Sri Mahishasura mardini - ninth day avatharam

Ninth day of Navratri is known as Maha Navami Durga Puja. Maha Navami 2010 date is October 16th, Saturday. Maha Navami is the last day of Navratri which concludes with Saraswati Visarjan or Saraswati Udyapan. It is also culminates Devi Triratra vrata (3-day or 3-night Devi vrata).

Mahishasura Mardhini Puja is observed on Mahanavami. Goddess Durga is decorated and worshipped in the form of Mahishasuramardhini alankaram. The last and ninth Navadurga Goddess Siddhidhatri Puja is performed by Navadurga Shakteya sampradaaya people.

Matangi Dasamahavidya is worshipped on Mahanavami as a part of Dasamahavidya puja in Navratri. Mukteshwari is the Goddess to worship on ninth day of Navratri as part of Saptamatrika and Ashtamatrika puja.

Suvasini Puja, Kanya Puja, Dampati Puja, etc. are observed on Mahanavami day in Navratri. In some places of Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, Bathukamma festival is celebrated.

Source Adapted from : hindu pad.com and various internet sources.

Sri Durga Devi - Eighth Day Goddesses of Navratri Puja (Durgasthami)

 

We all celebrate Durga puja but hardly anyone knows the history or origin behind the celebration. As in case of most of the Indian festivals we have to refer to Hindu mythology to trace out the origin. The festival of Durga puja comes with its own retinue of mythological stories. There are various legends associated with its origin but the most important and prevalent among them is the legend of Lord Rama (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu). When lord Rama was fighting a battle with Ravana (the demon king) to rescue his wife Sita whom Ravana abducted and held as hostage in Lanka, his kingdom. That time a fierce battle ensued. In that battle Ravana could not be defeated. So Lord Ram decided to seek the blessings of Shakti (Goddess Durga) in order to defeat the demon. For that puja, which lord Ram was performing 108 blue lotus were needed for the worship of Goddess Durga but Rama could manage only 107. But without that one lotus his puja would be incomplete so he was on the verge of laying one of his eyes that was lotus-shaped and blue in color at the Goddess's feet when Goddess Durga appeared and satisfied with his devotion, granted her blessing and eventually he won the battle against Ravana. The time he worshipped was Spring season so from that time onwards Durga puja is celebrated.

Another legend, which is associated with the celebration of Durga puja is the story of the defeat of the demon king, Mahishasura at the hands of Goddess Durga, the incarnation of Shakti (the power). This demon was almost invincible because of a boon granted by Lord Shiva whereby no male could defeat him. So to find a solution to this all the God amalgamated their power and gave birth to Shakti (the power) in the form of Goddess Durga. She defeated the demon king and killed him. That's why she is called Mahishasuramardini (the slayer of Mahishasura). The holy battle symbolizes the victory of Good over Evil. However, according to another legend about Durga, she was a manifestation of Parvati, Shiva's wife.

Something more on Goddesses Durga :

Durga is an incarnation of Devi or the Mother Goddess, a unified symbol of all divine forces. For Shaivas Durga is the wife of Shiva. For Vaishnavas and Shaktas Durga is another form of Uma or Parvati.

The Hindu Goddess Durga manifested when evil forces threathened the very existance of the Gods. To destroy these demons, all gods offered their radiance to her creation and each formed part of Durga's body. Durga also obtained very powerful weapons, such as the chakra from Vishnu and a trident from Shiva.

The name "Durga" in Sanskrit means "invincible". The syllable "du" is synonymous with the 4 devils of poverty, sufferings, famine and evil habits. The "r" refers to diseases and the "ga" is the destroyer of sins, injustice, irreligion, cruelty and laziness.

Durga killed the powerful demon Mahish and all his great commanders. Demonic forces are self-destructive but very powerful. Divine forces are constructive but slow and efficient. When demonic forces create imbalance, all gods unite, becoming one divine force called Shakti or Durga.

Significance of Kanaka Durga Devi Temple in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh ,India

The abode of Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence, is the presiding deity of the city. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.

The beauty of this temple is seen to be believed. The temple is situated on a hill on the banks of the Krishna river. The origin or installation of Kanaka - durga Devi at Vijayawada is unknown. She is said to be Swayambu or selfmanifest. She also takes the aspect of Chandi or destroyer of the demon Durgama who was causing havoc among the peace - loving inhabitants of Dakshinapatha.

Mother Kanakadurgeswari seated atop the Indrakilaparvatha at Vijayawada is the supreme Goddess of Andhra Pradesh, attracting lakhs of tourists since time immemorial. This temple occupies a covetable place in the scriptures; for several of the Sivalilas and Saktimahimas were enacted on and around it, making the region a place of unparalleled spiritual eminence of everlasting significance.

Here are some of the Strotras and mantras  Of Durga Devi :

Durga ApadUdharakha Strotram :

Namasthe saranye, shive sanukampe,
Namasthe jagad vyapike viswaroope,
Namasthe jagad vandhya padaravindhe,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //1//

Namasthe jagath chinthyamana swaroope,
Namasthe maha yogini, jnana roope,
Namasthe, namasthe sadananda roope,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //2//

Anadhasya dheenasya thrushnathurasya,
Bhayarthasya bheethasya bhadasya jantho,
Thwameka gathir Devi nisthara karthri,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //3//

Aranye, rane, dharune, shathru madhye,
Anale sagare pranthare raja gehe,
Thwameka gathir Devi nisthara nouka,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //4//

Apare, maha dusthare athyantha ghore,
Vipath sagare majjatham deha bhajam,
Thwameka gather Devi, nisthara hethu,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //5//

Namaschandige, chanda durdanda leela,
Samuth gandtha aganditha sesha sathro,
Thwameka gather Devi nisthara bheejam,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //6//

Thwamevaghabhava dhrutha sathya vadi,
Na jathajitha krodhanath krodhanishta,
Ida pingala thwam sushumna cha nadi,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //7//

Namo devi durge shive Bheema nadhe,
Saraswathyarundathithyamogha swaroope,
Vibhoothi sachi kala rathri sathi thwam,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //8//

Saranamasi suranam sidha vidhyadharanaam,
Muni manuja pasoonaam, dasyubhisthasithanaam,
Nrupathi gruha gathanaam, vyadhibhi peedithanam,
Thwamasi saranameka devi durge praseeda. //9//

Sarvam vaa slokamekam vaa yah padeth bhakthiman sada,
Sa sarvam dushkrutham thyakthwa prapnodhi paramam padam. //10//

Durga DwaTrisanti Strotram

durga durgathesamani,

durga apadnivarini

durga matcheydini

durg sadhini

durg nasini

 durgothodharini

durgnihanthri

durgmapaha

durgamagnanada

durgadaithyaloka

davanala

 durgamaa

durgama loka

durga matya swarupini

durga marga prada

durgama vidya

durga masritha

 durgamagnanasamsthana

durgama dhyanabasini

durgamoha

durgamaga

durgamardha swaroopini

 

durgamasurasamhamthri

durgama ayudhadharini

durgamangi ,durga matha durgamya durgameswari

durgabhima,durga bhama, durga bha, durga dharini,

namavali meyamyasthu durgaya mama manavaha

patheysarva bayaksmrukthov bhavishyathi na samsayaha

Source Adapted from  here and here and here 

Image Source : google

Strotras from my Sister -in -law (P) and some from the Book.

Thanks Vadina for sharing the Strotras.

Wishing All of you a happy Durgashtami

 

Sri MahaLakshmi Alankaram - Seventh Day of Navratri

Source Adapted from here and here 

On the Seventh Day of Devi Navratri, People  worship Goddesses Maha Lakshmi, Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, luxury, beauty, power, generosity and auspiciousness. Maha Lakshmi is claimed to fulfill the promises of material, wealth and contentment. Goddess Lakshmi represents fortune, purity, courage and fertility. Maha Lakshmi Mantra forms the part of prayers offered to the lord. Lakshmi Mantra / Mantras of Goddess Lakshmi are as follows:

"Sarvagyay Sarvavarday Sarvadushtbhaydkree
Sarvadukhaharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: O Maa Lakshmi, you know everything, you grant favors to all, you are a terror to the evil and your art removes the misery of all. O propitious goddess, I surrender to you.

"Siddhi Buddhipraday Devi Bhuktimuktipradayeenee
Mantramurtay Sada Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: O divine goddess, you are the provider of success and intelligence. You are the benefactor of both worldly pleasure and freedom. The magical sound symbols-the Mantras, verily comprise their form with your grace. Propitious Mother, I surrender to you always.

"Aadhantarhitay Devi Aadhshakti Maheshwari
Yogajay Yogasambhutay Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: O Ultimate Mother, your art is without beginning and end. Your art is the primal power. Your art comes out of Yogic practice and your art is evident through Yoga. Promising Mother, I surrender to you.

"Sthulsukshmay Maharodray Mahashakti Mahodray
Mahapaapharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: Goddess Lakshmi, your art in gross and subtle, is the most awful and powerful. Mother, you contain all things and you remove even the greatest sins. Auspicious Mother, I surrender to you.

"Padnaasanstithay Devi Parbrahmaswaroopeenee
Parmashree Jaganmatra Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: Maa Lakshmi, you reside in the hearts of devotees and prove the art of the Supreme Brahman. You are mother of the universe with your supreme art. O Great Mother, I bow to you.

For obvious reasons, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is more sought after than Saraswati, the goddess of learning. As the power and consort of Vishnu, the preserver, she is the power of multiciplicity and the goddess of fortune, both of which are necessary for preservation. Sri or Lakshmi, depicted in the vedas, is the goddess of wealth and fortune, power and beauty. One may suppose that Sri and Lakshmi are two separate deities. Since their descriptions are so similar, one may conclude that the two represent the same deity. Some scholars believe that Sri was a pre-vedic deity connected with fertility, water and agriculture. She was later fused with Lakshmi, the vedic goddess of beauty. 

According to the puranas, she was the incarnated daughter of the sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyati. She was later born out of Ksheer Sagar (ocean of milk) while being churned. Hence, her appellation, Ksheera Samudra Raja Tanaya. As consort of Vishnu, she is born as his spouse whenever he incarnates. When Vishnu appeared as Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, she appeared as Padma or Kamala, Dharani, Sita and Rukmini. She is as inseparable from Vishnu as speech from meaning, or knowledge from intellect, or good deeds from righteousness. 

Vishnu represents all that is male and Lakshmi, all that is female. Lakshmi is enchantingly beautiful, and is standing on a lotus holding lotuses one in each of her hands and is called Padma, or Kamala. She is also adorned with a lotus garland. Often, elephants are shown on each side, emptying pitchers of water over her, the pitchers being presented by celestial maidens. She is variously described as dark, pink, golden, yellow or white. We attempt an explanation that is behind this highly symbolical picture. If Lakshmi is pictured as dark in complexion, it is to show that she is the consort of Vishnu, the dark god. If golden yellow, that shows her as the source fo all wealth. If white, she represents the purest form of prakriti (nature) from which the universe developed. As she is the mother of all, the pinkish complexion reflects her compassion for creatures. Temples just for Lakshmi are rare. 

In the company of Vishnu, Lakshmi is shown only with two hands. When worshipped in a temple, she is shown seated on a lotus throne, with four hands holding padma, shankha, amritha kalasha (pot of ambrosia) and bilva fruit. Amritha kalasha also signifies immortality. Sometimes, another kind of fruit, the mahalunga (citron) is shown instead of bilva. Her four hands signify her power to grant the (chatur vidha) four type of purusharthas (ends of human life), dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (bodily pleasures), moksha (beatitude). The lotuses in various stages of blooming, represent the worlds and beings in various stages of evolution. Mahalakshmi, an aspect of Durga, is shown with eight hands. The bow and arrow, mace and discus are added. The fruit denotes the fruits of our labour. Without the grace of Lakshmi, out toil is of no avail. The coconut with the shell, kernel and water connotes that she is the origin of the three levels of creation, the gross, the subtle and the extremely subtle. When the fruit is a pomegranate or a citron, it signifies that the various created worlds are under her control and she transcends them all. A bilva fruit, incidentally, not tasty or attractive, but good for health, represents moksha - the pinnacle of spiritual life. 

Some sculptures depict Lakshmi with an owl as her vaahana (carrier). This oddity can be appreciated when the symbology is unravelled. In Sanskrit, Uluka stands for an owl. Uluka is also one of the names of lndra, the king of gods, personifying the wealth, power and glory. Thus, Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, could not have found a better person to ride on, than the king of gods. This comparison of Indra's glory to a partially blind and uncouth bird warns the seekers of secular instead of spiritual wealth. When the owl is compared to the sthitha prajna, the enlightened person described in Bhagavadgita (Ch.2.69), the symbol means that Lakshmi is the mistress of spiritual wisdom. Another interpretation is "Shut not thy eyes to the light of wisdom from the Sun of knowledge". Out of consideration for mankind, the all compassionate mother has kept this personification of ignorance under her control. 

Lakshmi pooja is performed differently in different parts of India. In the North of India, Lakshmi is worshipped on the occasion of Diwali, while in the South of India, she is worshipped on Vara Maha Lakshmi vratham day, the first Friday of the month of Shravan. 

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam 

Namastestu Mahaamaaye Shreepeete Surapoojite
Shankha Chakra Gadaa Haste Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Mahaamaaya, abode of fortune, worshipped by the Gods, I salute Thee. O Mahaalakshmi, one who has conch, disc and mace in Her hands, obeisance to Thee. 

Namaste Garudaroode Koalaasura Bhayankari
Sarva Paapa Hare Devi, Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: My salutations to Thee, who rides Garuda and are a terror to demon Kola; O Devi Mahaalakshmi, remover of all miseries, my obeisance to Thee. 

Sarvajne Sarva Varade Sarva Dushta Bhayankari
Sarva Duhkha Hare Devi Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Devi Mahaalaksmi, who is the embodiment of knowledge, giver of all boons, a terror to all the wicked, remover of all sorrows, obeisance to Thee. 

Siddhi Buddhi Prade Devi Bhukti Mukti Pradaayini
Mantra Moorthe Sadaa Devi Mahaa Lakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Devi, You give success and intelligence and worldly enjoyment and liberation (as well). Thou hast always the mystic symbols (Mantra) as Thy form, O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee. 

Aadyantarahite Devi Aadya Shakte Maheshvari
Yogaje Yogasambhoote Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Devi, Maheshwari, You are without a beginning or an end , You are the Primeval energy, You are the greatest ruler, You are born of Yoga. O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee. 

Sthoola Sookshmah Mahaa Raudre Mahaa Sakthe Mahodaye
Mahaa Paapa Harey Devi Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Mahaalakshmi, You are both gross and subtle, most terrible (for the wicked), You are the embodiment of great power and prosperity and You are remover of all sins, obeisance to Thee. 

Padmaasanasthite Devi Parabrahma Svaroopini
Paramesi Jaganmaata, Mahalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Devi, You are seated on the lotus, You are the Supreme Brahman, You are the great Lord and Mother of the universe, O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee. 

Svetaambaradhare Devi Naanaalankaara Bhooshite
Jagatsthite Jaganmaatah, Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te 

Meaning: O Devi, You are dressed in white garments and decked with various kinds of ornaments, Thou art the mother of the universe and its support, O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee. 

Mahaalakshmyaastaka Stottram Yad Pated Bhaktiman Naraha.
Sarva Siddhimavaapnoti Mahaalakshmi Prasaadataha. 

Meaning: Whoever with devotion reads this hymn to Mahaalakshmi composed in eight stanzas, attains all success through the Grace of Mahaalaksmi. 

Ekakaale Patennityam Mahaapaapa Vinaashanam
Dvikaalam Yah Patennityam Dhana Dhaanya Samanvitaha 

Meaning: Whoever reads this hymn at least once a day will have all their sins destroyed; those who recite it twice will be blessed with wealth and prosperity. 

Trikaalam Yah Patennityam Mahaa Shatru Vinaashanam
Mahaalakshmir Bhavennityam Prasannaa Varadaa Shubhaa 

Meaning:Those who recite this three times in a day will have all their enemies destroyed. They will be always be blessed by the Goddess Mahalakshmi.

Moola Nakshathram Day Saraswati Devi - Goddesses of Sixth day of Navratri

 

Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and the arts, embodies the wisdom of Devi.  She is the river of consciousness that enlivens creation; she is the dawn-goddess whose rays dispel the darkness of ignorance.  Without her there is only chaos and confusion.  To realize her one must go beyond the pleasures of the senses and rejoice in the serenity of the spirit. 

Saraswati wears neither jewels or paints herself with bright colors.  The white sari she adorns reflects her essential purity, her rejection of all that is base and materialistic.

She transcends the cravings of the flesh and rejoices in the powers of the mind as the patron of pure wisdom.  She embodies all that is pure and sublime in Nature.

Generally, during Durga Navratri, Moola nakshatra day falls on Maha Saptami and Shravana nakshatram day falls on Vijaya Dashami. Saraswati pooja is observed as Saraswati Devi Triratra vratam in Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Karnataka. In Maharashtra and some parts of Gujarat, Saraswati Pooja is performed for three days starting from Maha Saptami. Saraswati Pooja during Sharada Navratri is a breath taking event in Gnana Saraswathi Devi Devasthanam at Basara in Adilabad district in Andhra Pradesh and Shringeri Sharada Peetham at Shringeri of Karnataka.

Few mantras of Saraswati Devi :

Yaa Kundendu tushaara haara-dhavalaa,

Yaa shubhra-vastra'avritha

Yaa veena-vara-danda-manditakara,

Yaa shwetha padma'asana

Yaa brahma'achyutha shankara prabhritibhir Devai-sadaa Vanditha

Saa Maam Paatu Saraswati Bhagavatee Nihshesha jaadyaa-pahaa.

Shuklam Brahm Vichar Saar parma Madhyam Jagadvyapini,

Haste Sfatik Malikam Kamlam Padmasane Sanstitham .

Vandetam Parmeshwari Bhagwati.....

Saa maam Paatu Saraswati Bhagwati Buddhi Pradam Shardam.

Mantra to be chanted before you begin your studies:

Mantra:

Saraswati namastubhyam
Varde Kaamarupini
Vidyarambham karishyami
Siddhir bhavatu me sadaa

Meaning:

My humble prostrations unto Thee, O Goddess Saraswati,
You are the fulfiller of all my wishes, I start my studies, with the request that I achieve perfection in them.

Source adapted from various internet sources

Image Source : Google images

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Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi - Goddesses of Fifth Day Of Navratri

Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi

Source Adapted from here :

Goddess Lalitha Tripura Sundari – The story of Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari

Goddess Lalitha Tripura Sundari is one of the manifestations of Goddess Shakti (Parvato). Words fail to capture the powers and beauty of Sri Lalita Tripura Sundari – she is beyond imagination. The Goddess is believed to have appeared when Shiva stared at the ashes of Kamadeva or Manmatha.

Shiva after the death of Sati had entered into a deep meditation. Without his energy no creation was possible and this led to an imbalance in the universe. To bring him out of his deep meditation, Sati took birth as Parvati. But Parvati failed to wake up Shiva from his meditation. Kamadeva, or Manamatha, the God of love was given the mission of disturbing the meditation of Shiva by infusing the seeds of love. But the glance of an angry Shiva burned Kamdev into ashes.

Devas and Rati, the wife of Kamdev, prayed before Shiva for the life of Kamdev. Shiva then stared at the ashes and from it appeared a demon named Bhandasura. He was so powerful that he made the entire world his slave. Sage Narada then requested the Devas to perform a yajna and from the fire of the yajna appeared Goddess Lalitha Tripura Sundari.

Her beauty was beyond imagination and humans did not have words to describe her. She married Kameshwara – Shiva as the epitome of manhood. She resided atop the Mahameru Mountain with numerous manifestations of Shakti surrounding her.

The Devas then prayed to her to destroy Bhandasura and restore Dharma. She is believed to have fought the mother of all battles with Bhandasura – some scholars are of the view that Bhandasura took various forms and Devi appeared in different forms to annihilate him. Finally, she killed Bhandasura with the Kameshwarastra. As per Her legend she then brought back Kamdev to life thus restoring the balance in creation which had come to a standstill with the death of Kamadeva.

Some more information on the formation of Sri yantra and the srichakra pls click here 

On this day Lalitha Sahasthranamam will be read compulsorily ,Lalita Sahasranamam is also known as the Rahasya Nama Sahasra (the thousand secret names). Lalitha Sahasra Namam is a very powerful slokha chanting it and meditating it on the meaning of the 1000 names of Goddess Lalitha will ward off all evils and would lead to the fulfillment of all the wishes of the devotees. Chanting Lalitha Sahasranamam on Fridays is considered auspicious.

So may goddesses Lalitha Ammavaru shower her blessings on all of us and give all of us good Health and Mental peace.

Special Interest of Lalitha : payasam, pulihora, Daddojanam, Gudannam ( as we can hear even these in her sahasthranamam also...).

Wishing all of you a Happy Lalitha Panchami .

Sri Annapurna Devi – Goddess of Fourth day of Durga Navratri

Source Adapted from here

Image Source :Google

Mata Annapurna Puja or Goddess Annapoorna Devi Pooja is one of the important rituals in some parts of India mainly in Eastern Indian states. Puja Who is Goddess Annapurna Devi – Significance of Annapoorna Mata Incarnation?
Goddess Annapurna is one of the aspects of Goddess Parvati. To prove her credibility in feeding living beings, once she separated from Lord Shiva and consecrated in Kasi (Varanasi) as Annapurneshwari Devi.

Lacking her in Kailash, Lord Shiva was starved for some time and was unable to live without Pravti and food. Lord Shiva realized that the main source and creator of worlds nourishment and feeding is Goddess Parvati, the Mother Goddess. And he visited Kasi and prayed to Goddess Annapurneshwari Devi. He begged her some food and made himself free from starvation.

Importance of Goddess Annapurna Worship – Significance of Mata Annapurneshwari Pooja:
Devotees who worship of Goddess Annapurneshwari will be blessed with prosperity and health. Women worship Annapurneshwari Devi for their better married life. They also perform Annapurneswari Pooja for their childrens health and better growth.

Sri Gayatri Devi – Goddess of Third Day of Durga Navratri

Sri Gayatri  Devi – Goddess of Third  Day of Durga Navratri

Source adapted from here:

Goddess Gayatri and History of Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri Devi is an incarnation of Saraswati Devi, consort of Lord Brahma, symbolising the "shakti" (strength) and "dev" (quality) of Knowledge, Purity and Virtue. Saraswati Devi is held to be the patronness of the Arts, being a poet and musician, as well as skillful composer. In the form of Gayatri Devi, with the blessings of Lord Brahma, she is believed to have given the four Vedas to mankind.

Gayatri is depicted seated on a lotus. She is depicted with five faces representing the pancha pranas /pancha vayus(five lives/winds): prana, apana,vyana, udana, samana, of the five principles/ elements (pancha tatwas) earth, water, air, fire, sky (prithvi, jala, vayu, teja, aakasha). She has 10 hands carrying the five ayudhas: shankha; chakra, kamala, varada, abhaya, kasha, ankusha, ujjwala utensil, rudrakshi mala.

Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati are three goddesses representing the presiding deities of the famous Gayatri mantra chanted thrice a day. Gayatri is the presiding deity of the morning prayer and rules over the Rigveda and the garhapatya fire. Every grihasta (householder) was expected to keep 5 or 3 sacred fires ( Five fires: ahavaneeya, dakshagni, garhapatya, sawta, aavasadha.) in his house to perform Vedic rituals.

In Sanskrit, there are definite rules that regulate poetry: rhyme and meter are not written whimsically. The Gayatri Mantra has a Vedic metre of 24 syllables. Amongst the regulated poetry, the Gayatri mantra, chanted by properly qualified persons, is the most prominent. The Gayatri mantra is mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavatam. Great sins are said to be expiated by a pious recitation of this Gayatri verse which reads as follows:

        Om bhoor bhuvah svaha,

        Tat Savitur varenyam,

        Bhargo devasya dheemahi,

        Dheeyo yonah prachodayat.

       

Gayatri mantra is meant for realization of God and is regarded as representing the Supreme Lord. It is meant for spiritually advanced people. Success in chanting it enables one to enter the transcendental position of the Lord. But, in order to chant the Gayatri mantra, it is necessary for one to first acquire the qualities of the perfectly balanced person in terms of the qualities of goodness according to the laws of material nature. The Gayatri mantra is considered to be the sonic incarnation of Brahman and is regarded as very important in Vedic civilization. In Bhagavadgita (Ch. 10. 35), Lord Krishna states:

Brihat saama latha saamnaam

Gayatri chandasaam aham

Maasaanam maarga sirshoham

Ritunaam kusumaakaraha

       

Among the hymns, I am the Brihat saama sung to Lord Indra, Of the poetry, I am the Gayatri verse sung daily by the initiated, Of all the nuwsas (months), I am the margasira (November- December) Among all the ritus (seasons), I am the flower bearing - spring.

Hindu Temples across the world perform Gayatri havan (homam) periodically to propitiate the Lord. Ghee (rectified butter) is applied during the homa by all the participants seated around the homa-kunda.

Ref: Swami Harshananda: Hindu Gods and Goddesses Published by Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore, 2nd Edition, 1982. Kalyan-Devatankaha, No.8, year 64. Published by Gita Press, Gorakhpur.

Sri Bala Tripura Sundari Devi - Second Day of Navratri

 

Source adapted from here 

Image Source : google

Bala, you can feel the sweetness when you utter this name. She is such a sweet girl form of the all-powerful goddess sri Maha Tripurasundari. Sri Bala’s worship is a stepping stone to Sri Vidhya Upasana. Tripura rahasyam, a treatise on Saktham, highlights that goddess Maha Tripura sundari is indulgent in child-play as she portrays herself in the form of a little girl.

In Lalitha Sahasranamam both “bala”(965 mantra) and “leela vinodhini” (966th mantra) reconfirms the child status of the para brahma swarupini. The divine play of the goddess is none other than the triple functions of creation, preservation and destruction of the prapancham(world).  Sri Bala’s story is enunciated in “lalithopakyanam” and illustrated as a youthful princess of a kingdom as an ever-green 9 year old.

Why Sri Bala is worshipped as a child deity? Because, with children we can be close. We tend to take liberty with them. Our affection is abundant with children. With Bala, the child we can open our heart, do the “sweet talk” with her and indulge in her innocence. The more you look at her as the sweet child, the more your heart abounds with joy. You become a child yourself and turn out to be childish.

What could a child do? A question often arises in our mind. In our puranas, surapadman asked Balamurugan what he could do and met his fatel end. Lord Krishna, in his child form destroyed kakasuran and boodhana. In Lalitha Sahasranamam, it was the child Bala, who annihilated the 30 sons of panda asura in the 74th line “pandaputhra vadod yukta, Bala Vikrama Nandita” So we should not take children as playful or easygoing types because a child, till its desired task is accomplished, doesn’t give up.

Pulgam Prasadam (First day Prasadam on Navratri)

Pulgam Prasadam (First day Prasadam on Navratri)

Today being the first day of navratri, I worshipped Goddesses Durga and read Lalitha Sahasthranamam, Devi kadgamala Strotram, Durga Apadudharakha Strotram with kumkum pooja and kept pulgam as Naivedyam. I kept the goddesses Lalitha Devi with Sri Chakra on a special rangoli which I learnt from my grand mother. This Special Rangoli is called as “Lakshmi HrudayaKamalam”, and this is one of the favourite ones for goddesses Lakshmi. So here goes the recipe for pulgam:

Ingredients:

• Basmati Rice / Sona masoori – 1 cup
• Yellow moong dal -1 tbsp
• Jeera – 2 tsp
• Salt as per taste
• Water – 11/2 cup

Method:

• Wash and drain the water from the rice
• Wash and drain the water from the moong dal and add the moong dal to the rice and now add the water to this mix.
• Heat the vessel and add the above mix of rice and moong dal until cooked.
• Add Jeera and salt while the rice is boiling up and cover it with a lid and cook till rice with moong dal gets cooked (approximately for 10 min in a medium heat ).
• Turn off the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
• Add little sugar or a piece of jaggery (bellam) before offering to god as prasadam.

 Few Pics of my home pooja place and pulgam : 

A small part of my pooja mandir

Lalitha devi and Srichakram on Lakshmi Hrudayakamalam rangoli

Pulgam Prasadam

Swarna Khachitha Durga Devi Alankaram of Kanakadurga- First Day of Dusherra

Swarna Khachitha Durga Devi  Alankaram of Kanakadurga- First Day of Dusherra

Swarna Khachitha Durga Devi is the Alankaram of Kanakadurga on the first day during Durga Navratri 2010. This alankaram is worshipped on October 8th in 2010 on Kalasha Sthapana day, Ashwayuja Shudda Padyami. Goddess is worn several gold ornaments like Haaram (big necklace).

Swarna Kachita Durga holds a Trishul (Trident) in her right hand. Devotees throng to the temple on this day because it is the installation day of Durga Navaratri Puja.

Sri Devi Khadga Mala Stotram

Om Asya Sri Suddha Sakti málá mahá mantrasya

Upasthendriya adhisthayi Varunaditya Rishih

Daivi Gayatri Chandah

Satvika Kakára bhattaraka pithasthita

Sri mat Kámesveranka nilaiaya

Sri mat Kámesvari devatá

Aim Bijam, Klim Saktihi, Souh kilakam

Sri Devi prityarthe Khadga siddthyarthe jape viniyogah

Of this, Devi's sword, the Seer is the Sun rising from the ocean; the ocean being the Divine Mother; Gayatri is the meter; passionate Kameshwari, sitting on the lap of joyous Kameswara is the deity; Aim is the seed; Klim is the power; Souh is the pivot; it is purpose is for worship of the Divine Mother. This worship of the Divine Mother (of Kameshwari ) which is the ocean's embrace with the Sun, gives the devotee a Sword, a power supreme, that Heavens of the remotest galaxies. When the devotee thinks of such a sword, he or her become the protector and enjoyer of eighteen lands of jewels ( Sakti peetams ), and five continents.

Dhyanam

Tadrisam Khadgam apnoti

Yena hasta sthitena vai

Astadasa Mahadvipa

Samrad bhokta bhavisyati

Hrimkrasana Garbhitanala Sikham

Souh Klim kalam bibhratim dhautam trinetrojvalam

I meditate on Sri Devi glowing with red, yellow, and blue flames of passion fanning the erotic sentiment of Kameshwara, in the meddle of a triangle called Hrim, whose three points are the light of Hari, Hara Virinchi, the three gurus; Sri Devi is wearing the full moon on her crown ( Souh ), Her body is full of desire for union ( Klim ) with Kameshwara, the controller of lust;

Vande pustaka pasam ankusadharam

Sragbhusitam ujvalam

Tvam Gourim Tripuram Paratparakalam

Sri Cakra Sancarinim

She is wearing a sari made of golden threads; She is fair as nectarine milk and the moonlight; She has three eyes; in Her four hands she is wearing a book of knowledge, a noose, a goad, and a garland of letters; She is a personification of all that is beautiful, aesthetic, harmonius, joyful, vibrant; she moves in Sri Chakra, a mandala consisting of all the deities worshipping their consorts named here after.

Om Aim Hrim Srim Aim Klim Souh

om (in the name of God), may you grant us benediction of knowledge, power and grace; and the power over creation, nourishment and destruction.

Om Namah Tripura Sundari

Hridayadevi         - Compassionate heart

Sirodevi                 - princely diadem

Sikhadevi              - flowing hair

Kavaca Devi         - protective hands

Netra Devi            - graceful look   

Astra Devi            - protective weapons

Om, we bow to you, the most beautiful in all the waking, dreaming, or sleeping worlds. Oh Tripura Sundari. We bow to the compassionate heart of your highness princely diadem, flowing hair, protective hands, graceful look, protective weapons.

( Keep offering kumkum at Her feet with every name below )

Kamesvari            - Controller of lust

Bhagamalini,         - Garland of Suns

Nityaklinne,         - Oozing wet

Bherunde,            - Terrific

Vahnivasini,         - Residing in fire

Mahavajresvari,   - Jewel in lotus

Sivaduti,              - Llarbinger of joy

Tvarite,               - Speed

Kulasundari,       - beautiful lotus on a lake

Nitya,                 - Eternal

Nilapatake,         - Blue flag with red tip

Vijaye,                 - Dominat

Sarvamangale,     - All auspicious

Jvalamalini,         - Flames

Citre,                   - Kaleidoscope

Mahanitye,         - Truth eternal

Paramesvara      - Goddess of God

Paramesvari       - Friendly

Mitresamayi,     - Sexy

Sasthisamayi,     - Erect

Uddisamayi,     - Stroking

Caryanathamayi - Happiness

( Follow the names of the saints who have worshipped the Deviine Mother and attained liberation thereby;)

Lopamudramayi,              - Lopamudra - She offered herself for worship

Agastyamayi,                   - Agastya - he drank the water of the oceans, drying them up

Kalatapanamayi,             - Kalatana - he set time on fire

Dharmacharyamayi,        - Dharmacharya - he preached the nature of good and evil

Muktakesisvaramayi,      - Muktakaleisvara - not worrying about his appearace he let the hair flow loose

Dipakalanathamayi,        - Depakalanada - he gazed on eternal light

Visnudevamayi,              - Vishnudeva - he expanded himself, took up the whole of space

Prabhakara devamayi,     - Prabhaharadeva - he became a star called the sun

Tejodevamayi,                - Tejodeva - he became the light witch was speeding over all space creating space itself

Manojadevamayi,            - Manojadeva - he was desire

Kalyanadevamayi,            - Kalyanadeva - he was ever auspicious

Vasudevamayi,               - Vasudeva - the world grew out of his memory

Ratnadevamayi,              - Ratnadeva - concentrated like jewels

Sri Ramanandamayi       - Sri Ramananda - he enjoyed the Goddess Sri Rama Blissfully

( Follow the Gods of the nine enclosures of Sri Chakra / the first enclosure)

Anima Siddhe, Laghima Siddhe, Garima Siddhe, Mahima Siddhe, Isitva Siddhe, Vasitva Siddhe, Prakamya

Siddhe, Bhukti Siddhe, Iccha Siddhe, Prapti Siddhe, Sarvakama Siddhe, Brahmi, Mahesvari, Koumari,

Vaisnavi, Varahi, Mahendri, Camunde, Mahalaksmi, Sarva Samksobhini, Sarva Vidravini, Sarva karsini, Sarva

Vasamkari, Sarvonmadini, Sarva Mahankuse, Sarva Khecari, Sarva Bije, Sarva Yone, Sarva Trikhande

( The passions called : lust, anger, possessiveness, obsession, pride, jealousy, good, and evil. The procedure to control these passions and obtain the powers of: agiting all, liquifying all(orgasmically), attracting all controlling all, maddening all, directing all, moving in all space, be the information of all, be the source of all ( womb), be tri-fold division of all ( the knower, the knowing, and the know)

Trilokya mohana cakra swamini Prakata yogini

The wheel of the three worlds of waking, dreaming, and sleeping, expressing Herself openly without inhibitions.

( Follow the sixteen attractive powers identified with the sixteen days of the lunar calender; according to the Hindu art of love, the erotic zone moves up from feet to head in the bright half of the lunar month and comes down to the dark half of the lunar month; the expression of the eros os through the various power of the mind described bellow: - the Gods of the second enclosure ) 

Kamakarsini,                 - Attractive powers of lust

Buddhyakarsini,             - Attractive powers of discrimination

Ahamkarakarsini,           - Attractive powers of ego

Sabdhakarsini,                - Attractive powers of sound

Sparsakarsini,                 - Attractive powers of touch

Rupakarsini,                   - Attractive powers of form

Rasakarsini,                    - Attractive powers of taste

Gandhakarsini,               - Attractive powers of odor

Cittakarsini,                    - Attractive powers of mind

Dharyakarsini,                - Attractive powers of valour

Smrityikarsini,                - Attractive powers of memory

Namakarsini,                 - Attractive powers of name

Bijakarsini,                    - Attractive powers of semen

Atmakarsini                  - Attractive powers of self

Amrtakarsini,               - Attractive powers of immortality

Sarirakarsini,               - Attractive powers of morality

Sarvasa paripuraka cakra svamini Gupta yogini

The wheel which fulfills all directions and all desires, the secret yogini - female yogini 

( Follow the eight erotic sentiments: - the third encloure: )

Ananga Kusume,          - The sentiment of flowering

Ananga Mekhale,          - The sentiment of  girdling

Ananga Madane,           - The sentiment of  love

Ananga Madananture,  - The sentiment of  lust

Ananga Redhe,             - The sentiment of  outlining

Ananga Vegini              - The sentiment of  the disire of sex

Ananga Kusume,          - The sentiment of  the insistence on sex

Ananga Malini,             - The sentiment of  orgy

Sarva sanksoghana sadhak a cakra swamini Gupta tara yogini

The wheel that agitates everyone, the esoteric yogini 

( Follow the descriptions of the fourteen worlds of  the fourth encloure: )

Sarva Samksobhini,  - Agitating all

Sarva Vidravini, - Liquifying all

Sarva Karsini, - Attracting all 

Sarva Hladini, - Pleaseing all

Sarva Sammohini, - Deluding all

Sarva Stambini- Obstructing all

Sarva Jrumbhini, - Expanding all

Sarva Vasamkari, - Controlling all

Sarva Ranjani, - Enjoying all

Sarvonmadini, - Maddening all

Sarvarthasadhini, -  all properous

Sarva Sampattipurani - All fullfilling riches

Sarva Mantra Mayi, - All mantras

Sarva Dvandva Ksayamkari, - Eliminating all dualiities

Sarva Soubhagya Dayaka Cakra Swamini

Sampradaya  yogini

The wheel of all kinds of union, traditional yogini:

( Follow the Gods of the fifth Chakra: )

Sarva Siddhiprade, - Giver of all achievments

Sarva Sampatprade, - Giver of all wealth

Sarva Priyamkari, - Giver of all that one like to have

Sarva Mangalakarini, -  Harbinger of all auspiciousness 

Sarva Kamaprade - Fulfiller of all desires

Sarva Duhkha Vimocani, - Eliminator of all misery

Sarva Mrityu Prasamani, - Eliminator of all  accidental deaths 

Sarva Vigna Nivarani, - Eliminator of all obstracles

Sarvanga Sundari, - Beautful in every part of Her body

Sarva Soubhagya Dayini Sarvartha Sadhaka Cakra Swamini Kulottirna yogini

The wheel which propets you on the righteous path, gives you all wealth, fullfills all your desirers, and makes liberation possible, the yogini that has graduated out if all classifications.

( Follow the Gods of the sixth Encloure: )

Sarva Jne, - Omniscienl

Sarva Sakte, - Omnipotent

Sarvaisvarya pradayini, - Omniexpressive

Sarva Jnanamayi, - Providing the bliss of omniscience

Sarva Vyadhivinasini, - Eliminating all maladies

Sarvadharasvarupe - The support of  all

Sarva Papa Hare, - The elimintor of notions of sin

Sarva Ananda Mayi, - All happiness

Sarva Raksa Svarupini, - All protecting

Sarvepsita Phala Prade, - Provider of all desired fruits

Sarva Raksakara Cakra Svamini, Nigarbha yogini

The wheel of all prodection, the yoini protecting the child in the womb.

( Following the eight forms os Sarasvati, knowledge, which are originally the group of letters describing the explosion of the cosmos from a point: - the seventh enclosuer: )

Vasini, - Contorl

Kamesvari, - Express

Modini, - Pleasure

Vimale, - Purity

Arune, - Passion

Jayini, - Victory

Sarvesvari, - Controlling all

Kaulini, - Enjoying all

Sarvarogahara Cakra Swamini Rahasya yogini

The wheel which eliminates disease, the secret yogini.

( Follow the weapons of the Divine Mother: )

Banini, - The five flowery arrows of Manmatha called the senses of sound ( music ), touch ( eros ), form (beauty ), taste (sweetness), smell      (fragrance )

Capini, - The suger cane bow ( the mind which likes sweet things of life )

Pasini, - The attractive power of love

Ankusini - The repulsive power to control evil

( Follow the Goddesses of the eighth enclosure of the Sri Chakra: )

Maha Kamesvari, - The thrust of God expressing the desire to see Himself in many forms

Maha Vajresvari, - The ability to obtain the cosmos in seed form

Maha Bhagamalini,  The ability to express the cosmos out of the seed

Sarva Siddhiprada Cakra Swamini

Ati Rahasya yogini

The wheel of realizations, the most secrect yogini.

( Follow the central hub of the wheel of Sri Devi, the Supreme Goddess: - in ninth enclosure: )

Sri Sri Maha Bhattarike, 

Sarvananda Maya Cakra Swamini 

Parapara Rahasya Yogini

 The Godes Sri Devi present in all the cosmos. The wheel of all bliss, the trancendental secret yogini.

( Follow the nine Goddesses controlling the nine wheels above: )

Tripure                                       - Waking , Dreaming and Sleeping states

Tripuresi                                    - The controller of these three states

Tripurasundari                          - The beautiful one among all these three states

Tripura Vasini                           - The one who lives in all these three states

Tripura Srih                                - The riches of all these three states

Tripuramalini                             - The sequences of all these states experienced by all people

Tripura Siddhe                           - The achievements possible in all these three states

Tripurambe                                 - The experience of the cosmos in Her three states unifying all the experiences of all life

Maha Mahesvari                         - The great cosmic controller

Maha Maha Rajni                        - The great cosmic empress

Maha Maha Sakte                       -  The great cosmic power

Maha Maha Gupte                      - The great cosmic secret

Maha Maha Jnapte                      - The great cosmic memory

Maha Mahannande                     - The great cosmic bliss

Maha Maha Skandhe                  - The great cosmic support

Maha Mahasaye                          - The great cosmic expression

Maha Maha Sri Cakra Nagara Samrajni - The great transcendental conscious empress of the wheel of Sri Cakra

Namaste Nameste Nameste Namah

We bow to You, we bow to You, We bow to You in the three states of waking, dreaming, and sleeping states O Divine Mother!

Source adapted from : hindu pad.com and Images source from hindutrinity.blogspot.com/