae

O, Mahalakshmi, who is clad in white apparel, who is
Adorned with varietie of grand omaments, who is the
Sustainer of the entire universe and who is mother of the worlds,
May our salutations be unto you.

Mahaalakshmyashtakam stotram yah
pathaed bhaktimaannaraha sarvasiddhimavaapnoti
Raajyam praapnoti sarvadaa

Whichever human being that may read this mahalakshmi ashtaka
Stotram always with great veneration gains success in all
Affairs, attains the honour of getting a kingdom too

Yaekakaalae pathaennityam mahaapaapavinaashanam
Dvikaalam yah pathaennityam dhana-dhannya samanvitha

Whoever reads this stotram once is a day, gets all his great sins
Erased. Whoever reads twice, is endowed with all types of wealth,
And also wealth of grains of all varieties.

Trikaalam yah pathaennityam mahaashatruvinaashanam
Mahaalakshmee bhavaennityam prasannaa vardaa subhaa

Whoever reads this three times daily, gets all his big enemies
Destroyed by the goddess. Above all the beautiful lustrous great
(maha) lakshmi becomes pleased always and showers many
Boons, on her devotes

In ancient days ladies used to chant gayatri as freely as men,
Says manu.. the shastra injunctions and our personal observations
Take us to the conclusion that women too can, rather should, chant
Gayatri mantra regularly in their morning and evening worship.’
Swami Chinmayananda

“ Ladies have the right to chant Gayatri Mantra. Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa intiated vedic knowledge and the supreme gayatri
Mantra to sharada devi, his consort.
Swami Chitbhavananda

Gayatri mantra is universally applicable, for it is nothing
But an earnest prayer for light, addressed to the almighty
Spreme spitit
Sadguru sant keshavadas

Sarasvati namastubhyam varadae kaamaroopini
Vidyaarambham karishyaami siddhirbhavatu mae sada

O, Devi, Saraswati, I pray to you. You are the bestower of all
Desires. I shall begin to acquire knowledge (start studying) please
Help me to acquire perfection at all times.

Yaa kundaendu tushaara haara dhavala yaa shubhra vastraavrutaa
Yaa veenaavaradandamandita karaa yaa shvaeta padmaasanna
Yaa brahmaachyuta shankara prabhrutibhih daevaih sadaa poojitaa
Saa maam paatu sarasvatee bhagavatee nihshaeshajaadyaa pahaa

May the goddess saraswati protect me; the goddess who is capable
Of obliterating all my slothfulness; the goddess who is white like the
“kunda” flower and like the moon and like the necklace formed by
Snow; the goddess who is attired in white garments; the goddess
Who holds the beautiful veena (lute) and seated on white lotus flower;
The goddess who is always paid obeisance to, by great gods like
Brahma, Vishnu and shankara

Maanikyaveenam upalaalayanteem madaalasaam manjula
Vaagvilaasam maahaendraneela dyuti komalaangeem
Maahaendraneela dyuti komalaangeem
Maatangakanyaam manasaa smaraami

As she fondles her precious manikya veena(lute made of precious
Rubies) and as the speaks beautifully one becomes intoxicated
And becomes benumbed. I remember (chant) by my mind, the
Holy sage matangas daughter, who is adorned with the most
Precious and lustrous blue sapphire ornaments on her beautiful body.

Chaturbhujae chandrakalaa vatamsae kuchonnatae
Kunkumaraagashonae pundraekshu paashaankusha
Pushpabaana hastae namastae jagadaekamaatah

She has four arms. She bears the crescent moon on her crown.
Her uplifted breasts are plump and they are red in colour due
To the smearing of saffrom on them. She holds the striped
Variety of high quality sugarcane, a noose(pasha), a good (ankusha)
And arrows of flowers in her hands. I pray to that one and only
Mother of the universe.

Maataa marakatashyaamaa maatangee madashalinee
Kuryaatkataaksham kalyanee kadam bavana vaasinee
Jaya maatanga tanayae jayaneelotpaladyutae
Jaya samgeetarasikae jaya leelashukapriyae

The mother is green like emerald, she is the daughter of the
Great sage matanga. She is beautiful owing to her proud
Rejoicing she resident in the kadamaba forest. She bestows
Auspiciousness. O, Mother, please turn your glance towards me.
Victory to be you, O, daughter of the sage matanga. Victory be to
You, the one who rises from the blue lotus. O, Enjoyer of pure form
Of music! O, the favourite of Leelasukha-victory be to you.

Behold the woman who worshippeth not the gods, but workshippeth
Her husband even as she riseth from bed; the rain cloud obeyeth
Her commands
-v v s iyer’s translation of Thirukkural”

Padmapatra vishaalaakshee padmakaesaravarninee
Nityam padmaalayaa daevee saamaam paatu sarasvatee

May devi saraswati protect me, the devi who possesses broad eyes
Like the lotus petals, the devi who is described to be possessed of
The filament of lotus and who is always seated on a lotus flower.

Saras vateetyayam hrushtaa veenaa pustaka dhaarinee
Hamsavaahana samyuktaa vidyaadaanakaree mama

The devi saraswati is delighted to carry a veena and a book.
The devi who is (beautifully) seated on a swan, imparts
To me all knowledge.

Namastae shaaradaadaevi kaashmeera puravaasini
Tvaamaham praarthayae nityam vidyaadaanam cha daehi mae

I offer worship to you sardha devi, who resides in Kashmir
I pray to you daily-please grant me knowledge also
Aapathi kim karanaeeyamam samaranaeeyam charanayugalamambaayaaha

What should we do when faced with danger ?
We should remember the lotus feet of the divine mother

Annapoornaa Stotram
(praise to the devi who feeds the universe)

Annapoornae sadaapoornae shankara praanavallabhae
Gnyaana vairaagya sidhyartham bhikshaam daehi cha paarvati

O, mother Annapoorana ! you are whole and complete forever.
O, parvathi, consort of lord shankara, for the sake of attaining
Liberation (moksha) and for warding off the desires and passions
Of worldly thoughts (vairagyam), I solicit you for alms.