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).

20 February 2008

Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam



Aum Namaste-astu mahaa-maaye sree peethe surapoojite,
Shankha chakra gadaa-haste, Mahaa Lakshmi namo-stute.


O Great Mother, abode of fortune, who are worshipped by the Devas, I salute Thee; O Mahaa Lakshmi, wielder of conch, disc and mace, obeisance to Thee.

Aum Namaste garu-daaroode, kolaa-sura bhayankari;
Sarva paapa hare devi, Mahaa Lakshmi namo-stute.


My salutations to Thee, Who rides the Garuda and art a terror to the demon Kola; O Mahaa Lakshmi remover of all miseries, my obeisance to Thee.

Aum Sarvanje sarva varade, sarva dustha bhayankari;
Sarva duhkha hare devi, Mahaa Lakshmi namo-stute.


Salutations to Thee, Who knows all, The Giver of all boons, a terror to all the wicked, remover of all sorrow, my obscene to Thee.

Aum siddhi buddhi prade devi. bhukti-muktipradaayini;
Mantra moorte sadaa devi, Mahaa Lakshmi namo-stute.


O Goddess of Wealth, giver of intelligence and success and of worldly enjoyment and liberation, Thou hast always the mystic symbols as Thy forms, O Mahaa Lakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Aum Aadhyanta rahite devi, aadhya-shakte maheshvari;
Yogaje yoga-sambhoote, Mahaa Lakshmi namo-stute.


O Mother Maheshvari, without a beginning or an end; O Primeval Energy, born of Yoga; O Mahaa Lakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Aum Stoola suksham mahaa rovdre, mahaa shaktemahodaye;
Mahaa paapa hare devi, Mahaa Lakshmi namo-stute.


O Mahaa Lakshmi, who art both gross and subtle, most terrible, great power, great prosperity and great remover of all sins, obeisance to Thee.

Aum Padmaa sana s-thite devi, pare brahma svaroopini;
Para meshi jagan-maatar, Mahaa Lakshmi namo-stute.


O Devi, seated on the lotus, who art the Supreme Brahman, the Great Lord and Mother of the Universe, O Mahaa Lakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Aum Svetaambar dhare devi, naanaa lankaar bhooshite;
Jagat stithte jagan maatar, Mahaa Lakshmi namo-stute.


O Devi, robed in white garments, and decked in various kinds of ornaments, Thou art The Mother of the Universe and its support; O Mahaa Lakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Phala shruti

Aum Mahaa Laksham-yashtak stotram, yahahpathed-bhakti maan narah;
Sarva siddhim vaapnoti, Mahaa Lakshmee prasaad taha.


Whoever with devotion recites this hymn to Sri Mahaa Lakshmi, composed in eight stanzas, attains all success through the Grace of Mahaa Lakshmi Devi.

15 February 2008

Nava Graha Dhyanam

Sun

japa kusuma-sankasam kasyapeyam maha-dyutim
tamo-rim sarva-papa-ghnam pranato smi divakaram


Translation:
I pray to the Sun, the day-maker, destroyer of all sins, the enemy of darkness, of great brilliance, the descendent of Kaashyapa, the one who shines like the japaa flower..

Moon

dadhi-sankha-tusarabham kshirodarnava-sambhavam
namami sasinam somam sambhor makuta-bhusanam


Translation:
I pray to the Moon who shines coolly like curds or a white shell, who arose from the ocean of milk, who has a hare on him, Soma, who is the ornament of Shiva's hair.

Mars

dharani-garbha-sambhutam vidyut-kanti-samaprabhamh
kumaram sakti-hastam cha mangalam pranamamy aham


Translation:
I pray to Mars, born of Earth, who shines with the same brilliance as lightning, the young man who carries a spear.

Mercury

priyangu kalika shyamam rupena pratimam budham
saumyam saumya-gunopetam tam budham pranamamy aham


Translation:
I pray to Mercury, dark like the bud of millet, of unequalled beauty, gentle and agreeable.

Jupiter

devanam cha rsinam cha gurum kancana-sannibham
buddhi-bhutam tri-lokesam tam namami brhaspatim


Translation:
I pray to Jupiter, the teacher of gods and rishis, intellect incarnate, lord of the three worlds.

Venus

hima-kunda-mrinalabham daityanam paramam gurum
sarva-sastra-pravaktaram bhargavam pranamamy aham


Translation:
I pray to Venus, the ultimate preceptor of demons, promulgator of all learning, he who shines like the fiber of snow-white jasmine.

Saturn

nilanjana-samabhasam ravi-putram yamagrajam
chaya-martanda-sambhutam tam namami sanaishvaram


Translation:
I pray to Saturn, the slow moving, born of Shade and Sun, the elder brother of Yama, the offspring of Sun, he who has the appearance of black collyrium.

Rahu

ardha-kayam mahm-viryam chandraditya-vimardanam
simhika-garbha-sambhutam tam rahum pranamamy aham


Translation:
I pray to Rahu, having half a body, of great bravery, the eclipser of the Moon and the Sun, born of Simhikaa.

Ketu

palasa-puspa-sankasam taraka-graha-mastakam
raudram raudratmakam ghoram tam ketum pranamamy aham


Translation:
I pray to Ketu, who has the appearance of Palaasha flower, the head of stars and planets, fierce and terrifying.

Phala Shruti

iti vyaasamukhodgiitaM yaH paThetsusamaahitaH
divaa vaa yadi vaa raatrau vighna shaantirbhavishhyati

naranaariinRipaaNaaM cha bhavedduHsvapnanaashanamh
aishvaryamatulaM teshhaamaarogyaM pushhTivardhanam

gRihanakshatrajaaH piiDaastaskaraagnisamud hbhavaaH .
taaH sarvaaH prashamaM yaanti vyaaso bruute na sanshayaH

iti shriivyaasavirachitaM navagrahastotraM saMpuurNamh
iti navagraha stotrani


Those who read the song sung by VyAsa, will be joyous, sovereign and powerful, and will succeed in appeasing obstacles, occurring by day or by night.

Bad dreams of men, women and kings alike will be destroyed and they will be endowed with unparalleled riches, good health and enhancing nourishment.

All the pain, devastation caused by fire, planets and stars will be of the past, so spoke VyAsa, emphatically.

Thus ends the song of praise of the nine planets composed by VyAsa.

27 January 2008

Shiva Panchakshari Stotra


Nagendraharaya Trilochanaya
Bhasmangaragaya Maheshvaraya
Nityaya Shuddhaya Digambaraya
Tasmai Nakaraya Namah Shivaya .. 1

Mandakini salila chandana charchitaya
Nandishvara pramathanatha Maheshvaraya
Mandarapushpa bahupushhpa supujitaya
Tasmai Makaraya Namah Shivaya .. 2

Shivaya Gauri vadanabjavrunda
Suryaya Dakshadhvara Nashakaya
Shrinilakanthaya Vrushhadhvajaya
Tasmai Shikaraya Namah Shivaya .. 3

Vasishhtha kumbhodbhava gautamarya
Munindra devarchita shekharaya .
Chandrarkavaishvanara lochanaya
Tasmai Vakaraya Namah Shivaya .. 4

Yakshasvarupaya Jatadharaya
Pinakahastaya Sanatanaya
Divyaya Devaya Digambaraya
Tasmai Yakaraya Namah Shivaya .. 5

Phalashruti
Panchaksharamidam Punyam Yah Pathechchhivasannidhau.
Shivalokamavapnoti Shivena Saha Modate.

Anyone who recites this sacred five-syllable mantra, (Namah Shivaya) near the Shiva (linga), attains the abode of Shiva and rejoices there with Shiva.

(Composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, is based on the moolamantra of Lord Shiva "Namashivaya")

25 December 2007

What are Rudraksha?

According to the Hindu scripture, Rudraksha beads are the holiest items embodied with mystical powers. These scripture states that Rudraksha is utilized to bring spiritual and material well-being to the wearer as well as for medicinal purposes since the ancient time.

Rudraksh is formed by association of two words, 'RUDRA' and 'AKSHA'. Rudra is the name of Lord Shiva. Aksha means 'tear'. It is said that the plant of Rudraksh is originated from the tear drops of Lord Shiva. As per the Vedic scriptures Rudraksh can nullify the effects of malefic planets to a great extent. Shastras say Rudraksh of any mukhi can never do any harm to the wearer unlike Navratna, which have to be carefully chosen. No other necklace or bead is as auspicious and powerful as Rudraksh.

The seed of Rudraksh has been given a very special place and it is credited with mystical and divine properties. It is said that the seed of Rudraksh contains the secrets of entire evolution of the cosmos within it. The Rudraksh are worn for their specific benefits. These are much more powerful and can help achieve wonders, if energized and empowered the right way. Rudraksh of different mukhi pleases the corresponding planets. It may be sufficient to go in for only for those mukhi whose ruling planets, cause malefic effects. Before wearing the Rudraksh it is better to cleanse and purify it with milk, ghee, oil etc. and do pran prathista (give life to the Rudraksh) when the mantras corresponding to the mukhi are chanted, the Rudraksh gets activated.

The Rudraksh are worn for their specific benefits. These are much more powerful and can help achieve wonders, if energized and empowered the right way. Rudraksh of different mukhi pleases the corresponding planets. It may be sufficient to go in for only for those mukhi whose ruling planets, cause malefic effects. Before wearing the Rudraksh it is better to cleanse and purify it with milk, ghee, oil etc. and do pran prathista (give life to the Rudraksh) when the mantras corresponding to the mukhi are chanted, the Rudraksh gets activated.

Most of the powers of Rudraksha are associated with the number of mukhi or faces the beads have. Yogis and Monks of Nepal, India and many other countries have worn Rudraksha beads for thousands of years to cultivate physical, mental and health prowess to achieve Fearlessness on their Spiritual path leading to enlightenment and liberation. According to old scriptures, 'He who wears Rudraksha round the hands, arms and over the head cannot be killed by any living being. He shall roam the world in the form of Rudra. He shall be respected by the Gods and Assures always as well as be honored like Shiva. Even the devotees of Vishnu and other deities shall unhesitatingly wear the Rudraksha for gaining spiritual enlightenment'.

• One Mukhi: It bestows happiness and revival from the miseries arising from loss of wealth. Prosperity or richness, luck, fortunes grow wherever it is venerated in House or put on in the body in the form of necklace. All forms of ill-effects related to wealth are dispelled. It boosts the concentration and will power of the wearer. According to Vedas it prevents diseases of head such as stroke, paralysis, etc.
Ruling Planet: Sun

• Two Mukhi: It gives source of fertility in all living beings and the blessings of marital felicity. Fulfillment of material desires between husband and wife along with unity and love between each other. Garlanded it expands and maintain harmonious relationship within the family members. Good for impotence, infertility, left eye and Kidney.
Ruling Planet: Moon

• Three Mukhi: Amplification of memory power and concentration on the subject are the prime effect of this rudraksha. It boosts the power of creative intelligence when garlanded. The wearer feels it by realizing success in his work, constructive resources, wisdom and knowledge. Good for - depression, retrograde amnesia, epilepsy, Parkinson disease
Ruling Planet: Mars

• Four Mukhi: The four faced Rudraksha is possessed with supreme divine creative activity and meditation. So it is good for meditation and it regulates logical and concrete structural thinking. Using it invokes positive thinking, creativity, wit and intelligence. Good for scientists, researchers, intellectuals, artists, writers and journalists, providing them ideas and efficiency of their work and good for speaking with confidence. Wearing it prevents diseases of hypothalamus, cerebellum and medulla oblongata.
Ruling Planet: Mercury

• Five Mukhi: Five faced is the most commonly available rudraksha. Rudra himself blesses this rudraksha which embraces the energies that are useful for maintenance of Health. Once the nature of human Kama (Lust), Lopa (Greed), Mooha (Attachment), Krodha (Jealousy), and Ahankar (Unwanted Ego) is rectified, we attain the sound health. This is achieved by the use of five face rudraksha. Wearing in the mala of 54+1 or 108+1 in the collar is highly beneficial for people with heart diseases, blood pressure, stress, anxiety, eczema, gastric ulcer etc.
Ruling Planet: Jupitor

• Six Mukhi: Characterized with the quality of Love, attraction, relating and creativity will start building within the wearer. It works on emotional traumas and affects understanding and appreciation of love and personal relationships. Brings comfort and attraction to opposite sex .It teaches us how to love and appreciate others. So those wearing it will find themselves a well-known person within the society. A Six face rules over art and artistic sense and indicates inclination towards music, arts, humorous literature, theater etc. Good in the prevention of eyes, nose, throat, sexual organs, kidneys, and bladder related diseases
Ruling Planet: Venus

• Seven Mukhi: Seven faces embody the seven characteristic of pleasure, peace, success, cheerfulness, simplicity, easiness, happiness. Those who are suffering from miseries pertaining to body , finance and mental set-up should wear it. By wearing seven face Rudraksha one can progress in business and service and spend his life happily. It will help to stabilize the Saturn planet to its proper position leading the person with fame, success, honor, justice, love, wisdom, authority and long life. Good for preventing cold, cough, bronchitis, rheumatism, TB,pyorrhea.
Ruling Planet: Saturn

• Eight Mukhi: Eight faces rudraksha have the energies for success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. Eight face is a vital instrument in strengthening one's will power and converting even an enemy into a friend. It uses before new work/venture to bring good fortune in work and businesses or services is well influential. It is also the demolisher of arrogance, egoism and pride when adorned. Those people having mental troubles, insomnia as well as having habits of excessive expenditure finds eight faces the best remedy for the solutions of their problems. Diseases of stomach are prevented by wearing this Rudraksha.
Ruling Planet: Rahu

• Nine Mukhi: Energies from Nine faces manifests when evil forces threatened the very existence of balanced health of the wearer. Wearing it stimulates the nine hormones within the body. It improves will-power, body strength, invokes fearlessness, dynamism leading to a balanced healthy life. Those who are prone to fatal diseases of a mysterious nature will be benefited by use of nine faces. Nine mukhi beads will help to destroy sins, injustice, irreligion, cruelty, laziness and evil habits. Recommended for all kinds of diseases.
Ruling Planet: Ketu

• Ten Mukhi: Wearing it one gets success in each and every work he/she do. Wearing or worshipping of eleven faces is accomplished by the family person for comforts and prosperity in family life, by unmarried for early marriage, by old and infirm for perfect health, by those under some threat for fearlessness and by Yogis and Sanyaasis for spiritual success of the highest order. In other words everyone gets fulfillment of their respective wishes. Good for diseases like chronic body pain, backache, alcoholism, and liver.
No Ruling Planet.

• Eleven Mukhi: Wearing it one gets success in each and every work he/she do. Wearing or worshipping of eleven faces is accomplished by the family person for comforts and prosperity in family life, by unmarried for early marriage, by old and infirm for perfect health, by those under some threat for fearlessness and by Yogis and Sanyaasis for spiritual success of the highest order. In other words everyone gets fulfillment of their respective wishes. Good for diseases like chronic body pain, backache, alcoholism, and liver.
No Ruling Planet.

• Twelve Mukhi: It is believed to be the source of vitality and the physical make up. Wearing twelve faces improves variety of traits in an individual, both physical and psychological which helps them to move continuously with brilliance and strength in their life. It helps in one’s personal honesty and integrity, and the ability to command respect and authority, to impress and influence others. It is good for politicians and people looking for higher positions in society. Twelve faces improve leadership qualities and put the person in forefront. It gives intellectual capabilities and improves one’s writing and speaking powers. Diseases like bone diseases, rickets, osteoporosis will get improvement by using it.
No Ruling Planet.

• Thirteen Mukhi: It prepares the person to tackle the physical challenges you are likely to encounter in future. Even in difficult situations one can overcome with ease. Wearing this bead along with other rudraksha beads lead to faster manifestation of their result. According to the feedback received from numerous clients, wearing this rudraksha helps to attract opportunities for search of right partner, maintain relationship which are on the verge of breaking. It harnesses the strength and direction of the physical force that increases your personality, fires your emotions and passion, and encourages your mental endeavors and communicative skills.
No Ruling Planet.

• Fourteen Mukhi: It is considered as the most precious divine Rudraksha according to Scripture. Fourteen faces invoke compassionate qualities making individuals more kind to living things. It maintains good health, increases prosperity and knowledge. Wearing or placing them in cash box, this rudraksha helps in making good profits in business, shows the power and capabilities of attracting clients to business. It has abilities of reviving stagnant business to speedy recovery and success. Practitioners shall be able to see changes in terms of monetary gains, a success in ventures and free from all financial difficulty. Wearer always feels very close to Lord Shiva and feels his breath with “Omkar” vibration. Wearing it prevents all sorts of diseases and he/she never suffer from any disastrous situation. This rudraksha completely protect the individual from Saturn Mahadasha ( Sade-SatiDasha).
No Ruling Planet.

• Fifteen Mukhi: Fifteen Faced create energies that impact the wearer's mind in improving intuitive, abstract and lateral thinking. In addition, the wearer finds high energy levels to put into action his thoughts and ideas leading Economical progress. Unconscious or conscious wrong doings in life are cleared so the person becomes free of sins and he/she feels fresh with new life. After its uses by many people it has been seen that especially old people who are debilitating and have frequent health problem finds it a very important remedy to keep the energy level intact to maintain their body for normal health. The energy level that emits from the fifteen face are good to maintain a constant promotion in jobs for those who are working in companies, good for those who are getting hindrances in their mobilization due to karmic imbalance.
No Ruling Planet.

• Sixteen Mukhi: Sixteen faced is used for multi-dimensional purposes. In ancient religious texts, saints and sages have been advised to wear sixteen mukhi Rudraksha beads for enveloping the wearer with positive energy, harmonious body function, peace of mind and prosperity. It has positive hypnotic properties so its good for attracting love and affection and appraisal from the people around the wearer according to the RudrakshaJabalopanishad. It has also been stated that fire, theft or robbery never touches the wearer as well as his/her Properties. In all kind of jobs, legal problems etc victories always follow the wearer. From the experiences that has been received from various wearers, sixteen faces is good for the following conditions as well as To win Legal problems, To improve the chance of conception for the ladies and To destroy the evil thoughts of enemies
No Ruling Planet.

• Seventeen Mukhi: Seventeen faced Rudraksha removes negativity and attract all success in life such as day to day life, love life, family life so wearer growth will be tremendous in all aspects of life. According to the scripture, wearing this bead Kundalini can be awakened. Experiences retrieved from the people who are wearing this rudraksha find this a best remedy for:
Gaining unexpected money, attaining property, vehicles and all material assets, Circulation of high energies thus removing lack of memory, inability to do hard work or laziness, Provide strong power to speed up love, marriage and relationship with longevity and help to relax and improve concentration
No Ruling Planet.

• Eighteen Mukhi: One of the rarest and powerful rudraksha,18 Faces Rudraksha provide spiritual as well as material energies related to protection, strength, success and removal of fear and worries(weak Mind) .Wearing it removes as well as prevent the negative energies of black magic coming to the wearer as well as to their property. Wearing this bead will help to completely remove fears and phobias, unknown thoughts and worries from the mind due to improvement in bodily function especially strengthening the autonomic nervous system. Its wearing is very useful to win over your enemies, success and all materialistic comforts. Even the enemies of the wearer become friends.18 mukhi Rudraksha is good for protecting from energies where there are malefic planets in natal lagna or when natural malefic are transiting in person life.
No Ruling Planet.

• Nineteen Mukhi: The possessor is bestowed with all worldly pleasures and there is no scarcity of nutrition, wealth, knowledge etc in their life. It acts like an armor protecting wearer from blows, adversities, wrong thoughts, deeds, and the disease of the human ego, bondage of karmas, all kinds of health problems, dualities (joy, sorrow, pleasure, pain, like, dislike etc) and ignorance which are hindrances in prosperity of business or jobs. It always provides the wearer with intelligence, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. From the experiences collected from the wearer it brings, Wealth, health & prosperity, New ideas to establish oneself in society with name, fame & success, Change characteristic of the person positively into gentle and polite behavior, Inner peace and perennial joy.
No Ruling Planet

• Twenty Mukhi: Wearer is bestowed with continuous progress in their divine faith and spiritual knowledge. Wearing this rudraksha all his/her sins is completely removed, obtains continuous happiness, and achieves all good fortune. A look of this rudraksha makes even an unfortunate person fortunate. It bestows material enjoyment in the life and liberation after the death of this present body. It destroys the sins of all and saves people from the miseries of repeated rebirth. Worshiping it in the house balances and produces vital positive energy in the house preserving the environment of house from ghost, devil and spirits. There is always a harmony in the family. By wearing it, the devotee will achieve the fulfillment of all desires.
No Ruling Planet

• Twenty one Mukhi: One of the rarest and most powerful rudraksha is Twenty-one faces rudraksha. Because of varied powerful energies emitting from this rudraksha it is always advisable to keep it at home altar. The possessor of this Rudraksha never falls short on his/her achievements. Wealth, health and prosperity always remain within the family possessing this Rudraksha. The family will be famous for prosperity and spirituality, and always remains in the path of Sanatan Dharma. Feedbacks received from the worshipper of 21 faces Rudraksha: - Improvement in financial position - Removes hurdles, obstacle, loss and slowness in career of each family member - Harmonious and cooperative family environment. There is no loss of happiness in family members. Family members never become sick. - Respect and fame in society and nation. 21 face rudraksha is good for those who are doing online trading business, owners of multiple companies, political leaders, directors, legal consultant etc. who are always taking risks. By wearing this, even those who knowingly or unknowingly did sins of Bramahatya are wiped off.

In addition there are other forms of Rudraksha named Gaurishankar Rudraksha, Ganesh Rudraksha, Ganesh Gaurishankar Rudraksha, Trijuti Rudraksha etc..

The natural Electromagnetic Properties of the Holy Rudraksha Beads have been found to improve concentration, focus and mental stamina. When worn on Mala around the heart area it was found that they reduce and control stress levels, blood pressure and hypertension resulting in the feeling of tranquility and calmness. They send out corresponding signals differing for different mukhi to the brain, activating or controlling certain brain chemicals and neurotransmitters thereby inducing states of mind as described in ancient scriptures.
Rudraksha Beads were found to be ideal for focused Meditation and other Spiritual Practices.
Research has proven that Rudraksha have powerful Electromagnetic, Paramagnetic and Inductive Properties that vary from the different Mukhi of Rudraksha beads. It creates specific electric impulses and sends out corresponding signals differing for different mukhi to the brain, activating or controlling certain brain chemicals and neurotransmitters thereby inducing states of mind as described in ancient scriptures.

Medically it has been proved that Rudraksh has very powerful Anti Ageing properties because of the Dynamic Polarity of the Rudraksha a bead thus the healing powers of Rudraksha are far superior to that of Magnets. It was also proven that wearing of Rudraksha beads controlled heart beat and had a positive effect on the Blood Pressure, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Palpitation, and lack of concentration etc.

Some Rudraksha shall be worn preferably in a metal be it silver or gold or copper or punchdhatu as it has electrical and magnetic properties, which are enhanced when worn with metal.

Rudraksha can be kept in one's house or Puja Room to get positive energy flow in their house. You shall not interchange the Rudraksha mala with anyone. Rudraksh should be kept well cleaned and oiled at all times. You must not keep Rudraksha in dirty places and must not wear during bad activities like taking alcohol etc..

23 December 2007

Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga (Hatha Vidya) was first advised by Shree Parameswara (Lord Shiva) to his wife Shree Parvathi (Goddess Parvathi) in a lonely island. A fish (Matsya) listened the entire discourse. Lord Shiva feeling mercy on that fish made him a Sidha later knowned as Yogi Matsyendran.

Yogi Matsyendran was the first master of Hatha Yoga. Yogi Matsyendra taught this vidya to Yogi Chourangi, who was a limbless man. Yogi Matsyendra gave hands and feet to him by just looking at him. Swami Swathmarama Yogi compiled these guru's advises to a book called Hatha Pradipika (written in Sanskrit language). Yogi Matsyendra and Yogi Goraksha were the gurus of Yogi Swathmarama in Hatha vidya.

Hatha Yoga is a stairway to Raja Yoga and is not for any sidhis (materialistic achievements). Raja Yoga is aimed to control a person's mind using meditation to further acquaintance of materialistic world and lead to Moksha (liberation). Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breath control) in Hatha yoga purify a person's mind and train his body for long period of meditations.

In Hatha Pradipika Yogi Swathmarama states that 33 Yogis named Sri Aadinatha, Matsyendra, Shabara, Aanadabhairava, Chourangi, Meena, Goraksha, Virupaksha, Vileshaya, Manthana, Bhairava, Sidhi, Budha, Kanthadi, Korandaka, Surananda, Sidhipada, Charpadi, Kaneri, Poojyapada, Nithyanatha, Niranjana, Kapali, Bindunatha, Kakachandeeshwara, Allama, Prabhudeva, Ghoda, Choli, Tindini, Bhanuki, Khanda and Kapalika is still traveling in this universe with their power of Hatha vidya. There are more of them.

Basically there are three types of sorrows in one's life. They are:

Adhi-daivikam - literally means "mental disturbances that come from God"—i.e. things that are utterly beyond our control: hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis, etc. We have no control over these types of disturbances.


Adhi-bhautikam - literally means "disturbances that come from the world." That means anything stemming from the world around us like materials, animals etc. Compared to the first category, we have some control over this second category of disturbances.


Adhyatmikam – literally means "disturbances stemming from the self." The third type of disturbance is the most powerful and, at the same time, the only one over which we have total control. For one who is still identified with the ego, the people, places and things of this world stimulate one of two reactions in the mind—attachment or aversion. Lust, jealousy, anger, sorrow, hatred destroy our peace.


If we look at any of our sorrows it will be connected to any of the above three (Thaapa Thrayam). Hatha vidya is the solution for the beings suffering from any of these sorrows.

How to start Practicing Hatha Yoga:

Guru: A person wishes to practice Hatha Yoga must have a suitable Guru (master).
Never practice by reading books or hearing some thing from some where. For learning Hatha Yoga Guru's presence and guidance is required.

"Athyahara: Prayasacha
Prajalpo Niyamagraha:
Janasangacha Loulyam cha
Shadbhiryogo Vinshyathi"

Following ar the six reasons which may cause failure in achieving Yoga. They are:
Over eating, Over working, Over talking, stick to unwanted rules, Unwanted relationships and Unstable mind.

Yama & Niyama:

Yama
Ahimsa: Do not hurt anybody by thought, word or deed.
Satya: Honesty or truthfulness.
Asteya: Not attain anything not owned by us (Not to steal, not desire other's property and not be in debt).
Brhmacharya: Celibacy, control of all senses.
Kshama: Patience.
Dhriti: Firm determination.
Daya: Compassion.
Arjava: Straight forwardness.
Mithahara: Eat nominal food.
Shaucha: Purity in mind, word and deed.

Niyama
Thapas: Personal endeavor of discipline, undertaken to achieve a goal without thinking of suffering and pain.
Santhosha: Happy with what in hand not desiring more.
Ishwara vishwasa: Believe in God.
Dana: Giving without thought of reward.
Ishwarapujana: Daily worship of God.
Sidhanta Sravana: Desire to listen spiritual talks.
Vinaya: Respecting others.
Karyagrahana Shakti: Grasping power.
Japa: Recite or chanting mantra.
Vrata: Sacred vows, fulfilling religious vows, rules and observances faithfully

Patanjali Maharishi in "Yoga Sutra" defined Yama and Niyama by listing only Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya Brahmacharya & Aparigraham (non-appropriation of things not one's own) as five Yama and Shaucha, Santhosha, Thapas, Swadhyaya (self study of spiritual scriptures) & Ishwrapranidhanam (Self surrender) as five Niyama. According to Patanjali Maharishi Yama is the first limb and Niyama the second limb of total eight limbs of Raja Yoga.

Swathmarama Yogi insisted that a person must have all twenty basic qualities listed in Yama and Niyama.

Matam (Ashramam): Selecting Matam is also very important in practicing Hata Yoga. There must be no disturbance – mentally or physically to the Yogi. Such disturbances may stall the success of Yogi. Ashramam (House of Yogi) must be small with small entrance door preferably without windows, with leveled floor, without disturbance from any type of animals, creatures or materials. Ashramam must be in a quiet silent area. There must be a small hall with a raised platform to sit in front of the ashramam. There must be a small well nearby the ashramam. Above are the basic needs of the Ashramam, but can be modified according to the time and place requirements.


"Evam vidhe Matae Sthithwa
Sarvachinta vivarjita:
Gurupadishta Margena
Yogameva Sadabhyaseth"

Staying in the above type Ashrama and with guidance of a suitable Guru (Master) you can start practicing Hata Yoga daily.

Practice

Raja Yoga is aimed to control a person's mind using meditation to further acquaintance of materialistic world and lead to Moksha (liberation). Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breath control) in Hatha yoga purify a person's mind and train his body for long period of meditation.

Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga

The eight Limbs are a progressive series of steps or disciplines which purify the body and mind, ultimately leading the yogi to enlightenment. These 8 limbs are:

1. Yamas – Code of conduct. They should all be practiced in word, thought and deed.
Ahimsa: Do not hurt anybody by thought, word or deed.
Satyam: Truthfulness
Brahmacharya: Celibacy, control of all senses.
Asteya: Not attains anything not owned by us (Not to steal, not desire other's property and not be in debt).
Aparigraha: non-appropriation of things not one's own.

2. Niyamas - Religious observances and commitment to practice.
· Saucha or purity - this internal and external cleanliness.
· Santosha or contentment
· Tapas or austerity
· Swadhyaya or study of the sacred texts
· Ishwara Pranidhana which is constantly living with an awareness of the divine presence (surrender to God's Will)


3. Asanas - Postures

4. Pranayama – Breath control.

5. Pratyahara - Abstraction of the senses in order to still the mind.

6. Dharana - Concentration. One pointed ness in the mind.
When Dharana is achieved, it leads to the next step:

7. Dhyana – Meditation.
When mastered Dhyana leads to the last step:

8. Samadhi - The super conscious state. The quiet state of blissful awareness.
In Samadhi non-duality or oneness is experienced. This is the deepest and highest
state of consciousness where body and mind have been transcended and the Yogi is
one with the Self or God.

Om Tat Sat