HINDU GODS

Saturday, December 05, 2009

SABARIMALA AYYAPPA


Aashyaama Komalavishaalatanum Vichitra
Vaasovasaanam Arunotpala Daamahastam
Uttungaratnamakutam Kutilaagrakesam
Shaastaaram Ishtavaradam Sharanam Prapadhye

Lord Ayyappan is God. Being born out of Mohini (the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Lord Shiva, he is also known as Bhuthanatha, Dharmasastha, Hariharan, Ayyanar and Manikanta

Open to darshan only during specific seasons in the year, Swami Ayyappa's shrine attracts millions of pilgrims from all over India and is popular in Kerala next only to the Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple. some Puranas and folk songs of Kerala, he was born out of the union of Vishnu and Shiva. The story is that Shiva was captivated by the charming Mohini in which form Vishnu appeared at the time of the churning of the ocean of milk in order to distract the asuras so that the devas could divide the nectar among themselves. Shiva succumbed to the beauty of Mohini and Sasta is believed to have been born out of the union. Thus He is called Hariharaputra — son of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara) — and is regarded as the third son of Shiva, the other two being Ganesha and Muruga or Kartikeya.

Ayyappa thus embodies in Himself the qualities of both Shiva and Vishnu. He keeps guard over us, from evil spirits and also endows us with jnana leading to salvation. The purpose of the avatara of Lord Ayyappa was to restore order in the country and to renovate the temple at Sabari Hill



Devotees offer pujas for Lord Ayyappa to get rid of the evils of Shani (shani dosham). They believe that offering 'Til Oil Diya' (Neelanjanam) in Ayyappa Temple on Saturdays enhances the auspicious aspects of 'Shani Dasha' and keeps them away from the 'Doshas' of 'Sade-Sathi'. Devotees avoid non-vegetarian food on Saturdays and pay a visit to the 'Ayyappa Temple' to rededicate their devotion and faith.

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


Sabarimala Sri Dharma Sanstha Temple is the most pious and sacred temple of Kerala.Sabarimala Temple Tour is strenuous and passes through the thick forests of the Sahyadri Mountains. It takes 3 days from the base of the hill to reach the templeA majority of the pilgrims are men who have to observe fast for forty days,The most auspicious day of the Sabarimala Pilgrimage is the Makara Vilakku Day somewhere around January 14th every year. Thousands of pilgrims pay their visit to the Sabarimala Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa.


The temple was built by the foster father of Lord Ayyappa, who was the King of a local kingdom in ancient Kerala called 'Pandalam'. In order to reach the lotus feet of 'Lord Ayyappa', the devotees have to climb 18 steps. 18 steps represent the 18 hills which again represent the 18 Vana Devtas (Hill Gods). It is believed that the first 5 steps represent the five 'Senses'. The next 8 Steps represent the 'Ashta Ragas' (eight musical chords). The next 3 steps represent 'Trigunas' ('Satvika', 'Rajasa', & 'Tamasa'). The last 2 steps represent 'Vidya' (intelligence) and 'Avidya' (ignorance).

MORE DETAILS

http://www.saranamayyappa.org/index.asp

http://www.ayyappan-ldc.com/

Friday, December 04, 2009

SRI HARIHARATHMAJASHTAKAM

Sri Hariharathmajashtakam
Kambangudi Kulathu Iyer
Translated by
P.R.Ramachander
“'Harivarasanam' was written by Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer. In 1955, Swami Vimochananad recited this Ashtakam for the first time at Sabarimala.
Harivarasanam is recited just prior to closing of the temple doors at night.
As the final verses are being sung, all the assistant Santhis leave the Sanctum Sanctorum one by one. As the song ends, only the Mel Santhi is inside the Sreekoil. He extinguishes the lamps one by one and closes the doors for the night after the last lamp is extinguished.”
( Above write up is quoted from http://www.saranamayyappa.org/Religious_Links.htm)
Harivarasanam Viswamohanam
Haridadhiswaram Aaradhyapadhukam
Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa


(Repository of Hari’s boons,
Enchanter of universe,
Essence of Hari’s grace,
He whose holy feet is worshipped,
He who kills enemies of good thought,
He who daily dances the cosmic dance,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Saranakirtanam Bakhtamanasam
Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam
Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
He who likes song of refuge,
(He who is in the mind of devotees,
He who is the great ruler,
He who loves to dance,
He who shines like the rising sun,
He who is king of all beings,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.)

Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam
Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanjitham
Pranavamanidram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
He whose soul is truth,
(He who is the darling of all souls,
He who created universe,
He who shines with a glittering Halo,
He who is the temple of “OM”,
He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.)
Thuragavahanam Sundarananam
Varagadhayudham Vedavavarnitham
Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
He who rides a horse,
(He who has a pretty face,
He who has the blessed mace as weapon,
He who bestows grace like a teacher,
He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.)
Tribuvanarchitam Devathathmakam
Trinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam
Tridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

(He who is worshiped by the three worlds,
He who is the soul of all gods,
He who is the lord of Shiva,
He who is worshipped by devas,
He who is who is worshipped three times a day,
He whose thought is fulfilling,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.)
Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham
Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam
Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
He who destroys fear,
(He who brings prosperity,
He who is enchanter of universe,
He who wears holy ash as ornament,
He who rides a white elephant,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.)
Kalamrudusmitham Sundarananam
Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam
Kalabhakesari Vajivahanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

(He who blesses with enchanting smile,
He who has is very pretty,
He who is adorned by sandal paste,
He who has a pretty mien,
He who is a like a lion to the elephants,
He who rides on a tiger,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.)
Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam
Sruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam
Sruthimanoharam Geethalalasam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

(He who is dear to his devotees,
He who fulfills wishes,
He who is praised by Vedas,
He who blesses life of ascetics,
He who is the essence of Vedas,
He who enjoys divine music,
Son of Hari and Hara,
I take refuge in thee God.
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa.)


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Shalaa Suktham

Shalaa Suktham
[Chant for the House]
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
[This prayer is taken from Atharvana Veda and is meant to be chanted before occupying a house. The prayer has been taken from RL Kashyap Veda manthras and Sukthas, published by SAKSI, Bangalore.]
Yihaiva dhruvaam ni minoomi shaalaam,
Ksheme thishtathi gruthamukshamana,
Thaam thwaa shale sarvaveeraa suviraa,
Arishtaviraa upa sam charima.
(I fix my dwelling permanently here,
May I live in comfort with flowing light here,
May I approach you, oh dwelling, with all my good people,
With all my people who are fine.)
Yihaiva dhruvaa prathi thishta shale,
Aswawathi, gomathi sunruthavathi,
OOrjaswathi, gruthavathi, payaswathi,
Ucharayaswa mahathe saubhaghyaa.
(You stand here firmly, oh my house,
With horses (life energy), with cows (knowledge), with good speech,
With energy, with knowledge (ghee), with clarity of thought,
Please stand erect for great good luck.)
Dharunyasi Shaale,
Bruhath cchandhaa puthee dhanya,
Aa thwam vathso gamaydhaa kumara,
Aadhenavah sayam aspandamaanaa.
(You are our place of safety, my house,
With very tall roof and clean cereals,
May a boy and calf come in to you,
And the cattle after grazing in the evening.)
Yimaam shalaam savitha, vayur, indro,
Brahaspathirni minothu prajanan,
Ukshanthu dhoonaa marutho gruthena,
Bhagho no raja ni krishim thanothu.
(May the sun, air and Indra,
And the great teacher who knows all, look after this house,
May the maruths sprinkle it with water and light,
And the king bhaga support our efforts (cultivation)
Manasya pathni sharanaasyonaa,
Devi devebhirnimithasyagre,
Thrunaam vasaanasumana asasthwam adha,
Asmaabhyaam sahaviram rayim dhaa.
(Queen of the house, provide me shelter,
You are the benevolent goddess, made first by devas,
May you who are made in grass, be kind to me,
And give me brave sons, riches and fortune.)
Ruthena sthunnamadhi roha vamsagre,
Virajannapam vrukshva shathroon,
Maa they rishannupasattarom gruhanaam,
Shale shatham jiveema sharadha sarva veera.
(Oh pole, climb on the pillar at the top of the clan,
Drive away my enemies by your great luster,
Let those who reside in this house not suffer,
May we along with our family live here for hundred autumns.)
Yemam kumarasthauna,
Aa vathso jagathaa saha,
Yemam parisrutha kumbha,
Aa dhadhna kalashairaghu.
(Let more and more youth come here,
Let cows and cattle come here,
Let overflowing pots come here,Which are filled with curds.)
Poorna naari prabhara kumbhametham,
Gruthasya dharam amuthena sambhruthaam,
Yimam pathruun amruthena samanghdhi,
Ishtaapurtham abhi rakshathi yemaam.
(Oh lady fill his pot to the brim,
With ghee and nectar in that,
Let the pot be filled with nectar,
And let it protect our desires and this home.)
Yima aapa prabharami Yakshma naasini,
Grahaanupa praseedhami,
Amruthena sahagrina.
(I bring this water full of luster,
Which destroys all ills,
And which is mixed with nectar,
And I occupy this house.)
Prachyaam disa shaalaaya namo mahimne,
Savaha devebhyo svahebhya,
(Salutations to the greatness of this house from east,
Fire offering to those who should be given fire offering.)
Dakshina dhisa shaalaaya mahimne,
Savaha devebhyo svahebhya,
(Salutations to the greatness of this house from the west,
Fire offering to those who should be given fire offering)
Pradheechya dhisa shaalaaya mahimne,
Savaha devebhyo svahebhya,
(Salutations to the greatness of this house from the west,
Fire offering to those who should be given fire offering)
Udheechya dhisa shaalaaya mahimne,
Savaha devebhyo svahebhya,
(Salutations to the greatness of this house from the north,
Fire offering to those who should be given fire offering)
Dhruvaya dhisa shaalaaya mahimne,
Savaha devebhyo svahebhya,
(Salutations to the greatness of this house from the firm earth,
Fire offering to those who should be given fire offering)
Uurdhwa dhisa shaalaaya mahimne,
Savaha devebhyo svahebhya
(Salutations to the greatness of this house from the top,
Fire offering to those who should be given fire offering
Dhiso dhisa shaalaaya mahimne,
Savaha devebhyo svahebhya,
(Salutations to the greatness of this house from all directions,
Fire offering to those who should be given fire offering.)

Mangalya Prarthana

Mangalya Prarthana
[Universal Prayer to well being from the Vedas]
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Swasthi prajabhya paripalayantham,
Nyayena margena maheem maheesa,
Gobrahmanebhyo shubhamasthu nithyam,
Loka samastha Sukhino bhavantu.
(Let good things occur to the king of the country,
Who looks after his people well, in the path of justice,Let Cows* and Brahmins** have a pleasant life daily,Let all people of the world have a very pleasant life.*wealth was measured by cows in those times** People in search of God
Kale varshathu parjanya,
Prauthwee sasya shalini,
Deso yam kshobha rahitha,
SAjjana santhu nirbhaya.
(Let the monsoon be timely and plentiful,Let earth be covered with vegetation,Let the country live without problems,And let good people never have fear.)
Aputhra puthrina santhu,
Puthrina santhu pouthrina,
Adhana sadhana,
Santhu jeevanthu sarada satham.
(Let sonless people have son,Let people with son have grand sons,And let people who are poor or rich,Live and see one hundred autumns.)
Sarvathra sukhina santhu,
Sarve santhu niramaya,
Sarve bhadrani pasyanthu,
Ma kaschid dukha bhag bhaveth.
(Let people live with pleasure everywhere,Let all people live without diseases,
Let every one feel themselves secure,And let none have at anytime sorrow,)
Om Sarvesham swasthir bhavthu,
Om Sarvesham santhir Bhavathu,
Om Sarvesham poornam Bhavathu,
Om Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavathu.
(Let comfort be every where,
Let peace be everywhere,Let there be plenty everywhere,
And let good things happen everywhere.
Om Santhi, Om Santhi, Om Santhi
Let there be peace, Let there be peace,Let there be peace.)

Dhana Lakshmi Stotram
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
[Here is a prayer addressed to Dhana Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Goddess Parvathi asks Shiva as to how the poor, the timid and family men can become wealthy. He then teaches her this great prayer, addressed to Goddess Parvathi herself. This indicates that the Goddess Parvathi also can be worshipped as the giver of wealth.]
Dhanadha Uvacha:
Devi deva mupa gamya neelakandam mama priyam,
Krupaya Parvathi praha Sankaram, Karunakaram.
(Dhanadha said:The goddess went near Lord with the blue neck, who is dear to me,And with kindness Goddess Parvathi asked Sankara, the doer of mercy.)
Devyuvacha:
Bruhi, vallabha saadhoonaam, daridhraanaam, kudumbinaam,
Daridhra dalanopayamanchasaiva dhana pradham.
(The Goddess said:My dear, please tell me how, the timid, the poor and family men,Would cross over poverty and get wealth bestowed on them.)
Shiva Uvacha:
Poojyan Parvathi vakhya midhamaha Maheswara,
Uchitham Jagad Ambaasi thava bhoothanukampaya.
(The God of all, then praised the words of Parvathi,And told, that it was apt for mother of the world,To ask this,as she has compassion to all beings.)
Saseetham Sanujam Ramam Sanjaneyam Sahanugam,
Pranamya paramanandam Vakshyeham stotra muthamam.
(After Saluting Lord Rama, along with Sita, his brothers,And Anjaneya, I am telling the great prayer with great happiness.)
Dhanadham sradhaanaanaam sadhya sulabha karakam,
Yogakshema karam sathyam, sathyameva vacho mama.
(My words are indeed true that this prayer to the giver of wealth would,Bless the devoted ones with wealth and all sort of comforts.)
Patantha Pataayanthopi Brahmanai asthikothamai,
Dhana laabho bhaved aasu nasamethi daridhradha.
(Reading or getting it read by Brahmins devoted to religion,Would immediately lead to earning of money and poverty will be killed)
Bhoobhavamsa bhoothyai bhakthi kalpa lathaam shubhaam,
Prarthayathaam yadhaa kaamam kamadhenuswa roopinam.
(I pray you, who exists as prosperity in earth,To be the wish giving perennial tree to devotees,And assume the form of the divine wish fulfilling cow.)
Dhanadhe dhandhe devi, dhana seele dhayakare,
Thwam praseedha mahesaani,yadhartha prathayamyaham.
(Oh Goddess Dhanadha*, who is the wealth giver,Who is habitually a giver and one who shows mercy,You please be pleased, Oh consort of Mahesa**,For I am praying to you to grant wealth.*giver of wealth **Lord Shiva)
Dharaamara priye punye dhanye dhanadha poojithe,
Sudhanam dharmike devi yajamanasya sathwaram.
(Oh Goddess who likes the devas of earth,Oh holy one, Oh blessed one, Oh Goddess worshipped by Kubhera*,Please grant immediately the blessed wealth to him who worships you.*The deva who is guardian of wealth)
Ramye, rudhrapriye roope Ramaroope rathi priye,
Shikhi sakha mano murthi praseedha pranathe mayi.
(Oh Pretty one, Oh darling of Rudra, Oh Goddess with good form,Oh Goddess who is attractive, Oh Goddess who is liked by Rathi*,Oh Goddess who is in the mind of friend of peacock, Krishna,Please be kind to me who is saluting your feet.*Wife of the God of love)
Aaraktha charanom bhoje, Sidhi sarvartha dhayike,
Divyambaradhare divye, divyamalanu shobhithe.
(Hey Goddess whose feet is like blood red lotus,Hey Goddess who blesses with all divine powers,Oh Holy one who wears divine silk cloths,Oh Goddess who shines in the divine garland)
Samastha guna sampanne, Sarva lakshana lakshithe,
Saratchandra mukhe neele, Neela neeraja lochane,
(Hey Goddess who is having all good qualities,Hey Goddess who is blessed with all good qualities,Oh goddess of wealth whose face is like the full moon of spring,Oh Goddess who has eyes like the blue lotus,
Chanchareeka chamoo charu, sree hara kutilaalake,
Mathe bhagawathi matha, kala kanda ravamruthe,
(Oh Goddess who has curly tresses and wears a garland,Which is followed by an army of bees,Oh Mother, Oh divine mother whose voice is like nectar,)
Haasavalokanai, divyair bhakthi chinthapaharike,
Roopa lavanya tharunya karunya guna bhaajane,
(Oh Goddess who with her ever smiling glances,Removes all the worries of her devotees,Oh Goddess who is the reservoir of beauty,Youth and mercifulness in plenty,)
Kwanath kankana manjeere, lasad leela karambhuje,
Rudhra prakasithe thathwe Dharmaadhaare dharalaye,
(Oh Goddess whose anklets make tinkling sound,Oh Goddess who is playful and has lotus like hands,Oh Goddess Who makes Lord Rudra shine,Oh Goddess who is the philosophy,And oh Goddess who is the basis of Dharma in earth,
Prayacha yajamanaya dhanam dharmaka sadhanam,
Matha sthwam may avilambena dhisaswa Jagadambike.
(Please provide wealth to him who is the chief of rituals,And also provide him wealth so that he does Dharma,Oh Mother without any more delay shower me this wealth,Oh Goddess who is the mother of the universe.)
Krupaya karunasagare prathidham kuru may shubhe,
Vasudhe vasudha roope vasu vasava vandhithe.
(Oh ocean of mercy, please bless my requests which are good,Oh Earth, Oh Goddess who has the form of earth,Who is being saluted by Vasus and Lord Indra.)
Dhanadhe yajamanasya varadhe varadha bhava,
Brahmanyai Brahmanai poojyeparvathi shiva shankare.
(Oh goddess of wealth who is worshipped by Brahma and Brahmins,Who is Parvathi along with Lord Shiva, bless the doer of rituals and be pleased.Stotram )
Daridrya vyadhi samanam sudhana pradham,
Sreekare Shankare sreedhe praseedha mayi kinkare.
(This prayer removes poverty and diseases and blesses with wealth,And Oh Goddess Shankari* who bestows wealth and splendour,Please bless with kindness me who is your servant.* The consort of Sankara)
Parvatheesa prasadena suresa kinkareridham,
Sradhaya yea padishyanthi Patayishyathi bhakthitha.
Sahasramayutham laksham dhana labho bhavedbhavam,
Dhanadhaya namasthubhyam nidhi padmadhipaya cha,
Bhavathu thwad pasadaanme, dhana dhanyadhi sampadha.
(He who reads or gets read with sincerity and devotion,This prayer by the king of devas, who is the servant,Of the Goddess Parvathi and who got it because of her grace,Would be blessed, with wealth in thousands and millions.I salute you the wealth giver, who is the creator of wealth,And by your grace, I would become greatly wealthy.)
Ithi Dhana Laksahmi sthothram sampoornam
(Thus ends the prayer to Goddess Dhana Lakshmi.)