Navaratri – Day 6: Trishati Song

Navaratri-Day-6: Trishati Song

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

64. Soshita Saradhisarthita Rama

Rama! The frightened sea-god prayed to You for protection, when You threatened to dry up all the ocean water.

-Sri Swamiji (12.10.10)

Navaratri – Day 5 – Trishati Sadatmike Song

Navaratri - Day 5 - Trishati Sadatmike Song

Navaratri – Day -5 Parashakti (12/Oct/2010)

parasaktim mahamayam paramatma svarupinim panchabrahmamayam devim dhyayami satatam muda

Every atom is filled with energy. There is nothing in this world that is not filled with energy. Water, Sky, Fire etc. are five elements also have an energy embedded in them. They are Jada (non-living). Even then there is an energy that drives them. During the time of Pralaya (absolution of the Universe) all these may disappear but the Energy remains. This clearly shows that there is a competent energy beyond the five elements that drives the five elements too. That energy is called Parashakti. We need to realize that Parashakti is the energy that is Omniscient.

nivu talli parasakti anni chese adi sakti, nivu talli parasakti sarva srshti mula sakti

(O Mother! You are Parashakti. You are the Primordial Energy. You are the doer. O Mother Parashakti! You are the Fundamental Energy behind the causation of the Universe).

That Parashakti is within us too. She is in the form of Shivashakti (combined aspect of Shiva and Shakti). Let us have the darshan of that Shivashakti. In our body there are five dhatus (principles) that represent shakti aspect– (1) Charma (Skin) (2) Rakta (Blood) (3) Mamsa (Flesh) (4) Medas (Brain) (5) Asthi (Bone) and four principles that represent shiva aspect – (1) Majja (Bonemarrow) (2) Veerya (Sperm) (3)Prana (Life force) (4) Jeeva (Soul). The combination of Shiva and Shakti contributes to the formation of the body. This combination is also the reason and modus operandi for creation of the Universe.

According to the Kamikagamashastra, there is another principle apart from these nine dhatus. That is the tenth element – Parashakti. The nine elements mentioned above work by the energy of Parashakti. The nine dhatus mentioned above are destroyed as soon as the body is destroyed but the tenth element does not die. That is the Atman.

The nine dhatus mentioned above represent the nine avaranas of Srichakra. They are the navachakras (nine chakras) too. The ‘Bindu’ in the Srichakra is the tenth principle. One, who contemplates on the Parashakti keeping his focus entirely on her, will accrue all benefits and happiness. This is explained in the telugu bhajan

amma ninnu kolichite antarangamanduna, akhila sukhamulandele andunindunenduna

(O Mother! One who contemplates on you with begets all happiness here and hereafter).

One who worships Parashakti – His mind merges with the intellect and intellect merges with Atman. This state is called Paranishtha. Mother Goddess Parashakti grants this state. She bestows the Atmajnana (self realization). Mother is ever blissful. She also desires that everyone in this world should be as blissful as she. She is proclaimed as Nityatrupta (one who is always contented and blissful). Actually, in whatever form she is worshiped, whatever be offered to her she will not be pleased. She is pleased only when her devotees understand her phenomenon. Then Parashakti as a friend speaks in our mind, “I am with you”. She also gives us that experience of her presence with us at all times. She improves
the meritorious and divine qualities in us.

That Mother is proclaimed as Uma Haimavati Bahushobhamana in the Upanishat. She is described as the divinity manifesting in several different ways. Let the grace of the divine Mother Parashakti, on this fifth day of Navaratri shine on all beings. Let friendliness and love blossom in everyone. Let the feeling of jealousy vanish. Let there be unity and brotherhood.

Blessings! Jaya Guru Datta!

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

63. Vanara Sainya Samavrita Rama

Rama! You assembled all the monkey warriors.

-Sri Swamiji (11.10.10)

Navaratri – Day – 4 (Meenakshi Devi) – 11/Oct/2010

Mother Goddess is very affectionate towards all the beings. Truly, She is the Mother! She protects her children in all possible ways. For this, She assumes many forms too. That’s why; She is Vishwamata (Mother of the Universe). She is also called Jagaddhatri (One who upholds the World).

Jagat is defined as one that is in motion continually, or that which is changing continuously. All that moves or changes are actually based on some immovable or unchangeable energy. That energy is called Jagadamba or Universal Mother (Jagat=Universe + Amba=Mother).

She is present in the Earth, Sun, Water and in everything around. She is Omnipresent. She is protecting all the beings from the tiny ant to the Bramhan. She is the motive and driving energy in all of us. She has several forms such as Kamakshi, Vishalakshi, Padmanayana, Vaamana Nayana. All these are forms of Meenakshi Devi. Goddess Parvati is the root cause behind the Meenakshi incarnation. Let us try to understand those reasons.

Mother Goddess Parvati did penance to please Shiva. The heat of her penance started to burn all the three worlds. The celestials too started to pray for Shiva’s grace – sundara sundara shiva shiva – karunabandhura shiva shiva.

Shiva finally decided to bless Parvati. He took the form of a celibate and came to Parvati. He started to speak ill of Shiva in front of Parvati. Then Parvati got annoyed and retorted vigorously. Even then the celibate did not stop his words. Parvati got up and was about to leave the place. Soon the celestials saw this Shailaputri (daughter of mountain, Parvati) and started praising as Bramhacharini (the celibate one). Later Shiva and Parvati got wedded. But, there was a doubt in the mind of Parvati. To clarify her doubt, she started thinking thus, “I was always fond of my beauty and wanted to impress Shiva with my beauty. I wanted Him to come running after my beauty. He also blessed me as I wished. Actually this approach is wrong. To idea to attract him with my physical appearance is a sin. I must do penance to ward off this sin. Only then will I attain peace of mind.” Contemplating this in the mind She decided to be born to the Pandya king as Meenakshi.

Jaya madhura minakshi mam palaya, jaya girisha lolakshi mam palaya

Maladhwaja, the Pandya king and his wife Kanchanamala did not have children for several years. They performed yagna (fire worship). Out of the fire emerged a child with three breasts. The couple was shocked and surprised to see this. A voice was heard from the sky, “This child should be named as Meenakshi and reared as a boy. As soon as this girl confronts her rightful husband the disfigurement in her body will immediately disappear.”

As ordained by the celestial voice, Maladhwaja and Kanchanamala couple reared the child Meenakshi as a boy. She became a great warrior. She became the ruler of the kingdom too after her father. She started the victory tour throughout the kingdom with the sword in her hand. She conquered in the East and West directions. After her victory in the South, she started to walk along the sea shore towards the North and reached the Kailas Mountain.

Shiva was all the time observing the movements of Meenakshi. He wanted to bless her by fulfilling the desire in her mind. He took the form of Sundara (beautiful) and appeared in front of Meenakshi. Soon the disfigurement in her body disappeared. She became Sundari (beautiful). Shiva took the human form of Sundara Pandya and married Meenakshi. Their child is Ugrapandya. He is Kumaraswamy (Lord Subrahmanya). This is
the story of Meenakshi mata.

Meena means a fish. Akshi means the eye. Mother has eyes that look like a fish. There is an inner meaning in this. The fish keeps its eye open while swimming in the waters. Similarly Mother Goddess Meeakshi is always protecting her children even without winking her eyes. She is closely watching her devotees and taking care of them.

Let Mother Goddess Meenakshi bestow purity of thought to one and all. Let the impurities of the mind be removed by her grace.

Blessings! Jaya Guru Datta!

Navaratri – Day 4 – Trishati Song

Navaratri – Day 3 – Trishati Lalitha Song

Day 3 - Trishati Lalitha Song

Nadamayi Natanarayani

Nadamayi Natanarayani: in Telugu

Nadamayi Natanarayani – in Kannada

Nadamayi Natanarayani in Hindi

Navaratri Day-3 Durgilakshmi (10/Oct/2010)

Sarva Svarupe Sarvese Sarva Sakti Samanvite, Bhayenbhya: Trahino Devi Durgadevi Namostute

Amongst all the names of Mother Goddess, the name ‘Durga’ has several special attributes. It is a very ancient name. Just by chanting ‘Durga’ once, all the sorrows will be removed. Durga name itself is so powerful.

Durga Lakshmi Jagadmba Durgatinasini Jagadamba

She removes all the ill effects, mishaps and sorrows, so she is called Durga. Just by reciting the name of Durga one becomes fearless and courageous. When we lose control over our senses and our intellect stops functioning, remember ‘Durgamba’ all the things will be automatically set right.

Whenever we say ‘Durga’ – we remember the nine forms of ‘Durga (Navadurga)’.

Navaratri Samaradhyam Navachakra Nivasinim, Navarupadharam Saktim Navadurgamupasraye

One who is being worshipped during Navaratri, one who is residing in the Navachakras (Srichakra), ever fresh and new, manifestation of all energy, such Navadurga, I seek refuge unto.

Goddess Durga is nine years old. That is why she is being worshipped in the Navavarna Mantras. Worshipping her bestows wealth and prosperity. Wealth means Laxmi. Durga and Laxmi are not different. They are one and the same. Goddess Laxmi is residing in Karaveerapura. Today it is called Kolhapura. The Mother Goddess Laxmi who is manifest there is Durga herself. Both of them are forms of Parvati. This is explained beautifully in an episode from Mailaratantra.

In the yester years, on the western coast, in the Sahya Mountains, there was a demon named Malaha. He was unable to tolerate the misbehavior of the celestials over the demons. He wanted revenge. Somehow he wanted to teach the celestials a lesson. He went to the heaven and fought a war with the celestials. Unable to withstand his ferociousness, the celestials approached Mother Goddess Parvati. To fulfill the wishes of the celestials Mother Goddess Parvati fought with Malaha and destroyed him. Then she attained the name Malahasa. She became Mahalakshmi. Shivapurana says that Goddess Maheshwari who is seated in the lap of Shiva became Mahalakshmi. The Ayushya sukta describes Parvati as Laxmi. So everything is a manifestation of Shakti (Energy).

The combined manifestation of all the bad qualities (vices) itself is the demon Durgamaasura. He conquered the heaven and drove away the celestials. He created a lot of fear in the celestials. Because of him all the divine qualities had disappeared from the world. Then Goddess took the form of Durga. As soon as the celestials saw her, their fear vanished. She chopped of the head of Durgamaasura after a ferocious fight. She protected the celestials who had complete faith in her. So, one who seeks refuge unto her is unaffected by difficulties and obstacles. For her devotees, deeply immersed in the worldly life, she is the boatman and the boat too that helps to tread the ocean of Life. She keeps us away from the three types of agonies (tapatraya) – sutarasi tarase namah - By the grace of Mother Goddess Durgalaxmi, may everyone’s obstacles be removed! May everyone be prosperous! May everyone be steadfast in their devotion!

Blessings! Jaya Guru Datta!!!

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

62. Ravana nidhana prasthita Rama

Rama! You decided to kill Ravana (who kidnapped Sita).

-Sri Swamiji (10.10.10)

Happy Navaratri

Navaratri – Day 2 – Rajarajeshwari (09/10/10)

Om Rajarajesvaryai Namah, Chintamani Grhantasthe Parabrahma Kutumbini, Amba Palaya Rajesi Kartavyau Mam Prachodaya

Today’s incarnation is Rajarajeshwari. The greatness of Mother lies mystically hidden in this name. That is why she is Srimata (the great mother), Sri Maharaajni (the great queen), Srimatsimhasaneshwari (occupies the great throne).

While an ordinary mother who has given birth cannot remove the afflictions associated with the soul, Mother Goddess Rajarajeshwari who is the Mother of Mothers can redeem one and all from such afflictions.

She bestows ‘Sri (= all forms of prosperity)’on those who contemplate upon her. She makes them rich intellectually (grace of Mother Goddess Saraswati) as well as in wealth (grace of Mother Goddess Laxmi). She bestows on them the capacity to worship her. Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva attained a worshipful status owing to their reverence and worship to Mother Goddess. That is why Swamiji sings Rajeshwareem Sambhavaye
Rajatkrupaam Sambhavaye (Mother Goddess is the king of kings, rather Queen of Kings and she bestows the capacity of Kingship to those who contemplate on Her). It is but natural that even the celestials worship her. She is also called Shiva Kameshwari. Haranetragni sandagdha kaamasanjeevanaushadhihi – Manmatha (Cupid) was burnt to ashes when Shiva opened his third eye. Mother Goddess Kameshwari gave rebirth to him because he would be useful for the world. Mother Goddess therefore sets right both the home affairs as well as the external affairs. She has herself assumed a very great responsibility.

Just like a mother teaches a child to walk holding his hand, so does the Mother Goddess enable all her children, her own creation, to tread the path life. She kindles in them the light of knowledge. She keeps an eye on them (Closely watches them). She sets right the defaulters.
The practical observation is while Mother gives birth, father helps in all round growth and development, Guru gives knowledge. These roles are assigned by the grace of Mother Goddess Rajarajeshwari only.

She dances on the tongue of Brahman as Saraswati. She blossoms in the heart of Vishnu as Lakshmi. She manifests as the better half of Lord Shiva as Uma. She is the Jaya Devi (Goddess of Victory) and Shiva Devi (Goddess of Auspiciousness). Song – Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Devi Jaya Rajeshwari Shiva Devi!

Mother Goddess looks after the growth and prosperity of the downtrodden, the meek and the weak. She redeems their suffering. She dawns onto them the divine knowledge. She destroys their sins and grants salvation too. The divine light itself is her abode. The word Raja means light or effulgence. All forms of knowledge are seated at the behest of Mother Goddess serving her lotus feet. Similarly all attributes and qualities that enable one to become enlightened are also attached to Mother Goddess (She is also called Param Jyoti the supreme light).
Mother Goddess is doing five actions – (1) Like the Brahman she is engrossed in creation (Srushti) (2) Like Vishnu she is engrossed in Sustenance of the creation (Sthiti) (3) Like Shiva or Rudra, she is also involved in annihilation (Samhara) (4) Instead of annihilation, by virtue of her capacity she merges her own creation into herself (Tirodhana) (5) In the form of Sadashiva she is blessing all the beings (Anugraha). In this way Mother Goddess is getting these five actions done through five Brahmans. She is being worshiped by the king of kings.

Ya Vidya Siva Kesavadi Janani Yavai Jaganmohini, Ya Brahmadi Pipilikanta Jagadanandaika Sandhayini, Ya Panchapranavadvirepha Nalini Ya Chitkala Malini, Sa Payat Paradevata Bhagavati Sri Rajarajesvari

The rulers of the worlds obey her commands and act as per her instructions. They wait for her orders. Manu, Kubera, Indra, Chandra, Shiva all pray to her. Just by mere chanting of the name Rajarajeshwari, one gets immense strength. We begin to feel her ambience around us and protection around us. The energy of all the deities is under the control of Mother Goddess only. She is the queen, ruler, controller and nourisher. She is Omnipotent. Where is the fear for one who seeks refuge unto her? All fear is lost. One becomes outstandingly courageous. All his endeavors will be successful. Those seeking position and power would attain it. Those who want to set right the political instability and keep up their position should worship this Mother only. The success of a person in any field is purely the grace of Mother Goddess.

Om Rajarajesvaryai Namah Om Rajyadayinyai Namah, Om Rajyavallabhayai Namah Om Rajatkripayai Namah, Om Rajapitha Nivesita Nijasritayai Namah Om Rajyalakshmyai Namah

Chanting these sacred names, one begets auspiciousness. By the grace of Mother Goddess Rajarajeshwari, the deity of the second day on Navaratri, let this country and the world be prosperous. Let nobility and serenity prevail. Let there be affection in ones heart for fellow beings. Let the hatred and jealous be destroyed.

Blessings! Jaya Guru Datta!

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

61. Kapi Vara vacanasvasita Rama

Rama! You believed the happy news of Sita’s well-being, conveyed by Hanuman.

-Sri Swamiji (9.10.10)

Navaratri Day-1: Goddess Gauri (08/Oct/2010)

‘Matrudevo bhava’ (Prostrations to Mother Goddess) – Proclaim the Vedas assigning the foremost place to Mother. Even the Shastras have given most important place to Mother Goddess. In the telugu bhajan composed by Swamiji – Amba Kanna Adhikulevarau Lokamanduna, Arasi Chuda Ambayokate Unnadenduna , Swamiji says Who is greater than the Mother Goddess in all the worlds? In fact she is only one encompassing everything. Singing thus, one must attempt to understand the phenomenon of Mother Goddess and experience that bliss in the heart. She is omniscient. She exists in all forms. This has been aptly described in the Saptashati (700 verses in praise of Mother Goddess).

‘Ya Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Chetanetyabhidhiyate Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namonamah’- meaning several salutations to Mother Goddess who in the form of Chaitanya (energy) resides in all beings. Even if one does not worship Mother Goddess, it is ok, even if one does not attempt to understand the literature on Mother Goddess, it is ok. Chanting the holy names of Mother Goddess itself begets immense merit. This is enough. All the desires will be fulfilled. Just reciting Srimata yields innumerable benefits.

Gauri Devi is a manifestation of Srimata. Let us try to understand the phenomenon of this incarnation. Ashtavara Bhavet Gauri – means Mother Goddess Gauri is eight years old. She is very simple just like a child. She is having a golden hue. This bright hue also gives her the name. The tantric texts reveal several stories about Mata Gauri. Only when we combine all of them can we understand her phenomenon.

Parvati was born to the Himalayas. She was very fair in her complexion and so the name Gauri says the Naarada Pancharaatra tantra. Gauri Gandharva Sevita in Lalita Sahasranama (1000 names of Mother Goddess) means the celestials are serving her. Similarly horses by the name Gandharva also serve her. The deities associated with the mantras of horse riding also serve her. She is always being praised by the divine song
of celestials.

Mother Gauri is also famous as Mangala Gauri – the auspicious one. Mangala means sacred. Maangalya is the sacred ornament worn in neck, by married women whose husbands are alive. Gauri is ever auspicious (Sarvamangala).

Mother Goddess once offered herself to the yogic fire and took rebirth. Then her color became Golden and so the name. Like the Jasmine, like a conch, like the moon she has a blissful composure and hence the name Gauri – says the Gauripurana.

Yet, at another time she incarnated as Kali – Kali means one who is black. Looking at Mother Kali (the embodiment of Kalashakti i.e. time energy) Shiva made fun of her saying O Black Lady! Mother Goddess got annoyed and started penance to get rid of her black color. She then became Gauri says the Shiva Purana. Why did Shiva behave so rudely? Is there any secret in this? Yes there is. The motive behind Shiva laughing was annihilation of demons. Mother discarded her black body and assumed the form of Kaushiki Mata and destroyed the demons.

When we say Gauri – we notice the qualities of Guru in her. Gauri Mata is form of Guru too. Swamiji sings in the bhajan Gauri Gauri Gauri Gauri Guru Roopini , Meru Chakra Shikhara Bindu Madhya Vaasini – which describes Mother Goddess as Guru. Anadi Gauri Ananya Naari Kanyakumaari Paatu Maam – another bhajan in praise of Gauri Mata is also composed by Swamiji.

Mother Gauri has three forms – Baalika (Child), Kanyaka (teenager / adolescent), praudha (adult). From these three states came three forms of Mother Goddess namely Bala Devi, Nageshwari Devi and Kanyaka Devi.

Bala Kanya Tatha Praudha Tridha Gauriti Yaamata,
Taam Baala Kanyakaadevi Nageshi Roopinim Sumah

Meaning: Through her Child, Adolescent and Adult (non- widow) state she assumed the forms of Bala, Kanyakadevi and Nageshwari Devi respectively. Prostrations to such Gauri Devi.

One who worships Mangala Devi begets auspiciousness. Women who worship her will not attain widowhood. There is a special Vrata (ritual) to obtain her bountiful blessings which is called Mangalagauri vrata and Svarnagauri vrata. You must all do it. There is no deity as devout to her husband as Gauri Devi.  It is therefore customary and compulsory in Indian marriages for the bride to perform Gauri Pooja. It is also customary to worship Gauri Devi a day before the Ganapati festival day.

If all our penance, mantras and practices should beget good results then it is imperative that we worship Gauri Devi. The energy of Gauri Devi is all encompassing in this world. She is the deity of the Srichakra. Let the Mother Goddess of the first day of Sharannavatri Gauri Devi bestow prosperity and auspiciousness to one and all.  Let the desires of the devout be fulfilled. Let the divine grace of Mother be ever shining on everyone. Blessings! Jaya Guru Datta!

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

60. Krita chudamani darsana rama

Rama! You received the chudamani, head jewel of Sita, brought by Hanuman (as a token of her devotion to You).

-Sri Swamiji (8.10.10)

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

59. Sitodita Kakavana Rama

Rama! Sita narrated the incident of the crow that You punished in the forest.

-Sri Swamiji (7.10.10)

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

58. Sishta hanumad bhushita Rama

Rama! The pious Hanuman Praised You.

-Sri Swamiji (6.10.10)

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

57. Dushta Dasanana Dushita Rama

Rama! The evil demon Rana (of ten heads) insulted You.

-Sri Swamiji (5.10.10)

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

56. Sita Prana Dharaka Rama

Rama! Your pious memory is the sustaining power of Sita’s life.

-Sri Swamiji (4.10.10)

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

55. Tadgati vighna dhvamsaka Rama

Rama! You removed all the obstacles on his way.

-Sri Swamiji (3.10.10)

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

54. Kapivara santata Samsmruta Rama

Rama! Hanuman continuously contemplated on You during his noble mission (of search for Sita).

-Sri Swamiji (2.10.10)

Sri Rama Nama Ramayanam

53. Hitakara Lakshmana Samyuta Rama

Rama! Lakshmana, who benefits You is always with You.

-Sri Swamiji (1.10.10)