Thursday 30 June 2011

Points to Remember on Diwali

Important Instructions for Diwali
1. At the time of buying statues of Lakshmi and Ganesha, make sure that trunk of the Lord Ganesha is bend towards his right hand side. Also, check that statues should not be broken and looking indecent.

2. While placing the statues of the Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for worshiping, always remember that Lakshmiji must be placed at the right hand side of Lord Ganesha.
3. Worshiping of Diwali should be done by facing west direction, so statues must face towards east.
4. The nearest lamp from the statues of Gods should be lightened by pure ghee and it should be north facing. The flame of lamp should also face north direction.
5. For the Diwali hawan, wood of Palaash Tree should be used.
6. Married people must worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi together and should not do it alone by anyone.
7. Businesses places should be worshiped with the help of best scholars of scriptures, by the owner him/herself.
8. The place of worship where statues are placed should be vacant only on the day of Bhai Dooj not before that.
9. The nearest lamp from the statues should also be lightened on the day of Pratipada (first day of the Paksha) of the Kartik Krishna.
10. On the day of Bhai Dooj (the second day of the Kartik Krishna), by taking all the material of worship should be placed on their permanent places and other things like soil lams, flower and other material should be flown in a river or pond.

How to make Goddess Lakshmi Happy?

1. Should not sleep after sunrise and sleep only after sunset, if you do so Lakshmiji will come to you.

2. Should not itching head with both hands.
3. The lady who is cooking and serving food should not taste anything while doing so.
4. Lakshmiji doesn't like disharmony and never comes in homely discord so, create harmony at home.
5. Always respect wife and never show disrespect towards her, she is also Grih Lakshmiji (Lakshmi of Home). If she would be happy, Dhan Lakshmiji (Goddess of Money) has to come automatically.
6. Always sleep at clean place and neever sleep at messy place.
7. The people who take food only after bathing and worshiping in the morning, Lakshmiji always comes to their home.
8. Never use spit for counting money, Lakshmiji doesn't like it.
9. Always respect parents and have faith in God because in a reverse conditions, Lakshmiji will not come.
10. Those people who do not offer food to Agni Devta (God of Fire), cannot become prosperous.
11. Always offer food to your ancestors on the New Moon day before taking it, if you do so Lakshmiji will be happy.
12. Those who are having food and singing devotional music in secluded place, Lakshmiji becomes happy.
13. Always do Aarti morning and evening with your family on daily basis, by doing this Lakshmiji becomes happy will stay at your place forever.
14. Never touch your plate of food, girl, wife, book and broom by feet; Lakshmiji does not like it.
15. Color the rice grains in red and then drop it in flowing water by remembering Maa Lakshmi, do it on every Friday of Shukla Paksha. If you do so, you will get the benefit of money very soon.

Tips on Diwali for wealth

1. If you are not getting enough money according to your hard work: you should follow it. From the day of Dipawali drop a coconut (श्री फल) in flowing water daily for 44 days and write Goddess Lakshmi's Beej Mantra 'श्री' on it before dropping it.

2. If you are facing any financial obstacle due to any home defect: Flow a square piece of copper for 40 days in flowing water.
3. Even after putting hard efforts having continuous loss in business, there is no marked increase in income
: On the day of Dipawali take seven betel nuts and cover it with silver foil and keep it on the place of Lakshmi poojan. Thereafter, on seven Mondays wrap them up again with silver foil. On the eighth Monday, collect all the betel nuts from the place of worship and offer them in a temple of Lord Vishnu.

4. If you are in such a business in which credit is allowed in abundance and due to this you are having loss in business: On the first Saturday of any month, burry the black surma (eye powder) at any deserted place.
5. Even after earning enough money your works are stopped due to shortage of money: On the first Saturday of Shukla Paksha start distributing Poori and Sabji (fried bread and vegetable) for 11 Saturdays.
6. If you are not earning desired money from your business or service: On Wednesday, take an empty pitcher and flow it in the water, for six Wednesdays.
7. If your work-business is still not established or you are not earning regularly: At the time of sleeping, put an iron pot filled with water and keep it at the head side of the bed and in the morning, through it out of your house.
8. If you are facing difficulties in your business or service due to government orders: On every Sunday prepare roties (bread) of one and quarter kilograms of wheat flour and fed them to cows.
9. If you are not satisfied from your work and feeling of disconcerted is coming into your mind frequently: Eat little bit jaggery before leaving the house for work-business.
10. If you are unable to stabilize income; savings and paternal property is going perish: Under the bed where you sleeps, must keep any object of iron and on the night of Saturday keep an iron pot filled with water under your bed, after waking up next day morning put it into the root of Bodhi Tree. Repeat this remedy for 40 days.
11. In order to get Laksmi, this remedy is surefire and if you are able to do it with discipline for three month, you will surely get unexpected money: Follow this remedy for 40 days starting from the day of Dipawali or any Friday of Shukla Paksha. At evening, visit the nearest temple of Mahalakshmi, Durgaji, Seetaji or any Goddess barefoot; light the lamp of pure ghee and offer the garland and the prasaad of sweets or kheer (milk and rice feast). Afterwords, pray to get money quietly and pray for other wishes.

Dhanteras 2010

This year, Dhanteras 2010 it is on 3rd November 2010, Wednesday

Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day of Kartik month’s Krishna Paksha. To celebrate this festive season, homes, shops and business places are being cleaned and then places are decorated with lights. Dhanteras is celebrated as the birthday of Goddess Maha Laxmi so it is also known as Dhanvantari Jayanti. On the day of Dhanteras Goddess Laxmi is also called upon. Ritual of buying metallic vassals is a custom. At the night of the Dhavantari Jayanti or Dhanteras Lord Dhanvantari should be worshipped. By taking a pinch of flour chauk (Rangoli) is prepared, keeping the kalash lord Dhanvantari is worshipped with flowers, sandal, incense sticks and deeps (lights). Panchamrit, Fruits and Sweets are also offered to the Lord Dhanvantari.

On this day Vaidya Dhanvantari (doctor of ayurveda) appeared with the kalasah (Pot) of nectar from ocean. In the memory of his appearance, this day is celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti or Dhanteras. Vaidyaraj Dhanvantari is the incarnation of lord Vishnu. He is the inventor of Ayurvedic medical science and adorable by the doctors of ayurveda (Vaidya). This is the prime festival of Vaidyas, ayurvedic production houses and ayurvedic medical institutions.

How Dhanvantari Jayanti / Dhanteras came into the existence
The Story of Dhanteras
One day in ancient times lord Vishnu along with Goddess Laxmi were roaming in Mrityu Lok (Earth). At one place after thinking something Lord Vishnu told Goddess Laxmiji, “You sit here till I come back. I am going somewhere for some work, remember that you should not see on the south direction.”

After saying this lord Vishnu moved towards south. Goddess Laxmi started thinking that lord Vishnu told me not to see towards the south however, he himself went to the same direction, there must be some mystery in it and due to this thought Goddess Laxmi started seeing at the south. She saw a yellow mustard field on that site; that scene fascinated her and she went to that feel and started beautifying herself.

Thereafter she moved ahead and found a sugar cane field; she plucked a sugar cane and started sucking it. At the same time Lord Vishnu came back and said angrily, “O Laxmij, you have made a blunder by plucking the sugar cane from this farmer’s field and to compensate this you have to serve this farmer for twelve years.”


  Goddess Laxmi became tensed and depressed by hearing this hard order from lord Vishnu, but she had no choice other than obey the order of Lord Vishnu. Afterwards, Lord Vishnu left Laxmi ji at that place and returned to the Ksheer Sagarb (residence of Lord Vishnu). Helpless Laxmiji obeyed Lord Vishnu’s order and went to the farmer’s house and started serving him. By the presence of Laxmiji in the house of farmer he started progressing leap and bounds; very soon he became rich and his house filled with wealth. Still Goddess Laxmi has to stay there and serve him for twelve years.


After completion of twelve years Lord Vishu came to the farmer’s house to take Laxmiji with him. Then the farmer stopped Lord Vishnu to take Laxmiji. By seeing this Lord Vishnu told to the farmer, “You go to the Ganges with family and bathe into it, after bathing drop these four clamshells (Kaudiyan) into the Ganges. By the time you will come back we will stay here and I promise you this.” On believing to the God, farmer went to the Ganges. After bathing when farmer dropped the four clamshells into the Ganges four hands appeared from the Ganges and took all clamshells. By seeing this miracle farmer asked to the Gangaji, please tell me from whom those four hands were come out. Ganges replied, “Those four hands were mine but you tell me that who gave you those four clamshells to gift me.” Farmer replied, “Two unknown people have come to my home. One lady servant is staying at my home since long and now the man who came to take her with him has given me those four clamshells.”

To hear this, Ganges said to the farmer, “The lady who came to your house herself is Goddess Laxmi and that man is Lord Vishnu, listen to my advice and never let her go from your house else you will become poor again.” To hear this farmer came back to the home and said to the Lord Vishu by pointing Godess Laxmi, “I’ll never let her go.”

To hear this Lord Vishu explained about the offence made by Godess Laxmi Ji to the farmer and told him that because of that offence I ordered her to stay with you and serve you for 12 years. Now, she has completed her twelve years of punishment, so she has to come with me.Farmer didn’t agree with lord Vishnu and became adamant on his decision. By hearing this, Lord Vishnu started laughing. Lord Vishnu said to the farmer with smile that Goddess Laxmi is very mischievous and she never stayed at one place. There is no time and limit for her stay and no one can force her not even a most powerful person.

Still, farmer was not convinced with Lord Vishnu and said to him that Ganges has already told him everything about them and I’ll never let Laxmiji go from my house. By seeing this Goddess Laxmi said to the farmer, “O farmer, if you want me to stay here at your place, listen to me carefully. Tomorrow is Dhanteras, so tomorrow you must clean and white wash your house; in the clean house keep lighting the deep (light) of shuddh ghee in midnight. I’ll come to your house at that time and worship me. You cannot see me but believe me that I’ll come to your house. By hearing Laxmi ji, farmer replied with folded hands, “I’ll do the same as you’ve ordered”. Laxmiji became colossal and spread in ten directions. Lord Vishnu was amazed to see this.Next day farmer did the same as Laxmiji told him and by doing so his house was filled with prosperity and wealth. Thereafter, farmer started worshipping Goddess Laxmi every year in a same manner. He never failed to do so and with the blessings of Laxmiji his house was always filled with wealth and prosperity.

Click here to order Mahalaxmi Yantra for Weath and Prosperity

By hearing this farmer’s story many people started worshipping Goddess Laxmi on Dhanteras and they all were blessed with the blessing of Goddess Laxmi and they also become rich and wealthy. Since then this custom of worshipping Goddess Laxmi on Dhanteras started.

Prayer: O Goddess Laxmi, please bless me as you’ve blessed that poor farmer and shower your blessing on all your devotees.

Remedies on Dhanteras to make Goddess Lakshmi happy

Do not use remedies to harm anyone and keep your heart and mind clean & clear

The festival of light is coming soon and where this festival is to become happy and cheerful, this day is also important for making efforts for fulfilling our desires and wishes. It means this day is very significant for adoration and remedies.

Here are some simple remedies by which you can fulfill your wishes without any investment of time and money. Following remedies are very easy, miraculous and effective. The most important thing, that there is no harm by doing these remedies. You can choose any remedy out of all the remedies; it depends upon your convenience.

Remedy to become wealthy
Remedy with yellow fruit / banana and silverOn the day of Dhanteras buy a fruit of Badhal (yellow fruit with big round seeds with mixed sweet and sour taste) and rag it with the help of knife and insert little silver (metal) into it. If you are unable to get the fruit of Badhal, you can use the banana stem, insert the silver into the stem, and pour water daily into the root of banana till Dipawali. On the night of Diwali, take out the silver from the stem, make a ring of this silver by the help of a jeweler and wash it with the raw milk and Ganga jal (water of Ganges), keep it at the place of worshiping. At the time of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha worship the silver ring also with full of devotion; after worshipping <span>the ring</span> with incense sticks and deeps wear it at the same time. Thereafter, on every full moon wash the silver ring with the raw milk, tulsi leaves and Ganges water and wear it again.

Remedy to become Rich
Remedy of worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and her Yantra

This remedy is helpful to become rich and it should also begin at the night of Dhanteras and conclude it on the day of Bhai Dooj.

Keep Goddess Lakshmi’s picture and her Yantra (device) on the wooden stool and worship it properly.

Recite the following Mantra with Mala of lotus fruit 5 times daily till Bhai Dooj:

Mahalakshamaye cha vidmahe vishnupatnaye cha dheemahai tatro lakshmi prachodayaat.

Click here to order Mahalaxmi Yantra for Weath and Prosperity

Remedy to overcome from poverty
Remedy of reciting Mantra

This remedy is to overcome from poverty, to become wealthy and for the happiness of the family. Recite below Mantra for the same:

Om shreem heam kleam lakshminaraayanaa namah.

At the Abhijeet mahurat on the day of Dhanteras, recite the 11 Mala of this mantra, after worshipping the Goddess Lakshmi and Narayana till Kartik Shukla’s Poornima. This mantra is helpful to fulfill above mentioned desires.

Remedy to increase income
Remedy of Shree Yantra

By wearing the Shree Yantra in the neck, income increases. Shree Yantra should be worshiped from Dhanteras till Bhai Dooj daily in Diwali Poojan.

Click here to order Mahalaxmi Yantra for Weath and Prosperity

Remedy for Good Fortune

Remedy of OMThis is the simplest remedy. Mix turmeric powder into rice powder, pour some water and make a paste. Draw the “Om” sign with this paste on the entrance door. This should be done on the day of Dhanteras.Do not use remedies to harm anyone and keep your heart and mind clean & clearThe festival of light is coming soon and where this festival is to become happy and cheerful, this day is also important for making efforts for fulfilling our desires and wishes. It means this day is very significant for adoration and remedies.Here are some simple remedies by which you can fulfill your wishes without any investment of time and money. Following remedies are very easy, miraculous and effective. The most important thing, that there is no harm by doing these remedies. You can choose any remedy out of all the remedies; it depends upon your convenience.

Remedy to become wealthyRemedy with yellow fruit / banana and silver On the day of Dhanteras buy a fruit of Badhal (yellow fruit with big round seeds with mixed sweet and sour taste) and rag it with the help of knife and insert little silver (metal) into it. If you are unable to get the fruit of Badhal, you can use the banana stem, insert the silver into the stem, and pour water daily into the root of banana till Dipawali. On the night of Diwali, take out the silver from the stem, make a ring of this silver by the help of a jeweler and wash it with the raw milk and Ganga jal (water of Ganges), keep it at the place of worshiping. At the time of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha worship the silver ring also with full of devotion; after worshipping with incense sticks and deeps wear it at the same time. Thereafter, on every full moon wash the silver ring with the raw milk, tulsi leaves and Ganges water and wear it again.

Remedy to become RichRemedy of worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and her YantraThis remedy is helpful to become rich and it should also begin at the night of Dhanteras and conclude it on the day of Bhai Dooj. Keep Goddess Lakshmi’s picture and her Yantra (device) on the wooden stool and worship it properly.Recite the following Mantra with Mala of lotus fruit 5 times daily till Bhai Dooj: 

Mahalakshamaye cha vidmahe vishnupatnaye cha dheemahai tatro lakshmi prachodayaat. 

Remedy to overcome from poverty 

Remedy of reciting Mantra

 This remedy is to overcome from poverty, to become wealthy and for the happiness of the family. Recite below Mantra for the same:Om shreem heam kleam lakshminaraayanaa namah.At the Abhijeet mahurat on the day of Dhanteras, recite the 11 Mala of this mantra, after worshipping the Goddess Lakshmi and Narayana till Kartik Shukla’s Poornima. This mantra is helpful to fulfill above mentioned desires.

Remedy to increase incomeRemedy of Shree YantraBy wearing the Shree Yantra in the neck, income increases. Shree Yantra should be worshiped from Dhanteras till Bhai Dooj daily in Diwali Poojan. Remedy for Good Fortune

Remedy of OMThis is the simplest remedy. Mix turmeric powder into rice powder, pour some water and make a paste. Draw the “Om” sign with this paste on the entrance door. This should be done on the day of Dhanteras.

Legend of Shaakambari Devi and how Her Grace removed the Famine in Ayodhya






Once there was a severe famine in the regions surrounding Ayodhyaa. The people could not divine the reason for that. They thought that propitiating Goddess is the best way out of troubles and they approached Sage Durvaasa for guidance.

The great Sage said that "Removal of Famines is possible by worshipping Goddess Paraa Shakti in Her form of Shaakambari. I shall initiate you people into Her mantra."

My note: Shaakambari Devi has 1000 eyes and hence she is also called as "Sadaakshi" - one with Eyes everywhere! Shastras say that when famines torment people and if there is at least one highly righteous person in their midst, the Goddess' eyes water out of compassion and this will induce rains! This is the basis of the belief that if there are punyaatmaas in a place, there will be rains.(end of my note on this).

A small sthothra on Goddess Shaakambari:


"Ashwattha vata nimbhaamra kapitta padarii gatheBanasaarka kareeraadi ksheera vruksha swaroopinii dhuktavallii nivaasaarhe dhaneeye dayaanidhedaakshinya karunaaroope saakambarii namo(a)sthute"



(pronunciation guide: "e" in this sthotra has the sound as in "May", "Day" etc. - the "Ay sound")

People surrounding Ayodhya did the worship as per the guidelines of the Great sage Durvaasa. The Goddess manifested with a Form carrying all sorts of vegetables and grains all over Her Body. By Her Grace, rain cycles were regularized and people were relived from their famine.

Meditating on this legend and worshipping Goddess Saakambari will give immunity from famines and will ensure good agricultural produce and prosperity in the nation. May Goddess bless us and guide us; may Her Grace stand by us and help us to overcome the current depressive economic conditions.

Reciting these legends in community prayers and praying to the Divine Mother for Peace and prosperity will help in maintaining a well-balanced society where there will be peaceful co-existence and prosperity.

(I have given a liberal translation of the original legends; those who wish to study the original legends in their full form should refer Devi Bhaagavatam for the Sanskrit version. I have given this legends in their English rendering so that this could be recited in community prayers where everyone can participate in this with full understanding. There are some mantras where the sound is more important than the content, while there are certain portions of scriptures where the content is more important than the Sanskrit mantraic sounds. This is one such portion where the content of the legend has the remedial potency. That is why I have given the translated version. It is our earnest request that spiritual communities perform this recital in mass prayers on convenient holidays for the welfare of the Universe as a whole).<span> </span>

Once there was a severe famine in the regions surrounding Ayodhyaa. The people could not divine the reason for that. They thought that propitiating Goddess is the best way out of troubles and they approached Sage Durvaasa for guidance.The great Sage said that "Removal of Famines is possible by worshipping Goddess Paraa Shakti in Her form of Shaakambari. I shall initiate you people into Her mantra." My note: Shaakambari Devi has 1000 eyes and hence she is also called as "Sadaakshi" - one with Eyes everywhere! Shastras say that when famines torment people and if there is at least one highly righteous person in their midst, the Goddess' eyes water out of compassion and this will induce rains! This is the basis of the belief that if there are punyaatmaas in a place, there will be rains.(end of my note on this).A small sthothra on Goddess Shaakambari:"Ashwattha vata nimbhaamra kapitta padarii gatheBanasaarka kareeraadi ksheera vruksha swaroopinii dhuktavallii nivaasaarhe dhaneeye dayaanidhedaakshinya karunaaroope saakambarii namo(a)sthute"(pronunciation guide: "e" in this sthotra has the sound as in "May", "Day" etc. - the "Ay sound")People surrounding Ayodhya did the worship as per the guidelines of the Great sage Durvaasa. The Goddess manifested with a Form carrying all sorts of vegetables and grains all over Her Body. By Her Grace, rain cycles were regularized and people were relived from their famine.Meditating on this legend and worshipping Goddess Saakambari will give immunity from famines and will ensure good agricultural produce and prosperity in the nation. May Goddess bless us and guide us; may Her Grace stand by us and help us to overcome the current depressive economic conditions.Reciting these legends in community prayers and praying to the Divine Mother for Peace and prosperity will help in maintaining a well-balanced society where there will be peaceful co-existence and prosperity.(I have given a liberal translation of the original legends; those who wish to study the original legends in their full form should refer Devi Bhaagavatam for the Sanskrit version. I have given this legends in their English rendering so that this could be recited in community prayers where everyone can participate in this with full understanding. There are some mantras where the sound is more important than the content, while there are certain portions of scriptures where the content is more important than the Sanskrit mantraic sounds. This is one such portion where the content of the legend has the remedial potency. That is why I have given the translated version. It is our earnest request that spiritual communities perform this recital in mass prayers on convenient holidays for the welfare of the Universe as a whole).

MAA SHAKAMBARI - Adi Parashakti




MAA SHAKAMBARI - Adi Parashakti 
In Hinduism, Shakambhari is an incarnation of Ishwari, consort to Shiva. She is the divine mother, 'The Bearer of the Greens'

It is said that in times of famine, Goddess Durga comes down and gives vegan food, (Shaka comes from Sanskrit. means vegetables and vegan food.  Ambari means one who wears or bears), to the hungry. That is why she is called "Shaka" + "Ambari" = 'Shakambhari'.

Glory of Maa ShakambariAccording to Vedas and Puranas only one single power called "Para Brahm" exist. ( Not the Brahna of guna rup of Brahm such as: Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh ) The "Para Brahm" or Parmatma as such has no conditions like birth or death. It has no attributes like form or qualities. Yet this seeming creation is nothing but "Leela" of "Para Brahm". This "Leela" is carried out with the help of "Prakriti" or Maya. This Maya is an inseparable ingredient of Parmatma. Therefore, there is no beginning or end of this Leela of creation (Brahm), maintenance (Vishnu) and destruction (Mahesh.) The concept of Maya as Mother of the universe i.e. Shakti serves the mortals to overcome the process of birth and death.This Maya -Mula-Prakriti - Adi Parashakti has been conceived as the highest divine force. Our Puranas refer to various forms and incarnation of Maya. Each incarnation has a purpose and in every case only to protect the pious and punish the wicked.One such form of this Maya -Mula-Prakriti - Adi Parashakti is MAA SHAKAMBARI. Maa Shakambari glory was originally told by Shiva to Maa Parvati and Sri Skanda and has references in Skanda Purana.

Every incarnation of Shakti has been named after the "Leela" she perform under the influence of "Purusha and Prakriti" like Mahishasurmardini who killed demon Mahishasur.
Most common name for the worship of the Shakti is "Durga". Under what "Leela" performed by Adi Parashakti that She is known to this world as Durga. This name attributed to the Adi Shakti because of the following "Leela".
Once upon a time there was a Demon Durgam who worshiped Brahma for years together. As a result he had acquired all the four books of total knowledge,Vedas from Brahma through penance. He also gets a boon from Lord Brahma that makes sure that all the pujas, yajnas and havanas being offered to the Devtas reach him instead making him invincible. Durgam became very arrogant and started tormenting the whole world.
As the consequence, devtas become weak and were not able to perform their duties properly. Therefore it did not rain for one hundred years and the whole world was hit by very severe drought. The rishis and munis take refuge in the caves of the Himalayas, and meditate upon the Supreme Shakti. The Shakti appeared in front of them bearing a wonderful form! She had countless number of eyes upon her that gave her the name SATAKSHI. She was so moved by their plights that tears rolled down from her eyes for nine continuous days and nights. The tears took the form of a river.
 Than SHE saw that the rishis and munis has nothing to eat. So she appeared in a form bearing grains, cereals, vegetables, greens, fruits and other herbs and medicines - and was hence called Maa SHAKAMBARI. The rishis, munis and the Devtas then requested that she recover Vedas, which were in possession of Durgam and make sure that the share of Devtas of puja, yagna and havanas goes to Devtas so that they become powerful and can perform their duties properly.

 Durgam came to know that again people were living happily through his messengers and immediately attacked with a large army. Maa Shakambari protected the frail rishis, munis, Devtas and others by putting up a huge wall of fire around them, and then let her discuss hover around it. There ensued a tremendous battle between the Maa Shakambari and Durgam. At last Maa Shakambari, killed Durgam with her trident and recovered The Veda from his possession. At that very moment all the mantras and japas that were performed by the rishis, munis and devtas had performed earlier but were absorbed by the demon Durgam due to his boon, transformed into a bright light of a 10000 Suns and entered the Devi.  From Her body Maa Shakambari manifested the ten most powerful powers who has never been in universe before called "Dashamahaavidya" and 64000 other goddesses. She then handed over The Veda to the deities.

Therefor Adi parashakti is known as Durga as she had killed the demon Durgam  
Appearance of Shakambari Maa The splendid form of Shakambari Devi is de scribed in detail in Durga Sapt-Shati in the last chapter named 'Murti Rahasya'. According to this, the goddess is of blue color. Her eyes are like lotus flower. Navel is slightly below the normal place with three curves. She bears breasts of a virgin. A lotus is carried in her hand, which is thronged by bees. The other hand carries arrows. Other hands carry flowers, roots, and vegetables, fruits symbolizing the goddess of vegetation, who feeds us and keeps us away from disease. One hand is carrying a bow representing her fierce-ness. This is the appearance of Shakambari Devi, Shatakshi and Durga. This goddess removes the grief and calamities and terrorizes demons. The devotee of this goddess, worshiping mother by hymns, meditation, Japa and bhajans, attains the fruits of food, drink and infinite bliss.

Prayers to Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune

Prayers to Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune

by Mantra & shlokas on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 4:58pm


These are Prayers to all of the qualities of the Goddess and the blessings that She gives.
The First is the Lakshmi-Stuti, from Vishnu Purana, 7.9.116-138,
The Second is the Sri Suktam.


This Stuti eulogy of Lakshmi, which was spoken by Lord Indra, is the source of all opulence. In this world, poverty never dwells among those who recite this stuti daily.


indra uvacha
namasye sarva-lokanam
jananim abja-sambhavam
Shriyam unnidra-padmaksim
vishnor vakshah-sthala-sthitam

Indra [the demigod king of heaven] said, "I offer my obeisances unto the lotus-born mother of all beings, unto Sri [the Goddess of fortune], having full-blown lotus-like eyes, and reposing in the bosom of Vishnu."

padmalayam padmakaram
padma patra-nibheksanam
vande padma-mukhim devim
padma-nabha-priyam aham

"I offer my obeisances unto the Goddess who is the abode of lotuses, who holds the lotus, whose eyes resemble the petals of a lotus, whose face is a lotus, and who is dear to the Lord who has a lotus navel."



tvam siddhis tvam svadha svaha
sudha tvam loka-pavani
sandhya ratrihi prabha bhutir
medha sraddha sarasvati

"You are siddhi, nectar, Svaha and Svadha, O purifier of the worlds. You are twilight, night, effulgence, opulence, intelligence, faith and Sarasvati."



yajna-vidya maha-vidya
guhya-vidya cha shobhane
atma-vidya cha devi tvam
vimukti-phala-dayini

"You are the knowledge of sacrifice, the worship of the universal form, and occult learning, O beauteous one. You are the knowledge of Brahman, O goddess, and the bestower of the fruit of liberation."



anvikshiki trayi varta
danda-nitis tvam eva cha
saumyasaumyair jagad rupais
tvayaitad devi puritam

"You are the science of dialectics, the three Vedas, Varta, the knowledge of chastisement. O goddess, this universe is filled with your gentle and terrifying forms."



ka tv anya tvam rte devi
sarva-yajna-mayam vapuhu
adhyaste deva-devasya
yogi cintyam gada-bhritaha

"O goddess, who except you can dwell in the person of that God of gods, who consists of all forbearance, the bearer of the mace, who is contemplated by the yogis?"



tvayi devi parityaktam
sakalam bhuvana-trayam
vinashta-prayam abhavat
tvaye danim samedhitam

"O goddess, the three worlds, having been abandoned by you, were on the verge of destruction--because of you, they have again recovered their position."



dara-putras tatha garam
suhrid-dhanya dhanadikam
bhavaty etan maha-bhage
nityam tvad-vikshanam nrinam

"O exalted one, men are endowed with wives, sons, houses, friends, grain and wealth due to your constant glance."



sharirarogyam aishvaryam
ari-paksa-ksayam sukham
devi-tvad-drishti-drishtanam
purushanam na durlabham

"O goddess, freedom from bodily ailments, riches, destruction of enemies, and happiness are not difficult to attain for persons who view your glances."



tvam mata sarva-bhutanam
deva-devo harih pita
tvayaitad vishnuma chadya
jagad vyaptam-characharam

"You are the mother of all creatures, as that God of gods, Hari, is their father. And this universe, consisting of moving and nonmoving entities, is presently permeated by you, as well as Vishnu."



ma nah kosham tatha goshtham
ma griham ma paricchadam
ma sariram kalatram cha
tyajethaha sarva-pavani

"O purifier of all, if you forsake us, neither our treasures, nor our cows, nor our houses, nor our possessions, nor our bodies, nor our wives, are secure."



ma putram ma suhrid-vargam
ma pashun ma vibhushanam
tyajetha mama devasya
vishnor vaksah-sthalalaye

"O you whose abode is the chest of Vishnu, if you forsake me, neither sons, nor friends, nor animals, nor ornaments can be mine."



sattvena satya-shaucabhyam
chatha shiladibhir gunaih
tyajante te narah sadyaha
sansyakto ye tvayamale
 
"O spotless one, men who are forsaken by you are also forsaken by goodness, truth, purity, good character and other virtues."



tvayavico kitah sadyaha
shiladyair akhilair gunaih
kulaishvaryaish cha muhyante
purusha nirguna api

"And those who are glanced upon by you, although devoid of any good qualities, are infatuated by all good qualities, such as good character, lineage, wealth, etc."



sa shlaghyah sa guni dhanyaha
sa kulinaha sa biddhinam
sa shurah sa cha vikranto
yas tvaya devi vikshitaha

"O goddess, he who is glanced upon by you, is praiseworthy, accomplished, fortunate, intelligent, high-born, heroic and possessed of power."



sadyo vaingunyam ayanti
shiladyah sakala gunaha
paranmukhi jaga-dhatri
yasya tvam vishnu-vallabhe

"O nurse of the universe, O beloved of Vishnu, all virtues, character, etc., immediately abandon him from whom you turn away."



na te varnayitum shakta
gunan jihvapi vedhasaha
prasida devi padmakshi
masmams tyakshih kadachana

"Even the tongue of Brahma is incapable of describing your qualities. O lotus-eyed one, be auspicious unto me. Please do not abandon me."
[Thus ends the Lakshmi-stuti]


Sri [the Goddess of Fortune] said: "I shall never turn my face from one who praises me every morning and evening with this hymn."



SRI SUKTAM

Om, Hiranya varnam harinim
Suvarna rajatasrajam
Chandraam hiranmayim
Lakshmim jatavedo ma avaha

Sloka 1
O all-knowing fire-god (Agni), would you kindly propitiate Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity, one whose body has the golden color; one who is decked with gold and silver garlands; one whose sari is yellow colored and one Whose face is like the full moon and whose eyes bless humanity with soothing grace. O Jata Veda, the fire-god, kindly tell Her of our supplications.



Tamaavaha jatavedo
Lakshmimananpagaminim
Yasyaam hiranyam vindeyam
Gamasvam purushanaham

Sloka 2
O, Agni, the great fire-god, with the blessings of Mahalakshmi, wealth and prosperity, gold and cattle, horses and useful animals, family and children and every type of prosperity will come to me. By the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi in my home, the prosperity will be imperishable. Health, friends, knowledge, everlasting peace and finally freedom -- all these types of wealth will be mine by the arrival of the Universal Mother, Lakshmi, into my home.



Ashwapurvam Rathamadhyam
Hastinada Prabodinim
Sriyam Devimupahvaye
Shrirmadevirjushatam


Sloka 3
That Goddess Lakshmi in whose procession the celestial horses and the divine chariots are used, as the elephants roar the OM sound which pleases that Goddess. She being Gajalakshmi or Lakshmi Who is worshiped by the elephants. O Agni, I am invoking that power, the spouse of Vishnu. May I attain Her grace.



Kamsosmitam Hiranya Prakaramardram
Jvalantim truptam tarpayantim
Padmestitam padmavarnam
Tamihopahvaye sriyam

Sloka 4
One Who is sitting on the blossomed thousand-petalled lotus; one whose body has the color of the lotus; may that great Goddess. The compassionate, radiant, ever-smiling, fulfiller of all the desires of Her votaries, hear my prayers. I invoke that Mother, Mahalakshmi of golden color.



Chandramprabhasam yashasajvalantim
Sriyamloke devajustamudaram
Tam Padminimim Saranamaham
Prapadye Alakshmirme
Nashyatam twam vrune

Sloka 5
I invoke Mahalakshmi Who shines like the full moon and like lightening. Her fame is all-pervading. Denizens of heaven constantly worship Her. She is minificent. Her benevolent hands are like lotuses. I take refuge in Her lotus feet. Let Her destroy my poverty forever. O Mother Mahalakshmi, I take shelter at Your lotus feet.



Aadityavarne Tapasodhijato
Vanaspatistava Vrukshothabilvaha
Tasya phalani Tapasanudantu
Mayantarayascha Bahya Alakshmihi


Sloka 6
O Universal Mother, shining like the sun, it is through Your penance that the holiest trees of Bilva and Tulasi are born. They symbolize the tree of life. The fruit of that tree of life removes our poverty from both within and without. In other words, bless us with inner light and outer independence and abundance.



Upaitumam Devasakhaha
Kirtishcha Maninaa Saha
Praddurbhuto smi rastresmin
Kirthimrudhim dadatume

Sloka 7
O Devi, the great Goddess, with Your blessings let Kubera, the treasurer of the gods; his friend, Manibhadra, the protector of wealth, and Keerti, the goddess of fame who was the daughter of Daksha Prajapati.



Kshutpipasamalam JyesthaAm
Alakshmim nashayamyaham
Abhutimasamruddhim cha
Sarvam Nirnuda me grihat

Sloka 8
That goddess of hunger and thirst, one who is reduced to a skeleton; I would like the death of the goddess of poverty. O Mahalakshmi, may You kindly drive away any fear of poverty and inauspiciousness from my home. In other words, bless me always with abundance and joy.



Gandhadvaram duradharsham
Nitya Pushtam Karishinim
Eshvarim sarvabhutanam
Tamihopahvaye Sriyam

Sloka 9
I invoke that supreme Goddess Lakshmi to dwell in my home forever. She is the supreme power of protection and Goddess of all the universes and cosmic elements. She is Mother Earth, the bestower of great contentment. Her blessings are bringing us the fragrance of the sandalwood paste. May that Ishwari be ever present in me.



Manasaha-Kamamakutim
Vachasatya mashimahi
Pashunam Rupamanasya mayi
Shrishrayatam yashaha


Sloka 10
May Mahalakshmi fulfill all my desires. May I attain perfection. May my words come true. May I be bestowed with cattle, wealth, food, milk and honey to share with all. May that Sri Devi come to my home in the form of undying fame.



Kardamena Prajabhuta mayi
Sambhava Kardhama
Shriyam Vasayame Kule
Mataram Padma malinim

Sloka 11
We are the progeny of our forefather, Sage Kardama, who is one of the sons of Goddess Lakshmi. We invoke that Sage Kardama to install in his family the Universal Mother, Mahalakshmi, who is decked with the garland of lotuses. So be it.



Apsrujantu Snigdhani Chiklita
Vasa Me Gruhe
Nicha devim Mataram Sriyam
Vasayame kule


Sloka 12
We invoke another son of Lakshmi named Chikleeta. May he dwell in our home and may his mother, Mahalakshmi, dwell in our family.



Ardram pushkarinim Pushtim
Pingalam Padmamalinim
Chandram hiranmayim Lakshmim
Jatavedo Ma avaha

Sloka 13
O Agni, may You propitiate Mahalakshmi, the destroyer of demons but merciful to Her devotees, abode of auspiciousness, bestower of total protection, extraordinarily beautiful, bedecked with valuable ornaments, shining like a thousand suns; may that Hiranmayi, the golden colored Goddess, be pleased with us.



Ardram Yah karinim yastim
Suvarnam hemamalinim
Suryam Hiranmayim Lakshmim
Jatavedo Ma avaha

Sloka 14
O Agni, the fire-god, I once again pray unto you to invoke the presence of the Lakshmi Devi with us. The Mother Who is merciful blessings with Her lotus hand. May that yellow-clad, lotus-garlanded, moon-faced Goddess shower Her choicest cup of blessings upon us.



Tama avaha Jatavedo
Lakshmimanapagaminim
Yasyam Hiranyam Prabhutam gavo
Dasyoshvam Vindeyam Purushanaham


Sloka 15
O Agni, please pray to that Lakshmi that we should be blessed with inexhaustible wealth. May that wealth bring that greatest joy and peace along with all material comforts of cows, servants, horses, family and good children, and the highest of all, freedom.



Om Mahadevyaicha vidmahe Vishnu
Pathnyaicha dhimahi
Tanno Lakshmih prachodayatu
Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi

Sloka 16
Let that Mahalakshmi be invoked on Whom I meditate upon, Who is the consort of Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Mother. Let peace prevail everywhere.

Introduction to Lakshmi - the Goddess of Wealth and Fortune




Draped in a red saree, bedecked with gold ornaments, seated on a lotus, pot in hand, flanked by white elephants, the image of Lakshmi adorns most Hindu homes and business establishments.
Lakshmi, also called Laxmi, is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, luxury, beauty, fertility, and auspiciousness.  She holds the promise of material fulfillment and contentment.  She is described as restless, whimsical yet maternal, with her arms raised to bless and to grant her blessings.
Shri is the sacred name of Lakshmi.  Shri is written atop most documents and spoken before addressing a god, teacher holy man or any revered individual.  The word evokes grace, affluence abundance, auspiciousness and authority.  When the word is spoken or written an aura of holiness is established.  Whatever follows is imbued with divine blessing.  Just as the word “Om” is associated with the mystical side of life, Shri is associated with the material side of existence.

Lakshmi represents the beautiful and bountiful aspect of nature.  As Bhoodevi, the earth-goddess, she nurtures life; as Shreedevi, the goddess of fortune, she bestows power, pleasure and prosperity on those who deserve her grace.  To realize her, one must respect the laws of life and appreciate the wonders of existence.

Lakshmi’s Sacred Narrative; Prajapati Raises the Earth
In the beginning, there was water everywhere.  There was nothing to eat and nowhere to live.  Prajapati, the divine patriarch, father of the gods and demons saw the plight of his children and invoked Devi.
The goddess whispered into his ear, “The earth lies trapped under the water.  Raise it up.”
Prajapati took the form of a mighty boar called Emusha, plunged into the sea and found the earth-goddess Bhoodevi on the ocean floor.  Placing her on his snout, he gently raised her to the surface.
Prajapati then turned into Akupara, a giant turtle and offered Bhoodevi a seat on his back.




Shreedevi Favors Bali
Seated on the celestial turtle, the earth-goddess nurtured life in her bountiful arms.  She offered food and shelter to all. 
The devas, gods, admired her beauty; the asuras, demons, craved her wealth.  They fought many a battle over her.  Finally, under the leadership of Bali, the asuras emerged triumphant.
Impressed by Bali’s strength, the goddess came to him as Shreedevi and crowned him king of the earth.  She offered him a throne, a footstool and held a parasol over his head. 
Shreedevi’s sacred white elephants turned into clouds and sprinkled life-bestowing rain upon the earth, watering fields and pastures so that crops grew abundantly and cows gave plenty of milk.  Everyone was happy with Bali as their king.


Vishnu’s Three Steps
Power made Bali arrogant.  He declared, “The earth belongs to me; I can give anyone anything he desires.”
These words greatly disturbed the earth-goddess.  She belonged to no one and certainly not a commodity to be given to away as a gift.
Indra, leader of the devas, meanwhile, bereft of Shreedevi’s grace had been reduced to poverty.  He approached Bali and begged for some land.  To mock him, Bali pointed to Vamana the dwarf and said, “I shall give you as much land as this little one can cover in three strides.”  Vamana was no ordinary dwarf but rather an incarnation of Vishnu the Preserver. 

As soon as Bali said this, Vishnu began to grow in size, he turned into a giant who strode across and claimed all of Bali’s Kingdom in two steps.  With his third step Vishnu shoved Bali into the nether region.Vishnu thus wrested control of the earth for the gods.
The Fickle One”The gods may lack strength, but they are intelligent.  I shall go to them.”  So saying, Shreedevi turned away from Bali and went to the gods.  She blessed the gods with ruling majesty, material prosperity, physical health, bodily beauty and divine fortune.
Angry and bitter in defeat, the demons rasped, “Shreedevi is Chanchala, the fickle one.  Once she favored Bali, now she favors Indra.  She is faithful to none.”
“That is not true,” said the goddess, “I am eternally faithful to he who does not abuse my gifts.”

Vishnu’s Detachment
Vishnu, who had conquered the earth for the gods, let Indra become king.  “Don’t you want to be lord of the universe and enjoy the splendors of the cosmos?” asked Shreedevi.
“I desire nothing.  By defeating the demon Bali, I have done my duty.  I seek no reward for it.”
These words of Vishnu pleased Shreedevi.
Indra Angers Bhoodevi and Shreedevi
The goddess said, “He who takes good care of the earth-goddess Bhoodevi, wins the affection of Shreedevi, goddess of fortune and becomes king of the cosmos.”
But Indra did not heed her words.  Soon after being crowned king, the leader of the devas, he retired to the pleasure gardens.  There, he drank wine, enjoyed song and dance and neglected his royal duties.
The earth, left ungoverned was plundered.
Bhoodevi’s lamentation fell on deaf ears.  This made Shreedevi very angry.  She turned away from Indra.
Shreedevi Disappears
“Wealth and power corrupted the demon-king.  Now, pleasure and comfort has weakened the god-king.  Neither holds on to dharma for long.  Neither deserves my grace.”  So saying, the goddess dissolved herself in the ocean of milk.
Instantly a gloom descended upon the world: it no longer reverberated with song and dance.  Weapons lost their power, gems their luster, men their vigor.  Cows did not give milk, fields became barren, and trees bore neither flower nor fruit.  The cosmos became a desolate place bereft of joy and laughter.
Churning the Ocean of Milk
The goddess’s disappearance caused panic in the three worlds.
“We must bring her back,” said the gods.
“But how?” wondered the demons.
“By churning the ocean of milk,” said Vishnu.With Mandara, king of mountains, as the spindle and Akupara, king of turtles as the base, the devas and the asuras created the cosmic churn.  Using Vasuki, the king of the serpents as the churning rope, they began churning the ocean of milk.


Lakshmi rises
The churn twisted and turned, the ocean frothed and fumed, waves roared and spewed foam in every direction.  Eons passed.  Nothing emerged.  But the gods and demons were determined to bring the goddess back and continued to churn the great ocean.
Pleased by their efforts, the goddess finally emerged as a Lakshmi, the desirable one, in all her splendor.
Seated on a dew drenched Lotus, dressed in red silk, bedecked in gold, she was the very embodiment of affluence, abundance and auspiciousness.
As she rose, rasa, life giving sap, began flowing in every direction.  The earth palpated with life.  Joy filled the air.
The gods saluted her; the demons sang songs to her glory.
Sacred elephants who hold up the sky came from the eight quarters of the universe raised their trunks and consecrated her with life sustaining water.
Birth of Alaskshmi
Along with Lakshmi rose Alakshmi, the goddess of barrenness and misfortune from the churning of the ocean milk.  She was ugly with matted hair, sunken cheeks, shriveled breasts and coarse limbs.
Said the goddess, “Lakshmi will dwell where there is nobility and righteousness, cleanliness and beauty, virtue and compassion.  Alakshmi will dwell elsewhere, attracted by sloth, envy greed, lust and pride.”
And so it is that people who wish to keep Alakshmi away keep their houses clean, their bodies beautiful and their minds pure.
Gifts of Prosperity
With Lakshmi came a cow called Kamadhenu with enough milk to feed the world for all eternity, a wish fulfilling gem called Chantamani and a tree called Kalpataru that bore every flower and fruit desirable.  In her hand she held the basket of bounty: the Akshaya Patra overflowing with grain and gold.

Gifts of Pleasure
With Lakshmi appearance from the ocean of milk came Kama the delightful god of pleasure.  Riding his parrot surrounded by bees and butterflies, this handsome god raised his sugarcane bow and shot arrows dripping with desire into the heart of every being.  He roused the senses, excited the mind and inspired the heart.
With Kama came Priti and Rati, goddess of love and longing and Vasantathe lord of the spring.  Wherever they went flowers bloomed bees buzzed to welcome them with offerings of nectar and pollen.
Behind Lakshmi stood Rambha, the beautiful nymph who knew 64 ways to pleasure the senses and Sura, the goddess of intoxicants who could soothe tired nerves and enchant the mind with dreams.

Gifts of Power
Along with Lakshmi came the six tusked, white skinned elephant, Airavata and the seven-headed flying horse, Ucchaishrava.  The gods claimed the elephant, the demons claimed the horse.
The goddess also brought forth a throne, a crown, a footstool, a parasol, a fly-whisk, a cushion, a fan, a bow and a conch.  “These symbols of kingship,” she said, “will go to a worthy being, one who will use power to preserve and protect life.”
“Give them to me,” said Indra the king of gods.   “No you are too obsessed with pleasure,” said Lakshmi. “Give them to me,” said Bali King of demons. “No wealth corrupts you and makes you arrogant.”
Lakshmi sought someone who would not succumb to the allure of power, pleasure and prosperity; someone strong, wise and virtuous, capable of using force, charm and guile with discretion to uphold the laws of life.  She chose Vishnu.
Lakshmi Marries Vishnu
Lakshmi placed Vaijayanati, the fragrant garland of victory round Vishnu’s neck and made him her consort.  He became known as Shreenatha, beloved of fortune.
Vishnu placed Shreevasta, the symbol of Lakshmi on his chest.
Their abode, Vaikuntha, became the pivot of the universe.
Vishnu battled the forces of chaos and corruption and diligently performed his duties as guardian of the world, pleasing Lakshmi who rewarded him with her love and affection, tending to his every need as his devoted wife.

LAKSHMI

LAKSHMI

by Mantra & shlokas on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 3:57pm


Real Name: Lakshmi-Sri
Occupation: Queen of the Hindu gods, goddess of love, fortune and fertility
Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana
Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Lakshmi except as a mythological character.
Other Aliases: Kamala, Shri, Shakti, Devi, Sita (mortal avatar), Armaiti (Persian name), Gong de Tian (Chinese name)
Place of Birth: Mount Himavat (modern Mount Everest in the Himalayas of Tibet)
Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Himavat (father), Menahka (mother), Parvati, Sarasvati, Ganga, Yamuna, Uma (sisters), Vishnu (husband), Padma (daughter), Kama (son), Brahma, Shiva, Agni, Yama, (brothers-in-law), Ganehsa, Skanda (nephews), Kali, Vach (nieces), Kartikeya (nephew, deceased),
Group Affiliations: The Hindu Gods
Base of Operations: Amaravati in the realm of Nirvana

First Appearance: (historical) "Pantheons of the Megaverse" by C.J. Carella, (recent) Thor I #301

History: Lakshmi is one of the Apsaras, a group of water-goddesses descended from the primal being known as Himavat, a member of the extra-dimensional race of beings known as the Devas, who were worshipped by the ancient Vedic tribes of Ancient India and later the modern Hindu religion. Himavat was the great snow-god of the Vedic pantheon, and the waters trickling from his peaks into rivers and ravines were protected by his daughters, the Apsaras.

The Apsaras were water-deities that helped carry the pious into heaven and had emerged from the sea during the deluge which covered the earth during the Earth's primeval past. Among them, the most revered were Ganga who protected the sacred Ganges river, Parvati, wife of Shiva and Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu, who had helped lead the Devas to victory against the Rakshasas, the eternal enemies of the Hindu gods. Before her marriage to Vishnu, Lakshmi had been wooed by Indra the thunder-god, but he displeased her by trying to control her and the rain she sent to earth

Lakshmi made her home in the celestial city of Vaikunthia in the heaven of Nirvana, considered the highest level of existence in the Hindu faith. She gave birth to a number of goddesses, including Padma, the lotus-goddess, and Kama, the love-god, who incinerated by Shiva but restored to life or replaced with the body of Krishna. In the early Vedic pantheon, Lakshmi had been revered as a goddess of love, but in the Hindu religion, she was worshipped as goddess of fortune and  prosperity , her former role as love-goddess taken over  by Ratri, the former goddess of night

Vishnu meanwhile assumed the role of seven mortal avatars on earth; Lakshmi lived through at least avatars with him as his true love. In the first, she was born as the mortal cow-maiden, Sita, wife of Vishnu as the hero, Rama, and entered exile with him when he abdicated the throne of Ayodha for his brother. She was kidnapped by Ravanna, one of the Rakshasas, and carried off to the island of Ceylon. Rama and his brothers obtained the help of King Sugriva and General Hanuman of the monkey-gods to invade Ceylon from which they had been exiled and built a bridge to invade the island to rescue Sita. Unfortunately, Sita was not honored by the people of Ayodhya for having lived among the Rakshasas, even against her will and Rama reluctantly sent her away. Sita gave birth to his sons, Kusa and Lava in exile, and as s, they eventually returned to Ayodhya and told the passionate story of their parents' life to Rama. He is so moved by their story that he and his followers allowed Sita to return. 

In another avatar, Lakshmi is born as Radha, again of poor parents, and became the beloved of  the hero Krishna, her foster-brother. Krishna was a major hero in the Hindu religion by slaying demons, monsters and enemies of the gods, and had several wives and lovers, but Radha was his favored bride. It was the body of Krishna who was mystically revived to restore Kama to life. Lakshmi later regained her true form and rejoined Vishnu in the heaven of the Hindu gods

After the Third Host of the Celestials, Lakshmi and her sisters Parvati and Sarasvati united with the mother-goddesses from all the pantheons of gods once worshipped or still worshipped on earth. This gathering included Frigga of the Asgardian gods and Hera of the Olympian gods. The Celestials and threatened to sever the gods connections to earth if they did not cease trafficking with mortals and had predicted to return in a thousand years to decide if humanity was fit to exist. Frigga had asked the wives of the god-kings of earth to locate twelve human beings of pure genetic potential to serve as prime examples of humanity when the Fourth Host of the Celestials should occur. The Hindu goddesses had succeeded in locating Jahahanel Patel of the Brahmin caste at the turn of the century to be their representative and concealed him in an underground location where he was attended by several minor Hindu goddesses. When the Fourth Host occurred, the supreme mother-goddess Gaea who was the ancestor of all the gods of earth presented these twelve examples known as the Young Gods. The Celestials voted in favor of earth in view of the Young Gods and departed Earth with them into outer space.

Height: 6' 0"Weight: 345 lbs.Eyes: BlueHair: BlackUnusual Physical Features: In her true godly form, Lakshmi has four arms.

Strength Level: Lakshmi possesses superhuman strength enabling her to lift (press) 75 tons under optimal conditions

Known Superhuman Powers: Lakshmi possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Devas or Hindu gods. Like all Devas, she is virtually immortal: she has not aged since reaching hood and cannot die by any conventional means. She is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If she were somehow wounded, her godly life force would enable her to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of her bodily molecules to cause her a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive her. Lakshmi also possesses superhuman strength and her Deva metabolism provides her with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu gods

Lakshmi also possesses the ability to tap into her shakti, her primal female energies, in order to create feats of magic. She can travel between dimensions, bestow positive energies ("good luck") upon mortals, conjure lightning bolts and control the weather. She is considered the symbol of the womb, immortality and spiritual purity and was often called upon to insure fertility. She has the ability to send her life force through avatars or mortal forms, having been born as the goddess Sita in ancient times, and reincarnating herself through various forms. Lakshmi is considered among the most powerful goddesses in the Hindu pantheon.

Comments: This bio includes Lakshmi's appearances in the Marvel Universe. She only appears behind the scenes of the DC Universe.

King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi

The tale of King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi epitomizes the pious bond of Raksha Bandhan. Their legend is a famous example of how dedicated siblings can be to each other. This mythological story reflects on the pure bond of Rakhi which is full of love, compassion, trust, faith and loyalty.

As per the legend, Demon King Bali, the grandson of Prahlada was a true devotee of Lord Vishnu. With the Lord's blessings,he had become invincible in the battle field and managed to defeat all Devas. The entire heaven, especially Lord Indra, became apprehensive about his increasing strength. At last, Lord Vishnu disguised as Vamana (dwarf), arrived on earth, to rescue Indra and other Devas from their plight. King Bali had the reputation of being a generous and good king. Using this quality, Vamana asked for space which could be covered in three sides.Surely a dwarf could not cover much ground, thought the King, and agreed to his request. At this point, the dwarf changed into Vishnu and his three strides covered the Earth, the Skies and the whole Universe. As a result, Bali was sent to nether lands.

But we all know, Gods are ever generous and cannot see their true devotees suffer. So Lord Vishnu decided to protect Bali and brought him back from nether land. Bali was promised divine protection and immortality till the next aeon, when he will be crowned Indra. Lord Vishnu disguised himself, as Bali's doorman, and protected him from all dangers.
As a result, Vainkuntha was devoid of the Lord and Goddess Lakshmi became restless. She descended on earth as a Brahmin woman in an attempt to bring back her love. She told Bali, that her husband has gone away for a long errand and she needed a place to stay. King Bali welcomed her full heartedly and protected her as his own sister. Since the arrival of the Brahmin woman, i.e. , the Goddess herself the entire household of Bali was suddenly blooming with happiness, wealth, and harvest. 
Finally, on the day of Purnima in the month of Shravana, Goddess Lakshmi tied a thread of colored cotton on Bali's wrist and prayed for protection and happiness. Touched by her sincerity, Bali granted her the wish to ask for anything. Immediately, Goddess Lakshmi pointed at the gatekeeper and requested Bali to return her husband. Confused, Bali asked how a mere guardian can be the husband of such a virtuous lady ! It was then, both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi revealed their true identities. Bali, being a virtuous man and a protective brother, requested the Lord to go back to Vaikuntha with the Goddess. But to keep his promise, every year, the Lord came back for about four months during the monsoon season.
In order to commemorate Bali's devotion to the lord and his sister, the Goddess this festival is also known as Baleva. Since then, brothers all over the world follow the tradition of inviting their sisters for tying the thread of love and celebrating Raksha Bandhan.

Great people are always humble

Lord Raama, the paramaathma, was ofcourse the greatest warrior ever. Lord Krishna in Bhagavadgita remarks “I am Raama among warriors”. He learnt all the Shastras and unparalled Dhanurvidya under the guidance of the great Vasishtha. He was also given super-human powers like bala, ati bala by the great Vishwamithra, the Rishi of Gayathri manthra. Vishwamithra maharshi also taught him all the secret astras that ever existed, which only he in this whole universe knew (he originally learnt it from Lord Shiva). In addition to these, Agasthya mahamuni gave him many additional powers.A few glimpses of Lord Raama’s valour:
  1. With one arrow Raama kills taataki, the mighty raakshasi.
  2. With two simultaneous arrows he kills subaahu and throws Maaricha seven seas away.
  3. Effortlessly lifts the Shiva dhanush, which was pulled to the court by around 50000 well built people.
  4. Raama kills Khara, Dhushana, their 1000 brothers and their army in 14 minutes single handed.
Despite being such a great warrior, he never displayed in strength on his own to show others. The anger on the samudra stands as a good example for this quality of Raama:
Raavana gives 30 days time to sita maata to decide if she will marry him, else will kill her. Bharata took word from Raama saying that if he does’nt return on the next moment of 14 yrs of aranyavaas, then he will sacrifice himself. Raama and his army reaches the shores of ocean with barely 30 days in hand. They have to cross the ocean, defeat Ravana & his army, take sita back to ayodhya in around 30 days time. With such a press for time and given the strength of Raama, Lakshmana suggests Raama not to spend time asking ocean God for way, but to order him.
What Raama does is unbelievable. Though he had the strength and power to control the ocean God, he did not do it. He did penance on the shores of the ocean for 3 long days to give them a way. Finally after 3 days Raama gets angry on the ocean and to make remember his duty, aims an astra at him and immediately ocean God appears and suggests a way of crossing him…



Morals in the Story:
  1. We, for our small petty achievements in life, are very proud (ahankaar) and given a chance, display our strengths. The way of great people is quite different as shown by Lord Raama.
  2. One must never use the strength or powers just because they exist with him, but judiciously use them for the benefit of everyone, upliftment of Dharma.
Message:
  1. Controlling one’s ahankaar is one the most difficult things. If it is controlled we will see a more peaceful world.
  2. Always people who are humble and obedient are only respected by others. If Lord Raama Himself is so humble, as mere normal human beings imagine how much obedient we must be to our elders and parents.

Story of Shiva and Vishnu

“There are two mahaa-phala daayaka Vrukshas. One by the name Vaasudeva and the other by the name Vaamadeva. They differ only in their sumas (flowers) (‘su’ is replaced by ‘ma’ in their names), but both give the same phalas (fruits, which is moksham)”. It is also often said, “How much one does not see the difference between Shiva and Vishnu, that much his aayu will increase”.

One day, when Lakshmi and Vishnu were together in vihaaram, Lakshmi sees Ucchaishravam, her brother, the horse of Revanta who is the son of Surya. Engrossed in seeing her brother, she does not reply to the repeated calls of Vishnu.

Seeing her attraction, Vishnu gives her shaapam to go to Bhulokam in the form of a horse and come back to Vaikuntam only after getting a son equal to Himself! She comes to Bhuloka to experience the shaapam and realizing that none other than her brother, Shiva can help her calm Vishnu, she immediately does a tapas for Him and Shiva appears to save her soodari. Lakshmi says “You and Vishnu are both same, the Paramaatma. Please help me!”. Shiva says “Soodari! How do you know that we both are same? All learned people know that. Who told you?”. Lakshmi says, “Once Mahavishnu Himself told me this. Seeing Him in deep Daiva-dhyaanam, I asked Him “During Samudramanthanam, I thought you were the greatest of all and hence chose you. Devaadideva! Who is better than you that you are in dhyaanam of Him?”.

Mahavishnu replied “I am doing Shankara-dhyaanam. He is Eshwara. He is the same as Me. All learned people know that. If someone is my devotee but still hates Shiva, he will fall into naraka”.

Saying this, She asks Shiva to pursuade Vishnu to bless Her with a child. Shiva sends Chitrarupa as a duta to convince Vishnu. Vishnu immediately accepts and comes to Bhuloka and blesses Lakshmi with Ekaveera, who is equal to Vishnu Himself. From Ekaveera came forth the Haihaya dynasty, of which the most noted king is Kartavirya Arjuna (Ekaveera’s grandson).

Ganesh Chaturthi

By

Sri Swami Sivananda

SALUTATIONS to Lord Ganesha who is Brahman Himself, who is the Supreme Lord, who is the energy of Lord Shiva, who is the source of all bliss, and who is the bestower of all virtuous qualities and success in all undertakings.
Mushikavaahana modaka hastha,
Chaamara karna vilambitha sutra,
Vaamana rupa maheshwara putra,
Vighna vinaayaka paada namasthe
MEANING: "O Lord Vinayaka! the remover of all obstacles, the son of Lord Shiva, with a form which is very short, with mouse as Thy vehicle, with sweet pudding in hand, with wide ears and long hanging trunk, I prostrate at Thy lotus-like Feet!"
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is the day most sacred to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world.
Clay figures of the Deity are made and after being worshipped for two days, or in some cases ten days, they are thrown into water.
Lord Ganesha is the elephant-headed God. He is worshipped first in any prayers. His Names are repeated first before any auspicious work is begun, before any kind of worship is begun.
He is the Lord of power and wisdom. He is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and the elder brother of Skanda or Kartikeya. He is the energy of Lord Shiva and so He is called the son of Shankar and Umadevi. By worshipping Lord Ganesha mothers hope to earn for their sons the sterling virtues of Ganesha.
The following story is narrated about His birth and how He came to have the head of an elephant:
Once upon a time, the Goddess Gauri (consort of Lord Shiva), while bathing, created Ganesha as a pure white being out of the mud of Her Body and placed Him at the entrance of the house. She told Him not to allow anyone to enter while she went inside for a bath. Lord Shiva Himself was returning home quite thirsty and was stopped by Ganesha at the gate. Shiva became angry and cut off Ganesha's head as He thought Ganesha was an outsider.
When Gauri came to know of this she was sorely grieved. To console her grief, Shiva ordered His servants to cut off and bring to Him the head of any creature that might be sleeping with its head facing north. The servants went on their mission and found only an elephant in that position. The sacrifice was thus made and the elephant's head was brought before Shiva. The Lord then joined the elephant's head onto the body of Ganesha.
Lord Shiva made His son worthy of worship at the beginning of all undertakings, marriages, expeditions, studies, etc. He ordained that the annual worship of Ganesha should take place on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadrapada.
Without the Grace of Sri Ganesha and His help nothing whatsoever can be achieved. No action can be undertaken without His support, Grace or blessing.
In his first lesson in the alphabet a Maharashtrian child is initiated into the Mantra of Lord Ganesha, Om Sri Ganeshaya Namah. Only then is the alphabet taught.
The following are some of the common Names of Lord Ganesha: Dhoomraketu, Sumukha, Ekadantha, Gajakarnaka, Lambodara, Vignaraja, Ganadhyaksha, Phalachandra, Gajanana, Vinayaka, Vakratunda, Siddhivinayaka, Surpakarna, Heramba, Skandapurvaja, Kapila and Vigneshwara. He is also known by many as Maha-Ganapathi.
His Mantra is Om Gung Ganapathaye Namah. Spiritual aspirants who worship Ganesha as their tutelary Deity repeat this Mantra or Om Sri Ganeshaya Namah.
The devotees of Ganesha also do Japa of the Ganesha Gayatri Mantra. This is as follows.
Tat purushaaya vidmahe
Vakratundaaya dheemahi
Tanno dhanti prachodayaat.
Lord Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom and bliss. He is the Lord of Brahmacharins. He is foremost amongst the celibates.
He has as his vehicle a small mouse. He is the presiding Deity of the Muladhara Chakra, the psychic centre in the body in which the Kundalini Shakti resides.
He is the Lord who removes all obstacles on the path of the spiritual aspirant, and bestows upon him worldly as well as spiritual success. Hence He is called Vigna Vinayaka. His Bija Akshara (root syllable) is Gung, pronounced to rhyme with the English word "sung". He is the Lord of harmony and peace.
Lord Ganesha represents Om or the Pranava, which is the chief Mantra among the Hindus. Nothing can be done without uttering it. This explains the practice of invoking Ganesha before beginning any rite or undertaking any project. His two feet represent the power of knowledge and the power of action. The elephant head is significant in that it is the only figure in nature that has the form of the symbol for Om.
The significance of riding on a mouse is the complete conquest over egoism. The holding of the ankusha represents His rulership of the world. It is the emblem of divine Royalty.
Ganesha is the first God. Riding on a mouse, one of nature's smallest creatures and having the head of an elephant, the biggest of all animals, denotes that Ganesha is the creator of all creatures. Elephants are very wise animals; this indicates that Lord Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom. It also denotes the process of evolution--the mouse gradually evolves into an elephant and finally becomes a man. This is why Ganesha has a human body, an elephant's head and a mouse as His vehicle. This is the symbolic philosophy of His form.
He is the Lord of Ganas or groups, for instance groups of elements, groups of senses, etc. He is the head of the followers of Shiva or the celestial servants of Lord Shiva.
The Vaishnavas also worship Lord Ganesha. They have given Him the name of Tumbikkai Alwar which means the divinity with the proboscis (the elephant's trunk).
Lord Ganesha's two powers are the Kundalini and the Vallabha or power of love.
He is very fond of sweet pudding or balls of rice flour with a sweet core. On one of His birthdays He was going around house to house accepting the offerings of sweet puddings. Having eaten a good number of these, He set out moving on His mouse at night. Suddenly the mouse stumbled--it had seen a snake and became frightened--with the result that Ganesha fell down. His stomach burst open and all the sweet puddings came out. But Ganesha stuffed them back into His stomach and, catching hold of the snake, tied it around His belly.
Seeing all this, the moon in the sky had a hearty laugh. This unseemly behaviour of the moon annoyed Him immensely and so he pulled out one of His tusks and hurled it against the moon, and cursed that no one should look at the moon on the Ganesh Chaturthi day. If anyone does, he will surely earn a bad name, censure or ill-repute. However, if by mistake someone does happen to look at the moon on this day, then the only way he can be freed from the curse is by repeating or listening to the story of how Lord Krishna cleared His character regarding the Syamantaka jewel. This story is quoted in the Srimad Bhagavatam. Lord Ganesha was pleased to ordain thus. Glory to Lord Ganesha! How kind and merciful He is unto His devotees!
Ganesha and His brother Lord Subramanya once had a dispute as to who was the elder of the two. The matter was referred to Lord Shiva for final decision. Shiva decided that whoever would make a tour of the whole world and come back first to the starting point had the right to be the elder. Subramanya flew off at once on his vehicle, the peacock, to make a circuit of the world. But the wise Ganesha went, in loving worshipfulness, around His divine parents and asked for the prize of His victory.
Lord Shiva said, "Beloved and wise Ganesha! But how can I give you the prize; you did not go around the world?"
Ganesha replied, "No, but I have gone around my parents. My parents represent the entire manifested universe!"
Thus the dispute was settled in favour of Lord Ganesha, who was thereafter acknowledged as the elder of the two brothers. Mother Parvati also gave Him a fruit as a prize for this victory.
In the Ganapathi Upanishad, Ganesha is identified with the Supreme Self. The legends that are connected with Lord Ganesha are recorded in the Ganesha Khanda of the Brahma Vivartha Purana.
On the Ganesh Chaturthi day, meditate on the stories connected with Lord Ganesha early in the morning, during the Brahmamuhurta period. Then, after taking a bath, go to the temple and do the prayers of Lord Ganesha. Offer Him some coconut and sweet pudding. Pray with faith and devotion that He may remove all the obstacles that you experience on the spiritual path. Worship Him at home, too. You can get the assistance of a pundit. Have an image of Lord Ganesha in your house. Feel His Presence in it.
Don't forget not to look at the moon on that day; remember that it behaved unbecomingly towards the Lord. This really means avoid the company of all those who have no faith in God, and who deride God, your Guru and religion, from this very day.
Take fresh spiritual resolves and pray to Lord Ganesha for inner spiritual strength to attain success in all your undertakings.
May the blessings of Sri Ganesha be upon you all! May He remove all the obstacles that stand in your spiritual path! May He bestow on you all material prosperity as well as liberation!

32 Forms of God Ganesh

1
ganesh01g_epsBala Ganapati
Bala Ganapati is "the Childlike" God of golden hue. In His hands He holds a banana, mango, sugar cane and jackfruit, all representing the earth's abundance and fertility. His trunk garners His favorite sweet, the modaka.



2
ganesh02g_epsTaruna Ganapati
Eight-armed, Taruna Ganapati, "the Youthful," holds a noose and goad, modaka, wood apple, rose apple, His broken tusk, a sprig of paddy and a sugar cane stalk. His brilliant red color reflects the blossoming of youth.



3
ganesh03g_epsBhakti Ganapati
Shining like the full moon during harvest season and garlanded with flowers, Bhakti Ganapati, dear to devotees, is indeed pleasant to look upon. He holds a banana, a mango, coconut and a bowl of sweet payasa pudding.



4
ganesh04g_epsVira Ganapati
The "Valiant Warrior," Vira Ganapati, assumes a commanding pose. His 16 arms bristle with weapons, symbols of mind powers: a goad, discus, bow, arrow, sword, shield, spear, mace, a battleaxe, a trident and more.


5
ganesh05g_epsShakti Ganapati
Four-armed and seated with one of His shaktis on His knee, Shakti Ganapati, "the Powerful," of orange-red hue, guards the householder. He holds a garland, noose and goad, and bestows blessings with the abhaya mudra.


6
ganesh06g_epsDvija Ganapati
Four-headed Dvija Ganapati, "the Twice-born," is moon-like in color. Holding a noose, a goad, an ola leaf scripture, a staff, water vessel and a his japa beads, He reminds one and all of the urgency for disciplined striving.


7
ganesh07g_epsSiddhi Ganapati
Golden-yellow Siddhi Ganapati, "the Accomplished," is the epitome of achievement and self-mastery. He sits comfortably holding a bouquet of flowers, an axe, mango, sugar cane and, in His trunk, a tasty sesame sweet.


8
ganesh08g_epsUcchhishta Ganapati
Ucchhishta Ganapati is "Lord of Blessed Offerings" and guardian of culture. Of blue complexion and six-armed, He sits with His Shakti, holding a vina, pomegranate, blue lotus flower, japa mala and a sprig of fresh paddy.


9
ganesh09g_epsVighna Ganapati
Vighna Ganapati, "Lord of Obstacles," is of brilliant gold hue and bedecked in jewels. His eight arms hold a noose and goad, tusk and modaka, conch and discus, a bouquet of flowers, sugar cane, flower arrow and an axe.


10
ganesh10g_epsKshipra Ganapati
Handsome, red-hued Kshipra Ganapati, "Quick-acting" giver of boons, displays His broken tusk, a noose, goad and a sprig of the kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling) tree. In His uplifted trunk He holds a tiny pot of precious jewels.


11
ganesh11g_epsHeramba Ganapati
Five-faced, white in color, Heramba Ganapati, "Protector of the Weak," rides a big lion. He extends the gestures of protection and blessing while holding a noose, japa beads, axe, hammer, tusk, garland, fruit and modaka.


12
ganesh12g_epsLakshmi Ganapati
Lakshmi Ganapati, pure white giver of success, sits flanked by Wisdom and Achievement. Gesturing varada mudra, He holds a green parrot, a pomegranate, sword, goad, noose, sprig of kalpavriksha and a water vessel.


13
ganesh13g_epsMaha Ganapati
Accompanied by one of His shaktis, "the Great," Maha Ganapati, is red-complexioned and three-eyed. He holds His tusk, a pomegranate, blue lily, sugar-cane bow, discus, noose, lotus, paddy sprig, mace and a pot of gems.


14
ganesh14g_epsVijaya Ganapati
Four-armed, of red hue and riding His resourceful mushika, Vijaya Ganapati is "the Victorious" bestower of success. His insignia are the broken tusk, elephant goad, a noose and a lucious golden mango, His favorite fruit.


15
ganesh15g_epsNritya Ganapati
The happy "Dancer," Nritya Ganapati, is four-armed and golden, with rings on His fingers, holding a tusk, goad, noose and modaka sweet. He prances under the kalpavriksha tree, epitomizing exuberant activity and joy.


16
ganesh16g_epsUrdhva Ganapati
Seated with one of His shaktis on His left knee, Urdhva Ganapati is "the Elevated" Lord of golden hue. In His six hands He holds a sprig of paddy, a lotus, the sugar cane bow, an arrow, His ivory tusk and a blue water lily.


17
ganesh17g_epsEkakshara Ganapati
Ekakshara, of "Single-Syllable" (gam), is three-eyed, of red complexion and attire. Crescent moon on His crown, He sits in lotus pose upon Mushika, offers the boon-giving gesture and holds a pomegranate, noose and goad.


18
ganesh18g_epsVarada Ganapati
Varada Ganapati, "the Boon-Giver with prominent third eye of wisdom, holds a dish of honey, the noose and goad and encloses a pot of jewels in His trunk. His shakti is at His side, and the crescent moon adorns His crown.


19
ganesh19g_epsTryakshara Ganapati
Tryakshara Ganapati, "the Lord of Three Letters" (A-U-M), is gold in color and has fly whisks in His big floppy ears. He carries the broken tusk, goad, noose and mango and is often seen grasping a sweet modaka in His trunk.


20
ganesh20g_epsKshipra Prasada Ganapati
Kshipra Prasada Ganapati, "the Quick Rewarder," presides from a kusha-grass throne. His big belly symbolizes the manifest universe. He holds a noose, goad, tusk, lotus, pomegranate and a twig of the wish-fulfilling tree.


21
ganesh21g_epsHaridra Ganapati
Haridra Ganapati, the golden one dressed in bright yellow vestments, sits calmly on a posh, regal throne. Along with His tusk and a modaka, He wields a noose to hold devotees close and a sharp goad to spur them onward.


22
ganesh22g_epsEkadanta Ganapati
Ekadanta, of "Single Tusk," is distinguished by His blue color and sizeable belly. The attributes of this murti are an axe for cutting the bonds of ignorance, prayer beads for japa, a laddu sweet and the broken right tusk.


23
ganesh23g_epsSrishti Ganapati
Riding on His docile and friendly mouse, Srishti Ganapati is the lord of happy "Manifestation." This active God, of red complexion, holds His noose a goad, a perfect mango, and His tusk, representing selfless sacrifice.


24
ganesh24g_epsUddanda Ganapati
Uddanda Ganapati is the bold "Enforcer of Dharma," the laws of being. His ten hands hold a pot of gems, a blue lily, sugar cane, a mace, lotus flower, sprig of paddy, a pomegranate, noose, garland and His broken tusk.


25
ganesh25g_epsRinamochana Ganapati
Rinamochana Ganapati is humanity's liberator from guilt and bondage. His figure of alabaster skin is apparelled in red silks. He bears a noose and a goad, His milk-white tusk and a favorite fruit, the rose apple.


26
ganesh26g_epsDhundhi Ganapati
Red-hued Dhundhi Ganapati, "the Sought After," holds a strand of rudraksha beads, His broken tusk, an axe and a small pot of precious gems thought to represent the treasury of awakenings He saves for all ardent devotees.


27
ganesh27g_epsDvimukha Ganapati
Dvimukha Ganapati, called Janus by the Romans, with two divergent faces, sees in all directions. His blue-green form is dressed in red silk. He wears a bejeweled crown and holds a noose, goad, His tusk and a pot of gems.


28
ganesh28g_epsTrimukha Ganapati
Trimukha Ganapati, the contemplative "three-faced" Lord of red hue, sits on a golden lotus, telling His beads, holding a noose, goad and vessel of nectar. He gestures protection with a right hand and blessings with a left.


29
ganesh29g_epsSinha Ganapati
Sinha Ganapati, white in color, rides a lion and displays another lion in one hand, symbolizing strength and fearlessness. He also holds a kalpavriksha sprig, the vina, a lotus blossom, flower bouquet and a pot of jewels.


30
ganesh30g_epsYoga Ganapati
Yoga Ganapati is absorbed in mantra japa, His knees strapped in meditative pose, hands holding a yoga staff, sugar cane stalk, a noose and prayer beads. His color is like the morning sun. Blue garments adorn His form.


31
ganesh31g_epsDurga Ganapati
Durga Ganapati, the "Invincible," waves the flag of victory over darkness. This splendid murti is of deep gold hue, dressed in red, holding a bow and arrow, noose and goad, prayer beads, broken tusk and a rose apple.

32ganesh32g_eps
Sankatahara Ganapati
Sankatahara Ganapati, "the Dispeller of Sorrow," is of sunlike hue, dressed in blue, and seated on a red lotus flower. He holds a bowl of pudding, a goad and a noose while gesturing the boon-granting varada mudra.