Preferred Timings: Early in the morning and late afternoon between 3 P.M. - 5 P.M.
Nearest Railway Station: Howrah.
Nearest Metro Station: Kalighat.
Nearest International Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Intrnational Airport.
Introduction & Part of Body:
Kalighat is a locality of Kolkata, India. One of the oldest neighborhoods in South Kolkata.The name Calcutta is said to have been derived from the word Kalighat.
Kalighat is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peethams of India, where the various parts of Sati's body are said to have fallen, in the course of Shiva's Rudra Tandava. Kalighat represents the site where the toe of the right foot of Shakti or Sati fell.
There are other temples to Kaali - Sahasrabhuja Kaali, Sarvamangala, Tarasundari and Simhavaahini. Kaali is regarded as the destroyer or liberator and is depicted in a fearful form. Despite the terrifying form, she is considered to deliver bliss to worshippers.
Temple:
The Temple: The Kalighat temple in its present form iis only about 200 years old, although it has been referred to in Mansar Bhasan composed in the 15th century, and in Kavi Kankan Chandi of the 17th century
Raja Basanta Roy, uncle of Pratapaditya and the King of Jessore, Bangladesh perhaps built what is now known as Old Temple. This temple was situated on the banks of river Adi Ganga
The original temple was a small hut. The present temple was built by the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family of Barisha in 1809. They offered 595 bighas of land to the Temple deity so that worship and service could be continued smoothly. It is believed by some scholars that the name Calcutta was derived from Kalighata.
Festivals:
Kali Puja, Durga Puja, Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year day and sankranti large number of devotees throng the place with offerings.
Gayatri Jayanti is believed to be the day when Sage Vishwamitra first uttered Gayatri Mantra.It is observed on the 11 day of the Jyeshta month – the Jyeshta Shukla Paksha Ekadasi day. Some people also believed that Goddess Gayatri, who is worshipped as Veda Mata (The Mother of Vedas), appeared on the earth on the day.
The day celebrates Goddess Gayatri’s appearance in the form of knowledge to remove the ignorance. This knowledge was shared to the world by Sage Vishwamitra.Special prayers and pujas are dedicated to Gayatri Mata. Special satsangs and bhajans are also sung in praise of the deity. Gayatri mantra is chanted during puja
Gayatri Jayanti 2010 date is June 22
Gayatri Mata:
Gayatri is the feminine form of gāyatra, a Sanskrit word for a song or a hymn. Gayatri is Brahma's second consort. Brahma married her when Brahma's first consort Savitri was late for a yadnya / yagya & the time was very less. Brahma had to start that yadnya / yagya along with his wife. So in Savitri's absence Brahma married Gayatri to start the yadnya / yagya in time
Reason Behind Gaytri mata with 5 heads & 10 hands:
One of the sacred texts says, "The Gayatri is Brahma, Gayatri is Vishnu, Gayatri is Shiva, the Gayatri is Vedas" Gayatri later came to be personified as a Goddess. She is shown as having five heads and is usually seated within a lotus. The four heads of Gayatri represent the four Vedas and the fifth one represents almighty God. In her ten hands, she holds all the symbols of Lord Vishnu. She is another consort of Lord Brahma.
Gayatri Mantra:
Om bhur bhuvah svah
Tat savitur varenyam
Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Dhiyo yo na prachodayaat.
Gayatri Mantra Meaning:
AUM
Supreme Lord
BHUR
Protector of the earth, the material sheath, The Life breath of the Universe. From the feet to the navel center.
BHUVAH
One of the meanings is the sky. The Lord who pervades and eliminates all miseries. From the navel to the throat center.
SVAH
One of the meanings is the heavens. He is all Bliss and blesses His devotees with happiness. From above the throat center to the thousand petaled lotus.
TAT That
(That Thou Art)
SAVITUR
The SUN, Creator, Preserver and Self Luminous, the central mantra of the Solar Science.
VARENYAM
Most fit to be worshipped. Most choice worthy.
BHARGO
The burning splendor of the Sun that dispels ignorance, and therefore sorrows and miseries.
DEVASYA
The 'Deva', The God, He who is All Bliss, The Joyful One, The Shining One, The Revealer of All Glory
Nirjala Ekadashi falls in the month of Jyestha in the Shukla paksha (June), therefore it is also called "Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi" or "Bhimsani Ekadashi" (Bhim sen, the seond Pandav Brother, had observed this difficult fast).
In 2010, Nirjala Ekadasi is observed on June 22.
Amongst the 24 Ekadashi's observed throughout the year, the fast (Vrat) observed on Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi is considered to be the most beneficial, if one properly observes a fast on this day it is said to give the fruits of 24 Ekadashi observed throughout the year. Complete fast is observed on this day with even water not being taken. People observe strict fast and offer pooja to Lord Vishnu to ensure happiness, prosperity and forgiveness of transgressions and sins. On the preceding day that is on the 10th lunar day, Sandhya (evening prayer) is performed and only one meal is taken.
Story:
Once upon a time Bhima (2nd of Pandava Brothers) heard the importance of Ekadashi Vrata from great sage Shri Vyasa and also that one must do Nirjala Vrata on the day. Hearing this he said to the Sage “O Highness, everyone in my family fasts on every Ekadashi according to prescribed rules and rituals and also ask me to do the same. But I cannot observe such an Ekadashi fasts as hunger becomes unbearable for me so I cannot fast on every Ekadashi. Please tell me about a Vrata which has the same effect as of all the Ekadashi fasts.” Sage Vyasa said to him “There is only one Vrata that can absolve the sin of eating on all other Ekadashi. That is the Nirjala Vrata on Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month.” Bhimasena fasted on this day and didn’t consume water or food the whole day. That is why Nirjala Ekadashi is also called a Bhimsena Ekadashi.
When to start Ekadasi Fasting?
Lord Krishna advices Arjuna to begin the Ekadasi fasting in the autumn season with Utpanna or Uttpatti Ekadasi occurring during the waning phase of the moon in November – December.
Ekadashi Vrat Fasting Method
Ekadasi is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat Demon Mura. Happy with her divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her that anyone who observes Ekadasi fast will be freed of their sins and will attain Moksha.
Some people only take a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi.
Things needed for Ekadasi Puja and Prayer
A picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu
Fruits
Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)
The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesh. It is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was originally built by Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil in November 19, 1801.
Siddhi Vinayak: Most icons of Ganapati depict the elephant faced God with his trunk curled towards his left. Siddhi Vinayak in Mumbai, Siddhi Vinayak at Siddhatek in Maharashtra as well as Karpaka Vinayakar at Pillayarpatti in Tamilnadu are depicted with a trunk pointing to the right (Valampuri)
Ganapati here is depicted with four arms bearing a lotus, an axe, modakas and a garland of beads, flanked by his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi
The temple has a small mandap (hall) with the shrine for Siddhi Vinayak ("Ganesh that grants your wish").
Location & How to Reach:
Location: Prabhadevi, Mumbai
How to reach: Board a local that will take you here, or hire an auto or taxi
Attraction: Shrine for Siddhi Vinayak (Spiritual Ganesha)
Best time to visit :All through the year
Prashad to Lord Ganesha:
The Shri Siddhivinayak temple has a narrow lane outside its precincts called the 'Phool galli' lined with innumerable stalls. Here you can buy tulsi flower garlands, coconuts, and sweets including the pear shaped favorite yellow sweet of Lord Ganesha, the 'modak'. You may also love to explore several of the religious paraphernalia here.
Faith:
Tuesday is considered to be the most auspicious days to visit Siddhivinyak temple when devotees converge in great numbers to pray. In the Hindu religion and mythology Lord Ganesha hold the most revered position and all the new works begin with His prayer. And hence, the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple is regularly visited by the renowned persons. Celebrities like Aishwarya Rai, Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Govinda, Bal Thackeray come to pray here for their well-being. Millions of devotees congregate to Vinayak Temple every month just to have a glimpse of the deity and offer their prayers.
Festivals:
Hundreds of thousands of devotees throng the temple, especially during Angaraki and Sankashti Chaturti days, when there is a continuous stream of visitors for as long as a 24 hour period.
Kishore Kumar (4 August 1929 – 13 October 1987) was an Indian film playback singer and actor. He was one of the leading singers in the Hindi film music industry between 1969 and 1987. Kumar also achieved notable success as a lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and scriptwriter.
Kishore Kumar was a prolific vocalist and sang in many Indian languages including Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam and Oriya
Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage tour covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune.
Lord Ganesha has been a very popular deity and is privileged to be worshipped first and foremost bet service to any God. He is believed to be a removal of hurdles and pains and source of happiness and wishes.
Ballaleshwar Pali temple is one of the eight temples of Lord Ganesha, Ashtavinayak. Among Astavinayakas, Pali's Ballaleshwar is the only vinayak who is famous by his devotee's name. It is located in village Pali which is at a distance of 30 km from Karjat in Sudhagad taluka of Raigad district. It is situated between fort Sarasgad and the river Amba.
The murti
The murti of Vinayaka, sits on a stone throne. It faces east and with its trunk turned left, sitting against a background of silver which displays Riddhi and Siddhi waving chamaras. The idol's eyes and navel contain diamonds.
Story:
This is story of Krityuga in the country Sindhu. In the village of Pali there was a businessman called Kalyan & his wife Indumati. They had a son Ballal who was a staunch devotee of Ganpati. Along with other children Ballal used to worship with small stones being treated as Gods. Once the children went outside the village & saw a big stone. At the insistence of Ballal, the children treated the stone as Ganpati & started worshipping. All of them got so engrossed that they forgot about hunger & thirst or about day or night.
Their parents were waiting for the children at their homes. When the children did not return on time, they all went to Kalyan's house and complained about Ballal. Kalyan seth become furious took a stick and went in search of children. He saw children listening Ganesh purana outside the village. In rage he broke the small temples built by the children who fled away. Ballal was caught by his father while submerged in meditation and was beaten until he bled. His father tied him to a tree and smashed all the pooja materials collected by the children. He threw away the big stone which children treated as Ganpati. "Let me see which God protects you now" he said, and went home.After being tied up Ballal cursed whoever had done it.He said,"Let them become blind, deaf, dumb and hunchbacked".Though he was affected by pain, hunger and thirst, he kept on chanting the name of Gajanan till he fainted.Ballal entreated Vinayaka to appear. Lord Ganpati was moved by the child's devotion and appeared in the form of a Brahmin before Ballal & touched him. Ballal's thirst and hunger vanished, wounds were healed & he felt a new vigour moving in his body. He prostrated before the Brahmin whom he recognised as Gajanan & worshipped him. Ganpati told Ballal to ask for a boon. Ballal said " Let me have unshaken devotion towards you. You must stay at this place & remove the miseries of the people, who come to you." Ganesh said, "I shall ever remain here in my part form, I will take your name before mine & be called as Ballal Vinayak." Then he embraced Ballal & vanished into the nearby stone. Then the stone's cracks disappeared,and was whole again.
That stone statue is called Ballaleshwar. The stone idol which Kalyan vaishya threw away is also called as Dhundi Vinayak. This is a swayambhoo Moorti. It is worshipped before Ballaleshwar is worshipped.
Facts & Temple History
The original wooden temple was renovated in 1760 to make way for a new stone temple designed by Shri Fadnis. This stone is shaped in the form of the letter 'shree'; it was made by mixing lead with the cement during construction. The east-facing temple was carefully positioned so that during Dakshinayan at sun-rise, the rays of the sun falls directly on the Vinayaka. The temple contains a bell that was brought back by Chimaji Appa after his defeat of the Portuguese in Vasai and Sasthi.
Location & How to reach:
By Road:It is in Sudhagad Taluka – near Nagothane. You can get bus at Alibag. It is at a distance of 30 k.m. from Karjat. From Mumbai via Panvel and Khopoli, Pali is at a distance of 124 k.m.
From Pune via Lonavala and Khopoli, Pali is at a distance of 111 k.m.
Regular bus services are available from Mumbai, Pine, Karjat and Panvel.
Mumbai – Khopoli is 90 k.m. and Khopoli – Pali is 38 k.m..
It is possible to go to Pali from Nagpthane on Mumbai – Goa highway
Nagothane – Pali is 13 k.m.
By Rail: Nearest railway stations are Panvel, Khopoli
By Air: Mumbai is nearest airport.
Alibag beach, Raigad fort, Harihareshwar
Temple Schedule:
The Ballaleshwar Ashta Vinayak Temple opens daily at 5.00 am and closes at 11.30 pm. Please note that the outer sanctum of the temple closes at 10.30 pm. On Chaturthi days, the timing of pooja is between 6.00 am to 9.00 am and on these days, the Ganesha idol is offered panchamrut snanam (bath), Royal dress, Naivadya, Aarti, Palakhi and mantrapushpam in the evening.
Father's Day is a day honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in 55 of the world's countries and on other days elsewhere.
The idea for creating a day for children is to honor their fathers.
History
History of Father's Day Festival as seen today is not even a hundred years old. Thanks to the hard work and struggle of Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Washington
The first observance of Father's Day is believed to have been held on June 13, 1910 through the efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. After listening to a church sermon at Spokane's Central Methodist Episcopal Church in 1909 about the newly recognized Mother's Day, Dodd felt strongly that fatherhood needed recognition, as well.[1] She wanted a celebration that honored fathers like her own father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran who was left to raise his family alone when his wife died giving birth to their sixth child.[2]
Dodd was the first to solicit the idea of having an official Father's Day observance to honor all fathers. Enlisting help from the Spokane Ministerial Association in 1909, she arranged for the celebration of fatherhood in Spokane. On June 19, 1910, young members of the YMCA went to church wearing roses: a red rose to honor a living father, and a white rose to honor a deceased one.
Father's Day Inspirational Quotes
"Fathers, like mothers, are not born. Men grow into fathers - and fathering is a very important stage in their development." -- David M. Gottesman
"One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters."-- George Herbert
"My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." -- ClarenceBudington Kelland
"When I was a kid, I said to my father one afternoon, 'Daddy, will you take me to the zoo?' He answered, 'If the zoo wants you, let them come and get you." -- Jerry Lewis
"I don't know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be." -- Abraham Lincoln
"My father taught me to work; he did not teach me to love it."-- Abraham Lincoln
"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."
"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me".-Jim Valvano
"Fathers, like mothers, are not born. Men grow into fathers and fathering is a very important stage in their development".-David Gottesman
"4 years: My Daddy can do anything!
7 years: My Dad knows a lot…a whole lot.
8 years: My father does not know quite everything.
12 years: Oh well, naturally Father does not know that either.
14 years: Oh, Father? He is hopelessly old-fashioned.
21 years: Oh, that man-he is out of date!
25 years: He knows a little bit about it, but not much.
30 years: I must find out what Dad thinks about it.
35 years: Before we decide, we will get Dad's idea first.
50 years: What would Dad have thought about that?
60 years: My Dad knew literally everything!
65 years: I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more.
Ashtavinayaka literally means "eight Ganeshas" in Sanskrit.Everybody should visit the Ashtavinayak in Maharashtra at least once in a life time. There are Eight temples dedicated to Ganesha, in Maharashtra related to various episodes from the puranas and other legends - and these deities are collectively known as Ashta Vinayak. According to Shastra, first you have to visit Moreshwar of Moregaon. Then visit Siddhatek,Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyandri, Ozar, Ranjangaon and then again Moregaon will end you Ashtavinayak Yatra
Each of these temples has its own individual legend and history, as distinct from each other as the murtis in each temple.
The form of each murti of Ganesha and His trunk are distinct from one another.
Some of these murtis are called Swayambhu effigies, or the self-existent in Sanskrit. This is to indicate that no human created these murtis, they were found completely formed by nature.
List of Astha vinayak Ganpati Ji:
Ballaleshwar, Pali
This Ballaleshwar temple is the only temple of Ganesh, famous by the name of his devotee. The temple is located in the toen of Pali, off the Mumbai-Pune highway, about 11 km before Nagothane on Mumbai-Goa highway.
Chintamani, Theur
Ganesh as Chintamani is a god who brings peace of mind & drives away all the perplexities of the mind.
Here the idol of Ganesha has a left trunk with carbuncle and diamonds as its eyes.
Girijatmaj, Lenyadri
Girijatmaj Vinayak refers to the Ganesh as the son of Parvati.This is the only Ashtavinayaka temple that is build on a mountain and is set in a Buddhist cave temple.
Mahaganapati, Ranjangoan
The Mahaganapati at Ranjangoan is one of the most powerful representations of Lord Ganesh. Here Shiva is believed to have worshipped Ganesha before fighting the demon Tripurasura.
The Ganesha idol here faces the east, is seated cross-legged with a broad forehead, with its trunk pointing to the left.
Moreshwar, Morgoan
This Moreshwar temple is situated along the Karha River in the Morgaon village. It is the most important of all the eight Ashtavinayak temples and has four gates.
This idol has its trunk turned to the left and a cobra poised over it to protect it.
Siddhivinayaka, Siddtek
It is believed that it was here on the Siddhtek Mountain, that Vishnu acquired Siddhi.
The temple is situated off the Pune-Solapur highway about 48 km from the town of Srigonda in Ahmadnagar district. The temple is located just next to Bhima River.
Varad Vinayak, Mahad
Ganesh as Varad Vinayak fulfills all the dreams and desires plus grants all the boons.
This temple is located three kilometers off the Pune-Mumbai highway near Khopoli (80 km from Pune) and is thus closest to Mumbai city.
Vigneshwar, Ozhar
Lord Ganesha at Ozhar is known as Vigneshwara or the remover of all obstacles which he achieved by vanquishing the demon Vighnasura.
Siddhatek-Rajangaon:92 km (Daund-Kashti-Belvandi-Shirur-Rajangaon)
Rajangaon-Ozar:100 km (Shikrapur-Chakan-Rajgurunagar-Narayangaon-Ozar)
Ozar-Lenyandri:15 km (Ottur-Lenyandri)
Lenyandri-Mahad:134 km (Junnar-Narayangaon-Manchar-Rajgurunagar-Chakan-Wadgaon-Lonvala-Khopoli-Mahad)
Mahad-Pali:42 km (Khopoli-Pali)
Pali-Pune:111 km (Khopoli-Lonavla-Wadgaon-Pune)
108 Names of Lord Ganesha with meaning
1 Akhurath - One who has Mouse as His Charioteer
2 Alampata - Ever Eternal Lord
3 Amit - Incomparable Lord
4 Anantachidrupamayam - Infinite and Consciousness Personified
5 Avaneesh - Lord of the whole World
6 Avighna - Remover of Obstacles
7 Balaganapati - Beloved and Lovable Child
8 Bhalchandra - Moon-Crested Lord
9 Bheema - Huge and Gigantic
10 Bhupati - Lord of the Gods
11 Bhuvanpati - God of the Gods
12 Buddhinath - God of Wisdom
13 Buddhipriya - Knowledge Bestower
14 Buddhividhata - God of Knowledge
15 Chaturbhuj - One who has Four Arms
16 Devadeva - Lord of All Lords
17 Devantakanashakarin - Destroyer of Evils And Asuras
18 Devavrata - One who accepts all Penances
19 Devendrashika - Protector of All Gods
20 Dharmik - One who gives Charity
21 Dhoomravarna - Smoke-Hued Lord
22 Durja - Invincible Lord
23 Dvaimatura - One who has two Mothers
24 Ekaakshara - He of the Single Syllable
25 Ekadanta - Single-Tusked Lord
26 Ekadrishta - Single-Tusked Lord
27 Eshanputra - Lord Shiva's Son
28 Gadadhara - One who has The Mace as His Weapon
29 Gajakarna - One who has Eyes like an Elephant
30 Gajanana - Elephant-Faced Lord
31 Gajananeti - Elephant-Faced Lord
32 Gajavakra - Trunk of The Elephant
33 Gajavaktra - One who has Mouth like An Elephant
34 Ganadhakshya - Lord of All Ganas (Gods)
35 Ganadhyakshina - Leader of All The Celestial Bodies
36 Ganapati - Lord of All Ganas (Gods)
37 Gaurisuta - The Son of Gauri (Parvati)
38 Gunina - One who is The Master of All Virtues
39 Haridra - One who is Golden Coloured
40 Heramba - Mother's Beloved Son
41 Kapila - Yellowish-Brown Coloured
42 Kaveesha - Master of Poets
43 Krti - Lord of Music
44 Kripalu - Merciful Lord
45 Krishapingaksha - Yellowish-Brown Eyed
46 Kshamakaram - The Place of Forgiveness
47 Kshipra - One who is easy to Appease
48 Lambakarna - Large-Eared Lord
49 Lambodara - The Huge Bellied Lord
50 Mahabala - Enormously Strong Lord
51 Mahaganapati - Omnipotent and Supreme Lord
52 Maheshwaram - Lord of The Universe
53 Mangalamurti - All Auspicious Lord
54 Manomay - Winner of Hearts
55 Mrityuanjaya - Conqueror of Death
56 Mundakarama - Abode of Happiness
57 Muktidaya - Bestower of Eternal Bliss
58 Musikvahana - One who has mouse As charioteer
59 Nadapratithishta - One who Appreciates And Loves Music
60 Namasthetu - Vanquisher of All Evils & Vices & Sins
61 Nandana - Lord Shiva's Son
62 Nideeshwaram - Giver of Wealth and Treasures
63 Omkara - One who has the Form Of OM
64 Pitambara - One who has Yellow-Coloured Body
65 Pramoda - Lord of All Abodes
66 Prathameshwara - First Among All
67 Purush - The Omnipotent Personality
68 Rakta - One who has Red-Coloured Body
69 Rudrapriya - Beloved Of Lord Shiva
70 Sarvadevatman - Acceptor of All Celestial Offerings
71 Sarvasiddhanta - Bestower of Skills And Wisdom
72 Sarvatman - Protector of The Universe
73 Shambhavi - The Son of Parvati
74 Shashivarnam - One who has a Moon Like Complexion
75 Shoorpakarna - Large-Eared Lord
76 Shuban - All Auspicious Lord
77 Shubhagunakanan - One who is The Master of All Virtues
78 Shweta - One who is as Pure as the White Colour
79 Siddhidhata - Bestower of Success & Accomplishments
80 Siddhipriya - Bestower of Wishes and Boons
81 Siddhivinayaka - Bestower of Success
82 Skandapurvaja - Elder Brother of Skand (Lord Kartik)
83 Sumukha - Auspicious Face
84 Sureshwaram - Lord of All Lords
85 Swaroop - Lover of Beauty
86 Tarun Ageless
87 Uddanda - Nemesis of Evils and Vices
88 Umaputra - The Son of Goddess Uma (Parvati)
89 Vakratunda - Curved Trunk Lord
90 Varaganapati - Bestower of Boons
91 Varaprada - Granter of Wishes and Boons
92 Varadavinayaka - Bestower of Success
93 Veeraganapati - Heroic Lord
94 Vidyavaridhi - God of Wisdom
95 Vighnahara - Remover of Obstacles
96 Vignaharta - Demolisher of Obstacles
97 Vighnaraja - Lord of All Hindrances
98 Vighnarajendra - Lord of All Obstacles
99 Vighnavinashanaya - Destroyer of All Obstacles & Impediments
100 Vigneshwara - Lord of All Obstacles
101 Vikat - Huge and Gigantic
102 Vinayaka - Lord of All
103 Vishwamukha - Master of The Universe
104 Vishwaraja - King of The World
105 Yagnakaya - Acceptor of All Sacred & Sacrficial Offerings
106 Yashaskaram - Bestower of Fame and Fortune
107 Yashvasin - Beloved and Ever Popular Lord
108 Yogadhipa - The Lord of Meditation
How to reach
Special S.T. buses ply between Pune and all the Ashta Vinayak temples. Tours are also organized by private operators. Dharmashala, Lodges and M.T.D.C. resorts almost at all the places for visitors to reside. Ashta Vinayak Temples are within the range of only 20 to 110 Kms.
SHREE GANESH STOTRAS
ENGLISH VERSION:
EKADANTA MAHAKAYA SURYA KOTI SAMAPRABHA
NIRBIGHNAM KURUME DEVA SARBAKARYESHU SARBADA
TRANSLATION:
Oh, Lord Ganesh, with curved trunk and massive body, the one whose splendor is equal to millions of suns, please bless me so that I do not face any obstacles in my endeavors
SHRI GANESH SHLOKA
ENGLISH VERSION:
VAKRATUNDA MAHAAKAAYA SUURYAKOTI SAMAPRABHA |
NIRVIGHNAM KURU ME DEVA SARVAKAARYESHHU SARVADAA ||
MEANING OF SHREE GANESH SHLOKA
O God Ganesha (large bodied with a large belly), radiant as millions of Suns, Please, remove obstacles in all of my tasks all the time
Shani Jayanti - the birthday of Shani Dev . Lord Shani is one of the most popular deities that the Hindus pray to ward off evil and remove obstacles. People are under fear of evil from his planet - the Saturn - and anyone born under his influence is believed to at risk. Even the day named after him, Shanivara or Saturday, is sometimes considered inauspicious.
On Shani Jayanti, most people visit Shani temples and also observe a special fast similar to the Shanivar Vrat or Saturday fast. Many devotees, who are under the influence of Saturn in their horoscope, perform rituals like Shani yagna or homam on this day in order to appease Shani and smoothen the rough patches of life.
II Shree Shani Chalisa II
DOHA
Jai Ganesh Girija Suwan, Mangal karan kripaal. Deenan ke Dhuk dhoor kari, Kheejai Naath Nihaal. JaiJai SriShanidev Prabhu, Sunahu Vinay Maharaaj Karahu Kruia hey Ravitanay, Rakhahu Jan ki Laaj.
Jayathi jayathi shani dayaala, karath sadha bhakthan prathipaala. Chaari bhuja, thanu shyam viraajay, maathey ratan mukut chavi chaajay. Param vishaal manohar bhaala, tedi dhrishti bhrukuti vikraala. Kundal shravan chamaacham chamke, hiye maal mukthan mani dhamkay. Kar me gadha thrishul kutaara, pal bich karai arihi samhaara. Pinghal, krishno, chaaya, nandhan, yum, konasth, raudra, dhuk bhamjan. Sauri, mandh shani, dhasha naama, bhanu puthra poojhin sab kaama. Jaapar prabu prasan havain jhaahin, rakhhun raav karai shan maahin. Parvathhu thrun hoi nihaarath, thrunhu ko parvath kari daarath. Raaj milath ban raamhin dheenhyo, kaikeyihu ki mathi hari linhiyo. Banhu mae mrag kapat dhikaayi, maathu Janki gayi chooraayi. Lakanhin shakthi vikal kari daara, machiga dhal mae haahaakaar. Raavan ki ghathi-mathi bauraayi, Ramchandra so bair badaayi. Dheeyo keet kari kanchan Lanka, baji bajarang beer ki danka. Nrip vikram par thuhin pagu dhaara, chitra mayur nigli gai haara. Haar naulakka laagyo chori, haath pair darvaayo thori. Bhaari dhasha nikrusht dhikaayo, telhin ghar kholhu chalvaayo. Vinay raag dheepak mah khinho, tab prasann prabhu hvai sukh dheenho. Harishchandra nrip naari bhikani, aaphun bharen dome gar paani. Tasse nal par dasha sirani, bhunji-meen koodh gayi paani. Sri Shankarhin gahyo jab jaayi, Paarvathi ko sathi karaayi. Thanik vilokath hi kari reesa, nabh udi gayo gaurisuth seesa. Paandav par bhay dasha thumhaari, bachi draupadhi hothi udhaari. Kaurav ke bi gathi mathi maaryo, yudh mahabharath kari daryo. Ravi kah mukh mahn dhari thathkala, lekar koodhi paryo paathaala. Saish dhev-lakhi vinthi laayi, Ravi ko mukh thay dhiyo chudaayi. Vaahan prabhu kay saah sujana, jag dhigaj gadharbh mragh swaana. Jambuk singh aadhi nakh dhari, so phal jyothish kahath pukari. Gaj vahan lakshmi gruha aavai, hay thay sukh sampathi upjaavay. Gadharbh haani karai bahu kaaja, singh sidh kar raaj samaja. Jhambuk budhi nasht kar darai, mrag dhe kasht praan sangharay. Jab aavahi prabu swaan savaari, chori aadi hoy dar bhaari. Thaishi chaari charan yeh naama, swarn laoh chaandhi aru taama. Lauh charan par jab prabu aavain, daan jan sampathi nashta karavain. Samatha thaamra rajath shubhkari, swarn sarva sukh mangal bhaari. Jo yeh shani charithra nith gavai, kabahu na dasha nikrushta sathavai. Adhbuth nath dhikavain leela, karaen shaatru kay nashi bhali dheela. Jo pundith suyogya bulvaayi vidhyvath shani graha shanti karayi. Peepal jal shani diwas chadavath, deep dhaan dai bahu sukh pawath. Kahath Ram Sundhar prabu dasa, Shani sumirath sukh hoth prakasha.
II Doha II
Paath Shanichar Dev ko, ko hoon Vimal Taiyaar. Karat Paath Chalis Din, ho Bhav Sagar Paar. Shree Shani Chalisa Video
108 names of Shani Dev
1. Om shanaescaraya namah 2. Om shantaya namah 3. Om sarvabhistapradayine namah 4. Om sharanyaya namah 5. Om vagenyaya namah 6. Om sarveshaya namah 7. Om saumyaya namah 8. Om suramvandhaya namah 9. Om suralokaviharine namah 10. Om sukhasonapavishtaya namah 11. Om sundaraya namah 12. Om ghanaya namah 13. Om ghanarupaya namah 14. Om ghanabharanadharine namah 15. Om ghanasaravilepaya namah 16. Om khadyotaya namah 17. Om mandaya namah 18. Om mandaceshtaya namah 19. Om mahaniyagunaatmane namah 20. Om martyapavanapadaya namah 21. Om maheshaya namah 22. Om dhayaputraya namah 23. Om sharvaya namah 24. Om shatatuniradharine namah 25. Om carasthirasvabhavaya namah 26. Om acamcalaya namah 27. Om nilavarnaya namah 28. Om nityaya namah 29. Om nilanjananibhaya namah 30. Om nilambaravibhushaya namah 31. Om nishcalaya namah 32. Om vedyaya namah 33. Om vidhirupaya namah 34. Om virodhadharabhumaye namah 35. Om bhedaspadasvabhavaya namah 36. Om vajradehaya namah 37. Om vairagyadaya namah 38. Om viraya namah 39. Om vitarogabhayaya namah 40. Om vipatparampareshaya namah 41. Om vishvavandyaya namah 42. Om gridhnavahaya namah 43. Om gudhaya namah 44. Om kurmangaya namah 45. Om kurupine namah 46. Om kutsitaya namah 47. Om gunadhyaya namah 48. Om gocaraya namah 49. Om avidhyamulanashaya namah 50. Om vidhyaavidhyasvarupine namah 51. Om ayushyakaranaya namah 52. Om apaduddhartre namah 53. Om vishnubhaktaya namah 54. Om vishine namah 55. Om vividhagamavedine namah 56. Om vidhistutyaya namah 57. Om vandhyaya namah 25. Om virupaakshaya namah 59. Om varishthaya namah 60. Om garishthaya namah 61. Om vajramkushagharaya namah 62. Om varada bhayahastaya namah 63. Om vamanaya namah 64. Om jyeshthapatnisametaya namah 65. Om shreshthaya namah 66. Om mitabhashine namah 67. Om kashtaughanashakartre namah 68. Om pushtidaya namah 69. Om stutyaya namah 70. Om stotragamyaya namah 71. Om bhaktivashyaya namah 72. Om bhanave namah 73. Om bhanuputraya namah 74. Om bhavyaya namah 75. Om pavanaya namah 76. Om dhanurmandalasamsthaya namah 77. Om dhanadaya namah 78. Om dhanushmate namah 79. Om tanuprakashadehaya namah 80. Om tamasaya namah 81. Om asheshajanavandyaya namah 82. Om visheshaphaladayine namah 83. Om vashikritajaneshaya namah 84. Om pashunam pataye namah 85. Om khecaraya namah 86. Om khageshaya namah 87. Om ghananilambaraya namah 88. Om kathinyamanasaya namah 89. Om aryaganastutyaya namah 90. Om nilacchatraya namah 91. Om nityaya namah 92. Om nirgunaya namah 93. Om gunatmane namah 94. Om niramayaya namah 95. Om nandyaya namah 96. Om vandaniyaya namah 97. Om dhiraya namah 98. Om divyadehaya namah 99. Om dinartiharanaya namah 100. Om aryajanaganyaya namah 101. Om aryajanaganyaya namah 102. Om kruraya namah 103. Om kruraceshtaya namah 104. Om kamakrodhakaraya namah 105. Om kalatraputrashatrutvakaranaya namah 106. Om pariposhitabhaktaya namah 107. Om parabhitiharaya namah 108. Om bhaktasanghamanobhishtaphaladaya namah
Story Behind-oil to appease Shani dev
In our Hindus society, it is habitual to bath Shani dev in mustard Oil. Many people also raised this question that why people offer oil to Shani dev. There is a short story behind this.
As per Hindu Epic Ramayana, when the bridge was constructed from Rameswaram to Lanka by Ram’s army, Hanumanji had the responsibility of looking after the security of bridge lest the enemy damage it. One day Hanumanji sat under the trees and offering prayer to God Rama. God Shanidev went there and said to Hanumanji, “I am the powerful god Shani dev. I heard you are also so powerful, so I want to test your might with me. Open your eyes and fight with me.”
In response to shanidev, Hanumanji opened his eyes & said “Now I am meditating upon my lord. I request you don’t disturb me in my prayer & leave me alone.” But God Shani dev was stable on picking a fight. At the same time, hanumanji stretched out his tail and started binding it around Shani dev. slowly he tightened the coiled tail. God Shani dev tried to free himself but he could not. Hanumanji moved his tail up & down hitting him against the stone of bridge. Shanidev started bleeding.
When the pain was unbearable, God Shani requested to him, “Release me. I will never do a similar mistake again.” Hanumanji replied, “If you promise me that you shall never afflict Ram’s devotees then I will let you go” In the great pain shanidev promised to Hanumanji, “I will do as you say, I will never interfere in the destiny of those devoted to you & Ram.”
When shanidev became free, He asked to Hanuman, “Could you give me some oil to relieve my wretched pain.” Then Hanuman gave the oil to Shanidev, after the spread of oil on his body, his pain was relieved immediately.
Since then it is customary to offer oil to Shanidev. It is symbolic of soothing his pain. He feels satisfied and this makes him benevolent towards the devotee.
Ways to please Shani
Shani is a devotee of Lord Shiva. As mentioned in the "Navagraha Pidahara Sthothram" of "Brahmanda Purana", anybody who chants the following sthothra is relieved from all the ill effects of Shani.
1. Perform thilabhishekam on sanitrayodasi, sanijayanthi (pushya masam bahula astami) and saniamavasya days. 2. Donate black till to Brahmin (1kg 900grams) 3. Feeding till and jaggery mix to black cow (kapila govu) . 4. Fasting on Saturdays (only liquids) 6 a.m to 6 p.m (sravana masam must) 5. Feeding to crows (mornings) 6. Feeding to physically disabled people. 7. Navagraha pradakshinas(19 rounds)/walking, jogging. 8. Visit famous sanitemples (once in 2 1/2 years) Mandapalli, Sanisingnapur, Tirunallar, Narsingole, Venkathala and Veerannapalem (parchur mandalam, prakasam district). 9. Light two lamps in front of your main door after sunset every day with til oil. 10. Recite dasaradha maharaja krutha sani sthothram. 11. Jyestadevi, saneeshwara swamyvarla kalyanam (sravana purnimaday). 12. Sanijapam 19000, with moolamantram, punarcharana, havanan, danam. 13. Sanaichara vratham, homam on Saturdays in sravana masam. 14. Sanaichara dheeksha: sravana sudda vidiya to sravana bahula sashti. 15. Chanting 'rama nama', Hanuman chalisa, Durga sthuthi. 16. Prayers and devotion to Hanuman, Sri Durga Devi, Vinayaka. 17. Offer Curd rice, ('Thothiyanam in Tamil) curd rice mixed with cumin seeds to god and feeding them to crows. 18. Feeding to orphan child 19. Feeding to long hair cat (fish)
Saraswati Vandana Mantra is an important hindu mantra that is recited for higher knowledge and wisdom
She is the mother of the Vedas, and chants to her, called the 'Saraswati Vandana' often begin and end Vedic lessons.
Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is believed that goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. She has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego.
The goddess Saraswati is the authority on academics and the arts. Everybody from musicians to scientists in India pray to her for guidance and knowledge. The Saraswati Vandana Mantra is recited by her devotees every morning for good luck.
Vandetam Parmeshwari Bhagwati..... English Translation:
"May Goddess Saraswati, who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon, and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops; who is adorned in radiant white attire, on whose beautiful arm rests the veena, and whose throne is a white lotus; who is surrounded and respected by the Gods, protect me. May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance."
Different Names of Saraswati
Vedaroopa - There is nothing in the universe, which is not in the Vedas, and Saraswati is the concrete form of the Vedas.
Vedavaadini - The reciter of the Vedas.
Sarvashukla - Associated to everything, immaculately white and pure.
Shweta - One who is clad and adorned with white.
Vaak - Speech.
Vidya - Knowledge.
Bhaarati - Eloquence, or the soul of Bhaarata, or India
Mahavidya - Ttranscendent knowledge.
Vaak - Speech.
Vaani - Transcendent word.
Aaryaa - The noble one.
Braahmi - Power of the immense being (and also, as the consort of Lord Brahma).
Kaamadhenu - The wish cow.
Bijagarbhaa - Womb of the seed or womb of the elements of speech.
