சபரி மலை சாஸ்தா நடை சார்த்தும் பாட்டு

பாடல்: ஹரிவராஸனம்
பாடியவர்: K.J.ஏசுதாஸ்

ஹரிவராஸனம் விஷ்வமோஹனம்
ஹரிததீஷ்வரம் ஆராத்யபாதுகம்
அறிவிமர்த்தனம் நித்யநர்த்தனம்
ஹரிஹராத்மஜம் தேவமாஷ்ரயே
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
சரணகீர்த்தனம் பக்தமானஸம்
பரணலோலுபம் நர்த்தனாலஸம்
அருணபாசுரம் பூதநாயகம்
ஹரிஹராத்மஜம் தேவமாஷ்ரயே
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
ப்ரணயசத்யகம் ப்ராணநாயகம்
ப்ரணதகல்பகம் சுப்ரபாஞ்சிதம்
ப்ரணவமந்திரம் கீர்த்தனப்ரியம்
ஹரிஹராத்மஜம் தேவமாஷ்ரயே
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
துரகவாஹனம் சுந்தரானனம்
வரகதாயுதம் வேதவர்னிதம்
குருக்ருபாகரம் கீர்த்தனப்ரியம்
ஹரிஹராத்மஜம் தேவமாஷ்ரயே
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
த்ரிபுவனார்ச்சிதம் தேவதாத்மகம்
த்ரினயனம்ப்ரபும் திவ்யதேசிகம்
த்ரிதசபூஜிதம் சிந்திதப்ரதம்
ஹரிஹராத்மஜம் தேவமாஷ்ரயே
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
பவபயாபஹம் பாவுகாவஹம்
புவனமோஹனம் பூதிபூஷனம்
தவளவாஹனம் திவ்யவாரணம்
ஹரிஹராத்மஜம் தேவமாஷ்ரயே
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
களம்ருதுஷ்மிதம் சுந்தரானனம்
கலபகோமளம் காத்ரமோஹனம்
கலபகேசரி வாஜிவாஹனம்
ஹரிஹராத்மஜம் தேவமாஷ்ரயே
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
ஷ்ருதஜனப்ரியம் சிந்திதப்ரதம்
ஷ்ருதிவிபூஷனம் சாதுஜீவனம்
ஷ்ருதிமனோஹரம் கீதலாலஸம்
ஹரிஹராத்மஜம் தேவமாஷ்ரயே
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா
சரணம் ஐயப்பா சுவாமி சரணம் ஐயப்பா

பஞ்சாத்ரீஷ்வரி மங்களம்
ஹரிஹரப்ரேமாக்ருதே மங்களம்
பிஞ்சாலங்க்ருத மங்களம்
ப்ரணமதாம் சிந்தாமணீ மங்களம்
பஞ்சாஸ்யத்வஜ மங்களம்
த்ருஜகாதாமாத்ய பிரபோ மங்களம்
பஞ்சாஸ்த்ரோபம மங்களம்
ஷ்ருதிசிரோலங்கார சன் மங்களம்
ஓம் ஓம் ஓம்

ஆத்தா கருமாரி

பாடல்: நெறஞ்சு மனசு உனக்குதாண்டி மகமாயி
பாடியவர்: அமரர். வீரமணி
தொகுப்பு: ஓம் சக்தி

நெறஞ்சு மனசு உனக்குதாண்டி மகமாயி
உன்னை நினைச்சுப்புட்டா கெடுதல் எல்லாம் சுகமாகி
மறைகளும் இதை சொல்லுமடி மகமாயி
கண்ணில் தொட்டியங்குளம் தெரியுதடி மகமாயி

நமையாளும் நாயகியாம் நல்மகமாயி
கண்ணிமை போல காத்திடுவாள் மகமாயி
உமையவள் அவளே இவமான் மகளே
சமயத்தில் வருபவள் அவளே
எங்கள் சமயபுரத்தாள் அவளே

இசைக்கலையாவும் தந்தருள வேண்டும்என்
குலதெய்வமே மகமாயி
தஞ்சமென்று உன்னை சரணடைந்தேன்
தஞ்சை முத்துமாரி முந்தை வினைகளைக் களைந்தெறிவாள்
தாய் மயிலையிலே முண்டகக்கன்னி
கோலவிழி பத்திரகாளி
வேண்டும் வரம் தருவாள் என் தாய் ஏற்காட்டுக் கருமாரி

ஆத்தா கருமாரி கண் பார்த்தா போதும்
பார்த்தா வினைதீரும் பாவமெல்லாம் பறந்தோடும்
ஆத்தா கருமாரி கண் பார்த்தா போதும்
பார்த்தா வினைதீரும் பாவமெல்லாம் பறந்தோடும்

காத்தாயி மகமாயி கருணை தெய்வம் மாகாளி
நார்த்தா மலைவாழும் நார்த்தா மலைவாழும்
நார்த்தா மலைவாழும் எங்கள் நாயகியாம் திரிசூலி

ஆத்தா கருமாரி கண் பார்த்தா போதும்
பார்த்தா வினைதீரும் பாவமெல்லாம் பறந்தோடும்
நெஞ்சினிலே நிறைந்திருப்பா நிம்மதியைத் தந்திடுவா
வஞ்சகரின் வாழ்வருப்பா வந்தவினை தீர்த்திடுவா
மஞ்சளிலே குளிச்சிருப்பா சிங்காரமா சிரிச்சு நிப்பா
மஞ்சளிலே குளிச்சிருப்பா சிங்காரமா சிரிச்சு நிப்பா
தஞ்சமென்று வந்துவிட்டா தயங்காம காத்து நிப்பா
தஞ்சமென்று வந்துவிட்டா தயங்காம காத்து நிப்பா

மல்லிகைச்சரம் தொடுத்து மாலையிட்டோம்
அரிசி மாவிளக்கு ஏற்றி வைத்து பொங்கலுமிட்டோம்
அம்மா துள்ளியே எந்தன் முன்னே வாருமம்மா அம்மா
தூயவளே எந்தாயி மாரியம்மா

பட்டுப் பீதாம்பரத்தில் தாவணியுமுனக்கு
பாவாடைச் சேலைகளும் கொண்டு வந்தோம்
பட்டுப் பீதாம்பரத்தில் தாவணியுமுனக்கு
பாவாடைச் சேலைகளும் கொண்டு வந்தோம்

உன்னிடத்தில் சொல்லாமல் வேறு
எந்த உறவிடத்தில் முறையிடுவேன் தாயே
எந்தன் அன்னையவள் நீயிருக்க உலகில்
அந்நியரைக் கெஞ்சிடுதல் முறையோ அம்மா
கண்ணீரைத் துடைத்துவிட ஓடிவாம்மா
காத்திருக்க வைத்திடுதல் சரியோ அம்மா
இந்த சின்னவனின் குரல் கேட்டு உன்முகம் திருப்பு
சிரித்தபடி என்னைதினம் வழியனுப்பு அம்மா

கண்ணிரண்டும் உன்னுருவைக் காணவேண்டும் அம்மா
காலிரண்டும் உன்னடியையே நாட வேண்டும்
பண்ணமைக்கும் நாவுனையே பாட வேண்டும் அம்மா
எல்லோரும் பக்தியுடன் கையெடுத்து உன்னையே
கும்பிட வேண்டும் எண்ணமெல்லாம்
உன் நினைவே ஆக வேண்டும்
இருப்பதெல்லாம் உன்னுடையதாக வேண்டும்

மண்ணடக்கும் தாயே பெரிய பாளையத்தம்மா
மண்ணளக்கும் தாயே குலதெய்வமே
தொட்டியங்குளம் மாரியம்மாமா
மதுரையிலே தெப்பக்குள மாரியம்மா
விருதுநகரிலே முத்துமாரியம்மா
சிவகாசியிலே பத்திரகாளியம்மா
வீரபாண்டியிலே கெளமாரியம்மா
தாயமங்கலத்திலே முத்துமாரியம்மா
இருக்கன்குடியிலே மாரியம்மா
செந்தூரிலே சந்தன மாரியம்மா
ஆரல்வாய்மொழியிலே முப்பந்தலிலே இசக்கி மாரியம்மா
பெருங்கரையிலே சதுரங்கநாயகியம்மா
சிவகங்கையிலே வெட்டுடையார் காளியம்மா
திண்டுக்கல்லிலே கோட்டை மாரியம்மா
மணப்பாறையிலே முத்துமாரியம்மா
திருச்சியிலே சமயபுரத்தம்மா வெக்காளியம்மா

சிறுவாச்சூர் மதுரகாளியம்மா
மண்ணளக்கும் தாயே
தஞ்சையிலே புண்ணைநல்லூர் மாரியம்மா
குடந்தையிலே படைவெட்டி மாரியம்மா
வலங்கைமானிலே பாடைகட்டி மாரியம்மா
நாகையிலே நெல்லுக்கடை மாரியம்மா
வேளாங்கன்னியிலே வேளங்கன்னியம்மா
திருத்துறைப்பூண்டியிலே முள்ளாச்சியம்மா
எட்டுக்குடியிலே துரோபதை மாரியம்மா
ஆரூரிலே சீதளாதேவி எள்ளம்மா
பட்டுக்கோட்டையிலே நாடியம்மா
அறந்தாங்கியிலே வீரமா காளியம்மா
திருவப்பூர் மாரியம்மா
கொண்ணையூர் மாரியம்மா
காரைக்குடியிலே கொப்புடைய நாயகியம்மா
கண்கொடுக்கும் தெய்வமே
நாட்டரசன்கோட்டை வாழும் என் கண்ணாத்தாள்

மண்ணளக்கும் தாயே
படவேட்டிலே ரேணுகா பரமேஸ்வரியம்மா
மேல்மருவத்தூர் ஆதிபராசக்தியம்மா
மேல்மலையனூர் அங்காளபரமேஸ்வரியம்மா
வெட்டுவானம் எல்லையம்மா
செங்கையிலே மனப்பாக்கம் கன்னியம்மா
செங்கையிலே நாகாத்தம்மா

மண்ணளக்கும் தாயே
சென்னையிலே மயிலையிலே
அருள்மிகு தேவி முண்டகக்கன்னியம்மா
கோலவிழி பத்ரகாளியம்மா
அல்லிக்கேணியிலே எல்லம்மா
புரசையிலே பாதாள பொன்னியம்மா
மாம்பலத்திலே முப்பாத்தம்மா
வடசென்னையிலே ரேணுகா பரமேஸ்வரியம்மா

மண்ணளக்கும் தாயே
சேலத்திலே அன்னதான மாரியம்மா
ஈரோட்டிலே சின்ன மாரி பெரிய மாரியம்மா
கோவையிலே தண்டுமாரியம்மா கோணியம்மா
சத்யமங்கலத்திலே பண்ணாரி மாரியம்மா

மண்ணளக்கும் தாயே
காசி விசாலாக்ஷியம்மா
வங்காளத்திலே காளியம்மா
விஜயவாடாவிலே கனகதுர்க்கையம்மா
கர்நாடக மாநிலத்திலே
அன்னை சாமுண்டீஸ்வரி சாரதாம்பிகை மூகாம்பிகையம்மா
தங்கவயலிலே கங்கையம்மா

மண்ணளக்கும் தாயே
கேரளத்திலே சோட்டாணிக்கரை பகவதியம்மே
கொடுங்கல்லூர் பகவதியம்மே

மண்ணளக்கும் தாயே
மலேசிய நாட்டிலேமகா மாரியம்மா
சிங்கப்பூரிலே வீரமா காளியம்மா

இவையணைத்தும் ஒன்று சேர்ந்த சக்தி சொரூபமே
அம்மா திருவேற்காட்டில் வாழ் கனவிலும் நினைவிலும்
இவன் தொழும் என் சத்திய தெய்வமே கருமாரியம்மா

கருமாரியம்மா இந்த மகனுடைய குறைகளையும்
கவலைகளையும் தீரடியம்மா அம்மா
அம்மா அம்மா அம்மா அம்மா அம்மா

அம்மா கற்பூர நாயகியே கனகவல்லி
காளிமகமாயி கருமாரியம்மா
பொற்கோவில் கொண்ட சிவகாமியம்மா
பூவிருந்த வள்ளி தெய்வயானையம்மா
விற்கோல வேதவள்ளி விசாலக்ஷி
விழிக்கோல மாமதுரை மீனாக்ஷி
சொற்கோவில் நானமைத்தேன் இங்கு தாயே
அம்மா சுழலாக வாழ்விப்பாய் எம்மை நீயே

புவனமுழுதாடுகின்ற புவனேஸ்வரி
புறமிருந்தோர் புறமிருக்கும் பரமேஸ்வரி
நவநவமாய் வடிவாகும் நாகேஸ்வரி
அம்மா நம்பினவர் கைவிளக்கே சர்வேஸ்வரி
கவலைகளைத் தீர்த்து வைக்கும் காளீஸ்வரி
காரிருளின் தீச்சுடரே ஜோதீஸ்வரி
புவமான பரம்பொருளே ஜெகதீஸ்வரி
அம்மா உன்னடிமை சிறியேனை நீ ஆதரி

நெற்றியில் உன் குங்குமமே நிறைய வேண்டும்
நெஞ்சில் உன் திருநாமம் பதிய வேண்டும்
கற்றதெல்லாம் மென்மேலும் பெருக வேண்டும்
கவிதையிலே உன் நாமம் பாட வேண்டும்
சுற்றமெல்லாம் நீடூழி வாழ வேண்டும்
ஜோதியிலே நீயிருந்து ஆள வேண்டும்
மற்றதெல்லாம் நானுக்குச் சொல்லலாமா
மடிமீதில் பிள்ளை என்னைத் தள்ளலாமா

அன்னைக்கு உபசாரம் செய்வதுமுண்டோ
அதுசெய்து இந்நேரம் ஆவதுமுண்டோ
கண்ணுக்கு இமையின்றி காவலுமுண்டோ
அம்மா கன்றுக்கும் பசுவின்றி சொந்தமுண்டோ
முல்லைக்கும் பிள்ளைக்கும் பார்ப்பதுமுண்டோ
முழுமைக்கும் நீ எந்தன் அன்னையன்றோ
எண்ணைக்கும் விளக்குக்கும் மீதமுண்டோ
அம்மா என்றைக்கும் நானுந்த பிள்ளையன்றோ
அன்புக்கே நானடிமை ஆக வேண்டும்
அறிவுக்கே என் காது கேட்க வேண்டும்
வம்புக்கே போகாமல் இருக்க வேண்டும்
அம்மா வஞ்சத்தை என் நெஞ்சம் அறுக்க வேண்டும்

பண்புக்கே உயிர் வாழ ஆசை வேண்டும்
பரிவுக்கே நாங்களென்றும் பணிய வேண்டும்
என் பக்கம் இவையெல்லாம் இருக்க வேண்டும்
அம்மா என் நாவில் நீ என்றும் பாட வேண்டும்

கும்பிடவோ கையிரண்டு போதவில்லை
கூப்பிடவோ நாவொன்றால் முடியவில்லை
நம்பிடவோ மெய்யதனில் சக்தியில்லை
நடந்திடவோ காலிரண்டால் ஆகவில்லை
செம்பவழ வாயழகி உன்னெழிலோ
இவன் சின்ன இரு கண்களுக்குள் அடங்கவில்லை

அம்பரமே விழியாளே உன்னை என்றும்
இவன் அடிபணியும் ஆசைக்கோர் அளவுமில்லை

காற்றாகி கனலாகி கடலாகினாய்
கயிறாகி உயிராகி உடலாகினாய்
நேற்றாகி இன்றாகி நாளாகினாய்
நிலமாகி பயிராகி உணவாகினாய்
தோற்றாலும் ஜெயித்தாலும் வாழ்வாகினாய்
தொழுதாலும் அழுதாலும் வடிவாகினாய்
பாடாத நாளில்லை தாயே உன்னை
அம்மா தினம் உன்னை பாடாத நாளில்லை
கருமாரி மகமாயி

பொருளோடு புகழோடு நோய் நொடி
இல்லாமல் எல்லோரையும் வைப்பாய் அம்மா அம்மா

வேற்காடு ஆலயத்தில் மூலஸ்தானத்தில்
சரவிளக்கு சுடர் விடவே
சாற்றிய மாலையெல்லாம் உருமறைக்க
அம்மாவுக்கு அர்ச்சகர்கள்

ஓம் அகாரதக்சராகாளாயை நமஹ
ஓம் அன்னபூர்ணாயை நமஹ
ஓம் அம்பிகாயை நமஹ
ஓம் அங்காளபரமேஸ்வர்யை நமஹ
ஓம் ஆஜ்யந்த லஹிதாயை நமஹ
ஓம் இச்சாக்ருதையே நமஹ
ஓம் ஈஸ்வர ப்ரிய வல்லபாயை நமஹ
ஓம் ராஜ ராஜேஸ்வரி ரூபாயை நமஹ
ஓம் ராமதாசார்ய வஞ்சிதாயை நமஹ
ஓம் கிருஷ்ணமாயை நமஹ

அம்மாவுக்கு அர்ச்சனை செய்து
கற்பூரம் காட்டி கைதொழுதால்
கணத்தினிலே எங்கிருந்தாலும்
ஓடி வருவாள் தேவி கருமாரி

கிங்கிணி கிலுகிலுக்க கால் சலங்கை சலசலக்க
கிங்கிணி கிலுகிலுக்க கால் சலங்கை சலசலக்க
உடலெல்லாம் சிலுசிலுக்க உன் சிரிப்பொலி கேட்குதம்மா
எங்கள் சிந்தை குளிருதம்மா அம்மா

உந்தன் பெருமையை இந்த உலகுக்கு எடுத்து பாடாட்டா
இந்த ஜென்மம் எடுத்து என்ன பயனென்று சொல்லடி நீயாத்தா
செல்லாத்தா செல்ல மாரியாத்தா
எங்கள் சிந்தையில் வந்து அரை வினாடி நில்லாத்தா
கண்ணாத்தா உன்னைக் காணாட்டா
இந்த கண்களிருந்து என்ன புண்ணியம் சொல்லாத்தா
உந்தன் பெருமையை இந்த உலகுக்கு எடுத்து பாடாட்டா
இந்த ஜென்மம் எடுத்து என்ன பயனென்று சொல்லடி நீயாத்தா
செல்லாத்தா செல்ல மாரியாத்தா
எங்கள் சிந்தையில் வந்து அரை வினாடி நில்லாத்தா
கண்ணாத்தாள் உன்னைக் காணாட்டா
இந்த கண்களிருந்து என்ன புண்ணியம் சொல்லாத்தா

உந்தன் பெருமையை இந்த உலகுக்கு எடுத்து பாடாட்டா
இந்த ஜென்மம் எடுத்து என்ன பயனென்று சொல்லடி நீயாத்தா
ஆதிசக்தி மாதா கருமாரி மாதா
எங்கள் ஆதிசக்தி மாதா கருமாரி ஆத்தா

தீ மிதித்து வந்திடுவார் பக்தர்களும் உனை நாடி
தீ மிதித்து வந்திடுவார் பக்தர்களும் உனை நாடி
தேவி உனை பாடி வரும் அன்பர்களும் பல கோடி
தீ மிதித்து வந்திடுவார் பக்தர்களும் உனை நாடி
தேவி உனை பாடி வரும் அன்பர்களும் பல கோடி

புற்றினிலே பாலூற்றி பணிந்திடுவார் பல கோடி
புற்றினிலே பாலூற்றி பணிந்திடுவார் பல கோடி
சக்தி உமை நாயகியே சங்கரியே கருமாரி
சக்தி உமை நாயகியே சங்கரியே கருமாரி

ஆதிசக்தி மாதா கருமாரி ஆத்தா
எங்கள் ஆதிசக்தி மாதா கருமாரி ஆத்தா

உலகமே ஆடுதம்மா உன் சிரிப்பிலே
அம்மா உமையவளே என் தாயி மாரியம்மா
பூவாடை வீசுதம்மா பூமகளே உனக்கு
பாமாலை கொண்டு வந்தோம் பாருமம்மா
உனக்கு பாமாலை கொண்டு வந்தோம் பாருமம்மா

சம்யபுரத்தாளே மாரியம்மா அம்மா சங்கரியே
எந்தன் முன்னே வாருமம்மா
தொல்லைகளை அகற்றும் தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
தொட்டியங்குளம் வாழும் மாரியம்மா
வேற்காடு தன்னிலிருக்கும் மாரியம்மா
எனக்கு வேண்டும் வரம் தருபவளே மாரியம்மா
மாரியம்மா கருமாரியம்மா
மாரியம்மா கருமாரியம்மா
மாரியம்மா கருமாரியம்மா
மாரியம்மா கருமாரியம்மா
ஆத்தா கருமாரி கண் பார்த்தா போதும்
பார்த்தா வினைதீரும் பாவமெல்லாம் பறந்தோடும்
ஆத்தா கருமாரி கண் பார்த்தா போதும்
பார்த்தா வினைதீரும் பாவமெல்லாம் பறந்தோடும்

கற்பூர நாயகியே கனகவல்லிகாளி மகமாயி கருமாரியம்மா
கருமாரியம்மா கருமாரியம்மா

ஒரே ஒரு லட்ச்யம்....

I remember the very first year when i went to sabhari malai as a kanni sami.everything that i saw and experienced there was heavenly and divine..those rough tracks leading to the temple,the 48 kilometers journey...it was never ending.so tough that at one point of time i even thought i would never make it up there..maybe i was not meant to see swami ayappan at all.the worst part of it was once u start u cant turn back! as the routes are naturally like that.its meant for climbing up but if u try going back down,u may juz end up falling of some cliff and who noes even your remain wont be found.thats how dangerous the journey is,no joke..one will definately think of all his bad deeds in life while travelling up there..it somehow makes u repent and reform..ayyan will make u promise that u will never do it again and all that u would want at that moment is to see his dharisanam even if its gonna be the last thing u would see in life! well i had my fare share of repenting and regret. i even thought shouldn't have gone up there in the first place as me being an astmatic have a very very tough time climbing those mountains...
not one two but three...azhutha malai, kari malai neeli malai and finally u reach sabhari malai.along the way i realized that i was not able to go anyfurther without taking a dose of my inhaler every 5 mins..if im not wrong i finished two cannisters of it. which could have lasted me for a gd two months!but then my guruswami mokandass sami who was helping me told me to keep my medication away and call out for ayyan.only he can bring u up...u have come this far having faith only on him henceforth u are his resposibility! he will never forsake you! juz call out for him. saying that guruswami held me up and started chanting "yetrividappa thookividappa" "paatha balamthaa thega balamthaa". i juz chanted along with him although i was breathless and was only able to say it within me..within the next 4 hours i was at the top of neeli malai and this song that was playing in the temple which was another 2 km away...a beautiful number by kj yesudas...

Ore Oru Lakshyam Sabarimamala
Ore Oru Moham Divya Darsanam
Ore Oru Margam Pathinettam Padi
Ore Oru Manthram Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

Ore Oru Lakshyam Sabarimamala
Ore Oru Moham Divya Darsanam
Ore Oru Margam Pathinettam Padi
Ore Oru Manthram Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

Orumayotukooti Ozhuki Vannirunnu
Charana Pankajangal Paniyuvan Varunnu
Orumayotukooti Ozhuki Vannirunnu
Charana Pankajangal Paniyuvan Varunnu
Oruvapussu Njangalkkorumanassu Njnagalkkoru Vachassu Njalkkorutharam Vicharam
Oruvapussu Njangalkkorumanassu Njnagalkkoru Vachassu Njalkkorutharam Vicharam
Akhilarum Varunnu Ponsaranam Thedi
Akhilarum Varunnu Ponsaranam Thedi
Hariharathmaja Nee Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

Ore Oru Lakshyam Sabarimamala
Ore Oru Moham Divya Darsanam
Ore Oru Margam Pathinettam Padi
Ore Oru Manthram Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

Vanathalam Virakkum Valiya Sabdadhara
Surapatham Nadumgum Saranasabdadhara
Vanathalam Virakkum Valiya Sabdadhara
Surapatham Nadumgum Saranasabdadhara
Atavikal Kadannoo Malakalum Kadannoo
Paramapavanam Poonkavanam Kadannoo
Atavikal Kadannoo Malakalum Kadannoo
Paramapavanam Poonkavanam Kadannoo
Varikayayi Njangal Arikilayi Njangal
Varikayayi Njangal Arikilayi Njangal
Hariharathmaja Nee Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

Ore Oru Lakshyam Sabarimamala
Ore Oru Moham Divya Darsanam
Ore Oru Margam Pathinettam Padi
Ore Oru Manthram Saranamayyappa
Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

Saranamayyappa Swami Saranamayyappa

those word...it was magical.i fixed my mind to it.although i never fully understood malayaalam, 70 percent of it was understandable as its simmilar to tamil.i told myself i will only go back after seeing ayyan or else id rather die here.but the next thing i knew was the rest of the saamimaargal were before me..they went up and were waiting for us..cheering me on as all of them knew i had trouble during the journey due to my asthma..we continued the next 2km walk togetherand the next thing i knew, i was infront of the golden pathinettaam padi! it was unbelivable as these very 18 holy steps are belived to be self formed by ayyan's baanam.we went up and what i saw up in the sannithaanam juz made me cry like a baby.in that room surrounded by gold and many lit lamps was my ayyan ayappan seated like a three year old toddler.so much of life within him and that cute little eyes of his...whatever i wanted to pray for i forgot totally and all i could do was to juz admire his beauty...from that day till today ayyan has blessed me with 12 years of his glorious darisanam.although i didnt go to sabari malai the last three years due to unforseen reasons,i observed my fast and offered my irumudi kaanikkai here in singapore at sri vairavimada kaliamman temple ayappa sannidhanam.this year fasting will commence on the 16th of november. my 14th year of observing the mandala viratham(48days)...hope to make it to sabari this year to see my ayyan as i miss him soo dearly..cant wait. its not going to be easy climbing those tracks again after three years of gap and furthermore i think i have put on more weight but with faith on him and his full blessings im sure i will make it..one thing is for sure! even the most fittest man on earth will fail without belive and faith but one who has the utmost faith in him and surrenders to him with a heart of a child will be blessed with a safe journey and his divine dharisanam.swami ayyappan will be with his devotees always and blessthem with everything in life..human lifes are full of ups and downs, definately not a bed of roses but with constant thoughts of him and a quick prayer in mids of hardships, everything will definately land in place..we hear of miracles,ayyan performs it his devotees life all the time...i have seem many alonmg the years of my life..he has proven that he exists to some i know, why even to me in a few cases...but all these are only to be felt by you not to be said...my "ore oru lakshyam" in life...to see ayyan at sabhari as long as there is strength in my body and to surrender myself at his feet and serve him till the end of my days!
SWAAMIYE SHARANAM AYAPPA!
OM SHAKTHI!

ஸ்ரீ லலிதையின் சரிதை 7 ( ஸ்ரீபுரம் )

Sripura varnanam(description of Sripura )
What does Sripura mean?
359. After the annihilation of Bhandasura, Trimurtis called upon the cosmic architect
Viswakarma and the architect of demons Maya , and instructed them to construct 16
palaces in 16 kshetras (sacred places) for the residence of Lalita &Shiva Kameswara
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Meru and other gigantic mountains (9) Jalasamudra and other oceans (7) –total 16
Kshetras. The palatial buildings of mother goddess located in these kshetras are
called Sripura
360. Wherever a Sripura is located , its dimensions are like this.
A.)Mount Meru has 4 peaks
One on the eastern side, one on north west, one on the south west
Each is 100 yojanas tall and 100 yojanas wide these are trimurtis worlds
In the center of these is the fourth, which is 400 yojanas tall and 400 yojanas wide
B.) Sripura is on the Middle peak
Sripura has got metallic compound walls 7 in number they are square shaped. Each
wall is separated from the next one by one a distance of 7 yojanas.
1. Kalayasa (iron)wall – The perimeter of this wall is 16 thousand yojanas
2. Kansya (bronze)wall—Between these two is the first chamber. Several trees and
gardens are located here. Mahakali and Mahakala are the gate keepers
here.Kalachakra is their throne.
3. Tamra(copper)wall—Here is a forest of Kalpavruksha (wish granting tree).This is
also called as Kalpavatica. This is the second chamber.Vasanta(spring) is its
protector .Madhusri and Madhavasri are his consorts.
4. Seesa(lead)wall—Here is a forest of santana trees(progeny granting).This is the
third chamber Grishma(summer) is the ruler . Shukrasri and Shuchisri are his
consorts.
5. Aarkuta (brass)wall—This is the fourth chamber. Here is a forest of Hari chandana
vruksha(yellow fragrant sandal wood).The ruler is varsharutu(rainy
season).Nabhasri and Nabhasyasri are his consorts.
6. Panchaloha(five metal) wall—In this fifth chamber is a garden of mandara trees
(Calotropis gigantea) .Sharadrutu is the protector . Ishasri and Urjasri are his
consorts.
7. Raupya(silver)wall –Sixth chamber .Parijata tree forest .Hemantarutu is the
protector. Sahasri and Sahasyasri are his consorts.
8. Hema(gold)wall—Seventh chamber. Kadamba forest. Sisira (winter)is the
protector. Tavasri and Tavasyasri are his consorts. This is where Mantrini devi
resides in a temple.She has one more quarter very close to that of Lalita devi in
Mahapadmatavi(forest of lotuses).When she is on duty she stays in that quarter
.In this seventh chamber near Mantrini’s residence Matanga kanyas are
constantly singing and dancing..


Matanga kanyaka charitra(story of Matanga kanya)

361. In the olden days a sage named Matanga used to expand the creation by
virtue of the power of his penance.
362. His son Matanga was a great saint and practicant of penance. He was friend
of Himavanta.
363.Once Himavanta started boasting saying that he was the father of Gauri devi.
364. With that Matanga felt humiliated and started great penance for Mudrinidevi
(Mudrinidevi is none other than Mantrini devi who had received a ring from Lalita
devi .She is also called Shyamala devi.
365. She was very happy with his penance and gave boon that she herself would
be born as a daughter to him.
366.A few days later Shyamaladevi appeared in the dream of Siddhamati
devi(consort of Matanga).Shyamaladevi gave her a flower from the bunch
decorating the formers ear.
367. Very soon she had a female child who was named Laghushyama as she was
born in a very short duration (Laghu = short, small). She was also called Matangi,
Matanga Kanyaka. With her power she generated crores of virgins, who stay near
Mantrini devi’s house and keep singing her praises all the time...

(to be continued)

ஸ்ரீ லலிதையின் சரிதை 6

Agni prakara (compound wall made of fire)

288. Both of them went to Lalita devi, expressed sorry for what had happened and
made arrangements for protection.
289. At the instance of Lalita devi,Jwalamalini devi made a compound wall of fire
around the devi’s army The fire wall is 100 yojana wide and 30 yojana tall. (1 yojana
is approximately 8 miles).
290.At the southern end of fire wall is a 1 yojana long entry, to enable devi’s army
go out and fight because Shunyapuram is facing this end.(L.S.N—jwalamalini
kashipta vahniprakaramadhyaga)
291. Stambhini devi a member of Dandanatha devi family along with 20 akshohini
senas was protecting this entry point. She is also called Vighna devi.
292. By then it was dawn.
293. Knowing all this news Bhandasura was in despair and started thinking what to
do.
294. This time he sent all his 30 sons for the war
295. After listening to this news Lalita devi’s daughter Baladevi wanted to fight
these demons herself.
296. Baladevi is the only daughter of Lalita devi .She resembles Lalita devi very
much but is always only 9 years old .She stays permanently with her mother only.
297. Baladevi approached her mother and requested for permission to fight in the
battlefield
298. At the outset Lalita devi denied but looking at the courage and will power
exhibited by Bala devi she ultimately gave permission.
299. Seeing Bala devi coming for the war Mantrini and Dandanayaka were
astonished , they stood as her body guards.
300.Now Baladevi started ferocious fighting with Bhanda’s sons. Every one was
surprised at her valour
301.Whole of the second day Baladevi fought. That evening she shot 30 arrows at a
time and killed 30 sons of Bhanda.
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302. Lalita devi was very happy and she embraced her daughter (L.S.N---
Bhandaputravadhodyukta bala vikrama nandita)
303. Bhanda was grief stricken. Desperately he himself started off for the war
304. Vishukra and Vishanga pacified Bandasura
Vighnayentra nashnam (Destruction of the mystic symbol of obstacles)
305. Now Bhanda sent Vishukra to the warfront.
306. In the darkness Vishukra approached the Vahniprakara (firewall) –on a flat
stone he drew a mystic symbol and performed some black magic.
307. He then threw that mystic symbol forcefully. It fell in the firewall at some point.
308. With the affect of that yantra (mystic symbol) laziness crept into the minds of
the devi’s army
(a.) Some started arguing that war itself was wrong.
(b.) Some said, “Why should we fight on behalf of the gods”.
(c.) Some said, “Who is this Lalita devi? Who has given her superior ship over us?”
(d.) Some said, “If all of us together decline not to fight what can Lalita devi do?”
(e.) All of them fell into sleep of ignorance.
309. After midnight Vishukra along with 30 akshohini sena surrounded the fire
barrier.
310. Even then none of the members of shaktisena moved under the influence of the
ignorance caused by the Vighna yentra
311. However, Vighnayentra was not able to affect Mantrini and Dandanatha. But
they were both very sad worried seeing the state of their army.
312. Not knowing what to do they went and enquired Lalita devi.
313.Then Lalita devi looked at the Kameshwara’s face and passed a gentle smile.
314. From her smile Ganapathi took birth.
315. He immediately searched in the firewall and noticed the ‘vighnayentra shila’ at
one place. He broke the shila into pieces and powder with his tooth.
(kameshwaramukhaloka kalpita sri ganeshwara
Mahaganesha nirbhinna vighnayentra praharsita)
316. With that shaktisena’s ignorance and sleep was dispelled, they immediately got
ready for the war.
317. Now Vighneswara along with this army came out of the fire barrier and started
fighting with Vishukra.
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318. Vishukra sent Gajasura to attack him but soon Gajasura was slayed. Seeing this
Vishukra ran away.

Annihilation of Vishukra and Vishanga
319.After discussing with Bhandasura, Vishukra came back to war, along with his
brother Vishanga and son- in –law. With this the third day war had started.
320. Mantrini and Dandanatha both started to fight simultaneously
321. In the front was Dandanatha devi mounted on her kirichakra ratha with her
plough weapon (halayudha) swirling it rapidly.
322.Behind her was Mantrini devi mounted on Geyachakra ratha as an archer with
bow and arrows
323.Dandanatha devi attacked Vishunga.
324. Mantrini devi confronted Vishukra.
325. Ashwarudha, Sampatkari and others attacked the son- in-law of the demons
who had come .
326.The army of the demons started slackening. Noticing this Vishukra discharged
Trushastram(weapon which produces thirst). Shaktisena’s army started to
experience intense thirst.
327.Then Dandanatha devi invited ‘Madyasamudra’(=ocean of liquor) devata from
her kirichakra and quenched their thirst.
328. Madyasamudra deva showered liquor rains. With that the army quenched their
thirst and rejuvenated.
329. By sunset most of the demons including Bhanda’s son-in-law had died.
330. Then Shyamala devi (Mantrini) fought with Vishukra and killed him with
‘Brahmashironamakastra’ (a powerful weapon named brahmashira)
331. Dandanatha devi (Potrini) killed Vishanga with her plough weapon and pestle.
However in Lalita sahasranama it is mentioned that Vishukra was killed by Varahi
and Vishanga was killed by Mantrini—
Mantrinyamba virachita vishanga vadhatoshita
Vishukra prana harana varahiveryanandita
332. By then it was past midnight.
333. Only Kutilaksha the commander in chief was left over to console Bhandasura
334.Bhanda along with Kutilaksha started towards the battlefield
335.2185 akshohini army along with 40 commanders followed him
336. A). He boarded a chariot named ‘Aabhilamu’(=dreadful).It is dragged by 1000
lions instead of horses.
B). His sword is named Yatana (= torture in hell)
337. Noticing this Lalita devi herself started moving in her Srichakra raja ratha
towards the warfront
338. Behind her was Mantrini in Geyachakra ratha followed by Potrini in kirichakra
ratha.
339.Other shakti deities followed her in crores.
340. In the usage of sastra’s (mystic weapons) and pratyastra (corresponding
neutralising weapons), none of them were drawn aback
(LSN—Bhandasurendra nirmukta shastra pratyastra varshini)
341.Now Bandasura by his mystical powers regenerated Madhukaitabha, Raktabija
and other old demons
342. Then Lalita devi made a violent frenzied laughter –Durga devi and other deities
described in chandisaptashati were born and slayed these demons
343. Now Bhanda generated Somaka and other demons
344. Then Lalita devi generated the 10 incarnations of Vishnu from the finger tips of
her hands (LSN – Karanguli nakhotpanna narayana dasakrutih)
345. Sun was about to set. Lalita devi decided not to delay any more. She then
discharged Narayana astra and Pashupata astra and destroyed the demons and their
commanders who were all turned down into ashes
(LSN—Mahapashupatastragni nirdagdhasura sainyaka)
346 .Now Bhandasura was the only one left
347. Lalita devi discharged the Mahakameshawarastra and annihilated Bhandasura .
Immediately his shunyaka town got burnt down. (LSN—Kameshwarastra nirdagdha
sabhandasura sunyaka)
348. Gods proclaimed victory of Lalita devi on the drums and they showered flowers,
lighted camphor blazes and shouted victory slogans...

Kama sanjeevanam(rebirth of kama)
349. Brahma, Vishnu, Indra and other gods praised Lalita devi’s grandeur
(LSN—Brahmopendra mahendradi deva samstuta vaibhava)
350 In that praise they proclaimed thus-
A.) Mother! Bhanda is dead but his friend Taraka is still alive to trouble us.
B.) To annihilate him Shiva must have a son
C.) We were trying for the same but in the mean while Manmadha (god of love) died
and all these events happened
D.) Therefore kindly give rebirth to Manmadha and perform the marriage of Shiva
and Parvathi.
351. Lalita devi smiled compassionately and looked at Kameshwara. From her looks
Manmadha took rebirth .(LSN- Haranetragni sandagdha amasanjeevanaushadhih=
Lalita devi is the sacred herb sajeevini which gave rebirth to Manmadha who was
destroyed by the fire from Shiva’s eye).
352. Rati and Manmadha prostrated to the mother goddess and praised her.
353. The mother goddess blessed them and instructed-
A.) Manmadha! Now you need not fear
B.) Go once again and cast your magical arrow on Shiva
C.) Shiva will loose to you and will marry Parvathi
D.) With my blessings Shiva will do you no harm.
E.) From now on you can enter every ones body and cause aesthetic/ sensuous
pleasures to them.
F.) Protect my devotees
354. At the instructions of mother goddess Manmadha with his family went and cast
his magic charm on Shiva. This time Shiva left renunciation and started searching
vehemently for parvathi
355. Then Manmadha cast magical arrows on Parvati also
356. Shiva was very pleased with parvathi’s penance. He appeared before her,
granted a boon and married her.
357. Kumaraswamy was born to Shiva and Parvathi .He became the commander of
god’s army and annihilated Tarakasura. He then married Devasena devi, the
daughter of Indra.
358.After helping all the gods Manmadha left to Sripura to serve goddess Lalita devi.

(to be continued)

ஸ்ரீ லலிதையின் சரிதை 5

Devi vijaya yatra (Devi’s victory procession)
222. Later Lalita devi, making the noise emanating from the four oceans as the
drums and accompanied with several other instruments proceeded for the battle
against Bhandasura.
223. From Lalitha devi’s Ankusham (=spear), ‘Sampat karidevi’, came out along
with crores and crores of elephants and started following Lalita devi (sampatkari
samarudha sindhura vraja sevita ) .
224. Sampatkari Devi was sitting on the elephant named ‘Ranakolahalam’ (=battle
bustle, battle uproar).
225. From Lalita devi’s Pasham (=whip) arose Ashwaroodha devi along with a big
army of horses and was moving in front of Lalita devi.
(ashwarudhadhishtishtaswa koti kotibhiravruta) .
226. The horse carrying Ashwaroodha devi was named ‘Aparajitam’ (=one which
cannot be defeated).
227. Later , commander of the army Dandanatha devi played the drums to start
marching.
228. As the march started Dandanatha devi got down from her chariot and sat down
on the lion. The lion is named ‘Vajraghosham’ (kirichakra ratha rudha damdanadha
puraskruta)
229. All her soldiers started praising her by twelve different names.
(Panchami dandanatha cha sakjeta samayeshwari
tatha samaya sakjeta varahi potrini tatha
vartali cha maha sena pyajna chakreshwari tatha
arighni cheti samproktam nama dwadasakam yune)
230. Later Mantrini devi played the drums of marching. Her soldiers were mainly
decorated sensuously. They were playing veenas and singing.
231. Mantrini devi was moving in her Geyachakra ratha (circle of army formed by
singers) [geyachakra ratha rudha mantrini parisevita]
232. She was being praised by sixteen names.
Sangeeta yogini shyama shyamala mantra nayika
mantrini sachiveshani pradhaneshi shukapriya
vina vati vainiki cha mudrini priyakapriya
nipapriya kadambeshi kadamba vanavasini
sadamada cha namani shodashaitaini kumbhaja
One who recites this strotra can conquer all the three worlds.
22
233. Then, from the bird in the hands of Mantrini devi, appeared god Dhanurveda
with a spectacular bow in his hand and said “Mother! this bow is called chitrajeevam.
This quiver is akshaya (=one which is unlimited, fills up spontaneously).Please
accept them for demolishing the demons.”
234. Now Lalita devi started moving with sugarcane, bow, arrows, spear and whip in
the ‘srichakraraja’chariot.
235. She is being praised with 25 names
simhasanesi lalitha maharajni varankusha
sundari chakranatha cha samrajni chakrini ratha
chakreshwari mahadevi kameshi parameshwari
kamaraja priyakamakotika chakravartini
mahavidya shivananga vallabha sarvapatala
kulanatha amnayanatha sarvamnaya nivasini
shringara nayika cheti pancha vimshati namabhih
One who recites this stotra attains ashtasiddhi (8 spiritual accomplishments)
236. Bandasuravadhodyukta shaktisena samanvita in Lalita sahasranama stotram
means one who is ready with her army (shaktisena) to annihilate Bhandasura.
Bhanda’s war preparation :
237. While Lalita devi was proceeding for the war, many bad omens were observed
in Bhanda’s ‘Shunyaka’ town.
238. Bhandasura called upon an urgent meeting along with his brothers Vishukra
and Vishanga to assess and evaluate the situation.
239. In the meeting vishukra spoke thus
a.) All gods have burnt themselves by jumping into fire, out of despair
b.)From that fire arose mother goddess, who rejuvenated all gods
c.) She is coming for a war with us, along with an army of women
d.)Those gods are trying to cut stones using tender leaves
e.)Even then we should not neglect that woman. We must send our army
immediately
240. Vishanga told
a.) Any work should only be done after properly thinking about it.
b.)First we must send spies and see how powerful their army is.
c.) We must not under estimate the enemies army.
d.) In the past Hiranyakashipa was killed by an animal.
e.)Sumbha and Nishumbha were killed by a woman.
f.) So, we must get more information about her
g.)Who is she ? Who is supporting or protecting her?
What does she want? All these queries should be answered
241.Listening to this Bhandasura shuddered the proposal with a sarcastic grin. Even
if all the gods are behind her, we have nothing to fear. Do not entertain such useless
thoughts and spoil your mind
242. Immediately Bhandasura ordered ‘Kutilaksha’, Commander-in-chief of his army,
to protect the fort
23
243. He ordered the priests and ministers to perform abhichara(black magic) homa
244.He ordered Lalita to be dragged to him holding her hair
245.Now, the demons played the war drums. Kutilaksha sent the first batch of army
with demon Durmada as the commander
246.At Shunyapura Kutilaksha made arrangements for protection -
Eastern entry _ Tala jangha, Southern entry - Tala bhuja, Western entry -- Tala
griva, Northern entry - Tala ketu were placed along with 10 akshohini army each.
247.For each corner of the town another 10 akshohini was allocated for protection
Shakti senas’s uproar
248. Durmada was confronted by Sampatkaridevi and her army of elephants (who
arose from Lalita devi’s spear)
249. Realising that his army was being defeated Durmada himself came for the war
seated on a camel
250. Sampatkari devi who was seated on ‘Ranakolahala’ her elephant, faced him.
251. In the ferocious battle Durmada was able to destroy one gem from the crown of
Sampatkari devi.
252. Angry with this, Sampatkari devi killed Durmada with her arrows which pierced
his heart
253. With that the remaining demons fled back to their town out of fear.
254. Listening to this Bhandasura was very angry and sent Durmada’s elder brother
Kurunda for battle. He is an expert in maya yuddha(war using mystical powers)
255.Full of vengeance he attacked Sampatkari devi
256. In the meanwhile Ashwarudha devi who had taken birth from Lalita devi’s whip
came forward and pleaded Sampatkari devi to give her a chance to fight with this
demon.
257. Now Ashwarudha devi along with her army pounced upon Kurunda
258. Ashwarudha devi mounted on ‘Aparajita’ was herself leading the army. In that
battle she killed Kurunda by piercing his chest with her spear. Remaining demons
fled for their lives.
259. Bhanda became furious. He sent a huge army this time (100 akshohini) along
with 5 commanders.
260. They materialised serpent gods by name ‘Ranashambari’ which attacked
shaktisena. The demons had previously defeated gods using these mystic powers.
24
261. Crores and crores of serpents, which arose from the serpent gods, started
torturing the shaktisena.
262. They were taking birth again and again even after being killed a number of
times.
263. Then Nakuli devi mounted on garuda came to the battlefield. From her mouth
came out 32 crores of mongooses. These mongooses started gobbling up all the
newborn serpents immediately after birth.
264. Then Nakulidevi killed Ranashambari with Garudastram
265. All the five commanders now attacked Nakuli devi
266. Nakuli devi’s mongoose army attacked them from the rear
267. In that ferocious battle Nakuli devi who was mounted on Garuda was making
aerial strikes on the demons who were not able to catch her. She killed the five
commanders by chopping of their heads
268. Bhanda after listening to this sent Valahaka and other seven commanders along
with 300 akshohini army.
269.These seven demons are sons of demoness named Kikasa.In the past they
obtained a boon from sun god that- at the time of war sun would reside in their
eyes.
270. As soon as these demons entered the battlefield the shaktisena army started
becoming blindfolded and incapacitated unable to face the brilliance of their eyes.
Demons started becoming ferocious.
271. Immediately the bodyguard of Dandanatha devi –named Tiraskarinika devi,
entered the battle field mounted on an aeroplane named ‘Tamoliptam’.
272.At the order of Damdanatha devi she discharged an arrow named ‘Andhanastra’,
and the seven commanders were forced to close their eyes. Now shakti sena started
pouncing back.
273. Keeping Tiraskarinika devi in the forefront, other gods killed the seven
commanders.
274. With this blow Bhandasura lost his senses. He called upon his two brothers for a
discussion.
275. In that meeting it was decided that Vishanga would attack devi’s army from its
rear side in a treacherous way (This is called Parshti grahamu). This decision was
taken because they got information from their spies that Lalita devi was having less
army and protection at her rear end and it was easier for them to approach Lalita
devi directly and attack her, if they approached from the rear.
276. After the first day’s war, at dusk, Vishanga with a small army proceeded to the
rear of Lalita devi’s army noiselessly without any drums
277. By then Lalita devi’s army was moving westward. Vishanga along with his army
moved north wards and then turned to reach eastern side
278. He was able to see Srichakraraja chariot very near to him. Lalita devi was
looking forward observing the movement of the army. She was not having much
army close to her
279. Taking this opportunity Vishanga attacked devi’s chariot from the rear, all of a
sudden.
280 Anima and other gods who were present there were taken back at this sudden
attack but quickly recovered themselves and prepared for a counter fight.
281. Exactly at the same time Kutilaksha along with ten akshohini army attacked
from the front side
282. Seeing attack from both ends Lalita devi was a little angry. In the mean while,
struck by an arrow from Vishanga, the fan present in Lalita devi’s hand fell down and
broke
283. Seeing this Tithidevatas got very angry. They went and requested Lalita devi
that Vahnivasini and Jwalamalini nitya devas have property and capacity of self
illumination. If they glow then the demons who are in the dark will all become
visible.
284. With the permission of Lalita devi, Vahnivasini and Jwalamalini devis started
glowing like fireballs. All the demons who were hiding in darkness now became
visible.
285. Now the 16 nitya devi’s became outrageous and attacked Vishanga’s army. All
the commanders in the demons army died.
286. Wounded all over the body Vishanga fled for his life shamelessly. Even
Kutilaksha who attacked from the front also fled. (In Lalita sahasranama -
26
nityaparakrama topa nirikshana samatsuka =seeing the valour of nityadevatas,Lalita
devi was very pleased)
287. Mantrini devi and Dandanatha devi felt unhappy about this unprecedented
attack in the night They felt very sorry that their arrangements of protection were
not up to the mark.
(to be continued)

What is a Prayer? What is Faith? Who is a true devotee?

Prayer is "the act of communicating with god"Specific forms of this may include praise, requesting guidance or assistance, confessing sins, as an act of reparation or an expression of one's thoughts and emotions. The words used in prayer may take the form of intercession, a hymn, incantation or a spontaneous utterance in the person's praying words. Praying can be done in public, as a group, or in private.Prayer is our direct line with heaven. Prayer is a communication process that allows us to talk to God! He wants us to communicate with Him, like a person-to-person phone call. Cell phones and other devices have become a necessity to some people in today’s society. We have bluetooth devices, blackberries, and talking computers! These are means of communication that allow two or more people to interact, discuss, and respond to one another. To many people, prayer seems complicated,but it is simply talking to God. some confuse themself.To some praying is a duty,something that has been nurtured within them by family since young. these kind in most cases pray not out of love or devotion but out of fear and respect..To some its about gaining something from it. These kind exist the most. praying and making vows are like a business deal. they pray something and when their prayers are answered they vow to do special poojas and offerings in return...if someone says worship of this particular god grants them wealth for example,then the dump the deity they were worshiping and jump to another. or they wont hesitate to give up their faith and embrace another for their own selfish reasons, because it juz don't mean much to them compared to their needs.then when they go through hardship in life, they blame god! many of us question our faith and god when something goes wrong in life but how many of us think of him and thank him when something gd happens? personally there are many i know who fall in this catagory, infact i have a few such people in my family and friends circle..then we have those who never prayed or had faith in the begining, then become pious all of a sudden just over do, over react and talk alot like a intellect.i envy these people for their enthusiasm but its just that they sometimes don't get their facts right.without realizing they tend to offend and hurt people with real devotion and faith.they like to comment on their way of worship,sincerity beliefs and devotion.some involve themself in some particular way of worship or faith and try to bring in their family and friends in it. thats not wrong as Adhi shankara Bagavadpada once said"the mode of travelling may defer but the path is one, towards parabramham! but when someone refuses to join them these people condemm their faith and talk lowly of it.these kind have a long way to go...

the saying in tamil "நிறை குடம் நீர் தழும்பாது" says it all. your prayer, faith

and way of worship is for you to know and for god to judge on how sincere you have been. its something only you and god share. when people talk about god and worship, if you feel they are wrong and would like to share something you know,do so. if you think they will not except it then leave them alone. even if they are doing something wrong somehow they would get god's attention.in his eyes each and every one in this world is his child! god has his own way of teaching his child what's right. take Kannappa nayanar for example.he offered meat to siva and worshipped him as being a hunter he knew nothing about worshipping siva but all he knew was siva was the almighty god. he was not rejected by siva, instead god took them as fruits and flowers...god wants your love and true devotion only.."he who offers a leave, a drop of water or even mention my name with utter love and devotion shall be blessed and get salvation" lord krishna's word in the gita. devotion starts with respect,fear and ends with limitless love. when there is love there is no more fear sometimes even respect. god becomes your friend. someone whom u belive knows u well and someone you trust with everything..sometimes when u feel he is not listening to you, anger comes upon him. but within minutes your inner heart tells you that whatever happens will be for good as he noes the best and will only do and give u the best with your interest in mind..its like trusting your mother and knowing that a mother knows best! there are people around who show such clean love and devotion towards god without doing any kind of worship. their worship is only within them. some don't belive in god but only in love and care shown to fellow mankind.these are the kind of people who win god's love instantly as love is god and god is love. where there is love, there is god present there. we may worship god like mad and do all sort of poojas,dyanam,japam,annathanam but when we don't have compassion and love for our fellow mankind we never get into his good books. no one can judge another on whether he has god by his side...nor take pity on them thinking that we are a perfect devote.

at the end of the day, ask yourself if u have been perfect all your life and how sincere u have been towards god. never judge someone else's faith as for some its a way of life and for some its just like loving someone in their own family. to some its no one else in life but god to turn to.they may have their own rights with him which is not for anyone to know,judge or comment on.

sage narada once asked lord vishnu who was the greatest devotee ever and expected the lord

to answer that is was him. lord vishnu handed him a cup full of oil and asked him to go around the world thrice without spilling a single drop first. but he promised to reveal the greatest devotee to him when he finishes the task. naradha did as told. when he asked the lord who was the greatest devotee, the lord pointed to a poor farmer. naradha was shocked as he utters the lords name every minute and always thought he was the greatest vishu baktha. how can the farmer even be in his par? the lord said" naradha he wakes up in the morning , utters my name then goes abt doing his daily routine and utters my name again before he sleeps.he dosen't even pray for anything as he feels whatever that happens in his life is my decision and will be only good for him..in this period of time that u went around the world with the cup of oil, how many times did u utter my name or even think of me? your only aim was to complete the task wasn't it?" naradha just bowed his head down in embarresment.the story tells it all and needs no further explanation.

The rule of love is to give something to the one we love, so it is natural for a devotee to offer something to God. This act is worship. But, there are times when our love takes the form of asking something from the one we love; in this case, God and so we make our needs known to Him. This is prayer. Both worship and prayer are expressions of love to God. They arise out of a common source that rests on three principles: faith, love and sincerity.In worship, we offer something to God. We do not seek much. We express our love through offerings. We chant hymns in praise and of adoration to God. A person of metaphysical or philosophical temperament may consider worship to be extremely irrational. The temperament that needs worship seeks an expression of love-not merely through contemplation, meditation or prayer but through a tangible human act of offering a gift to God.Worship has different forms. Instead of being external, it can also be internal or mental. The mental offerings need not be physical objects but moral or spiritual qualities such as purity, forbearance, self-control and compassion. In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna mentions that the best kind of worship is that in which every moment and every act is offered to God. Walking, eating, speaking - all actions become an offering to the Lord. One of the famous verses in Bhagavad Gita says, " Brahman is the ritual, Brahman is the offering. Brahman is the one who offers to the fire that Brahman. Those who see Brahman in every action will find Brahman." All actions are given the color of worship.Swami Vivekananda, the great preacher revived a distinctly spiritual form of worship: the worship of God in humanity. This is a very effective Vedanta practice for this age. We have to feel the presence of God in all men and women, but not as a mere idle contemplation. Just as love in order to be dynamic to manifest itself through action, so the worship of God in humanity must declare itself through concrete action and through service. Where ever there is need- physical, mental or spiritual- there is the opportunity to serve humanity through tangible action. That is worship, Swami Vivekananda said and he taught us how to perform this worship. We have to remind ourselves that it is the 'Atman' - the universal spirit residing in all beings that we are worshipping.As we analyze prayer, its two fold nature becomes apparent. We see the positive aspect of prayer when we pray for faith, purity, self control and devotion to God. We see its negative aspect when we pray to be separated from 'maya' or ignorance. It is by a combination of worship and prayer, based on love, that our minds become purified. We need both these practices to take us through the various stages of spiritual evolution until, ultimately merging, they give us the supreme object of our search- the vision of God.
Prayers and devotion to the Lord is one of the three paths of self actualization in Hinduism.
The ancient Indian philosophers elaborated three ways for self-actualization -GYAN, the path of knowledge, KARMA, the path of action and BHAKTI or the path of devotion. It is the third path of Bhakti which guides the individual to submerge himself, his ego, his pride and his arrogance in his devotion to the almighty lord of universe. Prayers are a means to this end.
When an individual prays to the Lord, he devotes all his attention to the almighty god. The form in which the Lord is worshipped could be either SAAKAR, meaning a human like form, or it could be NIRAKAAR or formless. In bhakti, the individual loses his own ego in worshipping that form and almost attains a merger with it. Prayers are thus considered an essential part of bhakti.
BHAKTI THE WORSHIP OF THE LORD
Bhakti or worship and devotion to the almighty Lord is supposed to be a path for self actualization. Hindu PUJA (worship) is actually an expression of devotion, and the foremost way of doing it is by singing the prayers of the Lord, or the ARTI- a prayer describing the magnificence of the Lord along with a request to keep us under his shelter, bless us with his compassion and show us the right path in life. These prayers are the primary feature of every puja. It is usually associated with TILAK or placing the red powder on the forehead of the idol or the photograph of the Lord or the Goddess, depending upon whichever form you prefer to remember him.
The ARTI or the prayers are sometimes associated with music, and devotees also express their emotions in the form of bowing or prostrating before the Lord's idol. Some even dance with devotion, feeling the proximity of his presence while others with close eyes just seem to have entered into a trans, almost as if away from this world.
IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER IN SUSTAINING FAITH AS WELL AS HOPE
Prayers help people in three important ways. First of all, regular prayers are reminders to self that there is an almighty Lord of the universe who is always there, aware of everything and capable of taking care of us. Since the Lord is benevolent and fair, and rewards everyone as per their deeds or KARMA, it is a belief that provides hope to the people that good will prevail over evil. This is one of the most important factors for people having faith in our values, fairness and humanity.Second, by being able to express their faith, people are able to relate to the god whom they cannot otherwise experience or observe, and this simple activity reinforces their faith in an omnipotent power of universe and helps them sustain their belief.
Third, prayers are often said or sung together in temples or in homes, and this common activity performed while thinking about the Lord helps people to develop a common bond of faith that extends to each other as well, thereby fostering a society based on trust and dependability.Prayers in Hinduism are the simplest act to express your faith in the Lord and his fairness. For ordinary people, it is also the most common means to reinforce their faith and develop a social understanding of abiding by the rules of fairness and truthfulness.

i may not be good with my words and may have been a little long winded but i sincerely hope this reaches many as its something i have been wanting to talk about. why is it so hard for some to understand i don't know .well maybe its for god to make them do so...so i shall leave it to him.

im not someone who knows everything but i belive in sharing the good i have learnt from knowledgable ones and i definately belive in respecting faith of others. i oppose the idea of judging and comparing the faith and level of devotion of others strongly! be sincere to yourself and god and he will do you good,he will love you. help others if u can and be sincere to your fellow men.that will bring you closer to god. kindly dont comment and judge other of their faithnenevr take pity on them who are we to take pity on someone when we ourself have benn taken pity of somewhere along our lifes? god is the only one who has the rights to do so and shower his grace and love on us...REMEMBER GOD KNOWS THE BEST and he knows everything too...think about it mate.

SRI MATHRE NAMAHA

SWAMI SHARANAM!

DID YOU KNOW???

The World’s Oldest Civilization?
Did you know that by 6000 B.C. Bharat (India) already had advanced townships with villages of mud-brick houses? By 3000 B.C. scientifically planned towns and buildings were part of the landscape. By that time a highly sophisticated urban civilization known as the Harappan flourished in the Indus Valley. About 300 settlements in a belt extending 1520 km from North to South covering a million square kilometers have been discovered, of which Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Kalibangan, and Lothal are important sites. The towns were designed with citadels and defensive walls and the streets and lanes had drains. Individual bathrooms and lavatories were impressively drained into a larger system. Well-developed docks and store houses as well as bullock carts for transportation were very popular. Thus, advanced technology, economic and defense systems, as well as public health were part of the Hindu culture.
What is the Oldest Book?
Did you know that the oldest book in the library of humans is the Rig Veda?
The existence of the Vedas go beyond recorded history and are said to be passed down from the Gods to the great seers of Bharat. For many human generations the Vedas were passed on through word of mouth, until finally documented by the great Rishis and Swamis.
World's First University
Did you know that as early as 700 B.C., there existed a giant University at Takshashila, located in the northwest region of Bharat (India)?
Not only Indians, but students from as far as Babylonia, Greece, Syria, Arabia and China came to study at Takshashila University. On the curriculum was 68 different subject matters including language, philosophy, medicine, politics, astronomy, astrology, commerce, music, dance, etc. The minimum entrance age was 16 and the student enrollment was 10,500. Thus, the concept of a full-fledged university was developed in Bharat.
Famous Nalanda University
Did you know that the University at Nalanda functioned from 500 to 1300 AD until destroyed by invaders?
During the 800 years that the university was operational, it attained great fame. Its campus was one mile in length and a half-mile in width. It also had 300 lecture halls with stone benches for sitting; laboratories and other facilities were also available. For example, the university had a towering observatory called the Ambudharaavlehi for astronomical research. It has boasted a massive library called Dharma Gunj or Mountain of Knowledege that was set up in three buildings named Ratna Sagar, Ratnodavi and Ratnayanjak. The entrance examination was very difficult and the pass rate was 3 out of every 10 students. Despite this hurdle, the Chinese traveler, Hien Tsang wrote in his diary that 10,000 students and 200 professors were at Nalanda University.
Invention of Zero
Did you know that Hindus invented zero? The concept of zero is referred to as Shunya in the early Samskrit texts and it is also explained in the Pingala’s Chandah Sutra of the second century. In the Brahma Phuta Siddhanta of Brahmagupta (7th century AD), the zero is lucidly explained. The Hindu genius Bhaskaracharya proved that x divided by 0 = 4 (infinity) and that infinity however divided remains infinity. This concept was recognized in Hindu theology millennia earlier. The earliest recorded date for an inscription of zero (inscribed on a copper plate) was found in Gujarat (585 – 586 AD). Can you imagine today’s computers without the invention of zero?
Decimal System
Did you know that Hindus gave us the method of expressing numbers by means of a decimal system?
The highest prefix used for raising 10 to a power in today’s math is D for 1030 (from Greek Deca). However, as early as 100 BC Hindu Mathematicians had exact names for figures up to 1053 (Tallakshana).
Invention of Geometry and Trigonometry
Did you know that Hindus invented Geometry and Trigonometry?
The word geometry emerged from the Samskrit word Giamiti which means measuring the earth. The word trigonometry emerged from the Samskrit word Trikonamiti meaning measuring triangular forms. The concept of geometry emerged around 1000 BC in Bharat from the practice of making fire altars in geometric shapes. The treatise of Surya Siddhanta (4th century AD) describe in amazing detail the science of trigonometry. Trigonometry was introduced in Europe 1200 years later in the 16th century.
The Value of Pi
Did you know that the ratio of the circumference and the diameter of a circle known as Pi (a value of 3.141592657932…) was first calculated by Hindus? The Samskrit text, by the famous Hindu mathematician, Baudhayana in his Baudhayana Sutra of the 6th century BC mentions this ratio as approximately equal to 3. The Hindu mathematician, Aryabhatta, in 499 AD worked out the value of Pi to the fourth decimal place.
Bhaskaracharya’s Law of Gravity, Not Issac Newton
Did you know that the famous Hindu astronomer, Bhaskaracharya in his Surya Siddhanta wrote: "Objects fall on the earth due to a force of attraction by the earth. Therefore, the earth, planets, constellations, moon and sun are held in orbit due to this attraction." It was not until 1687, 1200 years later did Issac Newton rediscover the Law of Gravity.
Baudhayana’s Theorem, Not Pythagoras
Did you know that the so-called Pythagoras Theorem that the square of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle equals to the sum of the square of the other two sides was documented by the famed Hindu mathematician Baudhayana in his 6th century BC treatise called Baudhayana Sulba Sutra? Baudhayana states: "The area produced by the diagonal of a rectangle is equal to the sum of area produced by it on two sides."
Algebra
Did you know that the ancient Hindus had the most advanced system of Algebra? Encylopedias describe the algebra of Hindu mathematicians like Bhaskaracharya, Shridharacharya, Brahmagupta, and Aryabhatta as far more advanced than any during their times.
Earth is Round and Revolves Around the Sun
Did you know that one thousand years before Copernicus (1543) published his theory of the revolution of the earth, the famous Hindu mathematician, Aryabhatta in the 5th century clearly stated this fact: "Just as persons traveling on a boat feel that the trees on a bank are moving, people on earth feel that the sun is moving." In Aryabhatta’s treatise (Aryabhateean) on this subject matter he clearly states that the earth is round; it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space. Aryabhatta, in his treatise also explained that lunar and solar eclipses occur by the interplay of the shadows of the sun, the moon and the earth.
Time Taken for Earth to Orbit Sun
Did you know that the famous Hindu mathematician, Bhaskaracharya, in his treatise Surya Siddhanta, calculated the time taken for the earth to orbit the sun to nine decimal places (365.258756484 days)? Today’s accepted measurement is 365.2564 days. Therefore, assuming that today’s figures are correct, it means that Bhaskaracharya was off by only 0.0002%.
Medicine and Surgery
Did you know that the Atharva Veda contains sections devoted to the science of medicine? The Atharva Veda gave birth to Ayur Veda, the traditional system of Hindu medicine and it was developed around 5000 years ago. This system of medicine is still widely used today in Bharat under the term Ayur Vedic Medicine.
Charaka – World’s First Physician
Did you know that a Hindu was the world’s first physician? The west is fond of proclaiming Hippocrates (460 – 377 BC) as the father of medicine, but way before him in 500 BC Maharishi Charaka wrote the famous Charaka Samhita or Physicians’ Handbook. The Charaka Samhita went into great detail to describe human anatomy, pathology, diagnostic procedures, and treatment for various diseases. Charaka defined eight major medical disciplines of Ayur Veda: Shailya Chikitsa (surgery), Shaalakya Chikitsa (head, eye, nose, throat), Kaaya Chikitsa (mental health), Kaumarbhrutya Chikitsa (pediatrics), Agada Tantra (toxicology), Rasaayana Tantra (Pharmacology), Vaajeekarna Tantra (reproductive medicine). Charaka also described the functions of the heart and the circulatory system in great detail. The Charaka Samhita was widely translated in various languages and Charaka was a respected medical authority in both the Arab and Roman empires.
Shushruta – World’s First Plastic Surgeon
Did you know that a Hindu was the world’s first plastic surgeon? Sushruta as early as 600 BC used cheek skin to perform plastic surgery to restore and reshape human nose, ears, and lips with incredible results. In his treatise, Shushruta Samhita, he classified surgery into eight types: aaharya (extracting solid bodies), bhedya (excision), eshya (probing), lekhya (sarification), vedhya (puncturing), visravya (extracting fluids), and sivya (suturing). Sushruta worked with 125 kinds of surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, needles, catheters, etc. Such a genius was Sushruta that he even devised non-invasive surgical treatments with the aid of light rays and heat.
Oldest Language
Did you know that Samskrit is the world’s oldest systematic language? According to Forbes Magazine (1987), "Samskrit is the most convenient language for computer software programming."
Oldest Living Music
Did you know that the Hindu musical system of ragas codified in the Sama Veda is the oldest living music in the world? The slokas (hymns) of the Vedas are codified in meters and are recited with rich lyricism. Originating from the Sama Veda the different forms of Hindustani and Carnatic music are still immensely popular today.
First Poetry of the World
Did you know that the Ramayana is the first poetry of the world? It is a glorious Samskrit epic written by the Sage Valmiki. The Ramayana begins with the author, Sage Valmiki, asking Narada: "O Venerable Rishi, please tell me, is there a perfect man in this world who is virtuous, brave, dutiful, truthful, noble, kind to all beings, and adored by all?" Narada replies: "Rama." The Ramayana has 24,000 Samkskrit verses. It later translated by Kamban and Tulsi Das.
Longest Poetry of the World
Did you know that the Mahabarata is the longest poetry ever written? Its 100,000 verses encompass all facets of Dharma or human way of life. It narrates the story about the great Mahabarat War between the noble Pandavas and their evil cousins the Kauravas.

HINDUISM : Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where and when did Hinduism begin?
A. Hinduism basically started with Sruti “that which is heard”. The master of vedic age called Rishis, heard eternal truths in their heart and they taught their disciples telepathically, by transfer of thoughts. Later Vedas and Upanishads were taught in chanted lyrics and they laid the foundation of Hindnuism.
The exact date of when Hinduism actually stared begin with the age of this universe which is 155.5 trillion years ago.
Mythological Stories -
Hindu mythological stories says that it is trillions of years old. Some say Hinduism started soon after ice age ended and some even say its origin is 6000-7000 years before Christ [6000-7000 B.C.].
Theologians View – Brahmaputra in India started a “Thinking Process” later known as Hinduism. Other Hindu Theologians say that the early settlers of North India exchanged knowledge with dark colored people of South India called Dravidians and thus laid the foundation of Hinduism in India.
Archeological Evidence –
Evidence found at Indus valley civilization at Mohanjodaro and Harappa dates Hinduism to have started 6000-7000 years before Christ.
Major events in the development of the history of Hinduism are –
The original name of Hinduism was Santana Dharma meaning “righteousness forever “of” that which has no beginning or end”. The name Hindu was given by Persians when they invaded India in 6th B.C.
For long periods of time there was no written Hindu scripture. It was just in the forms of Sruti [that which is heard] and was narrated by rishis to their disciples with careful sound of words. Later with coming of various civilizations in India, Hinduism became a blend of various ideas and thoughts and thus came to be known as “The thinking process”.
In the development process of Hinduism the Hindu scriptures play a very vital role. The scriptures are written in Sanskrit and are –
Vedas
Rig Veda [Vedas of Hymns] consists of 1028 hymns to gods like Indra & Agni.
Yajur Veda[Vedas of Liturgy] concerns the knowledge of how to perform all rites and rituals.
Sama Veda [Vedas of Music] concerns the knowledge of chants.
Atharva Veda – This Veda contains the knowledge given by Sage Atharvana. It contains many magical charms and incantations.
Upanishads
The word Upanishad is composed of Upa [Near], Ni [Down] and Shad[To sit]. Upanishad is a teaching given by Guru [teacher] to his disciples and it is a rule that no one except the disciple could hear his guru’s teachings.
Dharma Sutras
These are the backbones of Hinduism ethics and morality. They are basically the first lawgiver code books to Hinduism written by sages like Manus, Yatnavalka, Parasara and Gauthama. The earliest Dharma sutra is called “Code of Manu” and is popularly known as Manusmriti.
Panchatantra
It is a collection of stories told by Vishnusharman to princes to teach them worldly affairs. Each story has a moral and is like a fable book in which human characters are replaced by animal characters. It teaches what exactly should be the course of action of a wise man.
Arthashastra
It is the code of ethics for kings written by Kautilya of Maurya Dynasty. It consists of methods of spy system, how to deal with the enemy and various political and social subjects.
Brahma sutra
These describes the nature of Brahman in depth and is written by Sage Badarayana [Veda Vyasa].
Agamas
These are a group of literature which deals with worship of god in many forms and they have their own set of rules and regulations for their devotee. These Agamas gave rise to 3 branches of Hinduism –
Vaishnavism
Saivism
Saktism
Famous Indian Epics
The 2 famous epics are Ramayana and Mahabharata written by Sage Valmiki and Sage Veda Vyasa respectively. The Bhagwad Gita is the form of conversation between warrior Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna at the outset of Mahabharata war.
Puranas
These are called Vedas of common folk and are written in question & answer form. They consist of religious stories which make common people understand the higher truths of life. The major puranas are called Mahapurana.
Thus all the above Hindu scriptures played a key role in the development of Hinduism and paved a way for a religion which is appreciated by the entire world.
Q. What are the main ideas this religion professes?
A. Hinduism is more a way of life than a specific religion. In Hinduism one can find all religions of the world. Various religions like Buddhism, Sikhism emerged from it. The most important aspect of Hinduism is being truthful to oneself. Hinduism has no monopoly on ideas. It is open to all. Hindus believe in one God expressed in different forms. For them, God is timeless and formless entity. Hindus believe in eternal truths and these truths are opened to anyone who seeks them, even if he or she is ignorant of Hindu scripture or ideas. This religion also professes Non-violence - "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" - Non violence is the highest duty. True Ahimsa implies curtsey, kindness, hospitality, humanity and love.

Q. How do Hindus worship?
A. The place where Hindus worship is called a Temple. Most of the ancient Indian Temples were constructed by Hindu Kings. The Temples were constructed on auspicious sites and the whole process was very elaborate. Two rituals associated with temple construction were a. Pratishta [installation of icons] and b. Kumbha – Abhishekam [temple dedication].
The idols of Gods are either made of special stone or wood and the artisan who makes them are called Shilpikar. The process by which worship of Gods & Goddess is done is called Pooja. It is the most common form of ritual. In the process of Pooja, Upacaras [offerings of many articles like food, perfumed water, tulsi leaves, sandal wood paste etc with honor to deity] play a vital role. The person who performs the Pooja is called Poojari.
Generally, all Indian houses have a small corner reserved for God and is called Mandir or Pooja Ghar where the Indian Family worships together. An individual family can have their own Poojari doing the Pooja or the head of the family does the Pooja. This tradition is considered a good practice in Indian houses. It is a time when all the family members come together and pray together.
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Q. What are the important rituals, ceremonies etc practiced by Hindus?
A. Rituals are basically an art of worshipping the God. Rituals may vary from home to home in some way or other but their basic concept remains the same. The rituals of Hinduism are-
Poojas
Yajnas
Vedic Rituals called Samskaras [means refinement] – these are carried out throughout the whole life cycle and are 16 in all –
1. Garbhadhana - Ritual to guarantee conception
2. Pumsavana - Ritual to protect fetus and to have a boy
3. Simantonnayana - Ritual at the last month of pregnancy
4. Jatakarana - Preparation of astrological chart of child
5. Namakarana – Naming the child
6. Nishkaramana – Taking the child out of the house for the first time
7. Annaprasana `– First feeding of rice to the child
8. Chudakarana – First cutting of hair of the child
9. Karnavedha – Boring ear lobes of the child
10. Vidyarambha – Beginning of child learning alphabets
11. Upanayana – Wearing of holy threads by boys
12. Vedarambha – Commencement of the Vedic studies
13. Keshante – First shaving of the child’s head
14. Samavartana – Home coming after completion of Vedic Studies
15. Vivaha – Marriage Rituals
16. Anthyesthi – Funeral rituals
Shraddha –
Rituals at the time of death, these lasts for 12 days and is carried out to ensure that the departed soul is at ease and it goes to heaven where there are lesser difficulties. Tirtha Yatra – Ritual of going to holy places for purification and redemption from sin. Important places for tirtha yatra are –
1. Badrinath [North]
2. Puri [East]
3. Rameshwara [south]
4. Dwarka [West]
These are also called as Four Dhams.
Important Festivals
There are many Hindu festivals and their importance differs from place to place –
Deepavali –
It is called as the Festival of Light and comes in the month of Kartika [Oct./Nov.]. Many mythological stories prevail for Deepavali; the major two being the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after killing Ravana and the second being the Death of Titan of Hell, Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Both the events signify winning of good over evil, people light candles, diyas in their houses, worship Laxmi [Goddess of Wealth] and visit near dear ones, distribute sweets and wear new clothes etc.
Holi–
Also called as Festival of Colors; it is celebrated in the month of March. The mythological story behind Holi is of Prahlada, Holika and Hiranayakshyup which signifies Holika buring to ashes and Prahlada emerging as great worshipper of Lord Vishnu and defeater of demon Hiranayakshyup. People celebrate Holi by throwing colored water and bright powders on each other and enjoying themselves.
Onam –
Celebrated in Kerala to mark the end of summer monsoons. It has a mythological story of welcoming demon King Mahabali to his lost kingdom.
Pongal –
Celebrated in Tamil Naidu during the months of Januray /Feburary. It is celebrated at the time of rice harvest.
Raksha Bandhan –
Celebrated in the months of July/August; a sister ties a Rakhi [sacred thread] to the wrist of her brother/s who in turn give her some presents and become responsible for her safety.
Rama Navami –
Celebrated as the Birthday of Lord Rama.
Ganesh Chathurthi -
Celebrated as the Birthday of Lord Ganesha.
Navratri –
Festival of Nights; lasts for 9 days with 3 days each devoted to worship of Goddess Durga [Goddess of Valor], Lakshmi [Goddess of Wealth] and Saraswati [Goddess of Knowledge].
Saraswati Puja –
A Festival honoring Goddess of Knowledge.
Shivaratri -
Celebrated as the Birthday of Lord Shiva.
Krishna Janamashtami -
Celebrated as the Birthday of Lord Krishna.

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Q. How many Gods do Hindus worship? What are the main Gods & Goddess?
A. According to Hinduism all gods are the various representation of one true God. Hinduism states that there is only one God and the Vedas call him Brahman. The vibratory aspect of Brahman is called AUM or OM. From AUM came the 3 godheads –
a. Bramha [creator]
b. Vishnu [preservor]
c. Shiva [destroyer]
These gods when take a human form are called Avtaars.
The three main Goddesses are-
Saraswati [Wife of Lord Brahma; Goddess of Knowledge]
Lakshmi [Wife of Lord Vishnu; Goddess of Wealth]
Parvati [Wife of Lord Shiva; Goddess of Power]
Hindus also believe in Powers of Nature and have gods of nature like Varuna [water], Agni [fire], Vayu [air] etc. There are also Semi-gods like Hanuman etc.
It is believed that there are 33 crores gods in Hinduism. A Hindu can worship as many Gods and Goddesses as he wants because Hindus believe that all forms of Gods and Goddesses are manifestations of one god or power. A Hindu temple can have a blend of various Gods.

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Q. How many times do Hindus pray everyday?
A. It is considered a good practice to pray 2 times a day. The Indian temples generally follow a practice of performing aarti [lighting lights] at dawn and dusk and it is believed that the gods rest during afternoon and night, so prayers should be offered at dawn and dusk.
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Q. Who is the most important God in this religion? Why?
A. It is believed that everything came from Brahman and Brahman is God. The Vedas state that "Prajapati Vai Idam Agre Aseet [In the beginning was Prajapati - The Brahman]. Later on came Mother God and Trinity of Gods; followed by Nature Gods, Minor Gods etc.
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Q. What is the final destination of all souls in Hinduism?
A. At the time of death, the body dies but the soul never dies. The soul passes from one body to another after the death, like a body changes clothes, the soul goes on taking endless number of bodies; until it pays off all the karmas attached to the soul. The path the soul takes is decided by the past actions which as popularly known as "Karmas". After death the soul seeks an ideal body to be born again. So if you are born rich or poor - it is because of your actions in your previous life. Thus the should continues the journey of life and death with karmas attached to it from one life to another by undergoing pain or pleasure. The different methods of god realization provide an easy way to put an end to the drama. Then the individual soul, which is called "Jeevatman", will merge with Absolute Soul or Infinite Power [God], popularly know as "Paramatman". This merging process is called Salvation or Enlightment.
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In order to reach enlightment a human being should adopt different methods of God realization which are as follows-
Karma Yoga –
It is a system of attaining freedom through selfless actions. The word “Karma” means “to do”, thus Karma means work. The Karmas which we do dictate our past, present and future. An individual should engage himself in good karmas.
Gyana Yoga –
It is a system of reaching enlightment by adopting the path of knowledge or Hindu Philosophy.
Bhakti Yoga –
Bhakti Yoga comes from the word “Bhaj” which means “to be attached to”. Through this the devotee goes for total surrender to God and in this process a total dissolution of “I” or “Ego” takes place.
Raja Yoga –
It is a very scientific path of God Realization. In this the individual practices self control and thought control of his body and mind.
Q. What methods do Hindus use to teach the morality and values of Hinduism?
A. The main methods are as follows-
1. Reading of Ancient Scriptures
2. Hearing preaching from some renowned saints
3. Visiting historical places
4. Having group discussions with fellow followers

KALI :the compassionate one ( facts and myths)

" Ya devi sarva bhuteshu
buddhi rupena samsthita
namastasyai namastasyai
namastasyai namo namaha"

To the Devi who abides in all beings in the form of intelligence Salutations to Her,
Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

The Divine Mother’s magic is as ancient as life itself. She existed before gods and mortals, and she will still exist even after the great dissolution. Mother is pure energy in subtle form, but in times of need or just out of a desire to play, she manifests.

Many people fear the mysterious black goddess Kali. Her symbolism startles them because they try to understand with their brain. One needs to understand with one’s heart. Kali is an experience, a very personal one. If one gets a taste of the ecstasy of Her Divine Love even only once, one’s life is transformed and becomes holy. Adhi Para Shakthi manifested herself in 10 different Avatars for the upliftment of the mankind .

The 10 different (Dhasa Maha Vidyas) Avatars are mainly…

Kaali

Tharasundari

Bhuvaneshwari

Bairavi

Chinna Mastha

Bhagalamughi

Thoomavathi

Maathangi

Kamalathmigha

Thiripurasundari

you may have read about THIRIPURA SUNDARI or RAJA RAJESHWARI ( one of the Dhasa Maha Vidyas) in my previous posts,now let us see another….

The first and foremost Manifestation of the Adhi Parashakthi was in the form of Kali. Kali Stands for the endless Time . As she contains within herself the endless Time She is called Kali and is shown nude to symbolize that she is infinite as the universe.it impossible to dress someone who is bigger then the universe right . ( Kalam means time in Sanskrit and Tamil) or Kaliga-one who has won the time. Kali also denotes black in Sanskrit. She is associated with darkness and black colour. She is the God who is associated with destruction of evil and Death.her dark and long matted hair acts as her clothes…every detail given in kalis form is not to tell this is how she is but to descripe her characteristics.most of us understand her form in the wrong way…some even think that she is a blood thirsty godess who can only be appeased with sacrifices and blood offerings but the truth is she is the most compassionate one who will never bear any of her creations suffer. Its in such cases that she will take her gruesome form which she took to kill the evil asuras and dark forces, To punish those who harm her innocent devotees and harmless creatures in the name of sacrifice in her hounor!

Thousands of names like Kalakandi, Thigambari, Kala Hanthiri, Maha Kali
talk about her omnipresence, her extraordinary kindness, her ruthless pursuit in destroying evil. Kali is worshipped in many different forms in many levels. In general every time Kali appears as an avatar to kill an evil Asura she is worshipped as a pertinent diety.Though Adhi Shakthi is one, man kind has thrust their desire to see the Shakthi in hundred different forms to satisfy their inner needs.Kali is her form which protects mankind and banishes the troubles they face from evil people and dark forces.

The origin of Kali goes like this….In a period of war between the Gods and the demons, the evil demon king Mahishasura took advantage of a brief respite to gather an army and declare himself the Lord of Heaven, Ruler of the Universe. This blasphemous title reached Vishnu, the head God, who shot a blinding light from his forehead in fury. Shiva was also angry and beamed a sharp ray of terrible light in the same direction. Brahma, Indra, and the other mighty Gods also shot forth-intense rays of light. At one point, all the Gods’ rays joined, and the light culminated in the form of a woman: A face formed by Shiva’s light, Yama gave her hair, and Vishnu her arms; the moon God Chandra’s light formed two breasts, Indra’s becoming her waist, and Varuna’s her thighs; Earth’s light gave her hips, and Brahma contributed feet; Agni, the fire God, fashioned her three eyes.As soon as the Goddess was created, the Gods prayed to her, worshipping her with praise as SRI DURGA PARAMESHWARI; ornaments of jewels, earrings, bracelets, and a garland of eternal lotuses; and weapons, suchas a trident, a discus, and a thunderbolt. Shouting invocations to the Devi, the God’s watched the demons charge towards them in battle.The demons, armed with arrows, clubs, swords, and spears, went straight towards the enormous manifested Goddess’ towering form, which was laughing with amusement. She easily smashed weapons, hurled demons and killed with her mighty sword and mace. yes. Each God contributed their power to manifest the Devi, the great Mother Goddess. A demon the posed a threat to the Devi was the demon Raktabija, who possessed the magical power of creating new demons from his own blood. Everytime he was wounded, each spilled drop of blood generated another demon.Devi then produced from her THIRD EYE apure form of her fury to destroy the evil and that was KALI
According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma granted the boon to Raktavera that for every drop of his blood that fell on ground hundreds of demons like him would be produced. Thus the only way of slaying Raktavera was by not allowing even a drop of his blood to fall on the ground. Thereby Kali pierced him with a spear and drank all his blood as it gushed out. Kali once gave free rein to her blind lust for destruction. To stop the world from being destroyed Lord Shiva brought himself to the feet of Kali. On sensing her husband beneath her feet she stopped and thus the world was saved.

She acquired her name Kali meaning ‘conqueror of time’ as she subdued her husband Lord Shiva by trampling over him. This way Devi the symbol of fertility conquered Shiva, the inexorable destroyer, who was equated with time. Seen standing on top of ever willing shiva… We have heard people say that it was a imposter who she was stepping on and that its not shiva.well the truth is it is shiva.she is shown like that to symbolize the unity between them shivam and shakthi are inseperable ,its just like how bala thiripura sundari is seen seated on shiva .when she is alone she creates destruction but when shiva comes in contact with her the world becomes fertile once again with life! The most important thing we need to understand is that most of our deitys’ forms have inner meanings to it.WE SHOULD NEVER INTERPRET IT IN OUR OWN WAY…if we look up to our puranas,Vedas and books on Hinduism, there are many texts that give us explanations and stories behind these deitys and their forms…

Kali is the Goddess of destruction,one whostand with her foot on Lord Shiva’s chest, a severed head in one hand, her sword in the other, and wearing a garland of skulls. Kali is worshipped as the Mother Goddess who protects from evil. She also epitomise strength or ‘Shakti’ and the darker side.. Her puja usually takes place at midnight on the day of the new moon… she is usually potrayed smeared with blood, the brow bearing a third eye, like Shiva’s. She has four arms. She holds in one a weapon, in another the head of a giant, dripping blood; the other two are raised to bless the worshipers. Her terrible appearance is made all the more gruesome with her ornaments of necklace of snakes, skulls and heads and a belt from, which hangs demon’s hands. If she is the destroyer of Mahisasura (as Durga), Shumbha, Nishumbha, Chanda, Munda, Raklavirya (as Kali ), she is also the compassionate Mother. The two mudras in her right ands, ‘abhaya’ (protection from fear) and ‘vara’ (granting of boons) and the raised blood-smeared sword in one of her left hands with the freshly severed head of a demon dangling from the other hand, with three eyes standing for the sun, the moon and fire (Agni) make her a most complex symbol of love, compassion and error.

Aspects of Kali are Chandi, the fierce and Bhairavi, the terrible in which she is the counterpart to Shiva’s aspect of Bhairava, when he takes pleasure in destruction. Another name of this form is Chamunda. Kali Puja is performed on a new moon night. As Kali is associated with dark rites and maanthreegam , the rituals performed are austere and offered with great devotion..kali means karunai(compassion) as told in the vedhas.she grants her devotee whatever they want no matter they are wanting it for good or bad purposes.but those who use her blessings in the wrong way to hurt others in anyway or to do evil deeds will definately meet their end in her hands as she is the compassionate mother and also the fiearsome destructor who can’t bear see her children suffer. In the Hindu religious texts, different representations of Goddess Kali are available such as Siddha Kali, Bhadra Kali, Raksha Kali, Shwashan Kali and Maha Kali.she has according to old sources 8 forms. They are called Ashta maha kali…..

Sri Kali

Sri Kala Rathiri

Sri Chamundi

Sarva Maya Mundi

Badrakali

Sri Maha Kali

Sara Sandigai

Bairavi

Dakshina Kali and Kughiza Kali are 2 important forms in all the three lokhas and worshipping them brings peace and prosperity.

Sri Kali: containing of time within her she is called Kaali or Kaliga . She appears with 8 hands carrying weapons and an Asura is under her feet.

Sri Kala Rathiri:

During death she comes as Payangiri, surrounded by 12 powers residing in the heart chakra of the mankind.She appears with 8 hands and has fire on her head.

Shri Chamundi:

During the destruction of Chanda Munda Asuras, Kali cuts the head of Chanda and the body of Munda and hence she is called Chamundi or Chamundeshwari . She appears fierce with 8 hands and an asura under her feet.

Sarva Maya Mundi:

The name denotes that she is omnipotent and everything in the universe including time. She appears with 8 hands and a glowering fire on her head.

Badra Kali:

She is the one who bestows prosperity to her devotees. She appears with a fierce temper. She has 10 hands carrying weapons to destroy the evil and protect the Good. She appears seated with one leg hanging and with fire on her head.

Shri Mahakali:

Saptha Sakthis powers within and Saraswathi , Lakshmi and Durgai together are called Mahakali.She appears with 14 hands carrying weapons. With fire burning on her head she is fierce and appears seated.

Kughizha Kali:

Kughizha Kali has very fascinating appearance.She indicates that the world worshipped Kali from its beginning as Ram and Bharathan in Ramayanam worshipped her.She has 10 faces, 1000 hands and 27 eyes.She is seated on 5 dead bodies in the navel of Vishnu.There is only one statue of this Kali in Delhi museum in India. Ramar worshipped this kali with a mantra containing 17 letters and got his wish granted.

Dakshina Kali:

She is Bava tharini in culcutta,

and Sri Ramakrishna Parama Hamsar worshipped her.Her tales of glory is told in 14 volumes. She appears with one face and four hands.Dakshina Kali Chakra is enough to pray to all the other forms of Kali.

With 8 forms and countless number of avatars to destroy the evil asuras Kali is worshipped in numerous forms, figures and ways.Her physical attributes gives her yet another classification .Kali with 2 hands carrying weapons to kill the evil and protect the good.Kalli with four hands is dark in colour and appears fierce. She bestows all boons to those who worship her. Kali with six hands is red in colour and is fierce in her temper. She appears with weapons to destroy the evil asuras and protect the good.Kali with eight hands has one-face three eyes and is dark in colour. With fire in her hair she is the source of Kundalini Yoga.Kali appear with 10 hands, 10 faces and 10 legs. Maha Kali appears in blue colour and she is the one created to destroy the Madhu Kaidabar.Kali appears with sixteen hands and is in different colours. With several weapons she appears fierce.Kali appears with 18 hands seated on a lion. With a very fierce appearance and using the spirits as her transport she is gross in her nature. With weapons she destroys the evil and protects the good.

There are many temples in India dedicated to kali. DAKSHINESWARAM and UJJAIN in the north and THILLAI PURAM, THIRUVAKKARAI and MEL MALAYANOOR are mainly revered in the south. In Singapore three quarter of devi temples are dedicated to Kali,such as VADAPATHIRA KALIAMMAN,RUTHRA KALIAMMAN,VAIRAVIMADA KALIAMMAN AND VEERAMA KALIAMMAN..here she is worshiped in a form more motherly and less fierce.. There are many famous temples in

Generally Kali appears thus with variations in several aspects with different worshippers. She appears as a dark cloud with a rare glow. She is omnipotent and is spread everywhere. So she also takes the blue colour of the sky. She is yellow as Parvathi and also appears as a dark night in a storm. She adorns a garland made of cut heads to indicate that birth and death starts and ends with her. Severed hands cover her body to indicate that all actions stem from her. With one head, a knife in another and one indicating protection and another depicting a charm she appears. Whenever man crosses the limits she appears to destroy the ego.

Devotees of Kali should be brave as she is goddess of destruction. Her hanging tongue indicates this. She lives in burial grounds as this indicates that she will live in your heart if you destroy all the evil thoughts and win your senses and make your conscious as clean as a burial ground.Kali is Shakti, the great goddess, creating the three gunas: sattvas, rajas and tamas. The three gunas in their various permutation create all the fabric of the universe, including the five elements, skin, blood, etc.. These principles are the substance of she whose play (lila) is their modification. Kali is the first and foremost of the ten aspects of the goddess. She is pure sattvas, pure spirit.

A sadhaka (male) or a sadhvika (female) can worship the goddess — the Devi — in any of ten forms for the fruition of desires. Her ten major forms are

Kali,Tara, Shodasi, Bhuvaneshvari, Bhairavi, Chinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagala, Matangi and Kamala. These aspects are known as the ten mahavidyas. To a sadhaka, to know these is to know the universe, as she is both space and time and beyond these categories. Each form has its own dhyana (meditation), yantra (diagram), mantra (sound form) and sadhana (actions).

Devi gives her own description in the Kulachudamani: "I am Great Nature, consciousness, bliss, the quintessence, devotedly praised. Where I am, there are no Brahma, Hara, Shambhu or other devas, nor is there creation, maintenance or dissolution. Where I am, there is no attachment, happiness, sadness, liberation, goodness, faith, atheism, guru or disciple.

"Ya Devi Sarvabhuthesu Shakthi-Rupena samsthithaa

Namasthasmai Namasthasmai Nanasthasmai Namo Namaha "

Since Kali in the 1st manifestation of sri aadhi para shakthi,she is also called Athya (the one who appeared first). Kali puranas and the glory of kali can be read from Maha kala Samhiyhai, Maha Niruvana Tanthram, Yogini Tanthram, and Kamadhenu Tanthram, Kandhava thanthram, Sri Kalikagamam and the most superior vedic text of all in hounor of devi,DEVI MAHATMIYAM.

When the world becomes evil, goodness destroys and godliness disappears,she appears to give us salvation.she is the one shakthi who give the power to the mumoorthys to do the three main duties, creation, protection and destruction. Without Sakthi. Even Siva the supreme being is powerless.When she dances in ecstacy, a new world of goodness springs from her.Thus maha Kali in all her glory protects us from evil and creates goodness.

May we all seek her blessings.

JAIYANTHI MANGALAA KALI JEYA JEYA!