21 March 2008

KUNDALINI YOGA



Manastvam Vyoma tvam Marudasi Marutsarathirasi,
Tvamapastvam Bhumistvayi parinatayam nahi param,
Tvameva Svatmanam parinamayitum visvavapusha
Chidanandakaram haramahishi-bhavena bibhrushe.


“O Devi! Thou art the mind, the sky, the air, the fire, the water, and the earth. Nothing is outside Thee on Thy transformation. Thou hast become Siva’s consecrated queen to alter Thy own blissful conscious Form in the shape of the world”.

Kundalini, the serpent power or mystic fire, is the primordial energy or Sakti that lies dormant or sleeping in the Muladhara Chakra, the centre of the body. It is called the serpentine or annular power on account of serpentine form. It is an electric fiery occult power, the great pristine force which underlies all organic and inorganic matter.

Kundalini is the cosmic power in individual bodies. It is not a material force like electricity, magnetism, centripetal or centrifugal force. It is a spiritual potential Sakti or cosmic power. In reality it has no form. The Sthula Buddhi and mind have to follow a particular form in the beginning stage. From this gross form, one can easily, understand the subtle formless Kundalini. Prana, Ahamkara, Buddhi, Indriyas, mind, five gross elements, nerves are all the products of Kundalini.

It is the coiled-up, sleeping Divine Sakti that lies dormant in all beings. You have seen in the Muladhara Chakra that there is Svayambhu Linga. The head of the Linga is the space where Sushumna Nadi is attached to the Kanda. This mysterious Kundalini lies face downwards at the mouth of Sushumna Nadi on the head of Svayambhu Linga. It has three and a half coils like a serpent. When it is awakened, it makes a hissing sound like that of a serpent beaten with a stick, and proceeds to the other Chakra through the Brahma Nadi, which is also called Chitra Nadi within Sushumna. Hence Kundalini is also called Bhujangini, serpent power. The three coils represent the three Gunas of Prakriti: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, and the half represents the Vikritis, the modification of Prakriti.

Kundalini is the Goddess of speech and is praised by all. She Herself, when awakened by the Yogin, achieves for him the illumination. It is She who gives Mukti and Jnana for She is Herself that. She is also called Sarasvati, as She is the form of Sabda Brahman. She is the source of all Knowledge and Bliss. She is pure consciousness itself. She is Brahman. She is Prana Sakti, the Supreme Force, the Mother of Prana, Agni, Bindu, and Nada. It is by this Sakti that the world exists. Creation, preservation and dissolution are in Her. Only by her Sakti the world is kept up. It is through Her Sakti on subtle Prana, Nada is produced. While you utter a continuous sound or chant Dirgha Pranava ! (OM), you will distinctly feel that the real vibration starts from the Muladhara Chakra. Through the vibration of this Nada, all the parts of the body function. She maintains the individual soul through the subtle Prana. In every kind of Sadhana the Goddess Kundalini is the object of worship in some form or the other.

Kundalini has connection with subtle Prana. Subtle Prana has connection with the subtle Nadis and Chakras. Subtle Nadis have connection with the mind. Mind has connection all through the body. You have heard that there is mind in every cell of the body. Prana is the working force of the body. It is dynamic. This static Sakti is affected by Pranayama and other Yogic practices and becomes dynamic. These two functions, static and dynamic, are termed ‘sleeping’ and ‘awakening’ of the Kundalini.

How to Awaken the Kundalini

One should become perfectly desireless and should be full of Vairagya before attempting to awaken Kundalini. It can be awakened only when a man rises above Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada and other impurities. Kundalini can be awakened through rising above desires of the senses. The Yogi, who has got a pure heart and a mind free from passions and desires will be benefited by awakening Kundalini. If a man with a lot of impurities in the mind awakens the Sakti by sheer force through Asanas, Pranayamas and Mudras, he will break his legs and stumble down. He will not be able to ascend the Yogic ladder. This is the chief reason for people going out of the way or getting some bodily infirmities. There is nothing wrong in the Yoga. People must have purity first; then a thorough knowledge of the Sadhana, a proper guide, and a steady, gradual practice. When Kundalini is awakened there are many temptations on the way, and a Sadhaka without purity will not have the strength to resist.

A thorough knowledge of the theory is as essential as the practice. Some are of opinion that theory is not at all necessary. They bring one or two rare instances to prove that Kundalini has been awakened even in those who do not know anything about Nadis, Chakras and Kundalini. It might be due to the grace of a Guru or by mere chance. Everyone cannot expect this and neglect the theoretical side. If you look at the man in whom Kundalini has been awakened through the grace of a Guru, you will not at once begin to neglect the practical side and actually waste your time in passing from one Guru to the other. The man who has a clear knowledge of the theory and a steady practice, attains the desired goal quickly.

Kundalini can be awakened by Pranayama, Asanas and Mudras by Hatha Yogis; by concentration and training of the mind by Raja Yogis; by devotion and perfect self-surrender by Bhaktas; by analytical will by the Jnanis; by Mantras by the Tantrikas; and by the grace of the Guru (Guru Kripa) through touch, sight or mere Sankalpa. Rousing of Kundalini and its union with Siva at the Sahasrara Chakra effect the state of Samadhi and Mukti. No Samadhi is possible without awakening the Kundalini.

For a selected few, any one of the above methods is quite sufficient to awaken the Kundalini. Many will have to combine different methods. This is according to the growth and position of the Sadhakas in the spiritual path. The Guru will find out the real position of the Sadhaka and will prescribe a proper method that will successfully awaken the Kundalini in a short period. This is something like the doctor prescribing a proper medicine to a patient to cure a particular disease. One kind of medicine will not cure the diseases of different patients. So also, one kind of Sadhana may not suit all.

There are many persons nowadays who foolishly imagine that they have attained purity, commit errors in selecting some methods and neglect many important items of Sadhana. They are poor, self-deluded souls. Self-assertive, Rajasic Sadhakas will select some exercises of their own fancy in an irregular manner and leave all the exercises when they get some serious troubles.

After Kundalini is awakened, Prana passes upwards through Brahma Nadi along with mind and Agni. You will have to take it up to Sahasrara Chakra through some special exercises such as Mahabheda, Sakti Chalana, etc.

As soon as it is awakened, it pierces the Muladhara Chakra (Bheda). It should be taken to Sahasrara through various Chakras. When Kundalini is at one Chakra, intense heat is felt there and when it leaves that centre for another Chakra, the former Chakra becomes very cold and appears lifeless.

Freedom from Kama, Krodha, Raga and Dvesha and possession of balance of mind, cosmic love, astral vision, supreme fearlessness, desirelessness, Siddhis, divine intoxication and spiritual Ananda are the signs to denote the awakening of Kundalini. When it is at rest, a man has full consciousness of the world and its surroundings. When it is awakened he is dead to the world. He has no body-consciousness. He attains Unmani state. When Kundalini travels from Chakra to Chakra, layer after layer of the mind becomes opened and the Yogi acquires psychic powers. He gets control over the five elements. When it reaches the Sahasrara Chakra, he is in the Chidakasa (knowledge space).

Awakening of the Kundalini Sakti, its union with Siva, enjoying the nectar and other functions of the Kundalini Yoga that are described in the Yoga Sastras are misrepresented and taken in a literal sense by many. They think that they are Siva and ladies to be Sakti and that mere sexual union is the aim of Kundalini Yoga. After having some wrong interpretation of the Yogic texts, they begin to offer flowers and worship their wives with lustful propensities. The term “Divine intoxication that is derived by drinking the nectar” is also misrepresented. They take a lot of wine and other intoxicating drinks and imagine to have enjoyed the Divine ecstasy. It is mere ignorance. They are utterly wrong. This sort of worship and union is not at all Kundalini Yoga. They divert their concentration on sexual centres and ruin themselves. Some foolish young boys practise one or two Asanas, Mudras and a little Pranayama too for a few days, in any way they like, and imagine that the Kundalini has gone up to their neck. They pose as big Yogis. They are pitiable, self-deluded souls. Even a Vedanti (a student of Jnana Yoga) can get Jnana Nishtha only through awakening of the Kundalini Sakti that lies dormant at the Muladhara Chakra. No superconscious state or Samadhi is possible without awakening this primordial energy, whether it is Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga or Jnana Yoga.

It is easy to awaken the Kundalini, but it is very difficult to take it to Sahasrara Chakra through the different Chakras. It demands a great deal of patience, perseverance, purity and steady practice. The Yogi who has taken it to Sahasrara Chakra, is the real master of all forces. Generally Yogic students stop their Sadhana half-way on account of false Tushti (satisfaction). They imagine that they have reached the goal when they get some mystic experiences and psychic powers. They desire to demonstrate such powers to the public to get Khyati (reputation and fame) and to earn some money. This is a sad mistake. Full realisation alone can give the final liberation, perfect peace and Highest Bliss.

Different methods of awakening the Kundalini by Hatha Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga will be described one by one. Some aspirants will not get perfection by only one method. A harmonious combination of all methods is necessary for the vast majority of persons. In the following pages I will tell you the different exercises that are intended to awaken the Kundalini. If you are wise enough, after a perusal of the different exercises, you can easily pick up the right method of Sadhana that suits you best and attain success.

Rousing of Kundalini and its union with Siva at the Sahasrara Chakra effect the state of Samadhi and Mukti. Before awakening the Kundalini, you must have Deha Suddhi (purity of body), Nadi Suddhi (purification of Nadis), Manas-Suddhi (purity of mind) and Buddhi Suddhi (purity of intellect). For the purification of the body, the following six exercises are prescribed:
Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Nauli, Tratak and Kapalabhati. These are known as Shat-Karma or the six purificatory exercises in Hatha Yoga.

Experiences on Awakening of Kundalini

During meditation you behold divine visions, experience divine smell, divine taste, divine touch, hear divine Anahata sounds. You receive instructions from God. These indicate that the Kundalini Shakti has been awakened. When there is throbbing in Muladhara, when hairs stand on their roots, when Uddiyana, Jalandhara and Mulabandha come involuntarily, know that Kundalini has awakened.

When the breath stops without any effort, when Kevala Kumbhaka comes by itself without any exertion, know that Kundalini Shakti has become active. When you feel currents of Prana rising up to the Sahasrara, when you experience bliss, when you repeat Om automatically, when there are no thoughts of the world in the mind, know that Kundalini Shakti has awakened.

When, in your meditation, the eyes become fixed on Trikuti, the middle of the eyebrows, when the Shambhavi Mudra operates, know that Kundalini has become active. When you feel vibrations of Prana in different parts inside your body, when you experience jerks like the shocks of electricity, know that Kundalini has become active. During meditation when you feel as if there is no body, when your eyelids become closed and do not open in spite of your exertion, when electric-like currents flow up and down the nerves, know that Kundalini has awakened.

When you meditate, when you get inspiration and insight, when the nature unfolds its secrets to you, all doubts disappear, you understand clearly the meaning of the Vedic texts, know that Kundalini has become active. When your body becomes light like air, when you have a balanced mind in perturbed condition, when you possess inexhaustible energy for work, know that Kundalini has become active.

When you get divine intoxication, when you develop power of oration, know that Kundalini has awakened. When you involuntarily perform different Asanas or poses of Yoga without the least pain or fatigue, know that Kundalini has become active. When you compose beautiful sublime hymns and poetry involuntarily, know that Kundalini has become active.

The Graditional Ascent of the Mind

The Chakras are centres of Shakti as vital force. In other words, these are centres of Pranashakti manifested by Pranavayu in the living body, the presiding Devatas of which are the names for the Universal Consciousness as It manifests in the form of these centres. The Chakras are not perceptible to the gross senses. Even if they were perceptible in the living body which they help to organise, they disappear with the disintegration of organism at death.

Purity of mind leads to perfection in Yoga. Regulate your conduct when you deal with others. Have no feeling of jealousy towards others. Be compassionate. Do not hate sinners. Be kind to all. Success in Yoga will be rapid if you put your maximum energy in your Yogic practice. You must have a keen longing for liberation and intense Vairagya also. You must be sincere and earnest. Intense and constant meditation is necessary for entering into Samadhi.

The mind of a worldly man with base desires and passions moves in the Muladhara and Svadhishthana Chakras or centres situated near the anus and the reproductive organ respectively.

If one’s mind becomes purified the mind rises to the Manipura Chakra or the centre in the navel and experiences some power and joy.

If the mind becomes more purified, it rises to the Anahata Chakra or centre in the heart, experiences bliss and visualises the effulgent form of the Ishta Devata or the tutelary deity.

When the mind gets highly purified, when meditation and devotion become intense and profound the mind rises to Visuddha Chakra or the centre in the throat, and experiences more and more powers and bliss. Even when the mind has reached this centre, there is a possibility for it to come down to the lower centres.

When the Yogi reaches the Ajna Chakra or the centre between the two eyebrows he attains Samadhi and realises the Supreme Self, or Brahman. There is a slight sense of separateness between the devotee and Brahman.

If he reaches the spiritual centre in the brain, the Sahasrara Chakra, the thousand-petalled lotus, the Yogi attains Nirvikalpa Samadhi or superconscious state. He becomes one with the non-dual Brahman. All sense of separateness dissolves. This is the highest plane of consciousness or supreme Asamprajnata Samadhi. Kundalini unites with Siva.

The Yogi may come down to the centre in the throat to give instructions to the students and do good to others (Lokasamgraha).

Sushumna Nadi

When we study the construction, location and function of the Spinal Cord and the Sushumna Nadi, we can readily say that the Spinal Cord was called Sushumna Nadi by the Yogins of yore. The Yogins of ancient times dealt with all about the subtle (Sukshma) nature. Now in Kundalini Yoga, you should have a thorough knowledge of this Nadi.

Sushumna extends from the Muladhara Chakra (second vertebra of coccygeal region) to Brahmarandhra. The Western Anatomy admits that there is a central canal in the Spinal Cord, called Canalis Centralis and that the cord is made up of grey and white brain-matter. Spinal Cord is dropped or suspended in the hollow of the spinal column. In the same way, Sushumna is dropped within the spinal canal and has subtle sections. It is of red colour like Agni (fire).

Within this Sushumna there is a Nadi by name Vajra which is lustrous as Surya (sun) with Rajasic qualities. Again within this Vajra Nadi, there is another Nadi, called Chitra. It is of Sattvic nature and of pale colour. The qualities of Agni, Surya and Chandra (fire, sun and moon) are the three aspects of Sabda Brahman. Here within this Chitra, there is a very fine minute canal (which is known as Canalis Centralis). This canal is known as Brahmanadi through which Kundalini, when awakened, passes from Muladhara to Sahasrara Chakra. In this centre exist all the six Chakras (lotuses, viz., Muladhara, Svadhishthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha and Ajna).

The lower extremity of the Chitra Nadi is called Brahmadvara, the door of Brahman, as Kundalini has to pass through this door to Brahmarandhra. This corresponds to Haridwar which is the gate of Hari of Badrinarayan in the macrocosm (physical plane). The Chitra terminates in the Cerebellum.

In a general sense the Sushumna Nadi itself (gross Spinal Cord) is called Brahma Nadi because, Brahma Nadi is within the Sushumna. Again the canal within the Chitra is also called Sushumna, because the canal is within the Sushumna. Ida and Pingala Nadis are on the left and right sides of the spine.

Chitra is the highest and most beloved of the Yogins. It is like a thin thread of lotus. Brilliant with five colours, it is in the centre of Sushumna. It is the most vital part of the body. This is called the Heavenly way. It is the giver of Immortality. By contemplating on the Chakras that exist in this Nadi, the Yogi destroys all sins and attains the Highest Bliss. It is the giver of Moksha.

When the breath flows through Sushumna, the mind becomes steady. This steadiness of the mind is termed “Unmani Avastha”, the highest state of Yoga. If you sit for meditation when Sushumna is operating, you will have wonderful meditation. When the Nadis are full of impurities, the breath cannot pass into the middle Nadi. So one should practise Pranayama for the purification of Nadis.

Para-Sympathetic and Sympathetic System

On either side of the spinal cord run the sympathetic and para-sympathetic cords, a double chain of ganglia. Ganglia means a collection of nerve-cells. These constitute the Autonomic System which supplies nerves to the involuntary organs, such as heart, lungs, intestines, kidneys, liver, etc., and controls them. Vagus nerve which plays a vital part in human economy comes out of this sympathetic system. Sympathetic system stimulates or accelerates. Para-sympathetic system retards or inhibits. There are nerves to dilate or expand the arteries which carry pure oxygenated blood to nourish the tissues, organs and cells of different parts of the body. These are called Vaso-dilators. The left and the right sympathetic chains are connected by filaments. These cross from the right to the left side and vice versa, but the exact places where these crosses are not known, though several have attempted to find. M’Kendrick and Snodgrass in their Physiology of the Senses write: “Where the sensory fibres cross from one side to the other is not known ..... In some parts of the spinal cord the sensory fibres do cross from the right to left side and vice versa.”

Ida and Pingala Nadis

Ida and Pingala Nadis are not the gross sympathetic chains. These are the subtle Nadis that carry the Sukshma Prana. In the physical body these tentatively correspond to the right and left sympathetic chains.

Ida starts from the right testicle and Pingala from the left testicle. They meet with Sushumna Nadi at the Muladhara Chakra and make a knot there. This junction of three Nadis at the Muladhara Chakra is known as Mukta Triveni. Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati dwell in Pingala, Ida and Sushumna Nadis respectively. This meeting place is called Brahma Granthi. Again these meet at the Anahata and Ajna Chakra. In the macrocosm also you have a Triveni at Prayag where the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati meet.

Ida flows through the left nostril and Pingala through the right nostril. Ida is also called Chandra Nadi (moon) and Pingala as Surya Nadi (sun). Ida is cooling and Pingala is heating. Pingala digests the food. Ida is of pale, Sakti Rupa. It is the great nourisher of the world. Pingala is of fiery red, Rudra Rupa. Ida and Pingala indicate Kala (time) and Sushumna swallows time. The Yogi knows the time of his death; takes his Prana into Sushumna; keeps it in Brahmarandra, and defies time (Kala—death). The famous Yogi Sri Chang Dev of Maharashtra fought against death several times by taking the Prana into Sushumna. He was a contemporary of Sri Jnanadev of Alandi, near Poona. It was he who had Bhuta Siddhi, control over wild animals, through his Yogic practices. He came on the back of a tiger to see Sri Jnanadev.

Svara Sadhana

Svara Sadhana, practice of breath, is the revealer of Satya, Brahman and bestower of the Supreme Knowledge and Bliss. Perform calm acts during the flow of Ida and harsh acts during the flow of Pingala. Do acts resulting in the attainment of psychic powers, Yoga, meditation, etc., during the flow of the Sushumna. If the breath rises by Ida (moon) at sunrise and flows throughout the day, and Pingala (sun) rises at sunset and flows throughout the night it confers considerable good results. Let the breath flow through Ida the whole day and through Pingala the whole night. He who practises thus is verily a great Yogi.

How to Change The Flow In Nadis

The following exercises are for changing the flow from Ida to Pingala. Select any one of the methods that suits you best. For changing the flow from Pingala to Ida, just do the same exercise on the opposite side:

1. Plug the left nostril with a small piece of cotton or fine cloth for a few minutes.

2. Lie down on the left side for ten minutes.

3. Sit erect. Draw the left knee up and keep the left heel near the left buttock. Now press the left arm-pit, Axilla, on the knee. In a few seconds the flow will be through Pingala.

4. Keep the two heels together near the right buttock. The right knee will be over the left knee. Keep the left palm on the ground a foot away and let the weight of the trunk rest on the left hand. Do not bend at the elbow. Turn the head also towards the left side. This is an effective method. Catch hold of the left ankle with the right hand.

5. The flow of breath can be changed by Nauli Kriya also.

6. There are some who are able to change the flow by will.

7. Place the Yoga Danda or Hamsa Danda (a wooden stick of about 2 feet in length with a rest of the shape of U at one end) at the left arm-pit and lean on it by the left side.

8. The most effective and instantaneous result is produced in changing the flow through Khechari Mudra. The Yogi turns the tongue inside and blocks the air passage by the tip of the tongue.

The above exercise is intended for general regulation of breath. Many other special exercises for the purification of Nadis and awakening Kundalini will be given in the subsequent chapters. A knowledge more secret than the science of breath, a friend more true than the science of breath, has never been seen or heard of. Friends are brought together by the power of breath. Wealth is obtained with comfort and reputation through the power of breath. The knowledge of the past, present and the future and all other Siddhis are acquired and a man reaches the highest state, by the power of breath.

I want you to practise every day the Svara Sadhana systematically and regularly, that is, to allow the flow of breath through the left nostril throughout the day and through the right nostril throughout the night. This will, doubtless, bestow on you wonderful benefits. Wrong Svara is the cause of a host of ailments. Observance of right Svara as described above leads to health and long life. Verily, verily, I say this unto you, my dear children! Practise this. Practise this from today. Shake off your habitual sloth, indolence and inertia. Leave off your idle talk. Do something practical. Before you begin the practice, pray to Lord Siva, who is the giver of this wonderful science by uttering Om Namah Sivaya and Sri Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles.

Other Nadis

Gandhari, Hastajihva, Kuhu, Sarasvati, Pusha, Sankhini, Payasvini, Varuni, Alambusha, Vishvodhara, Yasasvini, etc., are some other important Nadis. These have their origin in Kanda. All these Nadis are placed on the sides of Sushumna, Ida and Pingala, and proceed to different parts of the body to perform certain special functions. These are all subtle Nadis. Innumerable minor Nadis spring from these. As the leaf of the Asvattha tree is covered with minute fibres so also, this body is permeated with thousands of Nadis.

Padmas or Chakras

Chakras are in the Linga Sarira (astral body). Linga Sarira is of 17 Tattvas, viz., 5 Jnanendriyas (ears, skin, eyes, tongue and nose); 5 Karmendriyas (speech, hands, legs, genitals, anus); 5 Pranas (Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, Samana); Manas (mind); and Buddhi (intellect). These have corresponding centres in the spinal cord and the nerve-plexuses in the gross body. Each Chakra has control and function over a particular centre in gross body. These cannot be seen by the naked eyes. Some foolish doctors search for the Chakras in the physical body. They cannot find them there. Since they cannot find any Chakra in a dead body, they lose faith in Shastras and Yogic Kriyas.

Sukshma Prana moves in the nervous system of the Linga Sarira (astral body). Sthula Prana moves in the nervous system of the gross physical body. The two courses are intimately connected. They act and react upon each other. The Chakras are in the astral body even after the disintegration of the physical organism to death. According to a school of thought, the Chakras are formed during concentration and meditation only. This is not possible. The Chakras should exist there in a subtle state, as the gross matter is the result of the subtle matter. Without the subtle body, the gross body is impossible. The meaning of this sentence should be taken to be that one can feel and understand the Sukshma Chakras during concentration and meditation only.

Wherever there is an interlacing of several nerves, arteries and veins, that centre is called Plexuses. The physical gross plexuses that are known to the Vaidya Shastra are Hepatic, Cervical, Brachial, Coccygeal, Lumbar, Sacral, Cardiac, Epigastric, Esophageal, Pharyngeal, Plumonary, Lingual, Prostatic, etc. Similarly there are plexuses or centres of Sukshma Prana in the Sushumna Nadi. All the functions of the body, nervous, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, genito-urinary and all other systems of the body are under the control of these centres in Sushumna. These are subtle centres of vital energy. These are the centres of consciousness (Chaitanya). These subtle centres of Sushumna have their corresponding centres in the physical body. For example, Anahata Chakra which is in the Sushumna Nadi has its corresponding centre in the physical body at the heart (Cardiac Plexus).

The subtle centres in the Sushumna Nadi are otherwise known as Lotuses or Chakras. A particular Tattva preponderates at every Chakra. There is a presiding deity in each Chakra. In every Chakra a certain animal is represented. It denotes that the centre has the qualities, Tattvas or Gunas of that particular animal. There are six important Chakras: Muladhara, Svadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha, and Ajna. Sahasrara is the chief Chakra. It is in the head. These 7 Chakras correspond to the Lokas (Bhuh, Bhuvah, Svah, Maha, Jana, Tapa, and Satya Lokas). Muladhara to Vishuddha are the centres of Pancha Bhutas (five elements): earth, water, fire, air and ether.

When Kundalini is awakened it passes on from Muladhara to Sahasrara through all the Chakras. At every centre to which the Yogi directs the Kundalini, he experiences a special form of Ananda (Bliss) and gains special Siddhis (psychic powers) and knowledge. He enjoys the Supreme Bliss when Kundalini is taken to Sahasrara Chakra.
The following are some other Chakras: Adhara (another name of Muladhara Chakra), Amrita, Ananda, Lalita, Balvana, Brahmadvara, Chandra, Dipaka, Karnamula, Gulhaha, Kuladipa, Kundali, Galabaddha, Kaladaada, Kaladhvara, Karangaka, Kalabhedan, Lalana, Mahotsaha, Manas, Talana, Mahapadma, Niradhara, Naukula, Prana, Soma, Triveni, Urdhvarandhra, Vajra, etc. Some of these names refer to the six important Chakras only. There are also many minor Chakras. Some Hathayogis say, that there are 21 minor Chakras besides 13 major Chakras and some other Hathayogis hold that there are forty-nine Chakras while the ancient Yogis taught that there are 144 Chakras. Talana Chakra with its twelve red petals is located near the base of the palate and Manas Chakra with its six petals closely associated with sensations, dreams and astral travelling. Detailed instructions of each Chakra are given in the foregoing chapters.

Petals on Chakras

Each Chakra has a particular number of petals with a Sanskrit alphabet on each petal. The vibration that is produced at each petal is represented by the corresponding Sanskrit letter. Every letter denotes the Mantra of Devi Kundalini. The letters exist in the petals in a latent form. These can be manifested and the vibrations of the Nadis felt during concentration.

The number of petals of the lotuses varies. Muladhara, Svadhishthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha and Ajna Chakras have 4, 6, 10, 12, 16, and 2 petals respectively. All the 50 Sanskrit letters are on the 50 petals. The number of petals in each Chakra is determined by the number and position of the Yoga Nadis around the Chakra. I will make it still clear. From each Chakra a particular number of Yoga Nadis crop up. The Chakra gives the appearance of a lotus with the Nadis as its petals. The sound produced by the vibrations of the Yoga Nadis is represented by the corresponding Sanskrit letter. The Chakras with their petals hang downwards when Kundalini is at the Muladhara Chakra. When it is awakened, they turn towards Brahmarandhra. They always face the side of Kundalini.

MULADHARA CHAKRA



Now we come to the [Mula]adhara Lotus. It is attached to the mouth of the Susumna, and is placed below the genitals and above the anus. It has four petals of crimson hue. Its head hangs downward. On its petals are the four letters from Va to Sa, of the shining color of gold.

In this Lotus is the square region of Prthivi [the Earth element], surrounded by eight shining spears [facing the eight points of the compass]. It is of a shining yellow color, and beautiful like lightning, as is also the Bija Dhara which is within.

Ornamented with four arms and mounted on the King of Elephants [Airaavata], He carries on His lap the child Creator [Brahma], resplendant like the young Sun, who has four lustrous arms, and the wealth of [Indra], whose lotus face is fourfold.

Here dwells the Devi Dakini by name; her four arms shine with beauty, and her eyes are brilliant red. She is resplendant like the lustre of many Suns rising at one and the same time. She is the carrier of the revelation of the ever-pure Intelligence.

Near the mouth of the Nadi called Vajra, and in the pericarp [of the Mulaadhara Lotus], there constantly shines the beautifully luminous and soft, lightning-like triangle which is Kamarupa, and known as Traipura. There is always and everywhere the Vayu called Kandarpa, who is of a deeper red than the Bandhujiva flower, and is the Lord of Beings and resplendant like ten million suns.

Inside the triangle is Svayambhu in His Linga-form, beautiful like molten gold, with His head downwards. He is revealed by Knowledge [jnaana] and Meditation [dhyaana], and is of the shape and color of a new leaf. As the cool rays of lightning and of the full moon charm, so does His beauty. The Deva who resides happily here as in Kaashi is in forms like a whirlpool.

Over [Svayambhu Linga] shines the sleeping Kundalini, fine as the fibre of the lotus stalk. She is the world-bewilderer, gently covering the mouth of Brahma-dvaara with Her own mouth. Like the spiral of the conch-shell, Her shining snake-like form goes three and a half times round Shiva, and Her lustre is as that of a strong flash of young strong lightning.

Her sweet murmur is like the indistinct hum of swarms of love- mad bees. She produces melodious poetry and Bandha and all other compositions in prose or verse in sequence or otherwise in Sanskrit, Prakrits, and other languages. It is She who maintains all the beings of the world by means of inhalation and exhalation, and shines in the cavity of the [Mulaadhara] Lotus like a chain of brilliant lights.

Within [the Svayambhu Linga around which Kundalini is curled] reigns dominant Para, the Sri-Parameshwari, the Awakener of eternal knoledge. She is the Omnipotent Kalaa who is wonderfully skilled to create, and is subtler than the subtlest. She is the receptacle of that continuous stream of ambrosia which flows from Eternal Bliss. By Her radience it is that the whole of this Universe and its Cauldron [Kataaha; the lower half of Brahmaanda] is illumined.

Those meditating thus upon Her who shines within the Mula[adhara] Chakra, with the luster of 10 million suns, they become masters of speech, rulers among humanity, and adepts in all kinds of learning. They become ever free from all diseases, and their inmost Spirit becomes full of great gladness. Pure of disposition, and with deep and musical words, they serve the foremost of the Deities.

The Yogi, who concentrates and meditates on the Muladhara Chakra, acquires the full knowledge of Kundalini and the means to awaken it. When Kundalini is awakened, he gets Darduri Siddhi, the power to rise from the ground. He can control the breath, mind and semen. His Prana enters the middle Brahma Nadi. All his sins are destroyed. He acquires knowledge of the past, present and future. He enjoys the natural Bliss (Sahaja Ananda).

SVADHISTHANA CHAKRA



There is another Lotus, placed inside the Sushumnaa at the root of the genitals, of a beautiful vermilion color. On its six petals are the letters from Ba to Puramdara [i.e., La], with the Bindu [Anusvaara] superimposed, of the shining color of lightning.

It is the white, shining, watery region of Varuna [i.e. Water is the governing element of this Chakra], of the shape of the half- moon; and therein, seating on a Makara [an alligator-like mythological creature], is the Biija Vam, stainless and white as the autumnal moon.

May Hari, who is within it [i.e., Vishnu, who is seated in the "lap" of the Bindu of Vam] -- who is in the pride of early youth, whose body is of a luminous blue that is beautiful to behold; who is dressed in yellow raiment, is four-armed, and wears the Shri- vatsa and the Kaustubha -- protect us!

It is here that Rakini always shines. She is of the color of a blue lotus. The beauty of Her body is enhanced by Her uplifted arms, holding various weapons. She is dressed in celestial raiment and ornaments, and Her mind is exalted with the drinking of ambrosia [i.e. She drinks the nectar dripping down from the Sahasraara, and is exalted by the Divine Energy that infuses Her].

Those meditating upon this stainless Lotus, which is named Svaashisthaana, are freed immediately from all their enemies, such as the fault of Ahakaara [Egoism] and so forth. They become masters among Yogis, and are like the Sun illuminating the darkness of ignorance [Moha]. The wealth of their nectar-like words flow in prose and verse, in well-reasoned discourse.

He who concentrates at this Chakra and meditates on the Devata has no fear of water. He has perfect control over the water element. He gets many psychic powers, intuitional knowledge and a perfect control over his senses. He has full knowledge of the astral entities. Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, Matsarya and other impure qualities are completely annihilated. The Yogi becomes the conqueror of death (Mrityunjaya).

MANIPURA CHAKRA



Above [the Svaadhisthaana Chakra], and at the root of the navel, is the shining Lotus of ten petals, of the color of heavy-laden rain clouds. Within it are the letters Da to Pha, of the color of the blue lotus with the Naada and Bindu above them. Meditate there on the region of Fire, triangular in form and shining like the rising sun. Outside it are three Svastika marks, and within, the Biija of Vahini himself [i.e. "Ram," the seed-mantra of Fire].

Meditate upon Him [i.e. the Biija] seated on a ram, four-armed, radiant like the rising Sun. In His lap ever dwells Rudra, who is of a pure vermilion hue. Rudra is white with the ashes with which He is smeared; of an ancient aspect and three-eyed, His hands are placed in the attitude of granting boons [i.e., vara mudra] and of dispelling fear [i.e. abhaya mudra]. He is the destroyer of creation.

Here abides Lakini, the benefactress of all. She is four-armed, of radiant body, is dark [shyaama] of complexion, clothed in yellow raiment and decked with various ornaments, and exalted with the drinking of ambrosia [i.e. She drinks the nectar dripping down from the Sahasraara, and is exalted by the Divine Energy that infuses Her]. By meditating on this Navel Lotus [naabhi-padma], the power to destroy and create the world is acquired. Vaanii [i.e. Saraswati] with all the wealth of knowledge ever abides in the lotus of the mediator's face.

The Yogi who concentrates at this Chakra gets Patala Siddhi, can acquire hidden treasures and will be free from all diseases. He has no fear at all from Agni (fire). “Even if he is thrown into the burning fire, he remains alive without fear of death.”, (Gheranda Samhita).

ANAHATA CHAKRA



Above [the Manipura Chakra], in the heart, is the charming [Anaahata] Lotus, of the shining color of the Bandhuka flower, with the twelve letters beginning with Ka, of the color of vermilion, placed therein. It is known by its name of Anaahata, and is like the celestial wishing-tree [kalpa-taru], bestowing even more than the supplicant's desire. The region of Vayu, beautiful and with six corners, which is like smoke in color, is here.

Meditate within it on the sweet and excellent Pavana Biija [i.e. Vaayu, whose Biija is "Yam"], gray as a mass of smoke, with four arms, and seated on a black antelope. And within it also meditate upon the Abode of Mercy, the Stainless Lord who is lustrous like the Sun [Hamsa], and whose two hands make the gestures which grant boons and dispel the fears of the three worlds [i.e. they form the vara and abhaya mudras].

Here dwells Kakini, who in color is yellow like new lightning [i.e. nava-tadit-piitaa, where there is more thunder than rain, and the lightning shows itself very vividly], exhilerated and auspicious; three-eyed and the benefactress of all. She wears all kinds of ornaments, and in Her four hands She carries the noose and the skull, and makes the sign of blessing and the sign which dispels fear. Her heart is softened with the drinking of nectar.

The Shakti whose tender body is like ten million flashes of lightning is in the pericarp of this Lotus in the form of a triangle [Trikona]. Inside the triangle is the Shiva-Linga known by the name of Baana. This Linga is like shining gold, and on his head is an orifice minute as that in a gem. He is the resplendent abode of Lakshmi.
Those who meditate on this Heart Lotus become like the Lord of Speech, and like Ishvara are able to protect and destroy the worlds. This Lotus is like the celestial wishing tree [sura-taru = kalpa- taru], the abode and seat of Sarva [Shiva]. It is beautified by the Hamsa [here referring to the Jiivaatma rather than the Sun], which is like the steady tapering flame of a lamp in a windless place. The filaments which surround and adorn its pericarp, illumined by the solar region, charm.

[The male meditator upon the Anahata Chakra], foremost among Yogis, is ever more beloved to women than those who are most beloved to them. [All who meditate upon Anahata become] preeminently wise and full of noble deeds. Their senses are completely under control. Their mind in its intense concentration is engrossed in thoughts of the Brahman. Their inspired speech flows like a stream of clear water. They are like the Diety who is the beloved of Lakshmi and are able at will to enter another's body [parapure].

He who meditates on this Chakra has full control over Vayu Tattva. He gets Bhuchari Siddhi, Khechari Siddhi, Kaya Siddhi, etc., (flying in air, entering the body of another). He gets cosmic love and all other divine Sattvic qualities.

VISHUDDHA CHAKRA



In the throat is the Lotus called Vishuddha, which is pure and of a smoky purple hue. All the 16 shining vowels on its 16 petals, of a crimson hue, are distinctly visible to those whose minds [buddhi] are illumined. In the pericarp of this lotus there is the Ethereal Region, circular in shape, and white like the full Moon [ether is the element governing this Chakra]. On an elephant white as snow is seated the Biija of Ambara [i.e. "Ham"], who is white in color.

Of His [i.e. the Biija's] four arms, two hold the noose [paasha] and goad [ankusha], and the other two make the gestures of granting boons and dispelling fear [i.e. the vara and abhaya mudras]. These add to His beauty. In his lap there ever dwells the great snow-white Deva [Shiva], three-eyed and five-faced, with ten beautiful arms, and clothed in a tiger's skin. His body is united with that of Giriijaa [Devi; i.e. the deity's form is the androgyne Ardhanareshwari], and He is known by what His name, Sadaa-Shiva [i.e. "The Ever-Beneficent One"], signifies.

Purer than the Ocean of Nectar is the Shakti Saakiinii, who dwells in this Lotus. Her raiment is yellow, and in Her four lotus- hands She carries the bow, the arrow, the noose and the goad. The whole region of the Moon without the mark of the hare [i.e. the "Man in the Moon"] is in the pericarp of this Lotus. This region is the gateway of great Liberation for those who desire the wealth of Yoga and whose senses are pure and controlled.

Those who have attained complete knowledge of the Aatmaa [Brahman] become great Sages [Kavi] -- eloquent and wise, enjoying uninterrupted peace of mind -- by concentrating their minds [Citta] upon this Lotus. They see the three periods [past, present and future], and become the benefactors of all, free from disease and sorrow and long-lived; and like Hamsa, the destroyer of endless dangers.

Yogis who fix their minds constantly on this Lotus, their breath controlled by Kumbhaka, would in their wrath be able to move all the three worlds. Neither Brahma nor Vishnu, neither Hari-Hara [the combined form of Shiva and Vishnu] nor Surya[the Sun] nor Ganapa [i.e., Ganesh, or Ganapati] would be able to resist them.

The concentration on the Tattva of this Chakra is called Akasa Dharana. He who practises this Dharana will not perish even in Pralaya. He attains the highest success. He gets the full knowledge of the four Vedas by meditating on this Chakra. He becomes a Trikala Jnani (who knows the past, the present and the future).

AJNA CHAKRA



The Lotus named Aajna is like the moon, beautifully white. On its two petals are the letters Ha and Ksa, which are also white and enhance its beauty. It shines with the glory of Dhyana [the state of meditation]. Inside it is the Shakti Haakinii, whose six faces are like so many moons. She has six arms, in one of which She holds a book; two other hands are lifted in the gestures of dispelling fear and granting boons; and with the rest she holds skull, a small drum [damaru], and a rosary. Her mind is pure [shuddha-cittaa].

Within this lotus dwells the subtle mind [manas]. It is well- known. Inside the Yoni in the pericarp is the Shiva called Itara, in His phallic form. Here He shines like a chain of lightning flashes. The first Biija of the Vedas [i.e. Aum], which is the abode of the most excellent Shakti and which by its lustre makes visible the Brahma-suutra [i.e. the nadi Citrinii], is also there. Aspirants with steady minds should meditate upon these according to the prescribed order.

The excellent practitioner, whose Aatmaa is nothing but a meditation on this Lotus, is able to quickly enter another's body at will, and becomes most excellent among Muniis, and all-knowing and all-seeing. Such practitioners become the benefactor of all, and versed in all the Shaastras. They realize their unity with the Brahman and acquire excellent and unknown powers [siddhi]. Full of fame and long-lived, they ever become the Creator, Destroyer and Preserver of the three worlds.

Within the triangle in this Chakra ever dwells the combination of letters [Om, or Aum], which form the Pranava. It is the inner Aatma as pure mind [Buddhi], and resembles a flame in its radiance. Above it is the crescent moon, and above this, again, is Ma-kaara [i.e. M in its Bindu form], shining in its form as Bindu. Above this is Naada, whose whiteness equals that of Balaraama and diffuses the rays of the Moon.

When the Yogi closes the house which hangs without support [niraalamba-purii; i.e., when s/he forms the Yoni mudra], the knowledge of which has been gained by the service of Parama-Guru; and when the Cetas [i.e., the objective mind] by repeated practice becomes dissolved in this place of uninterrupted bliss, the Yogi then sees -- within the middle of and in the space above the triangle -- sparks of fire distinctly shining.

The Yogi then also sees the Light [Jyotih], which is in the form of a flaming lamp. It is lustrous like the clearly shining morning sun, and glows between the Sky and the Earth. It is here that the all-pervading Brahman is realized by its action. It knows no decay, and witnesses all, and is here as It is in the region of Fire, Moon and Sun.

This is the incomparable and delightful abode of Vishnu. Excellent Yogis, at the time of death, joyfully place their vital breath [praana] here, and after death enter that Supreme, Eternal, Birthless, Primevel Deity, the Brahman, who was before the three worlds, and who is known by the Vedaanta.

He who concentrates at this centre destroys all the Karmas of the past lives. The benefits that are derived by meditation on this Chakra cannot be described in words. The practitioner becomes a Jivanmukta (liberated man while living). He acquires all the 8 major and 32 minor Siddhis. All Yogis and Jnanis too concentrate to this centre on the Bijakshara, Pranava ! (OM). This is called Bhrumadya Drishti (gaze at the space between the two eye-brows). More details of this important Chakra will be given in the subsequent lessons.

SAHASRARA

When the actions of Yogis are, through the service of the Lotus feet of their Guru, in all respects good, then they will see above the Aajna Chakra the form of the Mahaanaada, and will ever hold in their hand the Siddhi of Speech. The Mahaanaada -- which is the place of dissolution of Vaayu -- is the half of Shiva, and like a plough in shape [i.e., Shiva is Hakaara; if the upper portion of the letter Ha is removed, the remaining portion resembles an Indian plough in shape]; it is tranquil and grants boons and dispels fear, and makes manifest pure Intelligence [buddhi].

Above all these, in the vacant space wherein Shankhini Naadi is, and below Visarga is the Lotus of a Thousand Petals [i.e., the Sahasraara]. This Lotus, lustrous and whiter than the full Moon, has its head turned downward. It charms. Its clustered filaments are tinged with the color of the young Sun. Its body is luminous with the letters beginning with A, and it is absolute bliss [kevalaananda-ruupam].

Within the Saharaara is the full Moon, without the mark of the hare [i.e. the "Man in the Moon"], respendant as in a clear sky. It sheds its rays in profusion, and is moist and cool like nectar. Inside it, the Candra Mandala, constantly shing like lightning, is the Triangle and inside this, again, shines the Great Void [Shuunya; i.e. the Parabindu], which is served in secret by all the Suras [i.e. Deities].

Well concealed, and attainable only by great effort, is that subtle Bindu [Shuunya], which is the chief root of Liberation and which manifests the pure Nirvaana-Kalaa with Amaa-Kalaa. Here is the Deva who is known to all as Parama-Shiva. He is the Brahman and the Aatmaa of all beings. In Him are united both Rasa and Virasa, and He is the Sun which destroys the darkness of ignorance [ajnaana] and delusion [moha]. [A Shakta commentary adds, "His beloved is the lustrous One [i.e., Shakti] who may be gained with difficulty by the Brahman Road (brahma-vartma). The Para-Brahman is but the effulgence of Her lotus feet." Other commentaries place both Shakti and Shiva as one and the same as the aspirant's Guru.]

By shedding a constant and profuse stream of nectar-like essence, the Bhagavaan instructs Yatis [i.e. those whose minds are unified with the object of their worship] of pure mind in the knowledge by which they realize the oneness of the Jiivaatmaa and the Paramaatmaa. He pervades all things as their Lord, who is the ever-flowing and spreading current of all manner of blass, known by the name of Hamsah Parama, or Parama-hamsah.

The Shaivas call it the Abode of Shiva; the Vaishnavas call it Parama Purusa; still others call it the place of Hari-Hara [Vishnu and Shiva combined into a single form]. Those who are filled with a passion for the Lotus feet of the Devi call it the excellent Abode of Devi; and other great sages [Munis] call it the pure place of Prakriti-Purusa [i.e., Shakti-Shiva].

Those most excellent persons who have controlled their minds [citta] and known this place are never again born in the Wandering [Samsaara; the world of birth and rebirth], as there is nothing in the three worlds which binds them. Their minds being controlled and their aim achieved, they possess complete power to do all that they wish, and to prevent that which is contrary to their will. They ever move toward the Brahman. Their speech, whether in prose or verse, is ever pure and sweet.

Here is the excellent sixteenth Kalaa of the Moon [i.e. Amaa-Kalaa; see Verse 42 above - DB]. She is pure, and resembles the young Sun in color. She is as thin as the hundredth part of a fiber in the stalk of a lotus. She is lustrous and soft like ten million lightning flashes, and is down turned. She is the receptacle of the stream of excellent nectar which comes from the blissful union of Para and Paraa [i.e. Shiva and Shakti].

Inside Amaa-Kalaa is Nirvaana-Kalaa [again referring back to Verse 42 above - DB], more excellent than the excellent. She is as subtle as the thousandth part of the end of a hair, and of the shape of the crescent moon. She is the ever-existent Bhagavatii [Goddess], who is the Deity who pervades all beings. She grants divine knowledge, and is lustrous as the light of all the suns shining at one and the same time.
In the middle of the Nirvaana-Kalaa shines the Supreme and Primordial Nirvaana-Shakti; She is lustrous like ten million suns, and is the Mother of the three worlds. She is extremely subtle, like the ten-millionth part of the end of a hair. She contains within Her the constantly flowing stream of happiness [prema], and is the life of all beings. She graciously carries the knowledge of the Truth [Tattva] to the minds of the sages.

Within Her is the everlasting place called the Abode of Shiva [according to Vishvanaatha, "the Unmanii state of Shakti, where there is neither kaala (time) nor kalaa (space)" - DB], which is free from Maya, attainable only by Yogiis, and known by the name of Nityaananda. It is replete with every form of bliss, and is pure knowledge itself. Some call it the Brahman; others call it the Hamsa. The wise describe it as the Abode of Vishnu, and the righteous speak of it as the ineffable place of knowledge of the Aatmaa, or the Place of Liberation. [As the Padma-Puraana puts it, "Shaivas, Sauras, Ganeshas, Vaishnavas and Shaktas, all verily come to me like rain water to the ocean." - DB].

http://www.dlshq.org/download/kundalini.htm
http://shaktisadhana.50megs.com

15 March 2008

Bala Mukundashtakam




Kararavindena padaravindham,
Mukharavinde vinivesayantham,
Vatasya pathrasya pute sayanam,
Balam mukundam mansa smarami.


With my mind I think of that child Mukunda, Who with his lotus like hand catches his lotus like feet, And brings it near his lotus like face and steals our heart, And sleeps peacefully on a banyan leaf.


Samhruthya lokaan vatapathramadhye,
Sayanamadhyantha viheena roopam,
Sarveshwaram sarva hithavatharam,
Balam mukundam manasa smarami.


With my mind I think of that child Mukunda, Who after dissolution of the earth, Sleeps on the middle of leaf of a banyan tree, Whose form has neither end nor beginning, Who is the god of all, And who is the incarnation of good for all.

Indeevara shyamala komalangam,
Indrathi devarchitha pada padmam,
Santhana kalpa druma masrithanaam,
Balam mukundam manasa smarami.


With my mind I think of that child Mukunda, Who has a pretty dark mien , With the color of a blue lotus, Whose lotus like feet is worshipped, By all devas and Indra their king, And who is the wish giving tree, Blessing progeny to those who pray for it.

Lambhalakam lambhitha harayashtim,
Srungara leelangitha dantha panktheem,
Bimbadaram charu vilasa nethram,
Balam mukundam manasa smarami.


With my mind I think of that child Mukunda, Who has locks of his hair falling all over his face, Who wears long pretty hanging chains, Who has rows of nectar like teeth that shine with love, Who has reddish lips like the Bimba fruit, And who has very pretty captivating eyes.

Sikhye nithayadhya payothatheeni,
Bahirgadayam vraja naykayam,
Bukthwa yadeshtam kapatena suptham,
Balam mukundam manasa smarami.


With my mind I think of that child Mukunda, Who acts as if he is sleeping, after eating, Butter Sufficient to meet his desire, When Yasoda had gone out, After keeping milk, and curd in a pot.

Kalindajantha sthitha Kaliyasya,
Phanagrange natana priyantham,
Thath pucha hastham saradindu vakthram,
Balam mukundam manasa smarami.


With my mind I think of that child Mukunda, Who has got a face like the autumn moon, And who while he was on the stone in river Kalindhi, Desires to dance on the hood of the snake Kaalinga, Holding his tail by one of his hands.

Ulookhale badha mudhara souryam,
Uthunga padmarjuna bhanga leelam,
Uthphulla padmayatha charu nethram,
Balam mukundam manasa smarami.


With my mind I think of that child Mukunda, Who is tied to a mortar, who is charitable and heroic, who broke the twin Arjuna trees playfully, and whose eyes are like fully open red lotus.

Alokhya maadur mukha madarena,
Sthanyam pibhantham saraseeruaksham,
Sachinmayam, devamanantharoopam,
Balam mukundam manasa smarami.


With my mind I think of that child Mukunda, Who lovingly looks at his mother’s face, When he drinks milk from her,Who is having eyes like the lotus flower, Who is the unalloyed form of truth, And who is the God with limitless form.

[This devotional hymn on Lord Krishna is "he supposed to sleep on a leaf of a banyan tree and float on the surging waters of final deluge. He is supposed to hold his feet by his hand and put his toe in to his mouth". This hymn in its first stanza brings this image of Lord Krishna and then goes on to describe the adventures of this God Child as a baby. The first stanza of this great prayer also occurs in Sri Krishna Karnamrutha, a great book by a poet called Leela Shuka. It is not known whether he is the author of this prayer also.]

13 March 2008

Ganashatakam




ekada.ntaM mahAkAyaM tapta kAnchana sannibham
laMbOdaraM visAlAkShaM vandehaM gaNanAyakam


maunjIkRiShNA jinadharaM nAga yajno pavItinam
bAlendu vilasan mouLiM vandehaM gaNanAyakam


aMbikA hRudayAnandam mAtR^ibhiH paripAlitam
bhaktapriyaM madonmattaM vandehaM gaNanAyakam


chitra ratna vichitrAngaM chitramAlA vibhUShitam
chitra rUpadharaM devaM vandehaM gaNanAyakam


gajavaktraM surashreShThaM karNachAmara bhUShitam
pAshAnkushadharaM devaM vandehaM gaNanAyakam


mUShikOttama mAruhya devAsura mahAhave
yoddhukAmaM mahAvIryaM vandehaM gaNanAyakam


yakSha kinnara ga.ndharva siddhavidyAdharaissadA
stUyamAnaM mahAbAhuM va.ndehaM gaNanAyakam


sarva vighna haraM devaM sarva vighna vivarjitam
sarvasiddhipradAtAraM vandehaM gaNanAyakam


Phalashruthi
gaNAShTakaM idaM puNyaM BhaktikO yaH paThen naraHa
Vimukthas sarva pApEbhyah sarvABhishtAm sa vindati.

04 March 2008

The Linga Ashtakam


(Eight verses glorifying the Shiva Linga. One chants these mantras when performing abhishekam. This ashtakam pleases Lord Shiva tremendously)

Brahma-murari surachita lingam
Nirmal bhakchit shobhita lingam
Janma ja dukha vinashaka lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, which is adored by Brahma, Vishnu and revered by others, praised in mantras and which destroys the cycle of births and deaths.

Deva muni prawa-rarchita lingam
Kamadahang karunakara lingam
Ravan darp vinashana lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, which is the focus of the worship of Saints, infinitely compassionate and the subduer of the pride and passion.

Sarva-sugandhi sulaypita lingam
Budhi vivardhan kaarana lingam
Sidha-surasur vandita lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, smeared with Vibhuti, scented with perfumes and which elevates the power of the mind and kindles the light of discrimination, to which the Suras and Asuras prostrate.

Kanak maha-mani bhukchita lingam
Phani-pati veksh-tita shobhit lingam
Daksha suyagya vinashana lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, destroyer of King Daksh’s ego, and which is decorated with various ornaments glowing within the embrace of the coiled serpent.

Kumkum chandana laypita lingam
Pankaj haar sushobhita lingam
Sanchit paap vinashana lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, adorned with Saffron, Sandal- paste & garlands of lotus flowers, which exonerates all sinful actions.

Deva ganarchit sayvita lingam
Bhavai bhakti bherewa-chaa lingam
Dinakar koti prabha kara lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow that before Sada-Shivalinga, worshipped by the Sages & Saints with full faith and devotion and which is the source of unlimited brilliance.

Ashta dalopari veksh-tita lingam
Sarva samudbhava kaarana lingam
Ashta daridra vinashana lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow that before Sada-Shivalinga, destroyer of manifold wretchedness, which is the cause of creation and dissolution.

Soorguru soorwar poojita lingam
Soorwan pushpa sadachita lingam
Paraatparam paramatmaka lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, the Transcendent Being, worshipped by the learned and all devotees, offering Bael leaves, flowers, fruits and water.

Phalashruti
Lingaashtak medang punyang yuh, pathay-chiva sannidhow
Shiva-loka mawapanoti, shivena saha moditay

Whomsoever repeat these eight Slokas glorifying the Shivalinga in the divine presence of Lord Shiva attains final and everlasting relationship in the abode of Shiva Loka (if that's what you want and where you want to reside).