Archive for the ‘Puja Process’ Category

Sri Lakshmi was the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and took refuge in the ocean of milk when the gods were sent into exile. Lakshmi was reborn during the Churning of the Ocean. Lakshmi is the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth. While Laxmi is generally worshiped to achieve success, she does not reside long with anyone who is lazy or desire her only as wealth.

It is extremely important to keep the house clean and pure on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the reason MahaLakshmi is worshipped on this day with offerings of haldi and kumkum (turmeric and vermilion).

Before performing Laxi Pooja you must take a bath, and wear new, or at least clean, clothes. Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the goddess. They are believed to light up Her path.

Lakshmi Puja consists of a combined puja of five deities: Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning of every auspicious act as Vighnaharta; Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in her three forms – Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth and money), Mahasaraswati (the goddess of books and learning), and Mahakali; Kuber (the treasurer of the gods) is also worshipped.

Click here for Puja process in Telugu

Steps/Process Performing Lakshmi Puja :

Make Kalash Pot :

Place a handful of grains in the center and, on this, place a kalash (pitcher) made of gold, silver, copper, or terracotta. Fill three-fourth of the kalash with water and place a betel nut, 5 Mango leaves inside the neck a flower, a coin. Place a saucer of rice ontop of the Kalash. Place a small dish on the kalash and fill it with rice grains. Draw a lotus with turmeric powder ( haldi ) over the rice grains and place the idol of goddess Lakshmi over it, along with coins.

Place One big diya, filled with ghee, on the plate of rice resting on top of the Kalash (this represents THE SUN). Together they represent MAHA LAXMI.

Take a red cloth, spread rice grains and place 8 (diyas) with ghee and wicks and place them around the Kalash in a Half circle with the circle towards you. 

Place the idol of Ganesha:

In front of the kalash, on the right place the idol of Ganesha. You can also place books related to education, your business you desire. Light a lamp and begin the puja by offering haldi, kumkum, and flowers to the platform on which the kalash is placed. Then offer haldi, kumkum, and flowers to the water that is to be used for the puja. Invoke the river goddesses to be part of this water.

Perform Sodasamatrika Puja (recieting 16 names of Godesses.

The 16 mothers are represented on the platform by 16 small heaps of rice and a NUTMEG on top. Bowing to the 16 mothers, take rice, flowers and fragrance (atar) in your hands and say:

GOURI PADMA SACIMEDHA SAVITRI VIJAYA JAYA DEVASENA SVADHA
SVAHA MATARO LOKAMATARAH HRSTIH PUSTISTATHATUSTI ATMANAH-
KULADEVATAH GANESE NADHI KAPUJ YAH URDD HOU PUJYASCA SODA SAH

Gouri, Padma, Saci, Medha, Savitri, Vijaya, Jaya,Devasena, Svadha, Svaha, Mataro,Lokamatrah, Hrstih, Pustistatha, Tusti, Atmakuladevataare the sixteen venerable mothers.

Take a handful of rice, and pouring it through yourfingers on the red cloth. This is the representation for various deities as explained below: Sprinkle the flowers, rice and fragrance (atar).

Now Begin Doing THE MAHALAXMI PUJA :

Place a small dish on the kalash and fill it with rice grains. Draw a lotus with turmeric powder ( haldi ) and flowers over the rice grains and place the idol of goddess Lakshmi over it, along with coins.

LAKSHMI MANTRA ;

Om Shree Laxmi Devayay Namah

Oh Goddess Lakshmi ! We pray to you in benign solemnity to bestow your blessings and shower your wealth on us. 

OM SHREEM HEEM SHREEM KAMLE KAMALALAYE PRASEED PRASEED,
SHREEM HEEM SHREEM
OM MAHALAXMI NAMAYE 

Om and salutations to that feminine energy which bestows all manner of wealth, and for which  
Shreem is the seed.  

Drop the flowers and the rice at the feet of the goddess  

Take flowers or unbroken grains of rice in yourhands. Meditate upon the goddess, saying:

YA SA PADMA SANASTHA VIPULA KATI TATI PADMA PATRAYAT AKSI
GAM BHIRA VARTANA BHISTANA BHARANA MITA SUBHRA VASTROTTARIYA
YA LAKSMIR DIVYA RUPA IRMANI GANA KHA CITAIH SNA PITAHEMA KUMBH AIH
SA NITYAM PADMA HASTA MAMA VASATU GRHE SARVA MANGALYAYUKTA SWAHA

Laksmi who is seated on a lotus, has eyes as wideas lotus petals, massive hips, deep navel, and heave breasts, wears white upperand lower garments, wears jewelry, is bathed from a golden pitcher, carries alotus in her hand, and is associated with every auspicious sign, let her residein my house.

Drop the flowers and the rice at the feet of the goddess
 
AVAHANAM (INVOCATION)

Now you have to invokeLaxmi. Avahanam is the act of invoking her. Make the usual gesture of welcoming guests in, and invite Laxmi to the household, office or factory where she is going to be worshipped and say ;

OM SARVA LOKASYA JANANIM SULA HASTAM TRILO CANAMSARVADE VAMA YIMI SAM DEVI  
MAVA HAYA MY AHAM DEVIM AVAHA YAMI SWAHA
 
I invoke the mother of the three worlds, the three eyed one with the spear in her hand, in whom all the gods reside. I invoke the goddess

Now, INVOKE LAKSHMI DEVI DOING Kalash Puja :

Place the Kalash You made before or Put THE KALASH FILLED WITH WATER, SPRINKEL SANDALWOOD POWDER, FLOWER, TULASI TO IT. PLACE A COCONUT ON THE TOP OF THE VESSEL as below;
 

 

KALASHASYA MUKHAE VISHNUHU KANTAE RUDRAHASAMAASHRITAHAMULAE
TATRA STHITHO BRAHMA MADHYAE MAATRAGANAHASMRITAHA

We worship the kalasha (vessel above which the coconut is placed) invoking Mahavishnu at the mouth of the vessel. We invokeLord Rudra (an aspect of Shiva) at the neck of the kalasha and Brahma at thebase of the vessel. We invoke the Universal Mother Goddess and Her retinue in midst of the kalasha. Thus the male and female trinities are invoked. Salutations!

LAKSHMI PANCHAMRITH STANAN :

Place the idol of Lakshmi in a plate and bathe it with water, panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee or clarified butter, honey, and sugar) and then with water containing some gold ornament or a pearl. Wipe the idol clean and place it back on the kalash. Alternately, you can just sprinkle water and panchamrit on the idol with a flower.

Do the following while chanting the mantra ;

Offer Seat to the deity – Aum Idam aasaanam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Touching the feet of the deity - AumPaada-yoha paadyam Sri Laxmi Mata samarpa-yaami  swaha 

Giving deity water to drink – AumHastayor-arghyam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha 

Purifying area around deity with water -AumMukhe aachman-eeyam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Vastram (Silk Cloth) – AumVastram Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Kacha Soot (Holy Thread) – AumYajno-paveetam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Attar (Perfume) – AumGandham Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Chandan (Brown Sandalwood) – AumChandanam prati grihayatam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Sindoor (Red Sandalwood) – AumSindooram Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Hardee (Yellow Tumeric) – Aumhaldeeyam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

With an incense arti the deity – Aumdhoopamaa-ghraa-payaami Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Akshat – Aumakshataya Shri Lammi Mata samarapa-yaami swaha

Now Recite/chant 108 Names of SRI LAKSHMI ASHTOTHARA DOING KUMKUMA PUJA

RECIET SRI MAHA ALSKHMI STOTRAM

Pushpam (White Flower) – Aumpushpam Maalam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Tambulam (Betal leaves, areca,fruits)- AumTambulam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Naivediam (Mixture of Sugar, Milk Cream,Ghee) – Aum Naivedyam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaamiswaha

Coins (silver) – Aumdakshinaam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

With a diya arti the deity – Aumdeepam darsha-yaami Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Circle the Deity with Karpoor – Aumkarpoor-aaraarti-kayam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami

“Samarpa-yaami” means not for me but for you God

Recite Mahalaxmi Bhajan & Aarti after performing this.

OFFERINGS FOR MAHALAKSHMI:

Offer sandal paste, saffron paste, perfume (Athar ), haldi, kumkum, abeer, and gulal to the goddess. Offer a garland of cotton beads to the goddess. Offer flowers, especially the marigold flowers and leaves of Bel (wood apple tree). Light an incense stick and dhoop. Make an offering of sweets, coconut, fruits, and tambul. Make an offering of puffed rice and batasha. Pour some puffed rice, batasha, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds over the idol. Safe where you keep money and jewelry; Worship this safe as a symbol of Lord Kuber.

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Click here for VaraLakshmi Vratam  Main Page (English)

Click here for Varalakshmi Vrathamu – Puja Process In Telugu

Steps in Performing Varalakshmi Vratham  :

Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va Sarvavastham Gatoapi Va,
Yah Smrait Pundarika Aksham Sa Vahy Abhyantarah Shuchih

Tilak is considered auspicious mark and Aachman is considered helping washing off sins committed by action, thought, and speech. Apply Tilak on your forehead and do ‘Aachman’ (drinking of holy water after accepting it in your palm) with the following mantra:

Om Keshavaya Namah, Om Narayanaya Namah, Om Madhavaya Namah, Om Govindaya Namah drop the water in a plate… and chant 20 names of narayana…

Om Vishnave namah

Om Madhusudayanaya namah

Om Trivikramaya namah

Om Vamanaya namah

Om Shridharaya namah

Om Rshikesaya namah

Om Padmanabhaya namah

Om Damodaraya namah

Om Sankarshanaya namah

Om vasudevaya namah

Om Pradyumnaya namah

Om Anirudhaya namah

Om Purushothamaya namah

Om Adhokshjaya namah

Om Narasimhaya namah

Om Achyutaya namah

Om Janardhanaya namah

Om Upendraya namah

Om Haraye namah

Om sri Krishnaya namah…

SankalpaM

Shubhe shobhane muhUrte Adya-brahmaNaH dvitIya-parArdhe Shveta-varAha kalpe vaivasvata-manvantare ashtAvimSatitame kaliyuge  prathame pAde jambU- dvipe bhArata-varshe bharatha-khaNDe meroH dakshiNe pArshve  —-shakAbde  asmin vartamAne vyAvahArike prabhavAdi shhashTi-samvatsarANAM madhye   —- nAma-samvatsare —-ayane —–Ritau  —-mAse    —pakshe   —  tithau — nakshatra-yuktAyAM shubha-yoga shubha-karaNa evamguNa viSeshaNa-viSishTAyAM asyAM — shubha-thithau  mamopAtta-samasta-durita-kshayadvArA  shrI-parameSvara-prItyarthaM asmAkaM saha-kuTumbAnAM kshema-sthairya-vIrya-vijaya-Ayur-Arogya-aiSvaryANAM abhivRiddhyarthaM  dharmArtha-kAma-moksha caturvidha-phala-purushArtha-siddhyarthaM ishTa-kAmyArtha-siddhyarthaM sarvAbhIshTa-siddhyarthaM sarvArishTa-shAntyartham ShrI Mahalakshmi Prithyadham – sri Varalashmi poojam karishye..

Start worshiping Lord Ganesha, who is believed to drive away all obstacles and evil forces. Offer prasadam or fruit to Ganesh and chant the mantra…
Shuklaambaradharam vishnum
shashivarnam chaturbhujam |
prasannavadanam dhyaayaet
sarva vighnopa shaantayae ||

Give Aarathi to Lord Ganesha and Start performing vara Lakshmi Pooja . Invoke Goddess  Mahalakshmi into the kalasha.

Om Shree Laxmi Devayay Namah

Oh Goddess Lakshmi ! We pray to you in benign solemnity to bestow your blessings and shower your wealth on us.

OM SHREEM HEEM SHREEM KAMLE KAMALALAYE PRASEED PRASEED,
SHREEM HEEM SHREEM , OM MAHALAXMI NAMAYE

Om and salutations to that feminine energy which bestows all manner of wealth, and for which  Shreem is the seed.

Drop the flowers at the feet of the goddess.

OM SARVA LOKASYA JANANIM SULA HASTAM TRILO CANAMSARVADE VAMA YIMI SAM DEVI
MAVA HAYA MY AHAM DEVIM AVAHA YAMI SWAHA

Then worship a couple of torams (a bunch of nine threads with nine knots) and tie one to the kalasha while the other one is tied around the right hand wrist of the lady performing the pooja ans start performing pooja.

Do the following while chanting the mantra ;

Offer Seat to the deity – Aum Idam aasaanam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Touching the feet of the deity - AumPaada-yoha paadyam Sri Laxmi Mata samarpa-yaami  swaha

Giving deity water to drink – AumHastayor-arghyam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Purifying area around deity with water -AumMukhe aachman-eeyam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Vastram (Silk Cloth) – AumVastram Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Kacha Soot (Holy Thread) – AumYajno-paveetam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Attar (Perfume) – AumGandham Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Chandan (Brown Sandalwood) – AumChandanam prati grihayatam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Sindoor (Red Sandalwood) – AumSindooram Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Hardee (Yellow Tumeric) – Aumhaldeeyam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

With an incense arti the deity – Aumdhoopamaa-ghraa-payaami Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Akshat – Aumakshataya Shri Lammi Mata samarapa-yaami swaha

Now Recite/chant 108 Names of SRI LAKSHMI ASHTOTHARA DOING KUMKUMA PUJA

RECIET SRI MAHA LASKHMI STOTRAM AND  SRI ASHTALAKSHMI STOTRAM

Pushpam (White Flower) – Aumpushpam Maalam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Tambulam (Betal leaves, areca,fruits)- AumTambulam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Naivedyam (Special dishes,sweets)   – Aum Naivedyam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaamiswaha

Coins (silver) – Aumdakshinaam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

With a diya arti the deity – Aumdeepam darsha-yaami Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami swaha

Circle the Deity with Karpoor – Aumkarpoor-aaraarti-kayam Shri Lammi Mata samarpa-yaami

“Samarpa-yaami” means not for me but for you God

Recite Mahalaxmi Bhajan & Aarti after performing this.

Sing Varalakshmi Rave ma Intiki – Goddess Lakshmi Song

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Mangala Gowri Devi Vrathamu and Katha- Puja Process In Telugu

The Mangala Gowri Vratha  is performaned as Mangala Gour in Maharashtra & Mangala Gowri Vratha in Karnataka. It is the worship of Devi Parvatiji (Gauri Devi).

The Vrath is done on Tuesdays in the month of Shravana masa also known as Shravana Masa Mangalvar. The Vrath is starts from the first Tuesdays to last Tuesdays of Shravana maasa.

Special pujas dedicated to Goddess Gowri is performed on the day and women dress up like a traditional married woman with all bangles, flowers and mangalsutra – symbolically indicating to Goddess Gowri that they want to be like this on all days.

The puja is done with the intention that Goddess Gowri will bless the house with well being of the husband and a happy and prosperous married long life. In 2011, the dates of Mangala Gowri Puja are August 2, August 9, August 16 and August 23.

The method of puja and mantras used vary from region to region. There are no food restrictions but usually only vegetarian food is prepared on the day.

It is a very powerful vratha which is done by newly married & some married ladies . Normally newly married ladies do it for 5 years. At the end, they give a gift to their mothers. Other married ladies just do it once a week every Shravana. In case, you miss a tuesday, do it on the friday .

Process of Mangala Gowri Vratha:

The method of performing Mangala Gowri puja varies from region to region. This is just to give an idea about the ritual. You can always be flexible in all Hindu rituals what matters more is devotion. And one should not ponder too much over the correct performance of rituals. A simple prayer consisting of lighting a lamp and offering a fruit is more than enough.

Before starting the puja clean the puja room and take make rangoli. Keep a flat wooden platform/ plate spread a blouse piece over it. Over the blouse piece spread a cup of rice . Place a cloth and spread some raw rice on it and place kalash on it. \

The Kalash is half-filled with water and decorated with betelleaves, usually five in number.The Kalash tray can be filled with turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood and other Pooja items.Now close it with with coconut with red cloth folded like pyramid.

Keep either a silver Mangala Gowri or a Turmeric Gowri.  Keep a mirror behind the Mangala Gowri and two blouse pieces, which are folded in a triangle shape on either side of the mirror.  Keep 16 betel leaves and 32 betel nuts over it, and a whole dry coconut in a tray, some people halve the dry coconut and fill with rice and keep it on either side of the Gowri.

Decorate the Idol with flowers. Keep fruits , cocnut, or offer payasam made payasam( dhal+rice payasam) and rice+dhal along with fruits/dry fruits as prasadam.

Puja of Mangala Gowri :

Chant the Guari Ashtottarams with kunkuma and turmeric. Perform the pooja by offering Sandal paste, Manthrakshathe, Red Flowers, Incense sticks and deepa /lights.

A song asking for a boon called Mangala Gowri Haadu or Varava Kodi Thayi in Kannada is sung while performing the pooja.  The lyrics of the song is as follows:

Varava Kodi Thayi, Varava Kodi
Varava Kodi Gowri Varava Kodi
Kattida Mangalya Karimani Gaajina Bale Sthiravagi Iruvantha
Varava Kodi

Arisina Kumukuma
Aralu Mallige Davana
Sthiravagi Mudivanta
Varava Kodi

Mahadi Maneya Mele
Jodu Thottila Katti
Jogula Haaduvantha
Varava Kodi

Godana, Bhudana
Griha Dana
Kanya Dana Maduvantha
Varava Kodi

Story behind Mangala Gowri Vratha:

Long long ago a boy who was studying under a guru went from house to house seeking alms. This was a tradition then and the Guru and shishya only took what was needed for the day. But strangely this boy refused alms given by the queen of the land and took alms from other women. The king and the queen of the land were staunch Shiva devotees but did not have any children.

The queen and the king discussed this strange incident and the next day, the queen again offered rice to the young boy. But the boy did not accept it.

The king came and asked why he was not taking the rice from the queen.

The boy said that the king and queen did not have children and it would not be wise to take alms from a couple who is unlucky.

The king got angry and said only Lord Shiva can decide who should be lucky and unlucky. The king who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva soon realized that the boy was Shiva in disguise. He then prayed to forgive his arrogance and asked to be blessed with a child.

Shiva blessed the couple but said their child will only live for sixteen years.

A boy, Chandrasekhar, was born to the couple and soon time passed by and the boy became a teenager. The king and the queen remembered the words of Shiva and decided to send young Chandrasekhar, who was fifteen, to Kashi. It is believed that those who die at Kashi will never be born again.

Young Chandrasekhar was informed about his fate and without any other option he followed his uncle to Kashi. On the way, the young boy saw several new things. In a garden, they met a lovely princess. The boy and the uncle heard the princess discussing the glory of Mangala Gowri Puja.

It was the Shravan month and the girls were performing the Mangala Gowri Vratha. The princess was saying that whoever she marries will live a long life because she performs the Mangala Gowri Puja with pure heart and devotion.

The boy and the uncle moved forward and they met a prince who was sick. He explained to them that he was to marry the princess of the kingdom tomorrow but he was ashamed to go in front of people as he has fallen sick. The prince asked Chandrasekhar to help him out by appearing in the marriage function. Candrasekhar agreed.

Young Chandrasekhar appeared as the groom and the first day of the marriage function passed away smoothly. That night Chandrasekhar was to turn sixteen. He explained about his fate and about the real prince to the princess and decided to leave next morning to Kashi.

But that night the princess saw a snake approaching Chandrasekhar; she grabbed a handful of unbroken grains used to perform Mangala Gowri Puja and threw it on the snake. The snake fell dead. She took the snake and hid it in the Kalash used to perform the Mangala Gowri Puja.

Chandrasekhar left the next morning and he left his wedding ring there. The other prince took the place for the day’s wedding ceremony but the princess was not ready to marry him. She said firmly that Chandrasekhar was her husband and she will only sit next to him.

Chandrasekhar reached Kashi and a year passed. He did not die. The strength and devotion with which the young princess performed the Mangala Gowri Puja saved him. While returning back to his kingdom, Chandrasekhar again reached the same spot. He longed to see the young princess even though he believed that she was happily married to the prince.

Chandrasekhar heard that the princess was in the habit of feeding all the people who passed by her kingdom. He went and sat among the people who was par taking the food offered by the princess. Soon the princess appeared. She was closely examining all the people who were eating. She has been doing this from the day Chandrasekhar left; she was sure that one day he will pass by her kingdom.

In no time, the young princess recognized Chandrasekhar. She showed him the wedding ring. The young Chandrasekhar could not control his tears. He said he did not die. The princess said she knew it and explained what happened on the night when he turned sixteen.

Soon they got married and lived happily there after.

After reading and the story, mangala gawri kajal is made.

In some regions Women hold the 16 deepas lit for the Mangala Gowri puja. keep a steel spatula smeared with betel leaves juice on the aarathi to get a black soot, which is mixed with Ghee and applied as kajal / eyeliner.

OR

The procedure is rub a ladle with betel leaves.Then hold it on the flame of the lamp.The flame will leave a black patch(kajal like) on the ladle.It is then applied to the Gowri’s and we are supposed to sport the kajal.

Invite women (Sumangali) to hom offer Mangala drowya, betal leaves, fruits, kumkum and Haldi(Turmeric), sandalwood paste and do namaskara / obeisance to god and all the elders in the house.  By observing this vrata, women believe that they will be blessed with long lasting  and successful married life.

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Varalakshmi Vrathamu – Puja Process In Telugu

Varalakshmi Vratam is an important pooja performed by many women in the month of Sravanamasam / Aavani. In this month many women perform Mangalagouri vratam on Tuesdays and Mahalakshmi puja on Fridays.VaraLakshmi Vratham is performed on The 2nd firday of Sravana maasa or the firday before full moon day (Pournami).It is believed that worship of Goddess Lakshmi on this day will bring health, wealth and prosperity. Vara means boon. Needless to say, performing puja (in the form of a Vratam) to Goddess Varalakshmi will bring in boons to those who performs with utmost devotion. Those who fail to perform the Vratam  can do it so on any other Friday of the Sravanamasam.

Eight forces or energies are recognised and they are known as Sri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Sarasvati (learning), Priti (love), Kirti (Fame), Santi (Peace), Tushti(Pleasure) and Pushti(Strength). Each one of these forces is called a Lakshmi and all the eight forces are called the Ashta Lakshmis or the eight Lakshmis of the Hindus. Vishnu is also called Ashta Lakshmi Padhi which is equivalent to saying that he is the asylum for the eight-Lakshmis or forces. 

Lakshmi is a woman. So she will more readily sympathise with women. Hence this varalakshmi Vratam is performed by women invoking the blessings of Lakshmi on their family and bless them with health, wealth and  prosperity.

Preparation of Varalakshmi Vratham :

Goddess Lakshmi loves cleaner and tidier homes. Hence,the pooja room and the house is cleaned on previous day itself. Puja related vessels are cleaned and polished. On the Puja day Women woke up early morning clean the pooja room and make kolam (rangoli) with rice flour.

Keep a flat wooden platform/ plate spread a blouse piece over it. Over the blouse piece spread a cup of rice . Place a cloth and spread some raw rice on it and place kalash on it. The Kalash is half-filled with water and decorated with betelleaves, usually five in number.The Kalash tray can be filled with turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood and other Pooja items..

The coconut is applied with turmeric and is richly decorated with kumkum. Now close it with with coconut with red cloth folded like pyramid,(look like a cap). The features of the Goddess are also drawn on the coconut to make the image of Her to facilitate worship. Jewelry is put round the coconut. Decorate and place some flowers.

Steps in performing Varalakshmi Vratham Puja & process

Varalakshmi Vratam Story :

The story happens in a beautiful town called Kundinagaram located in the Kingdom of Vidarbha (Vidarba Rajyam). In that Kundinagram town, Goddess Adilakshmi, being pleased by her devotion tells Charumathi in a dream and directed her to perform the vrata to enable Her to fulfil her desires. Charumathi wakes up and tells her husband about the dream. Charumathi along with some neighbourhood women takes bath in the wee hours and prepare a mandapam and invites Varalakshmi Devi. She recites the following sloka along with other women with utmost faith and devotion.

Lakshmi Ksheerasamudra rajatanyam sri rangadhameswareem
Dasibootha samastha devavanitham lokaika deepamkuram
Sri manmanda kataksha labdhivibhat brahmendra gangadharam
Twamtrayamlokyakutumbhineem sasijavandemukunda priyam

Then she wore nine threads Thoranam to right hand and offers naivadyam to Goddess Lakshmi Devi. On the completion of the first circumstance, she heard she found Gajjelu, Andelu and other ornaments. On the second circumstance, they found kankanams made of navaratnams to their hands. On completion of the third circumstance, they found immense wealth. Then Charumathi offers Tambulam to the brahmin priests and distribute the vrata prasadam to the relatives and lead a happy life. Since then, Hindu women perform this vrata with utmost faith and trust till today. With this, Lord Eswara concludes telling the story to Goddess Parvathi.

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Shivaratri Pooja has been given tremendous significance in Hindu mythology. It is said that ritual worship of Lord Shiva on a Shivaratri day pleases Lord Shiva the most. Devotees further believe that by pleasing Lord Shankara on the auspicious Shivaratri day, a person is absolved of past sins and is blessed with Moksha or salvation.

Shiva Purana further says that performing abhisheka of Shiva Linga with six different dravyas including milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water while chanting Sri Rudram, Chamakam and Dasa Shanthi pleases Lord Shiva the most. According to the mythology, each of these dravya used in the abhisheka blesses a unique quality:

Milk   - For the blessing of purity and piousness.
Yogurt   – For prosperity and progeny.
Honey   _ For sweet speech.
Ghee - For victory.
Sugar  – For happiness.
Water  – For purity.

Besides, worship of Lord Shiva on Shivratri is also considered to be extremely beneficial for women. While, married women pray to Shiva for the well being of their husbands and sons, unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal husband.

Performing Maha Shivaratri Pooja :

On Mahashiv Ratri devotees wake up early and take early bath,then wear fresh new clothes and pay a visit to the nearest Shiva temple. As a tradition, devotees observe a fast on a Shivaratri day. Some do not consume even a drop of water. They keep vigil all night. The Shiva Lingam is worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting of the Mantra Om Namah Shivaya continues. Offerings of bael leaves are made to the Lingam. Bael leaves are very sacred as, it is said, Lakshmi resides in them.

After this, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves, is kept on top of the Shivalinga to cool the hot-tempered deity. Ber or jujube fruit is also offered to Lord Shiva, as it is symbolic of longevity and gratification of desires. Some devotees also offer the auspicious betel leaves to Lord Shiva marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures. Garlanding of Linga with flowers and garlands is also a part of the ritual Shivaratri Puja. Devotees also burn incense sticks as is said to yield wealth. Many also light lamps to symbolize attainment of knowledge. It is said that by offering water, hugging the Linga, lighting the diya and incense and ringing the temple bells, devotees call into focus all their senses, making them acutely aware of themselves and the universe to which they belong.

Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, such as the Lingashtakam, Shiva Manasa Puja, Shiva Mahimna Stotra of Pushpadanta, Shivashtaka, bhilvashtakam are sung with great fervour and devotion. People repeat the Panchakshara Mantra, Om Namah Shivaya. He who utters the Names of Shiva during Shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths. Many pilgrims flock to the places where there are Shiva temples.

Following the method prescribed in Shiva Purana, priests perform ritual puja of Shiva Linga every three hours all through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival. During this pooja, chants of Om Namah Shivaya and sounds of bells reverberate in the temple. Following the bath with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water that helps in the purification of the soul a vermilion paste is applied on the Linga as it represents virtue. Devotees stay awake and spent the night in Shiva temples by chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and singing hymns and verses in praise of Lord Shankar. Devotees observing vrat on Shivaratri break it only the next morning by partaking prasad offered to Lord Shiva.

MAHASHIVRATRI VRAT

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Pathinettam Padi (18 Holy Steps) and the Significance of the 18 Steps:

Before one views the Sanctum Sanctorum, one has to climb over eighteen sacred steps. These steps are now covered with `Panchaloham’ (a special composition of gold, silver, copper, iron and tin. Pilgrims initiate their ascent up the Pathinettam Padi by placing their right foot on the first step. The symbolism of these 18 steps is as follows:-

The first five steps symbolise the five human senses (Panchendriyas) i.e. visual (vision), auditory (hearing), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste) and tactile (touch). These signify the `mortal’ nature of one’s body.

The next eight steps symbolise the eight Ashtaragas viz, Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Maltsarya, Asooya, Dhumb (Love, Anger, Avarice, Lust, Pride, Unhealthy Competition, Jealousy and Boastfulness).

The next three steps stand for three Gunas or Thrigunas (nature-born qualities) i.e. Satva, ( perspicuity, discernment) , Rajas (activity, enjoyment) and Thamas (inactivity, stupor).

The last two steps represent Vidya (Knowledge) and Avidya (Ignorance).

The details given above represent the most prevalently accepted version of the significance of the Holy Pathinettam Padi. Other versions are:-

Pathinettapadi (18 divine steps) to the sanctum sanctorium is divine in all aspects. Initially the 18 steps were made of granite. It was later covered with Panchaloha in the year 1985 to prevent it from deterioration. As per the tradition, ONLY those who undertake the penance for 41 days and those who carry the IRUMUDI on their head are allowed to use the steps.

Eighteen is considered as the code number to break into the soul of the Nature. The significance of 18 can be traced back to the Vedic age. The first Veda, believed to be protected by Lord Brahma himself, had 18 chapters. Later, Veda Vyasa divided it to create the four vedas: Rigveda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharava Veda. Each of these vedas had 18 chapters.Veda Vyasa also wrote 18 puranas and 18 upa-puranas. The Bhagavad Gita has 18 chapters and the Kurukshetra war lasted 18 days

There are many mythological stories associated with the holy Patinettampadi.

• Some believe the eighteen steps denotes the 18 puranas.
• Othere believe it represents the 18 mountains in the Sabarimala region: Ponnambalamedu, Gowdenmala, Nagamala, Sundaramala, Chittambalamala, Khalgimala, Mathangamala, Myladummala, Sreepadamala, Devarmala, Nilakkalmala, Thalapparamala, Neelimala, Karimala, Puthuserrymala, Kalakettimala, Inchipparamala and Sabarimala
• Others are of the belief that the first five steps denotes the indriyas (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin). The next eight steps signifies the ragas (tatwa, kama, krodha,moha, lobha, madha, matsraya, and ahamkara. The next three steps signifies the gunas (satwa, rajas and thamas). The seventeenth and the eighteenth denotes vidhya and avidya (ignorance).
• The first three steps depict “Bhoomi, Agni, Vayoo & Akash”, 6 to 9 steps for Karmendriya, 10 to 15 for Jhanandriya, 16th for mind 17th Intelligence and 18th Jeevathma Bhava. Those who cross all these steps are believed to achieve “Punyadarshan”.
• Some say that 18 weapons with which Lord Ayyappa destroyed the evil denotes the 18 steps.

The steep steps are so important and holy that no one can climb them without fasting for 41 days and carrying the holy irrumudi on ones’ head.

Before ascending or descending the steps, pilgrims break coconut as an offering to the steps. One needs to have the sacre Irumudi on head while going up or down the 18 steps. While descending the steps the devotees climb down backwards facing the sanctum sanctorum.

One who climbs the Patinettampadi for 18 times shall plant coconut sapling in Sabarimala.

Built on a plateau about 40 feet high, the Ayyappan temple commands a lofty view of the mountains and valleys all around. The ancient temple has been rebuilt after a fire in 1950. Within the confines of the sanctum sanctorium with a copper-plated roof and four golden finials at the top, two mandapams, the belikalpura which houses the altar, the flag-staff replacing the earlier stone image of the deity, sits a beautiful idol of Ayyappa in panchaloha, an alloy of five metals, about one and a half feet tall.

For Begetting Children Perform Shashti pooja which comes every month. (Shasthi before full Moon) will be blessed with good children.

PRAY SUBRAMANYA SWAMY READ SUBRAMNAYA ASHTAKAM AND SREE SUBRAHMANYA PANCHARATHNAM.

SREE SUBRAHMANYA ASTAKAM/ KARAVALAMBHAM

He Swaaminaatha Karunaakara Deena Bandho
Sree Paarvateesha Mukha Pankaja Padma Bandho
Sree Eeshaadi Devagana Poojita Paadapadma
Vallee Eesanaatha Mama Dehi Karaavalambam.

Devaadi Devasuta Devaganaadi Naatha
Devendra Vandya Mrudupankaja Manjupaada
Devarshi Naarada Muneendra Sugeeta Keerte
Vallee Eesanaatha Mama Dehi Karaavalambam.

Nityaannadaana Niradaakhila Rogahaarin
Bhaagya Pradaana Paripoorita Bhaktakaama
Shrutyaagama Pranava Vaachya Nijaswarupa
Vallee Eesanaatha Mama Dehi Karaavalambam.

Krauncha Asoorendra Parikhantana Shakti Shule
Chaapaadi Shastra Parimandita Divyapaane
Sree Khantaleesha Druta Tunda Shikheendra Vaaha
Vallee Eesanaatha Mama Dehi Karaavalambam.

Devaadi Deva Rathamandala Maddhyametya
Devendra Peetanagaram Druda Chaapahasta
Shooram Nihatya Soora Kotibhireedyamaana
Vallee Eesanaatha Mama Dehi Karaavalambam.

Haaradi Ratna Vara Yukta Kireeta Haara
Keyoora Kundala Lasat Kavachaabhiraama
He Veera Taaraka Jayaamara Brunda Vandya
Vallee Eesanaatha Mama Dehi Karaavalambam.

Panchaaksharaadi Manu Mantrita Gaanga Toyai:
Panchaamrutai: Pramuditendra Mukhair Muneendrai:
Pattaabhishikta Hariyukta Varaasanaatha
Vallee Eesanaatha Mama Dehi Karaavalambam.

Sree Kaartikeya Karunaamruta Poorna Drushtyaa
Kaamaadiroga Kalusheekruta Dushta Chittham
Shiktvaa Tu Maamava Kalaadhara Kaanti Kaantyaa
Vallee Eesanaatha Mama Dehi Karaavalambam.

Subramanya Ashtakam Punyam Yepattanti Dwijottama:
Te Sarve Muktimaayaanti Subramanya Prasaadata:
Subramanya Ashtakam Idam Praathar Utthaaya Ya: Pattet
Koti Janma Krutam Paapam Tat Kshannaateva Nashyati

Subrahmanya (Karavalambham) Ashtakam with Meaning

Hey Swaminatha karunakara deena bandho,
Sree Paravatheesa mukha pankaja padma bandho,
Sreesadhi deva gana poojitha pada padma,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.

Extend a hand of support, Oh Lord of Valli,
Who is the chief of gods, who is merciful,
Who is friend of the oppressed,
Who is the son of the lotus faced lord of goddess Parvathi,
And whose lotus feet is worshipped
By all gods and also by Lord of Goddess Lakshmi.

Devadhi deva sutha, deva ganadhi nadha,
Devendra vandhya mrudu pankaja manju pada,
Devarshi narada muneendra sugeetha keerthe,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.

Extend a hand of support, Oh Lord of Valli,
Who is the son of God of gods, who is the chief of all gods,
Whose soft lotus like feet is worshipped by Devendra,
And whose fame is sung by deva sage Narada and others.

Nithyanna Dana nirathakhila roga harin,
Bhagya pradhana paripooritha bhaktha Kama,
Sruthyagama pranava vachya nija swaroopa,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.

Extend a hand of support, Oh Lord of Valli,
Who gives food daily in charity, which cures all prevalent diseases,
Who bestows luck, which fulfills all wishes of devotees,
And whose real form is the pranava given in Vedas.

Krouncha surendra parigandana Sakthi soola,
Chapa thi sasthra parimanditha divya panai,
Sree kundaleesa drutha thunda sikheendra vaha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.

Extend a hand of support, Oh Lord of Valli,
Who is the Lord of mountains, who holds,
Shakthi, Soola, bow and arrows in his holy hands,
Who wears ear rings and who rides the fast moving peacock.

Devadhi deva radha mandala Madhya methya,
Devendra peeda nagaram druda chapa hastha,
Sooram nihathya sura kotibhiradyamana,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.

Extend a hand of support, Oh Lord of Valli,
Who is the god o gods,
Who rides the central Chariot among a group of chariots,
Who prevents problems for Devendra,
Who can send arrows very fast,
And who by killing Sura became,
The object of adulation of billions of devas.

Heeradhi rathna vara yuktha kireeda hara,
Keyura kundala lasath kavachabhirama,
Hey Veera tharaka jayaa amara brunda vandhya,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.

Extend a hand of support, Oh Lord of Valli,
Who wears crowns and chains with diamonds and gems,
Who wears armlet, ear rings and strong armour,
And who is the valorous one who killed Tharaka,
And was saluted by the groups of devas.

Panchaksharadhi manu manthritha Ganga thoyai,
Panchamruthai praudhithendra mukhair muneendryai,
Pattabhishiktha maghavatha nayasa nadha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.

Extend a hand of support, Oh Lord of Valli,
Who was crowned as their leader by Indra,
With the chanting of the holy five letters,
With the bathing of the holy water of Ganga,
After strengthening it further by holy chants,
And who was anointed with the five holy nectars,
By very learned and holy sages.

Sree karthikeya karuna mrutha poorna drushtya,
Kamadhi roga kalushi krutha drushta chitham,
Sikthwa Thu mamava kala nidhi koti kantha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.

Extend a hand of support, Oh Lord of Valli,
Who is known as Karthikeya, who with his,
Fully nectar like looks of mercy cures,
Passion, diseases and mind which has made been dirty
Who is the treasure house of arts and
Who shines like billions of suns.

Subrahmanyashtakam punyam yeh padanthi dwijothama,
They sarve mukthimayanthi Subrahmanya prasadatha,
Subrahmanyashtakam idham prathar uthaya ya padeth,
Kodi janma krutham papam thath kshanad thasya nasyathi.

The twice born who reads this octet on Subrahmanya,
Would attain salvation by the grace of Lord Subrahmanya,
And for him who reads this octet on Subrahmanya, as soon as,
He gets up in the morning, the sins committed in billons,
Of previous births will vanish in a second

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For Begetting Children Perform Shashti pooja which comes every month. (Shasthi before full Moon) will do good for having children.

PRAY SUBRAMANYA SWAMY READ SUBRAMNAYA ASHTAKAM AND SREE SUBRAHMANYA PANCHARATHNAM.

HERE IS SREE SUBRAHMANYA PANCHARATHNAM IN ENGLISH ;

Shadaananam Kumkuma Raktha Varnam
Mahaa Mathim Dhivya Mayoora Vaahanam
Rudhrasya Soonum Sura Sainya Naatham
Brahmanya Devam Saranam Prapadhye.

Jaajwalya Maanam Sura Vrundha Vandhyam
Kumaara Dhaara Thata Mandhira Stham
Kandharppa Roopam Kamaneeya Gaathram
Brahmanya Devam Saranam Prapadhye.

Dhwishad Bhujam Dhwaadhasa Dhivya Nethram
Thrayee Thanum Soola Masaim Dhadhaanam
Sesha Avathaaram Kamaneeya Roopam
Brahmanya Devam Saranam Prapadhye.

Suraari Ghoraa Hava Sobha Maanam
Suroththamam Sakthi Dharam Kumaaram
Sudhaara Sakthya-Ayudha Sobhi Hastham
Brahmanya Devam Saranam Prapadhye.

Ishtaartha Sidhdhi Pradham Eesaputhram
Ishtaannadham Bhoosura Kaama Dhenum
Gangodh-Bhavam Sarva Janaanu Koolam
Brahmanya Devam Saranam Prapadhye.

Ya: Sloka Panchaka-Midham Patatheeha Bhakthyaa
Brahmanya Dheva Vini Vesitha Maanasa San
Praapnoti Bhoga-Makhilam Bhoovi Yadhya-Dhishtam
Anthe Sa Gacchathi Mudhaa Guha Saamyam Eva.

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Make a prayer to Santhana Gopala by chanting the following mantra 108 times a day for 108 days after bath.

Santhana Gopala Mantra

Om Devaki Sudha Govinda
Vasudeva Jagath Pathe
Dehimey Thanayam
Krishna Thwamaham
Saranam
Kadhahaa Deva Deva
Jagannatha
Gothra Vridhi Karap Prabho
Dehimey Thanayam Sheegram
Ayushmandham Yashashreenam !

Note:

Nagaraja is the devata for Kudumba Vrithi. Perform Nagaraja pooja in your home by some learned priests.
Also visit Rameswaram, Devipattinam and the navagraha temples around Kumbakonam with your saha dharmini and make prayers to the devatas

Tridalam trigunakaram trinetram cha triyayudham
Trijanmapapasamharam ekabilvam shivarpanam

Trishakhaih bilvapatraishcha hyachchidraih komalaih shubhaih
Shivapujam karishhyami ekabilvam shivarpanam

Akhanda bilva patrena pujite nandikeshvare
Shudhyanti sarvapapebhyo ekabilvam shivarpanam

Shaligrama shilamekam vipranam jatu charpayet
Somayagya mahapunyam ekabilvam shivarpanam

Dantikoti sahasrani vajapeya shatani cha
Kotikanya mahadanam ekabilvam shivarpanam

Laxmyastanuta utpannam mahadevasya cha priyamh
Bilvavruixam prayachchhami hyekabilvam shivarpanam

Darshanam bilvavruixasya sparshanam papanashanam
Aghorapapasamharam ekabilvam shivarpanam

Mulato brahmarupaya madhyato vishnurupine
Agratah shivarupaya ekabilvam shivarpanam

Bilvashhtakamidam punyam yah patheth shivasannidhau
Sarvapapa vinirmuktah shivalokamavapnuyath

(bilwastakam, bilva, belva, astakam, astkam, asthakam, bilvashtakham, bilvashtakam, bilwashtakam,  puja, hymn, siva ratri, shivarathri , lord, shiv puja, God shiva daily puja, mantras slokas