Argala Stotram means to open the argala, which is the impediment or bolt to seek the blessings of the Divine Mother by chanting the Stotram.
Roopam Dehi Jayam Dehi, Yasho Dehi, Dvisho Jahi. This verse is chanted at the end of each sloka.
Give the form, give the victory, give the glory, kill the enemies. Continue reading
I join my palms in prayer to Ma Prithvi and ask for forgiveness and blessings. I promise from the bottom of my heart; I will take care of you. I will try not to harm you by denuding the forests, adulterating the waters and making the environment toxic. I have done many things, without being aware of the damage caused to the flora and fauna.
I am aware dear ones that today is International Women’s Day. All kinds of attributes are given to womankind. Sages are writing that we must create a world where women are celebrated not just as their roles as mothers, wives or daughters but also as creators, leaders and spiritual beings who shape the essence of life. Continue reading
How do we view Brahma? There are stories about him and the most popular one is about the loss of his fifth head. Brahma was referred to as Pachanan (having five faces) but after losing his fifth head he became Chaturan. (having four faces). There are several stories given in the Shiva Purana. Continue reading
Rivers are considered sacred in Hinduism and are core of the faith. It is believed that one’s sins are washed away in the river as it is always flowing. The spiritual and practical significances are many. Many rivers are personified as Goddesses. Therefore, bathing in them is considered to be cleansed of one’s sins. The water of the rivers is used in rituals, and it represents the concept of purity and cleanliness.
There are seven rivers considered sacred, and they are called the Saptanadi. They are Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu/Indus, and Kaveri. Continue reading
Dear Ones, I have to share two joyful events with you. We had a shrew in our garden yesterday and she was eating Meeow, the cat food. Sighting a shrew in India is considered very auspicious for Hindus. The shrew is considered a Goddess and is associated with Lakshmi. When a shrew crosses your path or is in your house, it means that all your problems will be resolved. The shrew represents fertility, prosperity and wealth. Continue reading
As Hindus we struggle in our lives be free of karma. The effects of karma are far reaching and the mother is keen to show us how to exhaust our karmas. What does this mean? God’s unique quality is mercy and She is Sarvani—the knower of all things. Since God is all knowing, all our misdeeds and actions are known to her. God is Sarva Sakthan and is all powerful and omnipotent. God may create a new hell and we may be pushed into it. However, the divine mercy, which is present in God guides us and it can be our salvation. Continue reading
Ya Devi Sarvabhutesu Lakshmirupena Samasthitha
Namastasyai Namashtasyai Namashtasyai Namo Namaha.
I salute that goddess, who is present as Lakshmi in
Every being in the world, Over and over and over. Continue reading
Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth in every aspect. She resides where there is truth, charity and dharma. The Sri Suktam in the Vedas is dedicated to her and she is one of manifestations of Adya Shakti.
Lakshmi is addressed by many names: Vriddhi (growth), Matri Rupa (like mother), Vasudha (Earth) and as Aditi, mother of all the gods. Continue reading
And remove your fears.
Dandwat Pranam is where devotees bow to the God and surrender themselves, in abject humility. It is said that when we perform this pranam, our fears are banished.
Fear is present everywhere. I speak, write and think about it. I will share my fear with you. I have major pain issues and my right arm is hurting acutely. I had to go to the doctor, not that I have not been. I prayed, chanted and still it predominated my mind.
During the festival of Navratri, each day a different color is worn. The color represents its virtue and how it can influence one. I am adding a little more detail. Continue reading
Dussehra signifies the triumph of good over evil. It commemorates the victory of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahisha asura and the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana, the Demon King. It is also believed that good will always prevail no matter how difficult the troubles are. Continue reading
Oh, Mother I entreat you to save the earth. Now is the time, when all of us are praying to you. Please end all the wars, discriminations and hatred.
Swami Sivananda, was a Devi Bhakta as all Gurus are. He addressed Devi as the Supreme Shakti of the Supreme Being. He gives his arguments for his faith and beliefs.
The three wise monkeys said, see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. This saying of the wise monkeys originated in Japan, during the Muromachi period (a time of turbulence). It is believed that they were influenced by the teachings of the Buddha. Their names were Mizaru who covered his eyes and saw no evil; Kikazaru, who covered his ears and heard no evil; Iwazaru, who covered his mouth and spoke no evil. Then there is the San Saru symbol, which says, “See the good, hear the good and speak the good.” The wise monkeys are also known as the three mystical monkeys. Continue reading
World Heart Day was on the 29th of September. It is amazing not one specialist or doctor spoke about the actual heart. What was said that we must take care of our heart. We must eat the right food and we must exercise. We must have a healthy heart? Continue reading