Pure Puja's topics - tribe.net

O Cosmic Gods

2008-08-03T11:29:57Z

O Cosmic Gods

Transliteration

Bhadram karnebhih srunuyama devah,

Bhadram pasyemaksabhir yajatrah;

Sthirair angais tustuvamsas tanubhih,

Vyaséma deva-hitam yad ayuh.

Translation

O Cosmic Gods,

may we hear with our human ears all that is auspicious.

O Gods who are truly worthy of worship,

may we see with our human eyes all that is auspicious.

May we enjoy our life given by You,

offering constant praises with our sound body

and earthly existence to You.

Comment

To hear an auspicious thing is to invoke

God the Inspiration and God the Aspiration.

To see an auspicious thing is to feel

God the Light and God the Delight.

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Dhumavati

2008-07-30T08:37:28Z

Does anyone know of her? A friend posted a bit about her in her blog. I am curious to know more...

posted in Pure Puja - 10 replies

Puja-Prarthna

2008-07-11T01:12:49Z

Prarthana

Should be deep, may not be longer.

Submerge yourself, forget who are you-
male or female,
beautiful or ugly,
young or old,
rich or poor,
intelligent or not,
Hindu or Muslim,
Christian or else,...

Dive so deep that you forget everything.

Almighty shall ring in breathe everywhere.

Almighty shall ring in your pulse.

Almighty shall become your movement.

You should feel oneness with Almighty.

OK then, you have learned prarthana.

Your prarthana is over.

"Only to bow down is not Prarthana,

Bow down completely in all senses, that is prarthana."

Swami Kutasthanad, Mumbai (Bombay) India.

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Mudra

2008-07-01T23:07:05Z

different kind of mudras shown during worship

what r the hidden meaning of those

why r they shown ?

is it just a formality?

posted in Pure Puja - 3 replies

prasad

2008-07-01T01:40:02Z

What is your favorite "everyday", non-festival prasad to make?

I tend to make either (green gram or channa) sundal or lemon rice or curd rice.

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Sandalwood Malas

2008-06-22T11:05:55Z

Hello all,
Does anyone know how to get sandalwood smelling good again? I have some malas that I thought I would be taking good care of by keeping in ziplock baggies. When I first got them, wow! they smelled so good. Now, they have lost their scent. I had also boughten a sandalwood peacock from someone and she swore it was sandalwood, it had just lost its scent. She said there was a way to reactivate it. I don't remember what it was though. Anyone have any advice?
Thanks in advance...
Therese
~*~

posted in Pure Puja - 1 reply

Hindu Mythology

2008-06-21T22:46:41Z

I picked up this book when I was at the Vedanta society bookstore some time ago. It is called "Hindu Mythology" by W.J. Wilkins. It was first published in 1882. I have the copy of the book that was the second addition version that was published in I believe 1900. (My version of the book is the 20th version). Has anyone read this and have feedback on it? How do people feel about reading such literature published so long ago? How do you feel they approach the subject objectively? OOps, gotta go, my daughter just walked in. She got a bad haircut it looks like and she is in tears!! Be back later! Gotta get the kleenex!

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Goddess Identification

2008-06-21T22:35:26Z

Hello everyone,
I sold a pendant today and neither I nor the customer could place who the goddess was. These are old silver tribal diety pendants. This goddess had a snake like tail curled almost into a figure 8 under her, she had four arms. She had a trident in her right upper arm, a sword in the left upper arm, and I could not make out the other two attributes in her lower arms. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Neither of us know why we were drawn to her. I hand pick my pendants and even though I was not sure who she was, I was intrigued by her, likewise my customer was intrigued.

posted in Pure Puja - 7 replies

Aromatherapy and the Gods/Goddesses

2008-06-21T15:55:07Z

Hello,
I am going to develop a product line that combines aromatherapy and the worship of the gods and goddesses. I had an epiphany last week. I have two different perfumes that I wear. Depending on what energy/strength I am going to need to face the day, that dictates which perfume I wear. It was purely subconscious until I realized what I was doing. When I am facing a difficult day and need strength and fierceness, I use one perfume. When I am content and calm, I use the other. The "fierce" perfume is spicy and musky. The "calm" perfume is powdery/citricy/floral. So I realized that maybe, when I am choosing my perfumes, I am seeking to attain..hmmm how do I say this right...influence of the appropriate goddesses. I feel that when I need to be "fierce" I am looking for the strength and power of Kali or Durga. When I am "calm" maybe the playfulness of Radha or sweetness of Parvati. I thought it would be a great idea to play with this idea and create something out of this. Does anyone know of any scents (essential oil types) that are specifically related to a god or goddess? I am going to spend the next amount of time studying aromatherapy for its affective physical properties, but would like to keep it mindful as to what would please the gods/goddesses and help invoke them...Thanks so much..

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Mantras for the Departed Soul

2008-04-09T23:50:15Z

Namah Sivaya

I was wondering if anyone knows of specific prayers to chant for someone who has trancended their body?

I am aware of the Matyuijaya Mantra, which is a Siva mantra to attain victory over death, to restore the health of someone who is suffering from physical pain or illness and for a dying person to be granted a peaceful death. Though this mantra from my understanding is to be chanted before someone transcends.

Is there any mantra to be chanted for beings after they transcend ?

My grandpa is about to transcend from his body, and I just want to offer everything I can for him during his passing and after he passes.

Blessings..
Bala

posted in Pure Puja - 3 replies

Altar

2008-04-09T23:21:08Z

Hi!! I know it's been a while since I asked a question, so here I am! haha

I have an altar in my room but it's not in a seperate room or anything, is that inappropriate? I live in a one bedroom apartment and there isn't really anywhere else to put it where it can be covered when I'm not praying or using it. Does it even need to be covered? All I know is that I shouldn't have my feet pointed at it, so I sleep against the wall with my head pointing towards the altar.

I was thinking of making something like those really nice ones that have doors that open and close. But I'm thinking I'll be better off just buying one than making one. What do you all think?

posted in Pure Puja - 7 replies

Shivaratri

2008-03-04T04:30:42Z

Hello everyone,
Can those of you that know, tell me the back ground of Shivaratri? Why is it celebrated? What is the story behind it? What are the proper ways to acknowledge it? What is the exact date?
Thanks :)
~*~
Therese

posted in Pure Puja - 1 reply

Altar

2008-03-02T22:43:52Z

Since moving into a new apartment, I'm trying to figure out where to put my altar, but can't remember which direction it's supposed to face. Help, please.

The west wall looks like the best place, but i want to do it right. Thanks

posted in Pure Puja - 16 replies

Experience An India Yoga Odyssey

2008-01-11T02:38:34Z

Experience a Transforming India YOGA Odyssey
(February 21 to March 6, 2008)

Just imagine your airplane touching down at the India airport of your choice – Mumbai or Ahmadabad – on Thursday, February 21, 2008. Awaiting you at the airport is your guide, who will escort you by rail or taxi to your hotel accommodations in Surat City, Gujarat State. You will have arrived just in time to take in the World Yoga Championships, either as a participant or as a spectator. If anyone wishes to participate in the Championships the necessary registration forms can be downloaded at www.lifemission.org. The Championships run from February 22 though February 24. (The Championships were primarily founded as a means for encouraging youth worldwide to engage themselves in the ageless science of yoga for the betterment of body, mind and spiritual development in similar fashion that society worldwide encourages youth to participate in common sporting events.)

Following the Championships, you will be escorted to Malav Ashram for a five night stay, which includes three days of “hands on” yogic training under the expert guidance of Acharya Yogendradev, who has taught in North America, Taiwan, and India

And now – the Tours – you will tour the historic spiritual pilgrimage site of Kayavarohan and visit the Brahmeshwar Temple of Lord Lakulish (the 28th incarnation of Lord Shiva). You will spend 5 nights at a beautiful oceanside resort near the city of Div, overlooking the Indian Ocean with its miles of sandy beaches, and visit surrounding points of interest including the renowned Somnath Temple; a lion wildlife reserve, an ayurvedic clinic of a renowned ayurvedic physician where you will be able to observe the natural preparation of ayurvedic medicines and receive a free medical check-up. You will also have the opportunity to visit the temple complex at Rajrajeshwardham, where Lord Lakulish materialized in his divine body on January 29, 2007. Then – another great grace awaits you – you will have the rare opportunity of having darshan with the highly advanced yogi, Swami Rajarshi Muni.*

Now your yoga trip is reaching its end – on March 6, you will be escorted by your guide to your departure airport for your trip home – to reflect on and absorb your many yoga experiences of the past 2 weeks; the multitudes of wondrous Indian sites you've seen; the unmatched hospitality of its people and the many lasting new friendships you've made.

The cost per participant is $ 695.00 USD. This price does not include your transportation costs to and from India, which is entirely your responsibility, as are any required passports, visas etc. This price does include designated tour accommodations and meals in India, and all ground transportation to the Championships and touring sites in India, as well as ground transportation to and from airports at Mumbai or Ahmedabad. Any profits after all costs have been met will be directed to projects for the poor, including schools and hospitals. For further information, go to www.lifemission.org, or email: Acharya Yogendradev, ggvaghela@yahoo.com; or Dennis Konchak, lifema@telus.net; or Hans Splinter, Hsplinter@cogeco.ca.

* Swami Rajarshi Muni is the author of a vast library of nearly 100 titles in four different languages, including ten books in English. Some of the English titles are: Classical Hatha Yoga, Divine Body Through Yoga; Tenets for the Spiritual Life; Infinite Grace (The Story of My Spiritual Lineage), Awakening the Life Force, and Light from Guru to Disciple. For more information, check the Life Mission website www.lifemission.org and www.amazon.com under Rajarshi Muni

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Happy Holiday

2007-12-24T17:28:52Z

For a whole new year is coming again. And it brings new opportunities, new dreams, fun-filled new days may each of you have the best new year .

In Love and Light

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Level of Prayer

2007-12-01T20:11:58Z

The highest level of prayer is a deep and profound silence in which we allow ourselves to be still and know Him.

posted in Pure Puja - 2 replies

Diksha is a Requirement?

2007-11-23T20:12:34Z

I was over on the Sarasvati tribe and reading a few of their threads. One thread was speaking of mantras. They had mentioned that to be able to chant the mantras, one had to recieve Diksha. Is Diksha a blessing from a guru to have permission to recite mantras? I do not have access to a guru. How do I recieve Diksha? Some of the gurus mentioned on that tribe, I am not a follower of, nor am I interested in becoming a follower of them. So to scramble over to them when they are touring near here just to recieve Diksha is hypocritical and I do not feel that I can have full faith that I have recieved propler Diksha in this manner. Can I go to the temple and talk to a panditji? What to do? Do I have to recieve Diksha before I can perform a puja? I seem trapped.

posted in Pure Puja - 6 replies

Upcoming Holidays?

2007-11-11T15:29:49Z

Hello All,
Our Diwali was a bit dampened. We didn't get to enjoy the festivities. Auntie Ji was here from India visiting and feeling too tired to do anything. We missed the Mela and Puja :(
Work would not let me be either. My daughter and I went to the independance day celebration a short while back and had great fun. We were looking forward to Diwali, but it came and went and we could not celebrate. What are the upcoming holidays that we can look forward to?

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Happy Diwali

2007-11-11T15:29:15Z

Namaste!
I hope everyone had a very happy Diwali! What did you do?
We went to the temple for Darshan, but Auntie Ji was too tired and uninterested in going to the Mela! :(
We just found out that there were $10 used silk saris there! We missed out on lots! My daughter and I love to go to the melas because we meet new people for connections for our business - a small Indian gift store in Mountain View, Ca. We pick up little things for our store and we meet wonderful nice ppl to add to our friends. Also, puja was on a different night. Actually, it was at 4pm and I had to work. At the temple, there is not nearly enough parking, so when there is a big event like Diwali, ppl have hardly much choice but to park illegally. There is not much option. We have gone for the last two years. I had to drop Auntie Ji and my daughter off at the Temple door and go find parking legally 6 blocks away it seemed. The Sunnyvale police department comes out in full force for Diwali ticketing all the cars. As far as the eye can see up and down the street, every car is ticketed. I think that this is a very very ugly source of revenue and is bad ambassadorship towards the community. They know there is a big cultural celebration and they know that parking is very minimal, so they come out like vultures feasting on the situation, putting a damper on everyones night. Shame Shame Shame on the Sunnyvale Police Department!

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Breaking Down the Temple Experience

2007-10-31T19:26:34Z

Hello All,
I just wanted to start a thread that addresses what specific actions mean when you enter a temple for worship and participate. I have a lot of questions, and at the risk of exposing my nietivity, I will through caution to the wind, because I really want to know.
I went to the Ganesha Chaturthi at the temple this last Saturday. I did not participate as the other people for several reasons. The most important is that I have high regard for worship and believe that participating as they did, I really should know what I am doing and why, rather than watch what they are doing and then mimick them blindly when I make it up to Ganesha. So I want to back up now to just talk about simply worshiping in the temple and I will build question by question. I hope there will be answers for me, and I hope that along with the answers I seek, that others like me (newbies) will feel free to also post their questions.
Starting first questions.
Shoes are removed before entering the temple. Then the way is made to the alter area, in front in the center hanging is a bell. The bell is rung. (how many times? I usually see once, but sometimes several) This is usually the first action. Is this to clear the mind of outside busyness of thoughts and bring the thoughts into focus to be able to worship? Second is to prostrate? Men fully straight out, women on their knees with one ankle over the other (left over right or right over left?) touching the forehead to the ground? Always to Ganesha first. And then to whom? I pray to Shiva mostly, but I consider Shiva my Ishta Deva. Since I am in a Bengali household, I should be praying to Durga as well. There is some urgency here as Vivek's mother is coming on Thursday from India. I will be the one taking her to the temple every day. So this is not only for my wisdom, I am feeling even more self conscious since I will be going with his Mother. I will build on my questions...but will wait for this set to pass first...thanks so much in advance :)

posted in Pure Puja - 23 replies

What to expect at the Chandi Homam

2007-10-13T00:28:32Z

Hello All,
I am thinking about going tomorrow. I am not sure if I can get out of work tho. I might have to go next week. What should I Expect? Do? Bring? This is my first time going and I really don't know anyone else here that I can ask here around me who do similar things as me, so I have no one but my tribe friends/family here to ask.

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Talking to God

2007-10-12T22:16:39Z

Sometimes in movies I see a person go to their mandir or sit down in their homes and just talk to God. I want to know, is it okay to just sit down and talk to them, like "Hey Shiva, how are you? I had an awful day"? Is it odd to do this?

Not being born or raised a Hindu, I find it a little uncomfortable. But I tried it anyway, and I felt like someone was hearing me. I liked it, but it also felt a little strange.

This is a weird question, but does anyone else do this?

posted in Pure Puja - 9 replies

Navaratri

2007-10-10T13:26:07Z

Navaratri is a festival that lasts nine days and nine nights. The word "Navaratri" actually means nine (Nava) nights (ratri). This is celebrated in different styles throughout India. Navaratri occurs during the first 9 days of the bright half of the month of Aashwayuja in the Indian calendar. The most significant part of Navaratri is the setting up an odd number of steps (usually 7, 9, or 11), and the placement of different idols of Gods on them. This setup is called a "Golu". Generally, when people come to a person's house to see their Golu, they are given prasad (the offering given to God that day), kumkum (red powder), and a small bag of gifts usually containing a mirror, a comb, a small box of kumkum, and fruits. These are only given to girls and married women. This is chiefly a woman's festival.

Navaratri is the worship of the three divine goddesses, Saraswati (Goddess of learning and speech), Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity), and Durga (Goddess of strength and courage). It is also said to be the battle that occurred between Goddess Chaamundeshwari and the asura (demon), Mahishaasura. The battle lasted 9 days and 9 nights. Finally, on the tenth day, Goddess Chaamundeshwari killed Mahishaasura. This day is known as Vijayadasami. Vijayadasami means the 10th day of victory.

Today, Vijayadasami is supposed to be one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu year. Some schools in India start on this day. Children first starting their education are taught some of the basics by a priest on this day.

Navaratri and Vijayadasami are celebrated with sweets and snack items; one of each are made on each of the ten days. One snack food, chundal, is made on all of the ten days.

Recipe for Chundal:

Ingredients

Dried Garbanzo Beans 1 cup
Mustard Seeds 1/2 tsp.
Urad Dhal 1/2 tsp.
Dried Small Red Chili Peppers 2-3
Asafetida Powder 1/2 tsp
Oil 2 tbsp.
Coconut Flakes 2 tsp.
Water 1/2 to 1 cup
Salt to taste

Soak the dried garbanzo beans overnight. The next day, rinse them and cook with water, in a pressure cooker, or a covered pan until soft to touch. Drain the water and keep the beans aside. Take a pan and add oil. Drop the mustard seeds onto the hot oil. (Warning: Beware of the mustard seeds popping. The oil can splash and cause burns.) Add the urad dhal, the chili peppers, and the asafetida powder. Stir for a few seconds until brown. Add the cooked garbanzo beans and stir well. Cool. Sprinkle coconut flakes on them. Serve.

posted in Pure Puja - 4 replies

Pure Puja Photo Album

2007-09-25T14:32:13Z

Does anyone have pics they would like to add to the photo album? Please feel free to share :)
Have a great day,
~*~

posted in Pure Puja - 1 reply

Website: Hindu Dharma for kids, teachers and parents

2007-09-25T00:57:48Z

Hello everyone, I was checking some things on the Sunnyvale Hindu Temple and came across this website mentioned in their children's program. I have an 11 year old daughter. Maybe some of you have children also. Maybe some of us (esp. me!) like to read children's lessons for the simplicity to not only educate our children, but ourselves as well. In here somewhere is a children's guide to performing the Lord Ganesha's Puja. Under Special Events, click on Ganesh Pooja Resources, then Ganesh Pooja Sidhi, (html, pdf or word document). I like this for myself! Anyway, here it is:

http://www.balagokulam.org/
Balagokulam: Hindu Dharma for kids, teachers and parents

I haven't had time to go into it in depth, but I am looking forward to it! :)

posted in Pure Puja - 10 replies

Tulasi Plant

2007-09-20T19:06:31Z

Hello, I just bought a Tulsi plant. It was for Vivek's mother who is coming to visit from India. She has never been here to the US before. I thought she would enjoy having a Tulsi plant here to care for. But you know, there is such a draw to this plant. I find myself worrying for her (see, I am referring to her as if she is a being, not a plant!). I am constantly checking her and tending to her. Vivek has been watering her too much. Her soil is too wet. Also, she has gotten some aphids, and the ants are coming to milk the aphids. I am going to look over at the Tulasi tribe, there is a nice thread there on how to care for this plant. She is just about 16" high. She is in a larger styrofoam cup right now, like one a restaurant will give you for soup to go. I am not sure if I should transplant her, or let Vivek's mother do it. She is coming tomorrow night. It will give her something to do, as being in US is far different than being in India. She will not have the huge social network she is used to having. We are worried that she will become bored and lonely. I went and bought her some flowers from the nursery today. I was under the impression that she loves to garden, but Vivek says she gardens because she needs the flowers for puja, not so much for a hobby. I chose larger flowers, but not too large. mini-mums and such. I picked yellows, oranges, reds, pinks and dark reds. I was not sure if I should have chosen white. White does not have the same significance in her culture as it does for us. Widows wear white. She herself is a widow and so only wears white saris. I avoided picking white flowers because I didn't know if white flowers were desirable to offer during puja. Do colors of flowers have significance?

I found the following on a website:

Why do we worship tulasi ?

Either in the front, back or central courtyard of most Indian homes there is a tulasi-matham-an altar bearing a tulasi plant. In the present day apartments too, many maintain a potted tulasi plant. The lady of the house lights a lamp, waters the plant, worships and circumambulates it. The stem, leaves, seeds and even the soil, which provides it a base, are considered holy. A tulasi leaf is always placed in the food offered to the Lord It is also offered to the Lord during poojas, especially to Lord Vishnu and His incarnations. In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi – that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the tulasi. For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship, which once used, can be washed and reused in pooja as it is regarded so self-purifying. As one story goes, Tulasi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed him to become a stone (shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adherence to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped her saying that she would become the worshipped plant, tulasi that would adorn His head. Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf – hence the worship of tulasi. She also symbolizes Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulasi. Tulasi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding. This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His consort. Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till a single tulasi leaf was placed along with the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion. Thus the tulasi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world. The tulasi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments, including the common cold.

"Yanmule sarvatirthaani Yannagre sarvadevataa Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha Tulasi taam namaamyaham"

I bow to the tulasi, at whose base are all the holy places, at whose top reside all the deities and in whose middle are all the Vedas.

posted in Pure Puja - 4 replies

Ganesh Puja

2007-09-19T22:45:33Z

NAMASTE

Here is a link on doing Ganesh Puja.

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/articledt.php?art_id=148

In Love and Light

Pritam

posted in Pure Puja - 2 replies

Story of Ganesha Chaturthi

2007-09-16T15:21:33Z

NAMASTE

Story of Ganesha Chaturthi

According to Hindu mythological scriptures Lord Ganesha was formed by Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. It is said that one day Parvati formed a sculpture from the paste that she used on her body before taking bath. She infused life in that figure and ordered him to guard the entrance of her bathroom. God Shiva returned and stopped at the entrance of his house by that boy. In extreme rage Shiva struck off the boy’s head. This incident filled Parvati in utter grief and requested Shiva to return her son. Then Shiva fixed the head of an elephant and restored life onto the body of that boy. Lord Shiva named this boy as ‘Ganpati’ Gan means (hosts) & Pati means (Chief) and blessed that Ganpati would be worshipped before every new venture.

The procession to immerse Ganesha idols/images on Ganesh Chaturthi finds its links with Indian Freedom Struggle. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak started Ganpati Visarjan procession in 1893 and used it as a platform to penetrate awareness about the freedom movement among the mass of India.

In Love and Light

Pritam

P.S. This is just one view of his great story.

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

108 Names of Ganesha

2007-09-16T14:55:14Z

NAMASTE

108 Names of Ganesha

S. No. Ganesha Name Meaning
1 Akhuratha 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 Kirti 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 His Charioteer
59 Nadapratithishta One who Appreciates and Loves Music
60 Namasthetu Vanquisher of All Evils and Vices and 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 and 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 and 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 and Sacrficial Offerings
106 Yashaskaram Bestower of Fame and Fortune
107 Yashvasin Beloved and Ever Popular Lord
108 Yogadhipa The Lord

In Love and Light

Pritam

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Ganesha

2007-09-16T03:10:24Z

This was a nice little bit I found while searching on ebay. It was part of the description of the item. I thought it was nice , and wanted to share it. Tomorrow is Ganesha's Birthday. A very appropriate time this was to stumble upon this little exerpt and hopefully get some discussions going.
~Namaste ~

“Ganesh” or “Ganpathi” – Lord “Ganesh” is a supreme Hindu God with four hands, elephant's head, and a big belly. He is believed to be “The God who removes all the obstacles and grants success”. For thousands of years, “Ganesh” has been worshipped or at least remembered in the beginning of all important occasions.

“OM” or “AUM” – It is called “The Sound of Divine”. It is believed that humming and hearing the sound of “OM” helps the mind become perfectly quiescent, silent, and still. It is a powerful “mantra” for meditation.

Placement of Ganesh figurines near entryways is believed to help ward off malicious entrants.

No analysis of Lord Ganesha can be concluded without a mention of the mystical syllable AUM. The sacred AUM is the most powerful Universal symbol of the divine presence in Hindu thought. It is further said to be the sound which was generated when the world first came into being. The written manifestation of this divine symbol when inverted gives the perfect profile of the god with the elephant head.
Ganesha is thus the ONLY god to be associated in a "physical" sense with the primordial sacred sound AUM, a telling reminder of his supreme position in the Hindu pantheon.
EXPLORE:
Ganesha - the Elephant Headed God, Art and Mythology

The beloved elephant-faced-Deity popularly known as Ganesha has intrigued thinking men all over the world, all through the ages even unto the present day. The sacred texts give a variety of stories narrating the sequence of Ganesha's birth. The most popular being the one mentioning that Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati as a guardian to her privacy:

Incensed by the refusal of her husband to respect her privacy, to the extent of entering her private chambers even while she was having her bath, Parvati decided to settle matters once and for all. Before going for her bath the next time, she rubbed off the sandalwood paste on her body and out of it created the figure of a young boy. She infused life into the figure and told him he was her son and should guard the entrance while she bathed.

Soon after, Shiva (Lord of destruction and husband of Parvati,) came to see Parvati but the young boy blocked his way and would not let him in. Shiva, unaware that this lad was his son, became furious and in great anger fought with this boy whose head got severed from his body in the ensuing battle. Parvati, returning from her bath, saw her headless son and threatened in her rage to destroy the heavens and the earth, so great was her sorrow.

Shiva pacified her and instructed his followers (known as ganas) to bring the head of the first living being they encounter. The first creature they encountered was an elephant. They thus cut off its head and placed it on the body of Parvati's son and breathed life into him. Thus overjoyed, Parvati embraced her son.

The son of Parvati was given the name Ganesha by Shiva. The word Ganesha is made up of gana (followers of Shiva) and isha (lord), thus Shiva appointed him the lord of his ganas.

Ganesha is usually depicted either as a pictograph or as an idol with the body of a man and the head of an elephant, having only one tusk, the other tusk appearing broken. His unique feature, besides the elephant head, is the large belly practically falling over his lower garment. On his chest, across his left shoulder, is his sacred thread, often in the form of a snake. The vehicle of Ganesha is the mouse, often seen paying obeisance to his lord.

According to the strict rules of Hindu iconography, Ganesha figures with only two hands are taboo. Hence, Ganesha figures are most commonly seen with four hands which signify their divinity. Some figures may be seen with six, some with eight, some with ten, some with twelve and some with fourteen hands, each hand carrying a symbol which differs from the symbols in other hands, there being about fifty seven symbols in all, according to the findings of research scholars.The physical attributes of Ganesha are themselves rich in symbolism. He is normally shown with one hand in the abhaya pose of protection and refuge and the second holding a sweet (modaka) symbolic of the sweetness of the realized inner self. In the two hands behind him he often holds an ankusha (elephant goad) and a pasha (noose). The noose is to convey that worldly attachments and desires are a noose. The goad is to prod man to the path of righteousness and truth. With this goad Ganesha can both strike and repel obstacles.

His pot belly signifies the bounty of nature and also that Ganesha swallows the sorrows of the Universe and protects the world.

The image of Ganesha is a composite one. Four animals viz., man, elephant, the serpent and the mouse have contributed for the makeup of his figure. All of them individually and collectively have deep symbolic significance. The image of Ganesha thus represents man's eternal striving towards integration with nature. He has to be interpreted taking into consideration the fact that though millenniums rolled by, man yet remains closer to animal today than he was ever before.

The most striking feature of Ganesha is his elephant head, symbolic of auspiciousness, strength and intellectual prowess. All the qualities of the elephant are contained in the form of Ganpati. The elephant is the largest and strongest of animals of the forest. Yet he is gentle and, amazingly, a vegetarian, so that he does not kill to eat. He is very affectionate and loyal to his keeper and is greatly swayed if love and kindness are extended to him. Ganesha, though a powerful deity, is similarly loving and forgiving and moved by the affection of his devotees. But at the same time the elephant can destroy a whole forest and is a one-man army when provoked. Ganesha is similarly most powerful and can be ruthless when containing evil.

Again, Ganesha's large head is symbolic of the wisdom of the elephant. His large ears, like the winnow, sift the bad from the good. Although they hear everything, they retain only that which is good; they are attentive to all requests made by the devotees, be they humble or powerful.

Ganesha's trunk is a symbol of his discrimination (viveka), a most important quality necessary for spiritual progress. The elephant uses its trunk to push down a massive tree, carry huge logs to the river and for other heavy tasks. The same huge trunk is used to pick up a few blades of grass, to break a small coconut, remove the hard nut and eat the soft kernel inside. The biggest and minutest of tasks are within the range of this trunk which is symbolic of Ganesha's intellect and hiss powers of discrimination.

An intriguing aspect of Ganesha's iconography is his broken tusk, leading to the appellation Ekdanta, Ek meaning one and danta meaning teeth. It carries an interesting legend behind it:

When Parashurama one of Shiva's favorite disciples, came to visit him, he found Ganesha guarding Shiva's inner apartments. His father being asleep, Ganesha opposed Parshurama's entry. Parashurama nevertheless tried to urge his way, and the parties came to blows. Ganesha had at first the advantage, seizing Parashurama in his trunk, and giving him a twirl that left him sick and senseless; on recovering, Rama threw his axe at Ganesha, who recognizing it as his father's weapon (Shiva having given it to Parashurama) received it with all humility upon one of his tusks, which it immediately severed, and hence Ganesha has but one tusk.

A different legend narrates that Ganesha was asked to scribe down the epic of Mahabharata, dictated to him by its author, sage Vyasa. Taking into note the enormity and significance of the task, Ganesha realized the inadequacy of any ordinary 'pen' to undertake the task. He thus broke one of his own tusks and made a pen out of it. The lesson offered here is that no sacrifice is big enough in the pursuit of knowledge.

An ancient Sanskrit drama titled "Shishupalvadha", presents a different version. Here it is mentioned that Ganesha was deprived of his tusk by the arrogant Ravana (the villain of Ramayana), who removed it forcefully in order to make ivory earrings for the beauties of Lanka!

The little mouse whom Ganesha is supposed to ride upon is another enigmatic feature in his iconography. At a first glance it seems strange that the lord of wisdom has been granted a humble obsequious mouse quite incapable of lifting the bulging belly and massive head that he possesses. But it implies that wisdom is an attribute of ugly conglomeration of factors and further that the wise do not find anything in the world disproportionate or ugly.

The mouse is, in every respect, comparable to the intellect. It is able to slip unobserved or without our knowledge into places which we would have not thought it possible to penetrate. In doing this it is hardly concerned whether it is seeking virtue or vice. The mouse thus represents our wandering, wayward mind, lured to undesirable or corrupting grounds. By showing the mouse paying subservience to Lord Ganesha it is implied that the intellect has been tamed through Ganesha's power of discrimination.

Any attempt to penetrate the depths of the Ganesha phenomenon must note that he is born from Goddess Parvati alone without the intervention of her husband Shiva, and as such he shares a very unique and special relationship with his mother. The sensitive nature of his relationship with Parvati is made amply clear in the following tale:

As a child, Ganesha teased a cat by pulling its tail, rolling it over on the ground and causing it great pain, as naughty young boys are wont to do. After some time, tired of his game, he went to his mother Parvati. He found her in great pain and covered with scratches and dust all over. When he questioned her, she put the blame on him. She explained that she was the cat whom Ganesha had teased.

His total devotion towards his mother is the reason why in the South Indian tradition Ganesha is represented as single and celibate. It is said that he felt that his mother, Parvati, was the most beautiful and perfect woman in the universe. Bring me a woman as beautiful as she is and I shall marry her, he said. None could find an equal to the beautiful Uma (Parvati), and so the legend goes, the search is still on...

In variance with the South Indian tradition, in North India Ganesha is often shown married to the two daughters of Brahma (the Lord of Creation), namely Buddhi and Siddhi. Metaphorically Buddhi signifies wisdom and Siddhi achievement. In the sense of yoga, Buddhi and Siddhi represent the female and male currents in the human body. In visual arts this aspect of Ganesha is represented with grace and charm. In a different, slightly erotic version from Tantric thought, Ganesha is depicted in a form known as "Shakti Ganpati". Here he is depicted with four arms, two of them holding symbolic implements. With the other two arms he fondles his consort, who is comfortably balanced on his left thigh. The third eye in this representation, is of course the eye of wisdom, which sees above and beyond mere physical reality.

posted in Pure Puja - 6 replies

Websites with Audio Components for Mantras

2007-07-31T18:09:24Z

Hi everyone,
just curious if anybody has favorite websites that have Audio components for Mantras? I wanted to hear the pronounciation so that I can say them right.
Thanks so much
~*~

posted in Pure Puja - 1 reply

Divine surrender

2007-07-14T23:24:04Z

NAMASTE

Honouring is a sign of divine love. This is called pooja. The ceremony of pooja imitates what nature is already doing for you. The Divine worships you in so many forms. In pooja, you offer everything back to the Divine.

Flowers are offered in pooja. The flower is a symbol of love. The Divine has come to you in love through so many forms: mother, father, wife, husband, children and friends.

The same love comes to you in the form of the Master to elevate you to the level of divine love, which is also your own nature. Recognising this flowering of love from all sides of life, we offer flowers.

Fruits are offered, because the Divine offers you fruits in due season. You offer grain, because nature provides you food. A candle light and a cool camphor light are offered; in the same way nature continually revolves the sun and moon around you.

Incense is offered for fragrance. All the five senses are used in pooja, and it is performed with deep feeling. Through pooja, we say to God, ‘Oh, whatever you give to me, I give back to you.’ Pooja is honour and gratitude.

Have you seen children? They have small little pots and dishes. They sometimes pretend that they make toast or tea. They come to the elders and say, ‘Now, please have some tea.’ They serve you. There will be nothing in the cup; it is all in their imagination.

They play with you. Whatever you do to them, they also do. They put the doll to sleep. They feed it and bathe it. In the same way, pooja is an expression of what the Divine is doing for you. pooja is a mixture of imitation, honour, playfulness and love.

When you are in deep love, you naturally want to offer something. Somebody from California sent a big parcel to me. It was filled with candies and candles. Now, the person who sent it knows that candies and candles can be got here, too. And the cost of the airmail is much more than the candles and candies. But in love, you want to offer something anyway.

Usually when you love something, you want to possess it. And in the process of possessing, you make the beautiful thing ugly. Pooja is contrary to that. Pooja means honour and worship, offering one’s self. You appreciate, you adore, you recognise beauty. Worship is just the opposite of wanting to possess. Usually our relationships do not flower to this extent. Instead we start demanding. Husband and wife, master and servant, there is a demand. ‘I have done so much for you. Now you must do this thing for me.’ Demanding is contrary to honouring. The way to preserve a relationship is to honour.

Honour the creation. Look at a tree with honour. Feel grateful for its being here. It purifies the poison that we breathe out. It makes the air fresh. Have you ever thought, ‘These trees are mine. The sun, the moon, the air, the water — everything belongs to me. All these stars are mine. The people are mine?’ When you honour the creation, you will feel this.

Honour your own body. Remember that when you eat, you are offering food to the Divine that resides inside this body. When people are agitated, they eat more. Take your food, not in a hurry, not with violence, but with a sense of offering. This also is pooja.

Have you ever looked at your breath with honour? Have you ever thought, ‘This breath is so beautiful, moving in and out; without it, my body would be thrown away.’ With honour, look into your breath. With this depth of worship, all your feverishness will be transformed into love.

Honouring leads to devotion that leads to surrender. Surrender to the Divine brings total rest from all anxieties, from all wants. Life has burned down with so many various wants. In every direction, life is found to be weary. Devotion brings that total rest — a healing touch to the life, which has been moving in so many directions.

The mind always looks for charms, miracles, events, excitements. Yet once it goes there, the charm ceases to exist. The charm of the mind is a continuous mirage; it is always farther, it is always somewhere else. When the flame of devotion is lit, the craving mind melts away like wax. As the mind melts, the flame of devotion becomes more alive and intense.

Charm is always an outside influence. Devotion is an inner flowering. Devotion starts from where you are, whereas a charm is something that pulls you away from yourself. The charm never lasts for long. Unless you are lit in devotion to the Divine, your life will remain restless.

In devotion, in that process of burning, longing will arise in you. With love, there is bound to be longing. If there is longing, know that there is also love. They are two sides of the same coin; they cannot be separated. Usually when longing arises, we are in a hurry to finish it off. But this longing is fortunate and very beautiful. It will transform your mind totally.

Devotion is your nature. When you rest in your own nature, there is no conflict. But usually we feel a conflict. We feel bad about a negative quality we have or something that we did. A Master is one who lifts these burdens from you that you yourself cannot carry — and kindles in you devotional love.

Offer everything to the Master — your anger, your frustration, all your bad feelings and good feelings. Your negativity pulls you down. Your positive qualities bring pride and arrogance in you.

Your whole life becomes a big weight. When you offer it all, you become free. You become light like a flower. You can again smile and rejoice in the moment. What remains in you is pure love.

In Love and Light

Pritam

posted in Pure Puja - 1 reply

Flower garlands

2007-07-10T14:16:39Z

Is there a Hindi name for flower garlands?
Also, I want to know, why do people put flower garlands over pictures of Gods and Goddesses, and also loved ones who passed? Gods aren't dead, why do we do this for both?

posted in Pure Puja - 8 replies

Vighneswara Maha yagna..The healing and karma burning week (free service)

2007-05-19T17:33:06Z

Dear friend,

We are back with another healing event from Pranashakty Group, Vighneshwara Maha Yagna ( from 24 to 30 May, 2007).

This is going to be the biggest and most powerful healing event that we have ever conducted. Participants will be filled with energy for one week continuously to reguvenate them both physically and spiritually. We happily invite you to receive divine blessings.

You may be thinking what is this 'Divine blessing'. Yes, you will get divine blessings because the energy coming to you will be the product of 'Homa', the vedic way of getting divine presence with us. Not only that, all our healers are here to send healing energy to you. This 2 way healing will give you the best that you can receive.

More details are given in our website : http://pranashakty.net/pages/yagna_home.html

Please continue to be with us in the attempt to spread peace and healing.

Regards
Pranashakty
( http://pranashakty.net )

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Hello All

2007-05-11T20:19:56Z

I did a dumb thing this early part of the year. I opened a business AND decided to take a full load of 12 units at our local university. I have been going mad trying to keep up with up front costs of the business as well as get good grades. I have about a week and a half of school left and I am excited to get back to the tribes I have started and had to temporarily abandon and start to get things going again and liven things up....

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

NEW YEAR GREETINGS

2007-02-15T03:38:07Z

Heres wishing each and every member of this tribe a
SUCCESSFUL AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR,
MAY EACH DAY BE BRIGHTER, WARMER AND RADIANT THAN THE OTHER,
MAY GOOD FORTUNES SHADOW THE PATH YOU WALK ON,
AND GOOD HEALTH BE THE CLOTHES YOU WEAR DAILY.
JOElittle

posted in Pure Puja - 1 reply

Power of Puja, Prayer and Faith...in the face of impossibilities...

2007-02-15T03:35:46Z

I haven't been around for awhile, but hopefully I will be back in full swing in a few weeks. I lose my business in its current location, and although at the moment financially ruined, I will survive. I moved down a few stores to a smaller more manageable place for me, and as soon as I am cozy in there, I will be back to start some discussions.
As some of you know, I went through a very hard time over the last year, becoming angry and hateful and lashing out with uncontrollable temper. The one I took it all out on was Vivek, the one that I loved. It was a very dismal situation. I pushed him away, and he never wanted to talk to me ever again. I was paining so bad, heartbroken and distraught without him, and knowing the harm that I inflicted on him. I had started going to the temple here in Sunnyvale. I cried to the Pandit ji... he had seen me coming in every Monday, and one night I was crying and he told me to come back on Friday afternoon. When I came, he performed a puja for Vivek and I. When he was done he came to me and said to put it in God's hands now. It is up to him. I have been pretty faithful about fasting on Monday's (for Vivek's sake, in the way a wife fasts for her husband, and in honor of Shiv ji) and have been attending the temple every Monday...It was the most impossible situation. But over time, Vivek has come back into my life, well - I was patient, persuasive and persistant...and he has accepted me back. Life has pretty much gotten back to normal with him. But now I have released the anger and hate. I do not lash out at him anymore. If we have a disagreement, I have learned not to be defiant and I have learned to be quiet and not sabatoge the situation and destroy it in a fit of rage. I understand that he has frustrations too, and he also needs to express them. I have learned to not argue, but to debate. I have learned to listen to what he is saying, not attack everything in a defensive mode, closing my ears to his words, refusing to listen.
Do I ascribe this to the Puja? I do. And faith in God. And learning that there is a difference between patience and persistance. I am not equiped with the former. Only the latter. And they are two different and distinct personality traits. Because I had no patience, I lost Vivek. Because I was persistant, I now have him back. Now I must develop patience so that I can keep him.
I am awestruck by the fact that Vivek is back. I cannot tell you how much that there was no way he was ever going to speak to me again. He was done. He wanted no part of me. He had never in his whole life been treated like this. He is a simple and quiet man. I did not expect Pandit ji to perform the full puja that day. I thought he just wanted to talk to me and give me some advice. I did not know what would happen. I only knew that I was lost and had nothing left in my life except my faith in God...it is hard to give your problems to God. Because you are giving him the steering wheel and you know he might not take you to the place you want to go, but somewhere else. There is that fear. They say that somethings happen for a reason. It was not meant to be. God has other plans for us. But I don't want other plans sometimes. Sometimes I only want my plans. This is the struggle of having full faith and surrendering. To fully trust in God. But I had no other options. Vivek was gone. I had nothing...nothing left but faith...and God was good to me...he brought us back together.
Lately things have been hectic. With the business and also my older daughter who does not live with me has been hospitalized again - she suffers from depression. And I am feeling the yearing to be in the temple every Monday, without fail...but it has been hard, with emergencies on a weekly basis. I am still keeping my fast every Monday...hopefully next week and on will be smooth sailing and I can be back in the temple...
and back here at Tribe with all my dear friends...
Namaste..
Therese

posted in Pure Puja - 5 replies

CAR PUJA!

2007-02-15T03:34:53Z

VROOOOOOOOOOM!

I found this fantastic article on how puja is performed on cars to ensure safe driving. I think im gonna do it!

http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa030403a.htm

posted in Pure Puja - 2 replies

Pujas for Days of the Week

2007-02-10T21:33:33Z

Different days of the week are connected to different Gods and Goddesses. Can you tell us which days are auspicious to do pujas to which God or Goddess?

posted in Pure Puja - 8 replies

Pancha Ganapati

2006-12-26T16:15:29Z

NAMASTE

I thought i would share this here.

KAUAI, HAWAII, December 17, 2006: (HPI note: In the late 1980s, Hinduism Today's founder, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, created the festival of "Pancha Ganapati" in response to requests from his devotees living in the West for an alternative celebration to Christmas. It was especially meant for children. Following is his explanation of the festival.)

Pancha Ganapati is a modern Hindu festival of the Five-Faced (pancha means "five") Maha Ganapati -- Lord of Categories. This festival falls during the thirty days of the Markali Pillaiyar home festival and lasts for five days -- from December 21 through 25.

The winter solstice has always been a festive time of year in all countries and religions, among Hindus especially, for it is a traditional season for the worship of Lord Ganesha. In Hindu Vedic Astrology this time of year marks the end of the sun's southward movement and the beginning of its movement north, the change from dakshinay ana to uttarayana. Since Hindus do not celebrate Christmas, they often find it difficult to relate in a meaningful way to those who do. Their children are often embarrassed when asked why they do not receive gifts on December 25. Adults feel the need to give gifts and mail greeting cards as well as receive them from their relatives, neighbors, friends and business associates. Pancha Ganapati is a Hindu expression of this natural season of worship, gift-giving and celebration.

December 25 and the days that precede and follow it have truly become a special time of year for people of many religions, and for the non-religious as well. In fact, this season has become so universally popular that it has virtually become a secular cultural holiday in addition to its special observance by certain religions. Recognizing this fact, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Christmas a secular, social holiday. This is because it has become a time for everyone to rejoice, give and share th eir abundance, each in his own way.

CREATING THE PANCHA GANAPATI SHRINE

Pancha Ganapati is not a temple utsava; it is a contemporary home observance. Because of the importance of this festival as a new beginning and mending of all mistakes of the past, a festive shrine is created especially for the five-day event in the main living room of the home. At the center of the shrine is placed a large wooden or bronze five-faced statue of Lord Pancha Ganapati. If this is not available, any large picture of Lord Ganesha will do. The home shrine is decorated in the spirit of this festive season. Lord Ganesha is often depicted as coming from the forest; therefore, pine boughs (or banana leaves) may be used. Durva grass, sugarcane and garlands of sweet modaka balls are used to decorate the home shrine. Flashing lights, tinsel and colorful hanging ornaments may also be added.

Pancha Ganapati is dressed anew each morning, preferably by the children, in a special color for that particular day. His five shaktis are loved and adored by all members of the family. He appears in golden yellow on December 21. A regal gown of royal blue is presented to Him on December 22 and one of ruby red on the 23rd. On December 24 He appears in emerald green; and on the final day Lord Pancha Ganapati comes forth in brilliant orange to bless all who visit Him, bestowing 365 days of wealth and abundance until returning again next year in the form of Pancha Ganapati.

Pancha Ganapati should be celebrated in a distinctly Hindu way. The items which should not be used are Christmas trees, Santa Claus or symbols of other religions. These symbols carry connotations that are to be avoided in Hindu worship. Season's greeting cards should be Hindu in design and content. Season's greetings to friends in other religions can continue with thoughts of Hindu wisdom or quotes from Hindu scripture. If properly chosen they will be appreciated and cherish ed.

PANCHA GANAPATI ACTIVITIES

Pancha Ganapati is a joyous time for the family and should include outings, picnics, holiday feasts and exchange of cards and gifts with relatives, friends and business associates. Each day a traditional offering tray of sweets, fruits and incense is offered to Pancha Ganapati, often prepared and presented by the children. Each day gifts are given to the children, who place them unopened before Pancha Ganapati, to open only on the fifth day. After each puja, the sweets are given to them from the offering tray as prasada. Gifts need not be extravagent or expensive; they should be within the means of each family. Handmade presents are by far the most precious. Ganesha does not want gift-giving to promote Western commercialism but to further the great Hindu culture. Clearly, killer games should never be given. Greeting cards, ideally made by the children, offer Hindu art and wisdom, such as verses from the Vedas.

During each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati, chants, songs, hymns and bhajanas are sung in His praise. Each day a different family sadhana is focused upon. The first sadhana begins the morning of December 21 and the others begin ea ch day thereafter until the fifth and final day, December 25.

DECEMBER 21, YELLOW

The family sadhana for the first day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among immediate family members. The day begins early, and the entire family works together to design and decorate the shrine with traditional symbols, rangoli, lamps and more. Then a grand puja is performed invoking the spirit of Pancha Ganapati in the home. The sadhana of the day now begins. The family sits together for the purpose of easing any strained relationships that have arisen during the year. They make amends one with another for misdeeds performed, insults given, mental pain and injuries caused and suffered. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and all, they speak of each other's good qualities and resolve that in the days ahead they will remember the futility of trying to change others and the practicality of changing oneself to be the silent example for al l to witness. Gifts are then exchanged and placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati. As family harmony is important to all Hindus, this sadhana must be taken very seriously.

DECEMBER 22, BLUE

The family sadhana for the second day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends and presenting them with heartfelt. The sadhana of the day is to offer apologies and clear up any misunderstandings that exist. Relatives and friends in far-off places are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made and tensions released. Gifts received are placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

DECEMBER 23, RED

The family sadhana for the third day is to create a vibration of love and harmony among business associates, the casual merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting gifts to merchants and customers and to honor employers and employees with gifts and appreci ation. The sadhana today is the settling of all debts and disputes. Gifts received are placed unopened before the Deity.

DECEMBER 24, GREEN

The sadhana of day four is to draw forth the vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. Family, relatives and friends gather for satsanga to share and enjoy their artistic gifts. When the program is over, all sit together before Pancha Ganapati, Patron of the Arts and Guardian of Culture, discussing Hindu Dharma and making plans to bring more cultural refinements into each household. More gifts are placed before Lord Ganapati.

DECEMBER 25, ORANGE

The family sadhana for the final day of Pancha Ganapati is to bring forth love and harmony within all three worlds. Because of sadhanas well performed during the first four days, the family is now more open and aware of Ganesha's Grace, and their love for Him is now overflowing. On this day the entire family experienc es an outpouring of love and tranquility from the great God Himself. His blessings fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it, inspiring them anew for the coming year. This exchange of affection between all members of the family and the Lord is invoked and perpetuated through the day by performing five special pujas. The first puja is at 6AM. Before the puja, personal offering trays are prepared and placed before His shrine. After the puja, each one gives verbal testimony about prayers that were answered during the past year. Hearing testimonies strengthens the faith of everyone. Then vows of sacrifice can be verbally made. Vows should improve the quality of the life of the individual, such as giving up smoking or correcting other harmful habits.

The second puja is at 9AM, and the third at 12 noon. The fourth puja is held at 3PM. At 6PM the fifth and final puja of the day is held. These five pujas to Pancha Ganapati solicit help from His devas in the home and establish the patterns for improvement in family life. The overflowing love that is felt today will inspire generosity in the year to come, bringing in return abundance and good fortune. All gifts received during the day are placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

The evening puja, held at six o'clock, is the long-awaited time. The five sadhanas have been completed. Peace, love and harmony among everyone have been restored. After the puja and before the great feast that follows, Lord Panchamukha Ganapati Himself gives His final darshana and prasada to one and all. Gifts are distributed and joyously opened. Happy children. Happy parents. Happy God.

A FAMILY PRAYER AFTER PANCHA GANAPATI

Enjoy this prayer during the next 360 days after Pancha Ganapati. May His blessings flood your home with bounteous joy. May you and your family experience His boons of abundance, culture and sensitivity to the feelings of others that He will grant through the months ahead. Repeat the following prayer together after each puja in your shrine until Lord Ganesha returns again next year as Pancha Ganapati.

Om bhur bhuvah suv ah
Ekadantaya vidmahe

Oh divine beings of all three worlds, let us bring our minds to rest in the darshana of Him who has one tusk.

Vakratundaya dhimahi

Let us meditate upon Him who has the form of an elephant with a curved trunk.

Tanno dantih prachodayat

May He guide us always along the right path.

Jai Ganesha!
Jai Panchamukha Ganapati!
Jai Ganesha! Jai! Jai!
Aum shantih, shantih, shantih, Aum.

Victory to the Lord of Celestials!
Hail to the Five-Faced Lord of ganas!
Victory to the Lord of Celestials!
Hail to Ganesha. Jai, jai.
Aum, peace, peace, peace, Aum

In Love and Light

Pritam

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Chant Gayatri Mantra?

2006-12-26T15:44:39Z

NAMASTE

I am posting this letter here to see the many veiws on chanting Gayatri from everyone here.

KAUAI, HAWAII, December 24, 2006: An issue came up at the Hindu Mission of Canada in Quebec regarding the chanting of the famed Gayatri Mantra by the ordinary devotees. Some brahmins held the position that the mantra should chanted by everyone only when a priest is leading the chant. The chairman of the mission, Dharam Pal Verman, asked Hinduism Today to research the issue. We, in turn, asked our Delhi correspondent, Rajiv Malik, to consult with experts in India. He reported the following points:

1. The chanting of Gayatri Mantra collectively in large groups is something very common place in the temples and Arya Samajas all over India. It takes place everyday. No one ever objects to non-brahmins joining the priests and other brahmins in this chanting of the Gayatri Mantra.

2. In an earlier interview with Hinduism Today, the Shankaracharya of Puri said that mantras need to be chanted by common people in an extremely careful manner so th at they do not get harmed by the high level of energy generated in the process of chanting them.

3. In consultation with Swami Pragyanand of Delhi, who is a big promoter of Gayatri Mantra, Swami said:

a. "Gayatri mantra is for everybody. Why I say this is because every mantra has a devata and in the case of Gayatri Mantra, the devata or God is the Sun God. Now the Sun God is for every creature in this world. therefore gayatri is also for everybody in this world. Gayatri is also known as mother and again mother is for everyone and therefore Gayatri is for every child of God. Anything which is created by God is for everybody, whereas if a man creates something it may be used for the benefit of some people only.

b. "In Bhagavad Gita lord Krishna said that among mantras I am myself the Gayatri Mantra. So how can anybody be deprived of chanting the Gayatri Mantra?

c. "The essence of Gayatri Mantra is that God may grant wisdom to all. Now wisdom is not a monopoly of any one person, state, religion or sect. Therefore as wisdom is for everybody, Gayatri Mantra is also for everybody.

d. "When I went to Surinam in South America for the first time, in some of the temples they did not allow chanting of Gayatri Mantra. But when I explained the meaning and essence of Gayatri Mantra to the people there, they got convinced and the things changed. Today, a few radio stations have a round-the-clock recitation of Gayatri Mantra."

e. Asked about the point of view of the Puri Shankaracharya, Swami said that as the Shankaracharya was of orthodox views therefore he held this kind of opinion on this matter. In an earlier case, the Puri Shankaracharya objected to women chanting the Vedas.

In Love and Light

Pritam

posted in Pure Puja - 0 replies

Pointing Feet

2006-12-22T22:58:06Z

On the Vaastu Shastra tribe we were discussing bed position, so the importance of head/feet direction came up. Also the discussion of pointing your feet at the Gods. I was in the Temple last night, and my daughter has a hard time sitting cross legged sometimes and so she was resting her legs straight out, and leaning back on her hands. Well, just as a mother, this position looks lazy and is a bit disrespecfut, it seems uninterested and too relaxed/casual for the situation. I usually tell her to adjust her position to be more respectful, but now I realize that it was also a disrespectful position to be in because her feet were pointing at the alter, and the Gods, so I was glad that this was mentioned on the other tribe, because I was able to correct it and not be committing such a faux pas. I don't think any one would have ever come forward and said something for me to correct her. It is a bit awkward. So now she folds her legs to the side, so I am thankful for the discussion, because even though this situation wasn't mentioned, it helped us in this way, even though bed position was not an issue here!..lol...
There are lessons in all things, big and small. And it is important to listen and consider all inputs, because you never know when that information will prove to be important. I do some things, not sure of how it is going to help me now. But I do it because I am sure, that some day, there would have been a reason for my learning a particlular thing. So all learning and knowledge is taken with respect, for this reason. I take nothing for granted, and this mental attitude has been a blessing because I have practiced this for as long as I remember. And in many situations, when I have a need, many small things that might have been forgotten or taken with a grain of salt by a lot of people, these were the things that saved me or put me ahead.
Peace
Namaste
Therese

posted in Pure Puja - 2 replies

MANDIRS!

2006-12-19T22:59:19Z

So, Exotic India is commissioned to make me a rather large brass Murti (2.8'x2') currently and I would like Her to have a nice home. does anyone know where to get home Mandirs for Puja Ghar besides www.mymandir.com? I dunno what their prices are like yet altho I asked for a quote. I am tempted to try to make one myself but it has been years since I did any work with wood and I don't have any tools or lumber! perhaps it would be a worthwhile devotional task tho?

posted in Pure Puja - 15 replies

Small Acts for Purity, Cleansing, Release and Healing...

2006-12-14T16:53:49Z

Hello, I am sure most of you are aware of the agonizing pain I have been enduring in the break up of a man I loved very dearly. I became abusive. In my insecurties, I became suspicious, jealous and accusatory. I have low self esteem so I couldn't believe in what I had. I sabotaged it and now he is gone, and I know he will never look back. I am so sad without him and so sorry, more than I can say, for what i had done to him. I had learned alot about myself. It was a painful realization about my past. I was hurting, in pain, angry, resentful and lashing out. Instead of lashing out to my family, because I feared more rejection, I held it in and it always exploded towards Vivek. I realize I have deep rooted problems, and that they are the blocks to my happiness, but it took loosing someone that was the first to ever believe in me and treat me good, to realize the damage I have inside. I will still go to the temple and pray for him, for God to hold him close always, and protect him and to bring his dreams and hopes to fruition. I will pray for a good life for him. I am sorry that there will be no second chances for me, but this is what I deserved. I had become a vicious monster. And he rightfully had to go to keep peace in his life. Do you have any suggestions for small prayers or acts to help me heal, purify, release the pain of the past that is causing me so much distress, anxiety, tension, anger and pain? I have been praying to Ganesh, to remove obstacles, to Durga, to defeat these demons and effect change through their distruction, and also Shiv ji, the great husband...for Vivek's sake...and because I will never stop loving him. Any input would be greatly appreciated...

posted in Pure Puja - 2 replies

Small Puja for Shiv ji

2006-12-12T22:05:31Z

Can someone tell me the right way to set up a small Hindu altar in my home?
According to Vedic knowledge, not new age influence...
And some advice to Puja for Shiv ji, and I know Ganesha is prayed to first...
I am single again, and in pain. I have been going to the temple on Mondays to pray for him to come back, but I must
accept that it is over. He is not coming back...
But still I pray to Shiv ji...for my own reasons now.

posted in Pure Puja - 7 replies

Lakshmi Puja - Diwali - Hindu Temple

2006-12-10T20:42:35Z

Ok, at the behest of showing my naitivety, I am going to ask the questions that burn in my heart to know.
I went to the Lakshmi Puja this last Diwali at the Hindu Temple. If you can answer me what significance of the Priest's actions as he is performing the puja...(and how do you refer to the Priest who is perfoming the puja? What do I call him when I am speaking of him in conversation, and if I am to talk to him, how do I address him?)
1) He had a large conch shell, and it was full of water, he poured it into his hand and flung it over the devotees, hitting them with the water drops.
2) The Diyas on the front bench on a platter. We put some money in and passed our hand through the flame and made a motion of passing our hand through the flame and up and over our head, following the contour...others put their hands in the flame and touched their closed eyes.
3) A family brought food offered it, the priest took it, I lost track of it, but it was a big pan full of sweet. I forgot the name of it, I am tired, but it was made with what seemed to be sooji. It reappeared later, and the devotees all lined up to recieve prasad from that same pan.
4) When he is chanting, my friend said to just repeat what he was saying. I felt odd because I did not know what he was saying, so was hesitant.
5) My friend and her family prostrated themselves to the altar.
6) Two different priests came out. The first one with water in a bowl. He gave each person a spoonful in their cup of their hand. Some drank it, I was told to swallow it by my friend. She said it was rosewater. some ppl, i thought I saw them pop the water into their mouth and then run their wet hand over their head, almost smoothing their hair. The second one came out, his pan looked like watered down milk, my friend said not to take it, it is the same as the rose water and I had already taken that.
7) Who gives the tilak? I saw powders in a pot, but no one tending it. Who can and cannot recieve a tilak. What exactly is its significance?
That is all I can remember. I am tired and sleepy. I look forward to your answers...
thanks..

posted in Pure Puja - 7 replies

With the Attitude of Humility and innocence

2006-12-06T16:51:57Z

Namah Shivaya ...

In the liniage that i am part of, we chant the 1000 names of the Divine Mother ,a.k.a. Archana. While chanting these mantras ones mind merges into a very still place, coming back into their highest true self. It always leaves me feeling so humble and pure. After chanting these divine names it closes with a very beautiful mantra that i wanted to share with you all...

Mantrahinam Kriyahinam Bhaktihinam Maheshvari
Yapujitam Maya Devi Paripurnam Tadastute

Translation:
O Mother, in this worship of You I may have made many mistakes and omissons. I may have forgotten to chant many mantras. I may have forgotten to perform many rituals. I may have done it without proper devotion or attention. Kindly forgive my omissions and make my worship full and complete, by Thy grace.

One may not chant the proper mantras and may not perform pujas according to the laws of ritual- though with an open heart, filled with innocence and with the attitude of humility, Grace is bestowed...

In the light of truth...
Om Tat Sat...
Bala

posted in Pure Puja - 1 reply

Instructional Puja CDs from Devi Mandir

2006-12-05T15:54:34Z

Namaste-

I want to order the CDs Shiva Puja (Beginners) and Durga Puja (Beginners) from Devi Mandir, but am curious as to the format of the CDs. It is simply a recording of the puja being chanting in Sanskrit, or is there more instruction on there as well? Also if anyone has used these CDs to learn to chant, how easy or difficult did you find it. Since shipping to Canada is $12 I want to make sure that I'm going to really enjoy and be able to use the CDs before dropping almost $45 on getting the 2 shipped here.

Also, if you have learned to chant puja in Sanskrit, how did you learn? Did you have an in-person guru, or know someone who taught you, or did you teach yourself through recordings or other methods?

I've been performing basic pujas in English and just using Sanskrit for the round of japa, but would like to learn more.

Blessings,
~Devi~

posted in Pure Puja - 4 replies

Japa...Mantra...

2006-12-03T16:28:33Z

Ok, I started the tribe off with a huge blunder...
So, can you tell me..
What is...

1)Japa

2)Mantra

posted in Pure Puja - 15 replies

Lingam, Saligrama, and ..... for Devi?

2006-11-30T19:50:52Z

Namaste-

I was reading the latest installment of Hinduism Today's digital edition and one of the articles was about setting up a home temple/shrine. They had pictures of example altars from various Hindu sects. The Shaiva altar had a lingam, of course, and the Vaisnava altar had a Saligrama, and on the Smarta altar they showed a box that contained various "rocks" to the deities - a Shiva lingam, Saligrama, but they also had a stone for Devi, one for the Sun and one for Ganesha.

Does anyone know what stones are used for Devi, Ganesha and the Sun (Surya? - thought it was not named so in the magazine). Are these stones used on altars other than Smarta ones, in the way that the lingam and saligrama are?

~Devi~

posted in Pure Puja - 1 reply

Significance of Puja Items...

2006-11-28T21:02:32Z

I ask too many questions...so I will ask just a few, and as they are answered, I will add to my list of even more questions..
In Puja...
Well, first off,

Question 1) What is the difference between Puja and Aarti?

Question 2) Can you explain about the Ghata (cup). It should be made of copper?

Question 3) Can you explain about Sindoor?

Question 4) Can you explain about Haldi?

Question 5) Can you explain about Chandan?

In answering these questions, can you tell me also, the significance of these items, what they represent, and how they are used in Puja.

posted in Pure Puja - 10 replies

16 Weeks

2006-11-27T17:19:19Z

There is a practice of fasting every Monday for a boon. For a husband, for your love, for a mate. Can anyone elaborate? Also, women in different parts of the country fast for their husbands on different days of the week, in different amounts. Some once a year, some every Monday or Friday. I understand Monday is for Shiv, and Friday is in the South for a female Goddess. Can you tell me more? The man that I love is Bengali. What would I do to pray for his health, protection and show my love and devotion to him?

posted in Pure Puja - 5 replies

Pure Puja Tribe Available

2006-11-14T05:31:25Z

I am very, very sorry. It is not even my first week with this tribe and I have made quite a mess of things. I made quite an idiot of myself but I had nothing but the best intentions. My apologies - I was posting as I found resources. I was the blind leading the blind. As I confessed in my first post, I do not have experience. I am not knowledgeable. I am not mature. I just wanted to learn puja as it was supposed to be performed in the strictly Hindu sense. No adulteration. No fantasy. No combining of many religions to form a custom blend new one. No perversion of the teachings. I had no business undertaking such a huge and profound topic that I didn't know enough about. I was just frustrated with the lack of resources that I was craving, and tried to start something of my own so I could eventually find my answers. If anyone wants this tribe, it is available. Please send me a note, and I will turn over moderatorship to you. Good luck with the tribe and I hope it does a lot of good in the world.
Namaskar....
...Therese

posted in Pure Puja - 10 replies