Geeta Jayanti

‘GITA Jayanthi’ is the birthday of the Bhagavad-Gita, the holy Hindu text. The festival is celebrated on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the bright half of the month of Margaseersha (December-January) by the devotees of Lord Krishna across the world. 

It is believed that on this day Lord Shree Krishna had convinced the frustrated Arjuna, who was demoralized and so not willing to fight against his relatives, in the great war of Mahabharata, about 5 thousand years ago. 

The dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna was narrated by Sanjaya to Dhrutarastra, the blind king of Hastinapur. 

Geeta is the active text from mythology which can be followed for any dilemma even in this twenty-first century. Lord Shree Krishna has bestowed us with this great gospel to make our live successful in the Kaliyug, when we dwindle to take a decision (Dharma sankat). 

We are hence grateful to Him who blessed us with these precious hymns (700 verses) to lead a proper and divine life in today’s time.  Geeta provides the message of rigid performance of one's duty in the society,  keeping one's inner being untouched by outer surroundings and renouncing all fruits of actions as offerings unto the Lord.

Odia Manabasa Gurubar on Margasira month Thursdays 2011

Manabasa Gurubar is a popular Odia festival celebrated on the Thursdays in the Odia/Hidusthani month of Margasira. Women of Odisha worship Goddess Laxmi in their houses in this occasion.

The festival is about worshipping Goddess Laxmi. Western Odisha calls it ‘Margasira Gurubar’ or more clearly, ‘Magsir Gurbar’.

Preparation for the festival already begins from the previous night. The houses are made clean and entrances of the house are plastered with either cow-dung paste or red soil.

Beautiful sketches are drawn on it to welcome the Goddess. This is called ‘Jhoti’ in odiya and ‘alpana’ in Hindi. Popular contents of ‘Jhoti’ include ‘Laxmi-Paada’, the footprint of Goddess Laxmi, Lotus, Her favorite flower and other figures.

Women awake early in the morning on the Thursday, further clean the house with a broom-stick takes bathe, wears clean clothes and worship the Goddess offering Her a sacred meal. This offering is later taken as ‘Prasad’ by the family members.

It is a popular belief that ‘Prasad’ of Goddess Laxmi is not shared with outsiders and only consumed by the original family members.

There is also a legend attached to the festival that how Goddess Laxmi, the spouse of Lord Jagannath, visits the house of an untouchable woman ‘Shriyaa Chaandaaluni’ and hence later driven away from the house, but later again accepted with extreme regard. One ritual of the festival includes either reciting or listening to this story called ‘Mahalaxmi Brata kathaa’ or ‘Manabasa Gurubar katha’ scribed in a handy book.

Odia film Director Sabyasachi Mahapatra has presented the story of this festival in his film ‘Jai Jagannath’ released in 13 languages.

‘Manabasa Gurubar’ is celebrated on 17^th, 24th of November and 1^st and 8^th of December, on the four Thursdays in the ‘Margasira’ month of 2011.

Drinking water Charity by Jai Mata Di Group Balangir

On the eve of Sharavan Purnima Jai Mata Di Group, Balangir provide the charity of drinking water. The devoted members of the Group have participated in the programme since last few years led by Himanshu Guru. The temporary camp was set at ‘Barapudgia’ bus stop at a distance of 7 kms from Balangir on the way  to Patnagarh. There were also two mobile groups of Jai Mata Di Group members who were providing drinking water to the devotees.

In Balangir District Sharavan Purnima is the auspicious occassion when devotees bring sacred water from the famous tourist place Harishankar to pour it on the Shiva Linga in different Shiva temples of Balangir. They prefer to make the journey on bare foot (without having shoes or chappals) as a vow and come walking all the way. Jai Mata Di Group serves them with drinking water (in Pouches).

Charity of water have been explained of having great importance and highly virtuous in Shiva Puran, one of the great holy texts of Hindus. It is described there that the people who donate drinking water, finally gets to the ‘shiva Lok’, the permanent abode of Lord Shiva.

Again, the month of Shravan is considered as the best month in the Year to worship Lord Shiva. Hence it is a trend in Hinduism that devotees bring sacred water from different places to pour on the Lingam to provide the God a pious bathe, which has been described as much virtuous in Hindu mythology. These devotees are termed ‘Bol Bum’. Bum signifies Lord Shiva and the slogan 'Bol Bum' means – utter the name of Lord Shiva.

Jai Mata Di Group which runs barely with the donations of only some intimate members of the Group is led by Himanshu Guru. This year Nakul Pattanaik, Giris Sahu, Mana Pattanaik, Madhu Pattanaik, Laxmana, Deepak, Mama, Ravi, Kush and some other devotees executed the programme along with Gopal Pradhan, Chhabila Pradhan(Chaetu from Remenda, Bargarh), Bulu Majhi (from Patnagarh) and Himanshu Guru.

Jai Mata Di Group wishes all the best and thanks the few donors named Aditya Kejriwal (Munu), Ashok Sarkar, Bantu Agrawal and Ravi for their assistance for the aforesaid programme.

Om Namah Shivaya.

Lord Kartikeya Puja

Lord Kartik Puja in Balangir

Amla Navami 2011 in Urbashi Goshala

Amla Navami was celebrated in Urbashi Goshala by Jay Mata Di Group, led by Shree Satya Narayan Pandey ji on the Navami day in the Kartika month of 2011.

Urbashi Goshala is 6 kms away from the nearest town Patnagarh (on the route leading to Padampur) in the District of Balangir, Odisha, India. Members of Jay Mata Di Group from all over India and other devotees from the nearby places worshipped the Indian Gooseberry tree with devotion on this occasion.

The festival ‘Amla Navami’ is the worship of Indian gooseberry tree. It is celebrated on the ninth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindustani Kartika Month. It falls in October or November. It is pronounced in the names like - Aanvla Navmi, Awala Navmi, Anla Navmi and Anvla Navmi. As the Indian gooseberry is pronounced differently in different languages, the spelling changes accordingly, meaning being the same.

Basically women perform Amla Navami puja. Being pure with a sacred bathe early in the morning and then wearing new or washed fresh clothes, they get assembled near a Gooseberry tree. In the absence of an Amla tree, a branch of the tree earthed on the ground or in a vase, can also be worshipped. I don’t know the reason but people worship the gooseberry tree facing east.

First a lamp (deepa or deepali, normally fuelled with ghee, the Indian clarified butter) is lighted with a prayer to keep burning till the end of the worship. That is called ‘akhanda’. Then pour water and then milk on the tree. After that, apply rolli, the Indian red sacred powder, on the tree. Also offer a saree and blouse piece then. The next step is to show dhup. And then Moli, the sacred red thread should be tied by all women on the tree, moving seven times circling the tree.

It is followed by a ‘katha’ either read by a woman or a Brahmin, the priest, to be listened by all the devotees there. In some places they skip this step. The final step is ‘Arati’ and then women put sindoor or roli to each other’s forehead to have fun in an auspicious way.

Amla Navami is mostly observed in Odisha. The reason behind worshipping the gooseberry tree may be science. We can mark that science has been pushed into the rites of worship to provide people the benefit of science through religion. In this context, Gooseberry tree is a top medicinal plant with tremendous uses and benefits. Hence to preserve this precious species may be the tradition of worshipping Gooseberry tree has been made. 

Begging excuse to Durga Maa - 'Kshyamaprarthana' from Durgāsaptaśatī

‘Kshyamaprarthana’ is a eulogy chanted to please Goddess Durga. During the performance of rites in worship, we commit mistakes like – incorrect pronunciations (of the hymns and chants) or wrong physical procedures etc.

Hence, this hymn is recited in the end to pray for forgiveness and for any mistakes of incomplete offerings. This ‘Devi aparadha kshyama prarthana/stotram’ has been derived from Hindu Holy text ‘Durgāsaptaśatī', which is considered as the prime text in the worship of Goddess Durga, who possesses the epithet ‘Mahisamardini’.

Durga Maa

Kshyamaprarthana

Aparaadhasahasraani kriyante aharnisham mayaa,
Dasoaayamiti maam matwaa kshyamaswa Parameshwari. //1//

Aavahanam na jaanaami, na jaanaami visarjanam,
Poojaam chaiva na jaanaami, kshyamyataam Parameshwari. //2//

Mantraheenam, kriyaaheenam, Bhaktiheenam, Sureshwari,
Yat poojitam mayaa devi paripoornam tadastu mey. //3//

Aparaadhasatam krutwaa Jagadambeti chochcharet,
Yaam gatim samvaapnote na taam Brahmaadaya suraah. //4//

Saaparaadhoaasmi saranam praaptasthvaam Jagadambike,
Idaaneemanukampyoaaham Yathecchasi tathaa kuru. //5//

Agyaanaadwismruterbhraantyaa yanyoonamadhikam krutam.
Tatsarvam kshyamyataam Devi praseeda Parameshwari. //6//

Kaameshwari Jaganmaatah Sachchidaanandavigrahe,
Gruhaanaarchaamimaam preetyaa praseeda Parameshwari. //7//

Guhyaatiguhyagoptree twam gruhaanaasmatkrutam japam,
Siddhirbhavatu mey Devi twatprasaadatSureshwari. //8//


Meaning


O supreme Goddess. Thousands (it means a lot of) of offences are committed by me every moment including day and night. (Still) please forgive me as I happen to be your servant (the term servant has been used to show deep devotion and surrender). //1//

I don’t know your invocation. I don’t know the concluding rites; even don’t know how to worship. (still) O Goddess (Parameshwari) please forgive me. //2//

Those prayers offered by me are without mantras, without Kriya (Physical procedures of worship) and without devotion. (Still) whatever I have offered (in worship and prayer) accept it as absolute. //3//

Having done hundreds( a lot of) of offences, even then if someone utters your name ‘jagadamba’ his course of soul attains that (divine) achievement, which is rare for even Brahma and other demi-gods. //4//

I am full of offences and taking Your refuge, O Jagadambikā! Do pity on me and do whatever you wish for me.//5//

O Goddess! Please forgive my mistakes which has occurred due to doing it either less or more then actually required, which are result of lack of knowledge, lack of memory and lack of wisdom. Please be happy on me, O Supreme Ruler.//6//

O Universal Mother, Who fulfils our wishes, Who has got a blissful appearance (or whose idol makes devotees get the real mind-blowing joy) accept these offerings (during prayers) with happiness and blesses me. //7//

O Goddess! You possess the most secret knowledge. (Still) Accept (grant my recited mantra as correct by doing pity on me) the mantra from me. O Goddess, Who rules over the demi-gods! May I become perfect by Your shower of compassion on me? //8//

writer's view :

When we chant the ‘Kshyamaprarthana’, we should feel the same emotion from our inner heart that actually I have committed the mistake. More clearly, suppose someone is praising us but uttering our name wrongly, then we should be annoyed with it, because taking someone’s name with a wrong pronunciation is dishonor to him. But finally if he bags excuse that he has wrongly uttered the name not to dishonor us, but due to lack of proper knowledge, then we would like to excuse him and bless him as per our capacity.

Applying this logic for this great sacred hymn, we  praise the supreme mother that whatever mistakes I have performed, that is unknowingly and I surrender at your feet to beg excuse and then the affectionate Universal mother will pardon our mistakes and bless us.

She always waits for Her sons and daughters (i.e. we, the people of this Universe) to show a small bit of affection or esteem to her and She will bestow Her great divine blessings on us.

Dhanteras 2011

If you want to become rich by worshipping the Hindu Gods and Goddesses, then you are suggested to worship in Dhanteras. Dhanteras is one of the prime festival, when Goddess Laxmi is worshipped to bless us with immense of wealth.

Dhanteras is mostly famous among the business community as they need money and wealth more than others. (From the motive – People from other sector may sometime concentrate open achievement, glory, discovery, production, creativity etc., the only purpose of business is profit and basically through money, which is the most liquid form of wealth these days). But still many people worship in their houses. However the intention of Dhanteras is to acquire Dhan means wealth.

It is said, Money, although not God, not even less than a God. In today’s world the thirst of money is more. It is also equally true that the reason of so many disputes is the passion of money. It has also been marked that People, since time immemorial, have been shown their great thirst for wealth, even before from the introduction of money in the society.

Dhanteras is a complete answer to all this thirst. On the eve of the festival, make Lord Laxmi happy with your worship, and get Her blessings to become rich.

Dhanteras is observed on the 13^th day of Krishna Pakshya (dark fortnight) in the month of Asvina. Dhan means wealth and teras means 13^th. So, the thirteenth day when we get an opportunity to be blessed with a lot of wealth is called Dhanteras. In the year 2011, the date will fall on 24^th of October, two days before ‘Diwali’.

People think it auspicious to buy Gold, Diamond or silver ornaments. At least one utensil of any metal should be bought to observe the rule. Hence, it is seen that jewelers make a good deal of business only in one day of Dhanteras. To attract the customers they also use to declare special discount for one day even, on this pious day.

Also the utensil sellers get opportunity to make a big business on Dhanteras, as almost all families at least buy a spoon on this day.

Dhanteras is celebrated with full enthusiasm. The main event is worship of Goddess Laxmi, the provider of wealth. Tiny earthen lamps are also lit in respect of the God. People also love to sing or participate in Bhajan or sankirtan to chant names and glories of the God to create a sacred atmosphere.

Best tip on Dhanteras:

One should read, chant or sing ‘Shree suktam’ on this auspicious day to please Goddess Laxmi. In the first sixteen slokas of this divine chanting, sixteen phases of worships get executed. Hence, the chanting is very very much important and wealth providing. However, I am not giving it here, because this one is the direct and undeviating blessings from Laxmi Maa and provide immense wealth if performed with devotion and belief in the God.

So, if any body is interested to avail the benefit, he can search it in the web. It must be available. Otherwise if you want it from me, you can request it in your comments. Then only I can provide you this most valuable sacred literature. Please bear with me and understand my points, I have done like this, to not to make this precious text cheap. And don’t worry after your request I will provide it free of cost, nothing wanted in return, but just devotion upon the God and not anything else.

Wish you a happy and wealthy Dhanteras 2011.

Deepawali/Diwali 2011

Deepawali is the celebration of light. In the year 2011 Deepawali will be celebrated on 26^th October. Philosophically, the festival is meant to achieve light and to rule out darkness in life, thought and work.

Deepawali is also termed as Diwali and ‘festival of Light’ in English. Deepawali means – Deepa means lamp in Hindi. Deepawali is its plural and usually refers to a row of lamps. In Deepawali celebrations people decorate their houses and business places with lamps kept in row, hence the celebration is termed ‘Deepawali’.

Deepawali falls on the Amabasya of the Kartia month. It is a Hindu festival and Goddess Laxmi is worshipped with fervor on this day. Decorating the home with oil earthen lamps is the first priority. But alternatives are seen to be in use these days. Those are – earthen pot with ghee, candles etc.

The main joyful event of Deepawali is bursting firecrackers. The whole family gets together on this day and firecrackers are burst, which provides immense pleasure to all.

The origin of the festival takes us to the mythology. The legend is, in the tretaya Yuga, Lord Rama, who killed Ravana on the Dusshera day, returned to Ayodhya, his capital, after completing a hermit of 14 years in the forest, on this day. Subjects of Ayodhya who were passionate about Lord Ram had lighted lamps in their houses and business places to welcome their favorite person along with His wife Sita and brother Laxmana. They had also burst firecrackers to make all know their welcome through sound and light.

Deepawali is widely celebrated these days across the world. It is the celebration of victory of good over evil. In these days the festival is celebrated in some places for five days. Each day of it has got its own rituals. However, among them the Diwali day, the Amabasya is the main day and this is celebrated through, worship of the Goddess Laxmi, bursting of firecrackers and decorating the house with lamps. People also distribute sweet and gifts on this day.

Banana tree, being a sacred one are decorated as a welcome gate in front of the main entrance. Lotus flowers, being the favorite of Goddess Laxmi are also decorated along with the banana tree. The house is kept clean to its best as Goddess Laxmi is believed to be present only in clean places and immediately leaves dirty places. The house also kept lighted so as to welcome the Goddess, giving Her ample light to enter the house with ease. Decorative art works are also done on the ground of the entrance to attract the Goddess to come to that house. The said art is drawn leading it to the original place of worship, inside the house, where actually the idols of the Goddess are kept for worship purpose.

In simple words, because Goddess Laxmi is the giver of wealth, every possible arrangement is made to welcome Her and bless us with wealth.

Happy Diwali wishes 2011

We wish a happy and lightning Dewali 2011 to our readers and well wishers.

108 Names of Durga Maa

1.   Sati - One who got burned alive

2.   Saadhvi -The Sanguine

3.   Bhavaprita - One who is loved by the universe

4.   Bhavaani - The abode of the universe

5.   Bhavamochani - The absolver of the universe

6.   Aarya - Goddess

7.   Durga - The Invincible

8.   Jaya - The Victorious

9.   Aadya - The Initial reality

10. Trinetra - One who has three-eyes

11. Shooldharini - One who holds a monodent

12. Pinaakadharini - One who holds the trident of Shiva

13. Chitra - The Picturesque

14. Chandaghanta - One who has mighty bells

15. Mahaatapa - With severe penance

16. Manah - Mind

17. Buddhi - Intelligence

18. Ahankaara - One with Pride

19. Chittarupa - One who is in thought-state

20. Chita - Death-bed

21. Chiti - The thinking mind

22. Sarvamantramayi - One who possess all the instruments of thought

23. Satta - One who is above all  

24. Satyanandasvarupini - Form of Eternal bliss

25. Ananta - One who is Infinite or beyond measure

26. Bhaavini - The Beautiful Woman

27. Bhaavya - Represents Future

28. Bhavya - With Magnificence

29. Abhavya - Improper or fear-causing

30. Sadagati - Always in motion, bestowing Moksha (salvation)

31. Shaambhavi - Consort of Shambhu

32. Devamata - Mother Goddess

33. Chinta - Tension

34. Ratnapriya - Adorned or loved by jewels

35. Sarvavidya - Knowledgeable

36. Dakshakanya - Daughter of Daksha

37. Dakshayajñavinaashini - Destroyer of the sacrifice of Daksha

38. Aparna - One who doesn’t eat even leaves while fasting

39. Anekavarna - One who has many complexions

40. Paatala - Red in color

41. Paatalavati - Wearing red-color attire

42. Pattaambaraparidhaana - Wearing a dress made of leather

43. Kalamanjiiraranjini - Wearing a musical anklet

44. Ameyaa - One who is beyond measure

45. Vikrama - Violent

46. Krrooraa - Brutal (on demons)

47. Sundari - The Gorgeous

48. Sursundari - Extremely Beautiful

49. Vandurga - Goddess of forests

50. Maatangi - Goddess of Matanga

51. Matangamunipujita - Worshipped by Sage Matanga

52. Braahmi - Power of God Brahma

53. Maaheshvari - Power of Lord Mahesha (Shiva)

54. Aeindri - Power of God Indra

55. Kaumaari - The adolescent

56. Vaishnavi - The invincible

57. Chaamunda - Slayer of Chanda and Munda(demons)

58. Vaarahi - One who rides on Varaah

59. Lakshmi - Goddess of Wealth

60. Purushaakriti -One who takes the form of a man

61. Vimalauttkarshini -One who provides joy

62. Gyaana - Full of Knowledge

63. Kriya - One who is in action

64. Nitya - The eternal one

65. Buddhida - The bestower of wisdom

66. Bahula - One who is in various forms

67. Bahulaprema - One who is loved by all

68. Sarvavahanavahana -One who rides all vehicles

69. NishumbhaShumbhaHanani - Slayer of the demon-brothers Shumbha Nishumbha 

70. MahishasuraMardini - Slayer of the bull-demon Mahishaasura

71. MadhuKaitabhaHantri - Slayer of the demon-duo Madhu and Kaitabha

72. ChandaMundaVinashini - Destroyer of the ferocious asuras Chanda and Munda

73. Sarvasuravinasha - Destroyer of all demons

74. Sarvadaanavaghaatini - Possessing the power to kill all the demons

75. Sarvashaastramayi - One who is deft in all theories

76. Satya - The truth

77. Sarvaastradhaarini - Possessor of all the missile weapons

78. Anekashastrahasta - Possessor of many hand weapons

79. AnekastraDhaarini - Possessor of many missile weapons

80. Komaari - The beautiful adolescent

81. Ekakanya - The girl child

82. Kaishori - The adolescent

83. Yuvati - The Woman

84. Yati - Ascetic, one who renounces the world

85. Apraudha - One who never gets old

86. Praudha - One who is old

87. Vriddhamaata - The old mother (loosely)

88. Balaprada - The bestower of strength

89. Mahodari - One who has huge belly which stores the universe

90. Muktakesha - One who has open tresses

91. Ghorarupa - Having a fierce outlook

92. Mahaabala - Having immense strength

93. Agnijwaala - One who is poignant like fire

94. Raudramukhi - One who has a fierce face like destroyer Rudra

95. Kaalaratri - Goddess who is black like night

96. Tapasvini - one who is engaged in penance

97. Narayani - The destructive aspect of Lord Narayana (Brahma)

98. Bhadrakaali Fierce form of Kali

99. Vishnumaya Spell of Lord Vishnu

100. Jalodari - Abode of the ethereal universe

101. Shivadooti - Ambassador of Lord Shiva

102. Karaali - The Violent

103. Ananta - The Infinite

104. Parameshvari - The Ultimate Goddess

105. Katyayani -One who is worshipped by sage Katyanan

106. Savitri - Daughter of the Sun God Savitr

107. Pratyaksha - One who is real

108. Brahmavaadini One who is present everywhere 

Sharad Navratri 2011/Durga Maa Puja

Durga Maa

Jai Mata Di.

Navratri is the supreme vow with regard to its meritorious effects. This worship of Durga Maa blesses the devotees anything they want. However one should not keep an artificial hope to be fulfilled.

Hawan, Kumari Pujan and feasting of the brahmanas and chanting of the hymns are the requirements of Navratri vrat. On observing this Vrata, one gets riches, crops, sons and grandsons, prosperity and happiness, longevity, health and heaven and even the final beatitude. Those who did not, in their previous births, perform this meritorious vow; they become diseased, poor and devoid of sons in their present births.

It is believed that the man who has failed to worship the Goddess of the whole universe, Who fructifies all the pursuits of human life, Who destroys all the troubles, pains and miseries, and the person who is suspicious to Bhagabati Mata, that fellow is sure to pass his days in this world, wretched, impoverished, and surrounded by his enemies on all sides.

In 2011 the Navratri vrat will commence from 28^th September to 5^th October, 6^th October being the Dusshera/ Dashamee/ the tenth day. According to Hindu calendar the vow will start from Pratipada which is the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Aswina.

Wish you a happy Sharad Navratri 2011

The Goddess is worshipped in nine incarnations in these nine days according to this chant of Shree Durga Saptasati.

The Chant –

“Prathamam Shailaputri cha, dvitiiyam Brahmachaarini,

  tritiiyam Chandraghanteti, Kushmaandeti chaturtakam,

  panchamam Skandamaateti, shashtam Kaatyaayani cha,

  saptamam Kaalaraatriti, Maha-Gauriti chaastamam,

  navamam Siddhidaatri cha; Nava-Durgaaha prakirtitaaha."

Mamataamayee Karunaamayee my Durga Maa - Himanshu Guru

Prathami – The first day – Shailaputri Maa.

Dvitiya – The second day – Bramacharini Maa

Tritiya – The third day – Chandraghanta Maa

Chaturthi – The fourth day – Kushmaandaa Maa

Panchami – The fifth day – Skandamata Maa

Sasthi – The sixth day – Kaatyaayani Maa

Saptami – The seventh day – Kaalaraatri Maa

Astami – The eighth day – Maha-Gouri Maa

Navami – The ninth day – Siddhidaatri Maa

Jay Mata Di

A simple way to undergo the Navratri vrat/vow :

Be on fasting for the whole 9 days if you can only having sacred water, milk and fruits. If you cannot do, fast for 1^st, 8^th and 9^th day as described. If still you cannot fast on 7^th, 8^th and 9^th day. Still if you cannot fast only for 8^th and 9^th day. Still if you cannot fast only for the 8^th day. Avoid rice and rice product and salt from your food. Other sacred and pure foods you can take. Lastly if you cannot do any of these then only do worship on the 8^th day/Astami with Deep, dhup, arati, naivedya, puspa/flower etc. with devotion.

Whatever you do faith in the Goddess Mother Durga and your hearty devotion will please Maa the best. Feel that She is your mother and you need to make her happy.

MahishaMardini Durga Maa

We strongly oppose animal sacrifice during the worship of Durga Maa. She does not need the blood of the animals that She has created. This is a habit performed by some human beings. One need not fear the affectionate Mother Goddess for this act of some human beings. She does not want this.

During the 9 days of Navratri Maa gets pleased if one can chant, listen, utter or sing her names. That may be Her 32 names, Her 108 names and Her 1008 names. If you have got the names by heart you can silently chant those names simultaneously doing other works but keeping the mind in Her.

Sarbamangala maangalye Shive Sarbaarthasaadhike, saranye trayambake Gouri Naaraayani Namostute

The chance is at your doorstep. Take the benefit of being blessed by the Supreme Power of this Universe Shree Durga Maa on the eve of this Sharad Navratri.

Viswakarma Puja 2011

Lord Viswakarma is the divine Engineer, Craftsman, architect, smith and carpenter of this Universe as per Hindu Mythology. He is worshipped as the God of art and sculpture. The universe is believed to be fabricated by Him.

In 2011, the Viswakarma Puja will be observed on 17th September, the 'Kanya Sankranti' day. The worship is celebrated mainly in factories, mines, workshops, Engineering Colleges and other places related to engineering, carpentry, craftsmanship etc.

On that day tools are not used and work is ceased in respect of the God as a token of devotion. Rather the machines and tools are also worshipped with the deity for safe working conditions and success in their respective artisans.

In Odisha all the vehicles starting from bicycle to heavy load trucks, buses, four wheelers and two wheelers are also worshipped on this day, as the people think that the God is also present in these vehicles. They pray through their worship to save them from any accidents and mechanical failures.

The puja pendals are usually made within the premises of the workplace.Idols of Lord Viswakarma are placed on colorfully decorated pendals and worshipped with Chanting from Veda by the esteemed expert (Pujari) followed by hawan, puspanjali pradan, arati and prasad sevana. This annual celebration day is a no work day and normally entertainment activities are performed to relax.

The God has four hands, carrying a water-pot, a book, a noose and craftsman's tools and worshipped along with his carrier, the elephant.

Legend says Lord Viswakarma has built Swarga, Martya, Patala, Bajra ( the famous weapon of Lord Indra), Lanka ( the place of Ravana) and Dwarka, the place of Shree Krishna, Indraprastha, the enchanting place of the Pandavas and all the arts in this universe.

According to Mahabharata and Harivamsa Purana, he is the son of the Vasu Prabhasa and Yoga-siddha.The meaning of Viswa is Universe and Karma indicates to creator. Hence Lord Viswakarma is believed to be the builder of the whole universe.

We offer our  devotion to Lord Viswakarma on the eve of Viswakarma Puja/Pooja 2011 and anxiously wait for his divine blessings.

Jai Ganesh Deva : God Ganesh Puja 2011

Vakratunda Mahakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva Sarva Kaaryeshu    Sarvada 

Vakratunda - A person with curved mouth/ trunk, meant for Lord Ganeshji as he is with the face of an elephant.

Mahakaaya - Maha means giant or large. Kaaya - figure; a person with a large physique. Meant for Lord Ganesh.

SuryaKoti - Surya means the Sun God, Koti means Crore; so suryakoti means like million suns or bearing the light of millions of suns.

Samaprabha - Prabha means light. Sama means equal to

Nirbighnam - Bighnam means obstacles. Nirbighnam - Nih+Bighnam, means with no obstacles or removed obstacles. Kuru - Please do. Mey - to me. Deva- God/Lord. Sarva- all. Karyesu- in all the actions/works/deeds. Sarbada - Always.

Meaning: The God with the bent trunk and a huge body, who has the magnificence of a Million Suns, Oh Lord I pray to you, to eliminate always the obstacles from all the actions I do perform.

The birthday of Lord Ganesha is celebrated as the auspicious Ganesh Puja each year on the 4th day of the waxing moon period (Sukla pakshya) of the month of Bhadraba or Bhadrapada. Because it is observed on the 4th day, it is also called Ganesh Chaturthi. The date normally falls in either in August or in the month of September.

In 2011 the Ganesh Puja will be held on 1st of September. Worship of Lord Ganesh is commemorated all over India basically by the Hindus. However, in Maharastra it is the largest worship fun fare which continues for long 10 days. Besides India now Ganesh puja is also rejoiced throughout the world by the NRIs. Seldom participation of people from other religion has also been marked.

The Legend of Incarnation of Ganeshji

It is believed that long long ago in the Mytho era Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of clay and breathed life into him. Letting him stand guard at the door, Goddess Parvati went to have her bath. When Lord Shiva, her husband, returned, the child Ganesha who had never seen him did not allow Shiva to enter. This led to emergence of war between the two and finally an enraged Shiva severed the head of the child. Goddess Parvati returned to find her son dead and was distressed and asked Shiva to revive him. Knowing the fact now, Shiva asked his followers to cut off and fetch the head of an elephant and fixed it on the body of Ganesha, giving birth to an elephant-headed Ganesha.

Meaning of Ganesh - Gana means devas or the Gods. Isha means chief, head. Ganesha =Gana+Isha. Means the chief or head of the Ganas/Devas/Gods. In worship of the Hindu Gods or Goddesses first Lord Ganesha is invited to be worshipped as he is the remover of obstacles.

Environmentalists affirm that the idols of Ganesha,  made of  Plaster of Paris takes much longer time to dissolve and in the process of dissolution releases toxic elements into the water body. The chemical paints used to decorate these plaster icons themselves contain heavy metals like mercury and cadmium leading to environmental pollution. Hence I would like to request all to worship idols made of clay.

“Ohm, Gang Ganapataye Namo Namah” - This is called the ‘bija’ mantra of Lord Ganesh. Hence devotees are requested to chant this pious mantra to get the divine blessings of the Lord. However one can sing the whole of these to make a melodious tune - Om Ganapataye Namo Namah, Shree Sidhhi Vinaayaka Namo Namah, Asta Vinaayaka Namo Namah, Ganapati Bappa Moreya. Please repeat this in 2 or 3 dhuns and if possible with orchestra in a group, you can feel that after a while a divine atmosphere has been created.

Om Bande Kharba Sthulatanum Gajendra Badanam, Lambodaram Sundaram l

Pasyandan Madagandha Lubdha madhupam Byalola Gandasthalam ll

Dantaaghaata vidaaritarirudhiram Sindura Sovakaram l

Bande Shailasutaasutam Ganapatim Sidhhipradam kaamadam ll