SRI BALA DHANDAYUTHAPANI -ASHTOTTARA SATA NAMAVALI

Sri Bala Dhandayuthapani Ashtottara Sata Namavali:
The 108 Names of Lord Muruga
1 Om namo Skandaya namaha -------------Hail Skanda! -Vanquisher of the mighty foes!
2. Om namo Guhaya namaha---------------Praise be to the Invisible Lord—He who abides in the hearts of devotees true!
3. Om namo Shanmukhaya namaha---------Praise be to the six-faced one!
4. Om namo Balanetrasutaya namaha ------ Praise be to the Son of the Three-Eyed Siva!
5. Om namo Prabhave namaha-------------Praise be to the Lord Supreme!
6.Om namo Pingalaya namaha ------------Praise be to the golden-hued one!
7. Om namo Krittikasunave नमः------------Hail to the Son of the starry maids!
8. Om namô Shikhivahanaya नमः-----------Hail to the rider on the peacock!
9. Om namo Dvinadbhujâya namaha---------Hail to the Lord with the twelve hands!
10. Om namo Dvinannetraya namaha--------Hail to the Lord with the twelve eyes!
11. Om namo Shaktidharaya namaha---------Hail to the wielder of the Lance!
12. Om namo Pisidasaprabhajanaya namaha---Praise be to the destroyer of the Asuras!
13. Om namo Tarakâsurasamharine namaha----Praise be to the slâyar of Târakâsuran!
14. Om namo Raksobalavimardanaya namaha----Praise be to the Victor of the Asuric forces!
15. Om namo Mattaya namaha-------------------Praise be to the Lord of felicity!
16. Om namo Pramattaya namaha----------------Praise be to the Lord of bliss!
17. Om namo Unmattâya namaha ---------------Hail Oh passionate One!
18. Om namo Surasainyasuraksakaya namaha
(Suralangasya Rakshithre Namaha); ------------Hail Saviour of the Devas!
19. Om namo Devasenapataye namaha---------Hail Commander of the Heavenly hosts!
20. Om namo Pragnya namaha------------------Hail, Lord of Wisdom!
21. Om namo Kripalave namaha-----------------Hail Compassionate One!
22. Om namo Bhaktavatsalaya namaha----------Lover of devout ones, Praise be to Thee!
23. Om namo Umasutâya namaha--------------Son of Uma—Praise be to Thee!
24. Om namo Shaktidharaya namaha-----------Mighty Lord—Praise be to Thee!
25. Om namo Kumaraya namaha----------------Eternal youth—Praise be to Thee!
26. Om namo Krauncadharanaya namaha--------He who reft asunder the Kraunca Mount—Praise be to Thee!
27. Om namo Senanye namaha------------------Praise be to the Army Chief!
28. Om namo Agnijanmane namaha-------------To the effulgence of Fire, all Hail!
29. Om namo Viskhaya namaha---------------To Him who shone on the astral Visakha—All Hail!
30. Om namo Shankarâtmajaya namaha--------Thou Son of Sankara—All Hail!
31. Om namo Sivasvamine namaha-------------Thou Preceptor of Siva—All Hail!
32. Om namo Ganaswamine namaha------------On Lord of the Ganas—All Hail
33. Om nama Sarvasvamine namaha-----------On Lord, God Almighty, All Hail!
34. Om namo Sanatanaya namaha-------------Oh Lord eternal, Praise be to Thee!
35. Om namo Aksobhyaya namaha-------------Unsullied by arrows art Thou—Praise be to Thee!
36. Om namo Parvatîpriyanandanaya namaha----Thou beloved of Parvati, Praise be to Thee!
37. Om namo Gangasutaya namaha--------------Oh, son of Goddess Ganga—Praise be to Thee!
38. Om namo Atmabhuve namaha---------------Thou Unborn Lord!
39. Om nama Pavakatmajaya namaha-----------Thou who art born of Fire!
40. Om namo Mâyadharaya namaha-------------Energy Art Thou—Praise be to Thee!
41. Om namo Prajrimbhâya namaha-------------Praise be to thee Auspicious One! (Blissful)!
42. Om namo Ujjrimbhaya namaha--------------Praise be to the Invincible One!
43. Om namo Kamalasanasamstutaya namaha---Praise be to the Lord extolled by Brahma!
44. Om namo Ekavarnaya namaha--------------The one Word art Thou—All Hail!
45. Om namo Trivarnâya namaha---------------Thou Art the Three—All Hail!
46. Om namo Sumanoharaya namaha------------Thou Stealer of pure hearts—All Hail!
47. Om namo Caturvarnâya namaha-------------In four Art Thou—All Hail!
48. Om namo Pancavarnaya namaha-------------In five letters Art Thou—All Hail!
49. Om namo Prajapataye namaha--------------Father of all Creation—All Hail!
50. Om namo Trumbâya namaha----------------Praise be to Thee, Oh Peerless One!
51. Om namo Agnigarbhaya namaha------------Thou who dost sustain the fire!
52. Om namo Samigarbhaya namaha------------Hail Thou who arose out of the Vanni flame! (Fire of the Suma tree)!
53. Om namo Visvaretase namaha--------------Thou glory of the Absolute Paramasivam, All Hail!
54. Om namo Surarighne namaha-----------Oh, Subduer of the foes of the Devas, All Hail!
55. Om namo Hiranyavarnaya namaha------Thou resplendent One, All Hail!
56.Om namo Subhakrite namaha------------Thou Auspicious One—All Hail!
57. Om namo Vasumate namaha------------Thou Oh Splendour of the Vasus— (a class of Gods) All Hail!
58. Om namo Vatuvesabhrite namaha---------Praise be to Thee, Oh lover of celibacy!
59. Om namo Bhushane namaha---------------Thou Luminous Sun—All Hail!
60. Om namo Kapastaye namaha--------------Thou Effulgence divine, All Hail!
61. Om namo Gahanaya namaha---------------Thou Omniscient One—All Hail!
62. Om namo Chandravarnaya namaha--------Thou Radiance of the Moon—Praise be to Thee!
63. Om namo Kaladharaya namaha------------Thou who adorns the crescent—Praise be to Thee!
64. Om namo Mayadharaya namaha----------------Engergy art Thou—Praise be to Thee!
65. Om namo Mahamayine namaha----------------Great Artist of Deception too art Thou, Praise be to Thee!
66. Om namo Kaivalyaya namaha-----------------Everlasting joy of attainment—Praise be to Thee!
67. Om namo Sahatatmakaya namaha------------Art all-pervading—All Hail!
68. Om namo Visvayonaye namaha---------------Source of all Existence—All Hail!
69. Om namo Ameyatmane namaha--------------Oh, Supreme Splendour, All Hail!
70. Om namo Tejonidhaye namaha--------------Illumination divine—All Hail!
71. Om namo Anamayaya namaha---------------Savior of all ills—All Hail!
72. Om namo Parameshtine namaha-------------Thou art Immaculate Lord, Praise be to Thee
73. Om namo Parabrahmane namaha------------Thou Transcendant One, Praise be to Thee!
74. Om namo Vedagarbhaya namaha------------The Source of the Vedas art Thou, Praise be to Thee!
75. Om namo Viratsutaya namahaImmanent -----Art Thou in the Universe, Praise be to Thee!
76. Om namo Pulindakanyabhartre namaha--------Praise be to the Lord of Valli, the Vedda belle!
77. Om namo Mahasarasvatavradaya namaha------Praise be to the source of Gnosis
78.Om namo Âsrita Kiladhatre namaha-------------Praise be to Him who showers grace on those who seek his solace!
79.Om namo Choraghnaya namaha-----------------Praise be to Him who annihilates those who steal!
80.Om namo Roganasanaya namaha---------------Praise be to the divine Healer
81. Om namo Anantamurtaye namaha-------------Praise be Thine whose forms are endless!
82. Om namo Ânandaya namaha-----------------Praise be Thine, Oh Thou infinite Bliss!
83. Om namo Shikhandikritagedanaya namaha------Praise be Thine, Thou Lord of peacock banner!
84. Om namo Dambhaya namaha-----------------Praise be Thine, Oh lover of gay exuberance!
85. Om namo Paramadambhaya namaha----------Praise be Thine, Thou lover of supreme exuberance!
86. Om namo Mahâdambhaya namaha-------------Praise be Thine, Oh Lord of lofty magnificence!
87. Om namo Vrishakapaye namaha-------------Thou who art the culmination of righteousness—All Hail (Dharma)!
88. Om namo Karanopatadehâya namaha--------Thou who deigned embodiment for a cause—All Hail!
89. Om namo Karanatita Vigrahaya namaha--------Form transcending causal experience
90. Om namo Anishvaraya namaha----------------Oh Eternal peerless plentitude, All Hail
91. Om namo Amritaya namaha------------------Thou Ambrosia of Life—All Hail!
92. Om namo Pranaya namaha------------------Thou life of life, Praise unto Thee!
93. Om namo Pranayamaparayanaya namaha-----Thou support of all beings—Praise unto Thee! 94. Om namo Vritakandare namaha-------------Praise unto Thee who subjugates all hostile forces!
95. Om namo Viraghnaya namaha--------------Thou vanquisher of heroic opponents, Praise unto Thee!
96. Om namo Raktashyamagalaya namaha-------Thou art Love, and of crimson beauty— Praise unto Thee!
97. Om namo Mahate namaha--------------------Oh Consummation of glory, All Praise to Thee! 98. Om namo Subrahmanyaya namaha-----------We praise Thee, Oh effulgent Radiance!
99. Om namo Paravarâya namaha--------Oh Supreme (Sovereign) Goodness, Praise unto Thee! 100. Om namo Brahmanyaya namaha-----We praise Thee, luminous wisdom serene!
101. Om namo Brahmanapriyaya namaha---Thou who art beloved of seers—Praise unto Thee!
102. Om namo Loka Gurave Namaha-------Oh universal Teacher, All Praise to Thee!
103. Onamo Guhapriyâya Namaha-------We praise Thee, Indweller in the core of our hearts!
104. Om namo Aksayaphalapradaya namaha---We praise Thee, Oh bestower of indestructible results ineffable!
105. Om namo Shrî Subrahmanyaya namaha----We praise Thee, most glorious effulgent Radiance!
106.Om namo Anantasaktaye namaha---------Thou potent Lord, Praise be to Thee!
107.Om namo Sarodbhutaya namaha----------Thou who did'st nestle in the Saravana Lake!
108.Om namo Dvivarnâya namaha------------In Two Art Thou—All Hail!

HINDU TEMPLE WORSHIP

Hindu Worship is known as puja.

It is carried out in the home of Hindus before a shrine, or in the Hindu temple,(Koyil in Tamil) which is known as a mandir. It is the holy place where the God Himself in divine form.
Hindu worship involves all five senses of touch,

Taste, Smell, Sight and Hearing, and also what Hindus consider to be the five basic elements: light, fire, earth, air and water.

In Siva temples Siva, Parvathy,Vinayagar, Murugan ,durga ,and navagragam and others connected with Saivite hierarchy.

Vishnu temples, Vishnu ,laxmi,and his Vaishnava hierarchy.

Shakti temples, Amman and her different forms like Durga, Parvathy, Saraswathy, Lakshmi and others connected with Shakta hierarchy, are established and worshipped.

When a devotee prostrates himself at the altar, He/she should do so in such a way that a number of parts of the body touch the ground.

For a man, 8 parts should touch the ground.This is known as Ashtanga Namaskaram.

• head,
• 2- ears,
• 2 shoulders,
• hands,
• chin.

When a lady performs this method of worship,

5 parts of her body touch the ground, as follow.This is known as Pannchanga Namaskaram.

• head,
• 2 hands,
• 2 knees.

At other parts of the temple ordinary prayers with folded hands is enough.

First make your way to the shrine of Ganesha (Vinayagar) which is found at the right hand side of the sanctum sanctorum, and offer prayers there. One offers prayers to Ganesha first because He is the Controller of obstacles.

Men should stand to the right of the deity and ladies to the left in an orderly manner without obstructing the view of others.

The worship of Ganesha is normally done as follows:

Cross hands over your chest, and knock on forehead three times with fists; then hold ears crosswise with hands while you squat and rise three times. After that clasp your hands in prayer in front while reciting mantras or Songs on Ganesha to yourself.

After this, prayers will be offered to the Navagrahas (9 planetary deities). The shrine of the Navagrahas will be found outside the main temple.

Having participated in the temple pooja one shouldn't return home or leave the temple immediately. One should sit at a suitable place in sight of the deities and spend some time(few minutes) in silent meditation (dhyana). One can chant holy mantras or concentrate on the form of a favourite deity. Close your eyes and chant holy mantras (Om Namah Sivaya ,favorite montras.) at least 108 times . Do this in peace and calm before worshipping the main deity once again. Then you can leave the temple for home.

'Om Ganeshaya Namaha'.
Types of temple worship:
1. Japa - Individual silent or soft repetition of mantras.
2. Bhajan - Singing of religious songs, individually or in a group, usually accompanied by instruments.
3. Kirtan - Congregational singing and chanting of holy mantras, especially those containing names of God, such as Rama or Krishna. Kirtan is accompanied by instruments and simple dance 4. Arotik - This is an ancient ceremony wherein certain pleasing articles are offered to the Lord in his deity form, accompanied by kirtan.
There are many other forms of worship, for special occasions and for particular personalities or forms of the Supreme Lord
TEMPLE WORSHIP

• Going to the temple with a clean body. Legs and hands shall be cleaned at entering the temple. Every temple have a water facility at the Temple.In old Temple they have large pond (kulam).
• When they enter a temple, they remove their shoes. They show respect to the gods by making offerings of money or food (rice, nuts or fruit) to the shrines of the gods.
• Going to the temple adorned with holy symbols like the Holy Ash, rudrAxam.
  Taking something to offer to the Lord. It is an offering out of devotion. It would be nice if the offering is the one required in the worship.
• If you spent more time in the Temble take slokas book and chant .
• Not to enter the temple with foot wear.
• Prostrating in front of the flag column (dwajastaMbham) (towards the North) on entering the temple.
• Not to prostrate anywhere else in the temple.
• Not to prostrate to anybody else in the temple premises.
• Taking the permission of nandi dEvar mentally before entering His abode.
• Saluting the elephant headed Lord enter the Lord's abode.
• In Lord shiva's abode, engage the mind in the thinking of the God. Avoid any gossip. Temple is not the place for gossiping. Can sing or chant His names loudly and sweetly if it would not disturb others. Otherwise it could be done internally without making noise.
• The Holy ash given as the blessings should be worn saying "shivAya namaH". It should not be spilled on the ground or wasted.
• It is normally a procedure to offer something to the priest whose whole life should be in the service of the Lord.
• Circumambulating the Lord saluting the Goddess and the deities in the temple. The circumambulation would be done at least for three times. On special occasions like pradoshham the are special circumambulation methods like soma sukta pradhaxiNam are followed.
• While in the temple either the Holy five letters or any praise could be chanted.
• Before coming out of the temple go to the place of chand Eshwarar and take permission for the materials which after worship are taken out of the temple as blessings. One must not take anything out in excess and things taken from the temple should be only as the mark of blessings. If nothing is taken it is the normal practice to wipe (rub) the hands together in his place.
• Should do something in the promotion of the temple physically or materially or whichever is convenient and required.
• On coming out of the temple, again prostrate in front of the flag column towards the north. Sit facing the north and meditate on the God chanting the Holy five letters.
• While inside the temple should not make the place dirty in any way or make any noise.
  Going to the temple at least once in a week with the family
• At a Hindu temple different parts of the building have a different spiritual or symbolic meaning.The central shrine is the heart of the worshipper.Northen mandir is diffrent to souther temple.
• The time of day is important. The hours on either side of dawn are considered most auspicious for worship, for they are influenced by the quality of goodness . In India many temples begin their first public ceremony between four and six in the morning. Other ceremonies take place during the day; evening worship is particularly popular.

The Worship of Sivalinga
According to the Sivapurana, in the age of Kali (kaliyuga) ,worship of Siva in the form of Sivalinga is the best means of liberation. Woship of Sivalinga can be done either at home or in a Siva temple or a sacred place such as the banks of a sacred river. The linga has to be worshipped by the traditional means (sadupachara) of

• dhyana,
• avahana,
• asana,
• padya,
• arghya,
• achamaniya,
• abhisheka,
• vastra,
• bhasma,
• gandha,
• akshata,
• pushpa,
• bilva,
• dhupa,
• dipa,
• naivedya,
• tambula,
• mahanirajana,
• mantrapushpa,
• namaskara and
  prardhana.

PUJA
Puja is usually performed at sunrise, noon, sunset, and midnight.
Puja begins with the washing of the images of the gods. They are washed with water, and sometimes with a milk based mixture called panchamrit.
Next the images of the gods are anointed with a perfumed, coloured marks made of haldi (turmeric) and kumkum. These marks are called tilaka and are also worn by Hindu priests and Hindu women.
Offerings of food and flowers are now made to the images. The offering of food is made because the gods provide people with all their needs. The offerings of flowers are a sign of respect and worship.
Incense is burnt before the image and a bell is rung. Both of these show the respect of the worshipper and announce the presence of the god. In the temple the curtains would now be drawn before the gods, and the people spend some time in prayer.

The climax of the worship is the lighting of the Arti lamp. On the puja tray with the lamp are also a bell, a flower, a pot of ghee (oil) and a pot of water. The lamp is circled three times in front of the image in a clockwise direction. The priest then scatters holy water over the worshippers, while they sing hymns to the gods.
The blessings of the Arti lamp are shared by the congregation. They make an offering on the tray. They pass their hands over the light, then over their eyes and hands, symbolically receiving the blessings of God.
In Mandirs in Britain it is usual to share food at the end of worship and even for all the worshippers to join in a meal.

The temples in South India differ from the temples of the North with regard to structures and ritual details. But these differences are more superficial than deep. There is a general feeling that aagama influence is stronger in the South Indian temples than North Indian temple .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandir
http://www.shaivam.org/siddhanta/mistemwr.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/worship/worship.shtml
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_Hindus_worship_in_a_temple

The Way of Worship in Hindu Temples S V Ramani explains in Tamil.

PRADOSHA

Pradosha or Pradosham

Pradosha is a siva pooja

PRADOSHA is a very important pooja as far SIVA in a Siva temples are conducted on pradosha day evening ( after 5:30 pm). Pradhosha vratham is one of the most important among the poojas performed to Lord Shiva. In Shukla Paksha (15 moon days from New moon to Full moon) and Krishna Paksha (15 moon days from Full moon to New moon) the evening of the trayodasi (thirteenth moon day) between 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. is called Pradhosha. It comes once in fifteen moon days. Pradhosha time is especially meant for praying Lord Shiva. Praying in that time will free us from out sins and gives moksha finally (hence the name Pradhosha).
On the day of Pradosham, fasting to be performed right from the morning and the first food should be the Prasad after the Pooja is over.

Everyday between 5.30 to 6.00 pm in the evening is called Dina Pradosham.

Pradoshams on Monday(Soma Pradosham) and Saturday (Sani Pradosham) are called Mahaa Pradosham

Every thirteenth day of a Paksha (15-day cycle, making it two Pakshas every month - Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha) is called Maha Pradosham. The time between 5.30 to 6.30 pm in the evening is called Pradosham (Dina Pradosham). During the Pradosha period, it is significant to worship Lord Shiva, as He performs the Holy Dance in Kailashparvatam., all Devtas assemble there to watch this holy event, offer their Prayers to HIM. Thinking and meditating during Pradosha Kalam is considered most sacred by Hindus and helps derive benefits of having worshipped all Devatas at one go. It is believed that all the Devas & Gods are assembled in the Shiva temples during Pradosham time.

Further, the first pradosham was on a Saturday & hence "Sani Pradosham" is even more auspicious.once who affeted sani dasa ,71/2 sani dasa, sani pradosham having worshipped .

Sani Pradosham or Shani Thrayodasi is the day when Lord Shiva consumed poison to protect all lives in the Universe. When the Devas and Asuras churned the Ocean using the mountain and the snake Vasuki, Vasuki became very tired and started to spit out it's poison. Lord Shiva came to the rescue and drank all the poison in order to protect all lives. As a result Shiva turned Blue and is also known as Neelakandan. Since Lord Shiva consumed the poison on a Saturday Sani Pradosham or Shani Thrayodasi is considered a very auspicious day in Shiva and Sanneswarar temples throughout India. The Devas and Asuras got together to churn the ocean, using Mandramalai & Vaasuki, the snake. As they continued to churn the ocean, Vaasuki the snake began to tire and started spewing its poison. Siva came and consumed all the poison. Goddess Parvati rushed and held his neck so that the poison would not spread to the whole of his body. Thus Siva became blue up to his throat and is also known by the namavali "Neelakandan" ( neela-blue colour from poison, kandam-throat). Lord Siva exists in every life born. He therefore stayed still for a day in order that the poison in his body does not affect all the lives. This day is "Ekadasi". The Devas also prayed to Lord Siva & fasted on that day. They partook of meals on the next day, "Dvadasi". Lord Siva was pleased & danced on the next day, "Triyodasi", in the evening (Sandhyaakaalam) with his damaru & Soolam in between Nandi Devas Horns. This day is "Pradosham". It is believed that all the Devas & Gods are assembled in the Siva temples during Pradosham time. Further, the first pradosham was on a Saturday & hence "Sani Pradosham" is even more auspicious

Chant the following Sani Strotra, keep fast upto the evening and offer "ELLU SAATHAM" as prasadam to Bhagavan Sani on that day.
"NEELAKANDAPATHAAM BHOJABHARISPURI THAMANASA SAMBOHO SEVABHALAM THEHI SANDESWARA NAMOSTHUTHE "

You can chant the sloka 1008times on that day and do archana with fresh flowers and achathai.

Somasutra pradakshinam during pradosham First saluting the Rishabha Devar (Holy Bull or Nandi) go anti-clockwise and salute Chandishwarar (not crossing the Gomukhi). Now return in the clockwise manner salute Rishabham and continue clockwise till the Gomukhi (not to cross it again). Then return in anti-clockwise direction salute the Rishabham again and proceed towards chaNdIshar. From there return back clockwise without worshiping Rishabham and reach the gomukhi. Finally return back anticlockwise from there to salute Rishabham and continue to Chandishwarar and return back to Rishabham and worship the shiva lingam (at the altar) by viewing through the space between the two horns of the Holy Bull. This is one Pradakshinam. Three such times Pradakshinam to be done. If you carefully observe the curve traced by doing the pradakshinam is very similar to the periphery of the crescent. Hence this way of circumambulating is called Somasutra Pradakshinam.

Pradosha is the worship of Lord Shiva and Parvati when they both are in an extremely propitious mood. Repeatedly worsted in war by the demons, the gods approached Lord Shiva to bless them with a leader for their celestial hosts. They came to the Lord at twilight on the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight and found Him in the blissful company of His consort, Parvati. Hymned and glorified by them, Siva immediately granted their prayerful request. Hence, the extreme auspiciousness of the period.so that day hasband and wife both went to worship siva as it is good for family .

One who takes this Vrata fasts on that day, and keeps vigil at night after the fast is over. Bathing an hour before sunset, the worshipper first performs a preliminary worship of Lord Shiva, together with all the others of His divine family, namely, Parvati, Ganesha, Skanda and Nandi. After the worship of Ganesha, Lord Shiva is invoked in the special kalasha placed on a square mandala with a lotus drawn in it and spread over with darbha grass. After the formal worship has been completed, a Pradosha story is read and heard by the devotees. This is followed by the recitation of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times. In the end the sacred kalasha water is partaken of, the sacred ash is applied to the forehead, and the water which was used to bathe the Lord, is drunk.

Pradhosha Purana:
Once Dhevas and Asuras using the serpent Vasuki and the hill Mandhara were trying to get Amrutham (nector) from the Kseerabthi (milk ocean). Then the terrible poison Halahalam came up. All got frightened and pleaded to Lord Shiva for rescue. Being the peak of mercy Lord Shiva ate that poison. Then as per His order they resumed their effort to get Amrutham. They got it on Dhwadhasi (twelfth moon day). Without praying and thanking the God, by whom they got Amrutham, Devas started dancing and celebrating their victory.
On thrayodhasi (thirteenth moon day) they realised their sin of not praying the God and pleaded for forgiveness. The pleased graceful Lord Shiva forgave them and danced between the horns of the Nandhi (holy bull). That time is called Pradhosham. Whoever prays Lord Shiva in that time, Lord Shiva fulfills their wishes and give them mukthi.
During Prodhosha time anointing (Abhishekam) the Shiva deity with the following is considered fruitful

Milk gives long life

Ghee gives Moksha state

Curd gives good children

Honey gives melodious voice

Rice powder frees from debts

Sugar cane juice gives good health

Panjamrutham gives wealth

Lemon removes fear of death

Sugar removes enmity

Tender coconut gives enjoyment

Cooked Rice(Annam) gives mejestic life

Sandal gives Lakshmi's grace

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pradosha_vrata

Pradosha pooja day in 2009
8 March, Sunday, 2009
24 March, Tuesday, 2009
7 April, Tuesday, 2009
22 April, Wednesday, 2009
6 May, Wednesday, 2009
22 May, Friday, 2009
5 June, Friday, 2009
20 June, Saturday, 2009
4 July, Saturday, 2009
19 July, Sunday, 2009
3 August, Monday, 2009
18 August, Tuesday, 2009
2 September, Wednesday, 2009
16 September, Wednesday, 2009
1 October, Thursday, 2009
15 October, Thursday, 2009
31 October, Saturday, 2009
14 November, Saturday, 2009
29 November, Sunday, 2009
13 December, Sunday, 2009
29 December, Tuesday, 2009

DURGASHTAKAM

Durgashtakam
(The octet on Durga)
Translated by
P.R.Ramachander
Karthyayaini , Mahamaye,
Gadga bana dhaurdhare,
Gadga dharinee chandi,
Sri Durga Devi namosthuthe. 1

(Salutations to goddess Durga,
Who is Karthyayaini ,
Who is the greatest enchantress,
Who carries with her sword, arrow and bow,
And who is Chandi who carries the sword).

Vasudeva suthe , kali,
Vasu deva sahodhari,
Vasundhara sriye nandhe,
Sri Durga Devi namosthuthe. 2

(Salutations to goddess Durga,
Who is the daughter of king Vasudeva,
Who is the sister to Lord Vaasudeva,
And who is the lady who is earth as well as Lakshmi.)

Yoga nidhre, maha nidhre,
Yoga maye, maaheswari,
Yoga sidhikari shudhe,
Sri Durga Devi namosthuthe. 3

(Salutations to goddess Durga,
Who is the sleep of yoga,
Who is the great sleep,
Who is enchantress of yoga,
Who is the greatest goddess,
Who is the one who gives powers through yoga,
And who is clean and truthful. )

Sankha chakra gada pane,
Sarnga jyayatha bahave,
Peethmbara dhare , dhanye,
Sri Durga Devi namosthuthe. 4

(Salutations to goddess Durga,
Who holds conch, wheel and mace,
Who blows the conch called Sarnga of Vishnu,
And who is blessed and wears yellow silk.)

Rik Yajur sama adarvana,
Schadu Samantha lokinee,
Brahma swaroopini, brahmi,
Sri Durga Devi namosthuthe. 5

(Salutations to goddess Durga,
Who lives in the four areas,
Of Rik, Yajur, sama and Atharvana Veda,
Who is the power of Brahma and is like Brahma. )

Vrushneenaam kula sambhoothe,
Vishnu nadha sahodharee,
Vrushnee roopa dhare dhanya,
Sri Durga Devi namosthuthe. 6

(Salutations to goddess Durga,
Who belongs to the clan of Vrushnees,
Who is the sister of Lord Vishnu,
And who is blessed by taking the form of Vrushnee. )

Sarvagna, sarvage sarve,
Sarveshwari, sarva sakshini,
Sarvamrutha jada bhare,
Sri Durga Devi namosthuthe. 7

(Salutations to goddess Durga,
Who knows all , is everywhere, and belongs to Shiva,
Who is the Goddess of all and is the witness of all,
And who carries the nectar as her tufted hair. )

Ashta bahu maha sathwe,
Ashtami navami priye,
Attahasa priye bhadre,
Sri Durga Devi namosthuthe. 8

(Salutations to goddess Durga,
Who is the great being with eight hand,
Who likes Ashtami and Navami,
Who takes care but likes fierce play.)

Durgashtakamidham punyam,
Bhakthidho ya paden nara,
Sarva kamavapnothi,
Durga lokam sa gachathi. 9

(If this holy octet on Durga,
Is read by men with devotion,
They would get all desires fulfilled,
And attain the world of Durga.)

DURGA KAVACHAM

Durga Kavacham
(The armour of Durga)
Translated by
P.R.Ramachander
(Durga is the fierce form of Goddess Parvathi who protects every one. I was not able to
know the author or the source of this great armour)
Srunu devi pravakshyami Kavacham sarva sidhitham,
Padithwa padayithwa cha naro muchyathe sankadath. 1

(Oh Devi, I am telling you the armour which gets you everything,
Reading or making others read, men get rid of all their sorrows.)

Ajnathwa kavacham devi durga mantram cha yojayeth,
Sa cha apnothi balam thasya pancha nagam vrajeth puna. 2

(If he who does not know , learns this Kavacham,
Along with the Durga mantram,
He would add to himself the strength,
Of the five serpents again. )

Umadevi sira pathu, lalalde soola dharini,
Chakshshi kesari pathu, karnou cha dwara vasini. 3

(Let Uma devi protect my head,
Let my forehead be protected by her who carries the soola,
Let the lion protect my eyes,
And let her who lives near the gate protect my ears. )

Sugandha nasike pathu, vadanam sarva dharini,
Jihwa chandika devi, greevam soupathrika thadha. 4

(Let she who is like incense protect my nose,
Let she who carries everything protect my face,
Let Chandika devi protect my toungue,
Let Soupathrika protect my neck. )

Asoka vasini chetho, dhvow bahu vajra dharini,
Hrudayam lalitha devi, udaram simha vahini. 5

(Let Asoka vasini protect my consciousness
Let Vajra dharini protect my two arms,
Let Lalitha Devi protect my heart,
Let my belly be protected by She who rides on a lion.)

Katim Bhagawathi devi, dwavooru Vindhya vasini,
Maha Bala Jange , dhwe padhou bhoothalavasini,. 6

(Let Bhagwathi Devi protect my hips,
Let She who lives on Vindhya protect my two thighs,
Let the very strong one protect my calf,
And let she who lives on all beings protect my two feet. )

Evam sthithasi devi thwam trilokye rakshanathmika,
Raksha maam sarva gathreshu , durga devi namosthuthe. 7

(Thus stands the devi who protects the three worlds,
Please protect all my body parts,
My salutations to Goddess Durga.)