THE FESTIVAL OF HOLI - THE VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL

Holi celebration is the victory of the Fire (Agni devta) who destroyed the evil in the form of Holika.  This festival is known as Dolpurnima or Phagwah.
Holi is celebrated on March 28, 2002. This festival celebrates the victory of the devtas of the gods over the demon who sometimes take over the world, spreading sinful action.
On Thursday night, (the night before Holi) the forces of fire becomes very powerful to burn anything that is evil in nature. On this night a fire ritual known as a Havan Ritual, when performed can grant you victory over all negative occurrences happening presently in you life. This is the best time for this type of ritual which should be performed outside of a building or home. After the night of Holi, Havan or fire ritual is not effective for the purpose of puja of any sort or marriage ceremonies, as the fire will loose its power to bless the world for twelve days after that night. Agni, Lord of Fire, after destroying the evil, (that is after Hoika is burnt), leaves for underground and stays there for twelve days, as such this is the period not to perform any Hawan Ritual, since the fire will not be effective.
HOW TO PERFORM THE HAVAN RITUAL ON THE NIGHT OF HOLI
An area of land outside the building (in the front) representing a havan kund is dug. The dimension should be 18" square by 9" deep. A small Castor Oil plant is planted in the center of the kund. Bundles of dry sticks are placed around it. Using ghee (clarified butter), perfume, and colored powders, havan mantras are recited while feeding the fire with various items as ghee (clarified butter), dried sticks, and havan samagree.  The Castor Oil plant signifies the beginning
of spring and the end of winter.
If desirable mantras are recited while feeding the fire on this night of Holi, the effects are great, and the desire is achieved successfully.
The victory of good over evil is celebrated by sprinkling of water, abeer, and powder on each other, and sharing sweetmeat such as goja, poularie, gulgulla, sugarcake, barfie and more. Click here for recipe
HERE ARE SOME MANTRAS WHICH CAN BE USED FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSE
For success in marriage, for children, and a good family life:
Om Namo Bhagavao Arahoo Ajiya Jinaassa Sijjao Me
Bhavao Mahavae Mahaavidhya Ajia Aparaajia anihaya
Mahabale Log Saare Ta Ta Ta Swaha
For a woman who is desirous of getting pregnant:
Om Bhamaya Bhoomi Puthraya Mama Garbha Dehi Dehi
Sthira Sthira Maachala Maachala
Om Kraam Kreem Krown
Om Phat Swaha
For help in a job interview:
Om Arha Nama
Om Sreem Theen Hum Phat Swaha
For help with alcoholic problem:
Om Arha Nama Jhreem Theem
Hum Phat Swaha
To prevent ghost from affecting you:
Om Kram Kreem Krown Ksha
Hara Phat Swaha
For love life:
Om Haring Kumar Aye Nama Swaha
Om Haring Mohini Swaha
THE FESTIVAL OF HOLI IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING STORY: (Summary)
The story of Holika, the sister of the evil king Hiranyakashipu. The evil father, having failed in various other ways to make his son Prahalad denounce Lord Narayana (Vishnu), asked his sister, Holika to take Prahalad in her lap and enter a blazing fire. Holika, who had a boon to remain untouched by fire, obeyed her brother. But Holika's boon ended by this act against the Lord's devotee and was herself burnt to ashes and Prahalad was unharmed.
THE FESTIVAL OF HOLI- THE STORY OF PRAHALAD
Hiranyakashypu was the king of the asuras. Hiranyakashypu's brother had been slain by Vishnu for terrorizing gods and goddesses. Hiranyakashypu wanted to destroy Vishnu and to keep other Gods under his control, so he set out to kill all those who worship Lord Vishnu, but the Gods protected Lord Vishnu's devotees.
Hiranyakashypu tried to match his powers with Vishnu's to take over the three worlds. He began to perform penance and tapasya. As he was so occupied his city and palace was destroyed by the Gods. The wife of Hiranyakashiapu, the queen, was expecting a baby, and was sent to Sage Narada's hermitage. She lived there and learned from the Sage about Lord Vishnu, as she was pregnant, the knowledge was passed on to the unborn child, who was named Prahalad.
The queen learnt that Vishnu is the Lord, and that he is present in everything, and is everywhere.
Brahma accepted the austerities of Hiranyakashypu allow him to ask for a boon of his choice. Hiranyakashypu, greedy as he was, wish that his death may not be caused by man or beast, with a weapon or without a weapon, during day or night, indoors or outdoors, on earth or in the sky. The boon was granted.
Hiranyakashypu, now believing himself to be the strongest, and more powerful as a result of the boon, reorganized his followers, and became more hostile to Lord Vishnu and his devotees, claiming that he was the Lord to be worshipped since he felt that he cannot die.
Prahalad was growing up and still had the knowledge that Vishnu is the Lord and one should renounce the material world and surrender to Lord Vishnu. When Prahalad told this to his father, Hiranyakashypu told Prahalad's Guru (teacher) to guard him closely, because he felt that the devotees of Vishnu were influencing Prahalad. As time passed, Prahalad's Guru thought it was time that Prahalad met his father. The king asked his son, what had he learnt from his Guru. Prahalad said to his father, that the most worthwhile thing for anyone to do is be a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hirnaykashypu was very angry, and thought his son was cursed, he asked Prahalad who taught him that. Prahalad in his calm, told his father that Lord Vishnu reveals himself to all who are devoted to him.
Hearing this again, Hiranyakashypu was angry, and ordered Prahalad be killed. The followers of Hiranyakashypu started attacking Prahalad as he was meditating on Lord Vishnu, but their weapons could not touch Prahalad. Most deadly snakes were let loose on Prahalad, but their fangs turned impotent. Even elephants could not trample him. Inspite of all attempts to destroy Prahalad, he untouched, for he was protected. Holika, the wicked sister of Hiranyakashypu, and aunt of Prahalad had a boon to brave fire without being burnt. The king ordered Prahalad be burnt to death and that his sister, Holika must sit in the fire, with Prahalad on her laps. The fire was set and Holika was burnt to ashes, Prahalad walked out of the fire alive and unharmed.
Prahalad was again sent to his Guru. The Guru tried this time to enchant Prahalad interested in wealth and physical pleasures. Prahalad thought that wealth and physical pleasures cannot bring happiness, instead will lead to destruction. The Guru gave up, when Prahalad insisted that Vishnu is the Lord and creator of all beings and is present everywhere, and in everything. Prahalad again told this to his father. Hiranyakashypu was very angry and asked where was Vishnu, if he is everywhere why is he not there, in the Pillar, and if he is not there, Prahalad's head will be cut off with the sword, so Prahalad should let Vishnu, protect him. As Hiranyakashypu was striking the Pillar with his sword, Lord Vishnu, in the form of Nara-Simha (half man, half lion) emerged from the Pillar. He was neither beast nor man, it was the twilight hour, (neither day or night). Nara-Simba carried Hiranyakashypu to the threshold of the court-room which was neither indoors nor outdoors. While holding Hiranyakashypu on his lap, (which was neither on the earth or in the sky) Hiranyakashypu died (not with or without a weapon). Prahalad was thereafter initiated as king. He ruled wisely for many years.
Thus the religious significance the victory of good over evil.

Taken from : http://www.swamiram.com/lj_articles/holy.html

THE FORMS OF DURGA

There are nine forms of female energy in the universe. Before the birth of the Universe, the first Energy after Time (Shiva) was Heat (Shakti). Then after Creation (Bramha) came subsequent to the Universe (Vishnu), the various energies of Heat or Shakti was created.
Since Bramha got knowledge (Saraswaty) as his consort, and Vishnu got Light (Laxmi ) as his consort, they both approached Time (Shiva) and asked him to get a consort. However Time or Mahakali hesitated since Time is above everything it would be difficult to be subjected.
In spite of this the Universe and Creator (Bramha Vishnu) insisted that Time has a consort or else there will be no Motion (Kali) and thus Reality (Laxmi Narayan ) will not be sustained.
Shiva (Time) was persuaded to get a consort, but to complete the proper propagation of the Universe and its creations, Shiva (Time) had to consider all NINE LEVELS of the Universe. To make all these levels work in harmony, Shiva (Time) had to link all these levels by merging the NINE Forms to achieve the universal Shakti or Energy, thus Time would be able to create all NINE dimensions of this Universe.
The fist form Shiva (Time) wanted to marry was Devotion (Sati), however, Ego (Daksa) had a problem with Time and because of their disagreement Devotion did not listen to Time, and so Devotion was burned in the Yagna fire.
The second form Shiva (Time) married was Motherhood (Parbatty) who was the mother of Ganesh, but mother did not reveal all things to Time, so when a battle took place over the death of their son, Ganesh (Obstacles), Mother placed more importance on Obstacles (the son Ganesh) rather than Time, (Husband).
The Third form Shiva (Time) got married to was Knowledge (Gayatree) but knowledge was always studying, playing, and entertaining, so Knowledge paid very little attention to Time.
The Fourth form Shiva (Time) married was Work (Rudrani). However Work spent much time cleaning, cooking and other household duties, that there was hardly any time for (Shiva) Time.
The Fifth form Shiva (Time) married was Lover ( Narayani) whose demand for attention and love was so great that Time had to stop and change many times over for Lover. Because Lover demanded Changes, Lover was then left alone.
The sixth form of Shakti that Shiva (Time) married was Power (Chamunde). Power had a lot of Energy. Power was very commanding and constantly frustrating Time over following rules and regulations. Time could not cope with these rules.
The Seventh form Shiva (Time) was married to was Emotion (Ganga). Emotion was a "cry-baby", demanding that Time paid more and more attention to Emotion and feelings. Emotion wanted to constantly affect the head of Time so Time demanded that Emotion flowed out of Time's head.
The Eight form Shiva (Time) was married to was Wealth (Laxmi). After marrying Time, Wealth demanded materiality constantly, had great attachment to material reality. Since Time could not be attached to materialism Time was not unable to cope with Laxmi.
The Ninth form Shiva (Time) was married to was Destruction (Kali) who had always been with time but was never able to exercise Destructive power until Reality came into being. Since Destruction always trying to step on top of time, and sometimes Time (Shiva) had to play dead so as to deceive Destruction, it was difficult for time to get Respect, so Time was unhappy.
Since Shiva (Time) was unhappy with all the individual forms of Female Energy, Time decided to fuse them together as One, so that Time would have some Devotion, some Knowledge, some Motherhood, some Work, some Love, some Power, some Wealth and some Destruction (portions of all the qualities, in one) to have a complete female called NAV-DURGA.
The 9 days of Nav-Raatri is the worshiping of the nine forces or components necessary for the perfect woman to sustain the Universe. When there is a failure in any of the components, it creates a breakdown in the system of the home. As NAV-DURGA - THE COMPLETE WOMAN, who may be the wife, mother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, maid, daughter, cook, all the forms are needed to have a complete and blessed home.
THE DAYS OF NAV-RAATRI ARE REPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS:

• First day.............SARASWATY........Represents Knowledge
• Second day.........PARBATY.............Represents Motherhood
• Third day............GOWRIE..............Represents Romance
• Fourth day..........RUDRANI............Represents Home Care
• Fifth day.............RADHA................Represents Pleasure
• Sixth day............SHAKTI................Represents Power
• Seventh day........GANGA................Represents Emotion
• Eight day............LAXMI.................Represents Wealth
• Ninth day...........MAHAKALI.........Represents Destruction of all evil

RITUAL FOR NAV-RAATPRASAD NEEDED:
9 Purees, Soaked Chick Peas, halwa, sweet rice, mahambhog, 9  different fruits, 1 coconut
Place the coconut(dried) to stand at the head of the yellow cloth (approximately 1 yard square) then place the purees, singled out on a square yellow cloth below the coconut . Put a little of each prasad on each puree, and also a piece of each fruit. Add the following items to each puree while reciting the mantra below: water, sindoor, hardi, chandan, attar, agarbati, coins, clove, neem leaf, tulsi, yellow flowers, elaichi, and rice, then  arti each puree individually with the agarbati and the lighted diya. Put saindoor, hardi and attar on the coconut, nine times each then arti with the agarbati and the lighted diya, nine times.   Blessings are conferred to you if gifts are given to 9 unmarried girls, during Nav-Raat.
Click here for prasad recipe
NAV-RAAT MANTRA:
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU VISHNUMAYETI SHABDITA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
She who lives in every being and known by the name of Vishnu Maya
may receive our repeated and continuous reverence.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU NIDRA ROOPEN SANSTHITA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as sleep.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU KSHUDHAROOPEN SANSTHITA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as hunger.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHUCHHAYAROOPEN SANSTHITA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as the shadow (of the real being).
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU SHAKTIROOPEN SANSTHITA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as energy.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU TRISHNAROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as thirst.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU KSHANTIROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as forgiveness.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU JATIROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as their jati (social classification).
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU LAJJAROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as modesty.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU SHANTIROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as (longing for) peace.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU SHRADDHAROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as faith (in the Almighty).
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU KANTIROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as the radiance.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU LAXMIROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings the Goddess of riches, Lakshmi.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU VRITTI ROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as their natural inclination.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU SMRITIROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
 Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as memory.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU DAYA ROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as kindness.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU TUSHTHIROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as satisfaction.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU MATROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as the natural feeling of motherhood.
YA DEVI SARVABHOOTESHU BHRANTIROOPEN SANSTITHA
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is present
in all beings as erroneous judgement.
INDRAYANAMADHRISHTHATRI BHOOTANAM CHAKHILESHU YA
BHOOTESHU SATATAM TASYEI VYAPTI DEVYE NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess who is the Ruler of
all the senses of beings and ever present in them
CHITIROOPEN YA KRISHNAMETADAVYAPYA STITHA JAGAT
NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMASTASYEI NAMO NAMAH
Our repeated and continuous obeisance to the Goddess the whole world inspiration
with whose existence is the supreme consciousness
After the arti wrap everything together in the yellow cloth, and take it to the sea. Ask Ganga to accept the offerings, then open the cloth and let go slowly in the water, sprinkling the water over your head three times. If this is done for any 3 nights consecutively, Mother Durga will come to you in your dream and answer questions you may have about your life.
PURPOSE OF NAV-DURGA PUJA:

• To be reborn into a new path
• To be born again from a new mother (Mother of the Universe)
• To reborn again so as to remove the karmas of your earthly parents
• To start a new life with new karmas
• To remove ancestry sins of parents, grandparents and great-grandparents
• To stop the effects of kal bhairo, ritual performed by past ancestors
• To stop the effects of kateri ritual or previous actions of meat eating
• To promote pregnancy and child birth by enabling the womb to be fertile

BENEFITS OF NAV-DURGA PUJA

• To remove all bad karmas of past lives
• To remove sins and bad karmas inherited from parents, grand-parents and great-grandparents
• To remove the effects of Kal Bhairo and Kateri which are the devil's male and female energies. Note: There are no written evidence of Kal Bhairo in the Vedas or the Puranas. Kal Bhairo is known only in Africa, and Guyana, and is known as Dee Baba, Land Master or Sanganee Baba or Satan in the Caribbean and Guyana.
• To promote the birth of children and to stop miscarriages and abortions
• To improve the relationship between one's self and his or her mother
• To improve relationships between husband and wife
• To assist a single woman in finding a husband rapidly
• To bring wealth and prosperity to the female children of the family
• To renew one's karmas through rebirth with Durga as the mother and Shiva as the father

SPECIAL REQUESTS CAN BE MADE TO MOTHER DURGA DURING THE NAVRAAT FESTIVAL. THE FOLLOWING MANTRAS AND PRAYERS CAN BE USED ACCORDING
TO YOUR DESIRE.
For the birth of a child if pregnancy is difficult
OM HRIM PRAJAPATAYE SVAHA
Oh, Maya to the Lord of all created beings, I am One with God!
OM VISNURYONIM KALPAYATU TVASTA
RUPANI PIMSATU AMSINCATU
PRAJAPATIRDHATA GARBHAM DADHATU TE
May Lord Vishnu grant the power to conceive, may Tvasta give the form.
May Prajapati sprinkle it with blessings, and may Dhata support the womb.
OM GARBHAM DHEHI SINIVALI
GARBHAM DHEHI SARASVATI GARBHAM
TE ASVINAU DEVAVADHATTAM
PUSKARASRAJAU
May Sinivali support the womb, may Sarasvati support the womb.
May the Asvins who wear garlands of lotus support the womb.
OM KLIM STRIM HRIM SRIM HUM (name of the person desiring pregnancy)
PUTRAKAMAYAI GARBHAMADHEHI SVAHA
OM VISNO JYESTHENE RUPENA
NARYAMASYAM VARIYASAM
SUTAMADHEHI SVAHA
Oh Lord Vishnu! In thy excellent form give to this woman an excellent child. I am One with God! This ends the Ritu Sanskara which should be performed daily by both husband and wife together from the time of taking the sankalpa of marriage until conception.
On the night of union before physical intercourse, first the wife should perform puja to her husband as Lord Shiva, according to the complete system of worship. Then the husband should worship his wife as the Divine Mother. After the husband and wife have completed the worship and honor of the divine through their spouse, then proceed with the worship of communion.
Other mantras for pregnancy
2: PUMANSAM PUTRAM JANEY TAM PUMA NANU JAYATAM
BHAVASI PUTRANAM MATA JATANAM JAYASHCH YAN
Oh Mother of the Universe, please let me be victorious in giving birth to a son
3: OM NAMA SHAKITARUPAYE MEM GHIRAHE PUTRAM KURU KURU SAVAHA
Oh Mother Durga, please bring into my womb a son of high quality.
One of the following four mantras can be recited when a woman wants to bring a
husband into her life
1: OM IYA MAGNE NARI PATIM VID ESTA SOMO
HI RAJA SUBHA GAM KAR NOTI, SUVANA
PUTRAN MAHISI BHAVATI GATVA PATIM
HI RA JATU.
O Lord of Creatures! May this woman find husband, verily tender good husband who makes
her Happy. Bearing progeny, may become the mistress of the house and with her husband shine as his happy friend.
2: OM HARING KUMAR AYE NAMA SWAHA
OM HARING MOHINE SWAHA
Oh Mother please bring me the perfect husband in my life and let him be enchanted by me
3: HEE GORI SHANKARARDHAN GIM YATHA TWAM SHANKARPRIYA
TATHA MAM KURU KALYANI KANTKANTAM SUDURLABHAM
Oh Mother Gowrie, the giver of romance and love please bring me the perfect husband that will
bless me with all the prosperity of a wife
4: OM KATYAYANI MAHABHAGE MAHAYOGINY ADHISHVARIM
NAND GOP SUTAM DEVI PATIAM ME KURUTE NAMAH
O Mother of separation (Katyayani), Oh Mother of illusion, Oh Mother of happiness, have mercy
on me and please return to me my husband and lover, and return my happiness to my home.
If a man has left his home because he is having an affair, the following mantra will bring
him back, if it is recited by the wife
OM NAMO BHAGAWATE RUDRAYE KARALAYE AMUK PUTRA
BHANDVASAYAH SHIGHRAM MUCHHATAYE THA THA THA
Oh Mother, please return my husband to me
For a wife to appease her husband for harmony, peace and prosperity in the home
OM KALING TRAMBAKE YAJAHAMAHA SUGANDNAM
PATTIVERDNAM PATIMU URVARUKMEV
BHANDHNAPATTIMOKASHEY MAM-MRITIYAT KALING OM
Oh Mother, may my husband attain mukhsha in heaven and let him never be troubled by
obstacles or enemies, and let him return home safely after leaving each day
For a man to get a good bride
OM KLEENG VISHWA VASUNAM GANDHARVAH KANYANA MADHIPATIH LABHAMI
DEVDUTTAM KANYA SARUPAM SALANKARAM TASMAI VISHWAYASAVE SAVAHA
Oh Mother, may I be blessed with a wife, possessing the beauty of a heavenly maiden and the purity of a virgin; a powerful wife who will be devoted to me as her husband and who will protect me during times of distress



HOW TO REMOVE KAL BHAIRO FROM YOUR LIFE BY PERFORMING DURGA PUJA
To remove the effects of Kal Bhairo, a householder must perform a Durga puja. The purpose of this puja is to ask Mother Durga to accept them as her own children and so Lord Shiva becomes their new father. Through this puja, the person is granted re-birth with the new mother as Mother Durga and the new father as Lord Shiva. With these new parents, the sins of that person's earth parents and grand-parents are no longer attached to them. This rebirth cleanses the householder from past bad karmas.
To break the curse from the entire family, all members must contribute equally to the monetary costs of performing the Puja and the daschina to the preceptor. Each family member must contribute an equal amount of money from their own earnings. Sometimes the evil is so attached to one family member that he will resist all attempts to believe that anything is wrong and will refuse to contribute his share or to participate in the puja. In such a case, if the other family members are willing to help and protect him, they must put the amount on behalf of that person and must add 10% more to the total cost. In this way, all the family members come under the protection of the GOD-PARENTS. If someone does not participate, that person will continue to suffer.
Once the Durga puja is complete, the family will begin to notice changes in their lives. As the positive change cycle begins the family must continue to attach themselves to God through the worship of Lord Shiva. The following should be done:

• A Lord Shiva puja should be performed each year. Family members should chant the mantras provided by the holy person.
• The family should set up an altar in the home and bathe the shivling when they kneel to say their prayers. Devotees of Lord Shiva will find that after they return from Kal Bhairo, they eventually will develop high psychic ability, their 3rd eye will open and they will have visions of Lord Shiva and other Dewtas.
• Swami-Ji noticed that people born under the Deity Laxmi are able to fight off the debts of bad karmas and break the curse, usually on their own. Others are not so successful and must seek help from Mother Durga and Lord Shiva.

ALL BRAHMINS AND PUNDITS ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED BELOW FOR THEIR DEVOTEES TO RECEIVE THE POSITIVE BLESSINGS FROM THEIR DURGA PUJAS
After the priest has performed his regular puja procedures up to Lord Shiva, he should begin the Durga Puja by inviting the following 9 forms of durga by raising the 9 colored flags.
Invite the 1st female half of Lord Shiva - Sati, known as BRAHMA CHARINI.
Invite the 2nd female half of Lord Shiva - Parbaty, known as SHALPUTRI.
Invite the 3rd female half of Lord Shiva - Gowrie, known as CHANGRAGANTA.
Invite the 4th female half of Lord Shiva - Rudrani, known as KUSHMANDI.
Invite the 5th female half of Lord Shiva - Rati, known as SKANDAMATA.
Invite the 6th female half of Lord Shiva - Kali, known as KATYANI.
Invite the 7th female half of Lord Shiva - Rohini, known as GANGA.
Invite the 8th female half of Lord Shiva - Shakti, known as MAHAGAURI.
Invite the 9th female half of Lord Shiva - Indrani, known as SIDDIDATRI.
After raising the 9 flags, lighted diyas are placed in each of the nine prepared plates. This brings
all the 9 forms to form Nav-Durga, by placing the plates on the 9 yds of yellow cloth. Ritual is performed by mantras to the procreative energy of the universe called Durga. Then Durga is married to Lord Shiva by placing a 10th plate representing Lord Shiva on the Yellow Cloth.  Requests are then made to the Divine couple for the rebirth of the Yagman so that he or she can have Divine Parents. This is done by the cutting of the nutmeg which symbolizes the releasing of the egg from Mother Durga then the fertilization of the egg and the "splitting" of the Zygote (Fertilized egg called Hirany Garbha) which is represented by the cutting of the lime in two halves, followed by the breaking of the coconut (dried) which symbolize the birth from the fertilized egg. This means that the yagman is being born from DURGA a heavenly mother replacing the earthly mother. The puja procedure is concluded by the cutting of the banana flower (a symbolism representing creation of children and the Blessing of the children with worldly prosperity) followed by the bathing of the CUT NUTMEG, THE SPLIT LIME, THE BROKEN COCONUT AND THE CUT BANANA FLOWER with the DURGA DAR which is a mixture of 9 ingredients.
THE DURGA DAR CONSISTS OF:
1: MILK............................For the yagman to receive wealth from parents (from the cow- Laxmi)
2: GANGA WATER..........Washing away of all previous Karmas and Sins
3: CANE JUICE................Sweetness and love to be received from divine parents
4: HONEY.........................To receive proper speech and mantras
5: COCONUT WATER.....To receive proper consciousness and divine thoughts from parents
6: TUMERIC (DYE)..........To receive peace of mind from parents
7: NEEM LEAF.................Protection from spirits and diseases
8: YOGURT......................Good nourishment and bliss from parents
9: MUSTARD SEED.........To destroy all obstacles and enemies
NOTE: Hindu Rituals are not magic. In fact they are very SCIENTIFIC in the philosophy used to correct our lives from our sins or karmas in the Universe. If a knowledgeable person follows the proper procedure when doing a puja, then the puja is sure to be successful. Please note that Kal Bhairo is not part of any puja ritual, definitely not a part of Durga Puja .
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There is only one way to enter the Universe, therefore every puja must follow the set procedure. When doing a puja, if a Laxmi Puja is performed before the Ganesh Puja, then the process is considered to be incorrect. Similarly, if a Nav-graha Puja is done first then the puja process is done backwards. For the puja to be successful, the procedure must be properly followed in the correct order, and there is no short form of doing a puja.  Check the book section for books on  puja.

Taken From : http://www.swamiram.com/lj_articles/navratri.php

Pancha Mukhi Hanuman

Atma Vichara and Pancha Mukha Hanuman

Pancha = five. Mukha = face. Thus Pancha Mukha Hanuman is the five faced Lord Hanuman. The five faces are those of Varaha, Garuda, Hanuman, Narasimha and Hayagriva.

When a spiritual aspirant does sincere atma vichara under the guidance of a Sathguru, the Lord of Self Enquiry, Pancha Mukhi Hanuman, reveals the divine truth to that seeker through His five faces. This Siddha spiritual insight was taught to Sathguru Venkataraman by his Sathguru Sri La Sri Idiyaappa Siddha Easar.

Through three faces, Lord Panch Muka Hanuman, reveals the soul's past, present and future and its life in these three phases in a sthoola or concrete, material body.

Through the fourth face, Lord Pancha Muka Hanuman gives instruction to the soul on transcending the aforementioned three phases and thus dissolving its limited individuality in the limitless universality of the Lord through the path of saranagathi, i.e., perfect surrender to the Divine Will.

Through the fifth face, Lord Panchmukhi Hanuman initiates the sincere soul into this sublime process.

Thus Lord Pancha Mukha Hanuman is the Divine Helper of all those who seek atma gnana. He ensures our enthusiasm during the atma vichara process and motivates us on the road to atma gnana. He helps us find the correct answer to the "Who am I?" question.

All those who do atma vichara and all those who seek atma gnana should pray to Lord Panch Mukha Hanuman and sincerely seek His blessings. May He help us in our quest for atma gnana!

Rare Loving Names Of Lord Ganesh

There are 1000 names of Lord Ganesh and His 108 names are well-known amongst the devotees. But here are some rare names which have gained popularity.

Alampata – The Eternal. By whose puissance this word of illusion is manifested, whose creation is this universe, who is the Lord of all Gods and creation.

Anantachidrupamayam – Infinite And Consciousness Personified. He, the root cause of the worlds, is uniquely manifested in the hearts of all. He can be realized only by concentrated meditation. He is beyond any distinction.

Bhalchandra – The One Sporting The Moon Crest. A crescent moon adorns the forehead of Lord Ganesh. It denotes a pot of nectar providing divine coolness to the wearer as well as intelligence and mental enlightenment. The moon is the symbol of the mind and peace.

Buddhipriya – The One Who Bestows Knowledge. He bestows discretion to the worshipper. As ruler of the Mooladhara Chakra, He arouses a person’s latent energy or the force to take him to the Divine light.

Chaturbhujeti – The Four-Armed One. The four arms of Lord Ganesh is an embodiment of truth and discretion, control over money and bondage.

Devantakanashakarin – Destroyer Of Demons. Lord Ganesh, the destroyer of evils, slew the powerful demons, re-establishing righteousness and peace in the three worlds.

Durja – The Invincible. He is an embodiment of infinite strength and power, immortal with no beginning or end.

Dvaimatura – Son Of Two Mothers. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati created a child from the surface of her body while bathing with “Ugtan” which consisted of turmeric, sandalwood, scented oils. When she lowered this divine child into the river Ganga, He grew into a large being. Both Goddess Parvati and Goddess Ganga are thus His mother as they were both part of His creation.

Ekaakshara – Single Syllable. He is the symbol of single syllable “Om”

Ekadrishta – Single Tusked. His single tusk denotes one direction. He gathers information from various directions but in deciding his course of direction, He doesn’t deter. The single tusk represents the non-dualistic nature of reality.

Eshanputra – The Son Of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesh is the elder son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is the delight of their lives.

Ganadhakshya – Lord Of The Celestial Hordes. He is the chief of the celestial beings called Gana. He is loved and worshipped by all.

Gaurisuta – Son Of Goddess Gauri. Goddess Gauri is Goddess Parvati. Suta means son. So He is the son of Gauri Devi.

Gunina – Lord Of All Virtues. He is the Lord of all virtues. His grace and radiance is supreme and ethereal.

Haridra – The Golden One. He is the golden one like the radiant glow of the sun.

Kapil – Tawny Colored. He teaches the path of success and achievement is through the use of intellect and that through wisdom alone one can reach salvation.

Kaveesha – Lord Of Poets. Poets invoke him for He is the lord of poets from whose divine pen flows divine words.

Kirti – Lover Of Music. He is Nada Brahman, Lord of music. He is the repository of knowledge and virtues from whom emanate illimitable erudition cosmic music and rhythm.

Krishnapingaksha – Black-Yellowish-Brown Eyed. His eyes are radiate power, compassion, wisdom and love. He is omnipotent and infinite. His eyes dazzle with the exuberance of the light of a million suns.

Kshamakaram – Abode Of Forgiveness. Constant and regular chanting of Lord Ganesh’s name is a sure path for atonement of sins. He is the abode of forgiveness, the seat of compassion and ever-forgiving.

Maheshwaram – Lord Of The Universe. Maheshwaram from whom the universe is born, is the eternal Brahman. All the elements – earth, fire, air, water and ether are manifested in Him.

Mudakaram – Abode Of Joy. He is the home of Siddhi and Buddhi, the repository of knowledge and the abode of joy.

Muktidaya – Giver Of Eternal Peace. He grants security to his devotees, thereby providing eternal peace and destroys all the obstacles that one may face when entreated by his devotees.

Namasthetu – Destroyer Of All Sins. He purges the devotees of all sins by incinerating their sins and impieties by His holy fire.

Nideeswaram – Master Of All Kinds Of Treasure. He is the Lord of all wealth – material as well as spiritual.

Pashin – One Who Sits Like A Rock. Lord Ganesh is infinite and unwavering like a rock. He is unshakeable, invincible and the seat of infinite power.

Sarvadevatman – The One Who Accepts Celestial Offerings. As the Lord of the gods, He lovingly accepts the offerings of the celestials. They adore and worship Him and He bestows His grace on them.

Sarvatman – One Who Blesses The Universe. He dwells in every heart. It is by His command that this entire world exists.

Shambhavi – The Son Of Goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesh is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Shashivarnam – The Moon Complexioned. He has the glowing complexion of the moon. It indicates mental enlightenment as the moon is the symbol of peace.

Shuban – The One Who Is Auspicious. The prayer to Lord Ganesh precedes all worship for He is auspicious and nothing can take place without invoking His name.

Shubhagunakanan – The Mine Of All Virtues. Lord of all treasures and virtues. He is symbolic of perfection and infinite beauty.

Skandapoorvaja – Older Than Lord Skanda. Lord Ganesh is the older son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the brother of Skanda. He protects and loves His brother.

Sumukha – The One With Auspicious And Pleasant Face. His visage is the form of OM, the sound symbolic of the cosmic reality. He is the symbol of auspiciousness.

Sureshwaram – Lord Of All Gods. He is the leader of the celestial beings called Ganas.

Swaroop – Lover Of Beauty. The Master of resourcefulness and perfection in all spheres.

Tarun – The Youthful. The young form of Lord Ganesh is wisdom personified. His large body is red in color like the noonday sun depicting the strength of youth.

Uddanda – The Punisher Of Evil. He forgives those who seek His pardon and vanquishes the demons.

Varaprada – One Who Grants Boons. He grants the boons of His devotees. He is most efficacious and gives knowledge to the seeker of wisdom, prosperity to those desiring wealth, issues to the childless and guidance to the attainment of spiritual liberation

Vishwamukha – Lord Of The Universe. He is Supreme Reality who is the witness to all the actions happening in this world today.

Yagnakaya – One Who Accepts Sacrificial Fires. He evokes great love and accepts the sacrificial fires offered to Him by Gods and mortals.

Yashaskaram – The One Who Bestows Of Fame. He gives prosperity, fame and glory to all, Gods, asuras (demons) and mortals.

SIGNIFICANCE OF DIFFERENT COLORS OF LORD GANESHA

When a certain person is trying to harm you, a man who is an adept in the science of mantra can stop him from doing any harm by meditations on the turmeric-colored form of Ganesha with the mantra OM HARIDRAA GANAPATAYAE NAMAHA (108 times), sending that energy on that person to stop him from doing any harm.

When you want to attract people towards you or your work with good motive and for a noble purpose - without trying to take advantage of the person - then you could meditate on the dawn or crimson-colored Ganapati, saying OM VIJAYA GANAPATAYAE NAMAHA and send that radiant energy towards that person. This power should not be misused. If it is misused, great harm will come to the user.

Dark-colored Ganesha is meditated upon whenever you want to destroy negativity, hatred, demoniac ego, inner or outer enemies. The mantra is OM UCCHHISTA GANAPATAYAE NAMAHA.

To cast away the devils or evil spirits from a haunted home or from the body or mind of a person, you meditate on the brown color of Ganesha. The mantra is OM SHAKTI GANAPATAYAE NAMAHA.



Goddess Tulja Bhavani

Goddess Tulja Bhavani

Tulja Bhavani goddess is worshiped and seen in four forms such as Tuljapur ensuring Bhavani, Saptshringi enshrining Jagadamba, Kolhapur enshrining Mahalakshmi and Mahur enshrining Mahamaya Renuka. Goddess Bhavani is worshipped four services daily here. On Tuesdays, the deity is taken out in procession. Festival of Navaratri is celebrated with great fanfare and it culminates in “Vijaya Dasami”.

The image of Goddess Bhavani is three foot high granite, with eight arms holding the weapons, bearing the head of the slain devil Mahishasura. The other names of Bhavani are Tulaja, Tvarita, Amba and Turaja.

Tulja Bhavani Temple is the famous temple dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani. Bhavani Temple is it is situated in Tuljapur in Osmanabad, Maharastra, India. It is located on the hill namedYamunachala, on the slopes of the Sahayadri range near Sholapur. It is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas

Bhavani is a ferocious aspect of the Hindu goddess Parvati. Bhavani means "giver of life", the power of nature or the source of creative energy. In addition to her ferocious aspect, she is also known as Karunaswaroopini, "filled with mercy".

Bhavani was the tutelary deity of the Maratha leader Shivaji, to whom she presented a sword,Bhavani Talwar. A temple to Bhavani at Tuljapur in Maharashtra, dates back to the 12th century. The temple contains a meter-high granite icon of the goddess, with eight arms holding weapons. She also holds the head of the demon Mahishasura, whom she slew in the region which is the present day Mysore.

Temples of Bhavani

The Tulja Bhavani and anthiur temple in Tuljapur in Osmanabad district of Maharashtra is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas. This temple was built in c. 12th century CE. A Tulja Bhavani temple was built between 1537-1540 CE in Chittorgarh.^[1] It is located at coordinates 18.011386°N 76.125641°E.

History:

Worship of the primeval energy Shakti in the form of the mother Goddess is seen in the four Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra - Bhavani with her seat at Tuljapur, Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur, MahamayaRenuka at Mahur and Jagadamba at Saptashrungi, and also in Tamilnadu (Periyapalayam)Sri Bhavani Amman. Other Shakti temples in the state are those at Ambejogai and Aundh. (also see Daksha Yagna).

Bhavani was the tutelary deity of Shivaji, the valiant Maratha ruler and is held in great reverence throughout the state of Maharashtra. Bhavani is considered to be an embodiment of Ugra or ferocity, as well as a Karunaswaroopini - filled with mercy. A number of castes , sub-castes and families from Maharashtra consider her their family deity or Kuldevta.

The Bhavani temple in Tuljapur is located on a hill known as Yamunachala, on the slopes of the Sahayadri range in Maharashtra near Sholapur. The temple entrance is at an elevation and visitors need to transcend a flight of steps to reach the shrine. Historic records speak of the existence of this temple from as early as the 12th century CE.

Bhavani is worshipped in the form of a 3-foot-high (0.91 m) granite image, with eight arms holding weapons, bearing the head of the slain demon Mahishasura. Bhavani is also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita and Amba.

Legend has it that a demon by name Matanga wreaked havoc upon the devas and the humans who approached Bhrahma for help and upon his advice turned to the Mother Goddess Shakti, who took up the form of the destroyer, and powered by the other (Sapta) Maataas Varaahi, Bhrahmi, Vaishnavi, Kaumaari, Indraani and Saambhavi and vanquished him for peace to reign again.

Legend also has it that Bhavani vanquished another demon who had taken the form of a wild buffalo (Mahishasura), and took abode on the Yamunachala hill, which is now home to the temple.

Four worship services are offered each day here. The festivals of significance here are Gudi Padva in the month of Chaitra, Shriral Sashti, Lalita Panchami, Makara Sankranti and Rathasaptami. The deity is taken out in procession on Tuesdays. Navaratri is also celebrated with great fanfare, and it culminates in Vijaya Dasami.

Goddess Shyamala

Raja Shyamala or Raja Matangi is the Minister - Mantrini of Goddess lalitha Parameshwari. She was created by Lalitha from HER sugar cane bow during HER battle with Bandasura. She rules the Empire(the Cosmos) on behalf of “Para Bhattarika” Herself as indicated in Lalitha Sahasranam as

“Mantrini Nyasta raajya dhoo” and also bears the sovereign Mudra modiram (the ring of the Queen).

Matangi represents the mind and its activities. 'Vishanga', who represents the crooked mind was killed by HER.

She has eight arms holding: paddy-past karmas, lotus-mind in worldly activity, paasha -love, ankusa-anger, japa mala and books - knowledge, and the veena -yoga. Her right foot is down indicating must do sadhana in the world by looking at her manifestation.

The devotees of Matangi is known to be blessed with Her grace of proficiency in poetry, Music, Dancing and other fine arts—thus they become highly learned in their chosen field.

The Lalithopakhyana gives a wonderful collection of names of Matangi.

Sangeeta yogini shyama shyamala mantra nayika

mantrini sachiveshani pradhaneshi shukapriya

vina vati vainiki cha mudrini priyakapriya

nipapriya kadambeshi kadamba vanavasini sadamada cha namani shodashaitaini kumbhaja

One who recites this strotra can conquer all the three worlds

Why lord Rama asked Laxman to seek blessings of Ravan?

 Ravana, though a Brahmin and well-educated, was punished by Lord Rama because of his ‘adharmic’ deeds . It’s a historic fact that Lord Rama was very impressed with Ravana’s knowledge and wisdom—which is why after defeating him, he praised Ravana and deputed brother Lakshmana to seek the blessings of the dying Ravana.

The story goes that after shooting the fatal arrow on the battlefield of Lanka, Ram told his brother, Lakshman, “Go to Ravan quickly before he dies and request him to share whatever knowledge he can. A brute he may be, but he is also a great scholar”. The obedient Lakshman rushed across the battlefield to Ravan’s side and whispered in his ears, “Demon-king, do not let your knowledge die with you. Share it with us and wash away your sins”. Ravan responded by simply turning away.

An angry Lakshman went back to Ram, “He is as arrogant as he always was, too proud to share anything”. Ram comforted his brother and asked him softly, “Where did you stand while asking Ravan for knowledge?” “Next to his head so that I hear what he had to say clearly”. Ram smiled, placed his bow on the ground and walked to where Ravan lay. Lakshman watched in astonishment as his divine brother knelt at Ravan’s feet. With palms joined, and with extreme humility, Ram said, “Lord of Lanka, you abducted my wife, a terrible crime for which I have been forced to punish you. Now you are no more my enemy. I bow to you and request you to share your wisdom with me. Please do that for if you die without doing so, all your wisdom will be lost forever to the world”. To Lakshman’s surprise, Ravan opened his eyes and raised his arms to salute Ram, “If only I had more time as your teacher than as your enemy.

Standing at my feet as a student should, unlike your rude younger brother, you are a worthy recipient of my knowledge. I have very little time so I cannot share much but let me tell you one important lesson I have learnt in my life. Things that are bad for you seduce you easily; you run towards them impatiently. But things that are actually good for you fail to attract you; you shun them creatively, finding powerful excuses to justify your procrastination. That is why I was impatient to abduct Sita but avoided meeting you. This is the wisdom of my life, Ram. My last words. I give it to you”.

After these words, Ravan died.

Valmiki describes Ravan as the greatest devotee of Shiva. In many folk versions of the epic, such as Ram-kathas and Ram-kiritis, we are informed that Ravan composed the Rudra Stotra in praise of Shiva, the ascetic-God. He designed the lute known as Rudra-Veena using one of his 10 heads as the lute’s gourd, one of his arms as the beam and his nerves as the strings.

BecauseSymbolism Of Ravana“Ravana is depicted as the king of Raakshasas. He is said to have ten heads. He was not born with ten heads. Who is this Ravana and what are his ten heads? Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Moha (delusion), Lobha (greed), Mada (pride), Maatsyasya (envy), Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chitta (will) and Ahamkara (the ego) -all these ten constitute the ten heads. Ravana is of all the ten qualities. Such is the wisdom of Ravan, no wonder Ram asked Laxman to learn from him.When Ravan was dying, Shri Ram sent Laxman to him to learn something. Laxman stand near his head and asked for teachingRavan rebuked him saying sit near my feet if you want to be disciple, not on my head. Laxman did so.Then Ravan Told him about Politics and Niti which mainly said 1- do not be enemy of your charioteer, your gatekeeper, your cook and your brother, they can harm you anytime2- do not think you are always a winner, even if you are winning always3- Always trust the minister, who criticises you4- never think your enemy is small or powerless, like i thought for Hanuman5- never think you can outsmart the stars, they will bring you what you are destined to6- Either love or hate god but both should be immense and strongRavana taught him that a king who is eager to win glory must suppress greed as soon as it lifts its head, and welcome the smallest chance to do good to others, without the slightest procrastination. He (Ravana) had learnt the lesson through bitter experience. Greed arises from attachment to the senses and catering to them. Put them in their proper place; they are windows for knowledge, not channels of contamination.First of all:Ravan, Dashanan, was a PANDIT (son of maharishi Podassiya brother of Kubera actual god of money).He became an Assura because of his Mother and he died because of his Ahankar.Ram said Laxam to learn some important lessons of the ART of WAR and lessons of LIFE.Infact the most important lesson was:"Don't tell anyone your secrets, even to your Brother... And if he betrayled you don't forgive him.".Actually according to me Ram wanted that treough Laxam Every one these things.

• Uttam Vidya leejiya jadapi neech pe hoye |Sona apaawan thour pado tahu na tajiye koye ||Take good knowledge even from the worst person of this world because if we find gold in dirty place, we don't leave it.Though Ravana was a kidnapper, rapist etc. etc. yet his knowledge and gyan was invincible. That is why Rama sent Laxmana to get some Gyan or knowledge from him.Here I want to add one thing...............without the Kripa of Rama, Gayn is useless......the same thing happened with Ravana.........he couldn't use his Gyan in good works...........So keep your Dharma attached with Gyaan.(Though Ravana was also a part of the play of Lord Narayana but here I am only commenting on the life of Ravana and his attitude. What was he in his previous births is not taken here.)

Goddess Sharika – About Hindu Goddess Sharika

Goddess Sharika is a manifestation of the Mother Goddess or Goddess Shakti. Hindu Goddess Sharika is worshipped mainly in Jammu and Kashmir by the Kashmiri Pandits. She is also known as Jagatamba Sharika Bhagavati, Mahatripursundari, Rajarajeshwari and also as Haer. The Goddess is represented in the form of a Swayambhu Sri Chakra – a Sri Chakra that appeared on its own.

The popular belief is that Goddess Sharika appeared on the ninth day during the Shukla Paksha of Ashada month. Her abode is the Hari Parvat on the outskirts of Srinagar. The belief is that this place is the source of Sri Chakra – the secret knowledge of Sri Yantra

Legend has it that Goddess Sharika took the form of a bird (Haer in local language) and took a huge pebble from Hari Parvat and annihilated a demon that was causing havoc in the valley. Thus she is also known Haer.

There are numerous miracles associated with Goddess Sharika and some of them are part of folklore.

In human form, Goddess Sharika is represented with 18 arms. Her vehicle or Vahana is a lion.

According to legend, the Hari Parbat hill was once a huge lake inhabited by the demon Jalobhava. The inhabitants called on the goddess Parvati for help. She took the form of a bird and dropped a pebble on the demon's head, which grew larger and larger until it crushed the demon. Hari Parbat is revered as that pebble, and is said to have become the home for all the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Another version of the myth says that two demons, Tsand and Mond, occupied the fair valley. Tsand hid in the water near the present location of Hari Parbat and Mond somewhere above the present Dal Gate, and both terrorized the people of the valley. The gods invoked Parvati who assumed the form of a Haer (myna) and flew to Sumer, picked up a pebble in her beak, and threw it on the demon Tsand to crush him. The pebble grew into a mountain. Parvati is worshipped as Sharika in Shri Tsakra (an emblem of cosmic energy pervading the universe) occupying the middle part of the western slope of the hill. The hill is also called Predemna Peet.

On the birthday of Sharika Bhagwati, the devotees make a sacrificial offering of `Taher-charvan' (Taher - rice boiled with turmeric powder and mixed with oil and salt; Tcharvan - cooked liver of goat) to the goddess. This day is celebrated as Har Navum