Simple Worship of Yantras

The yantra can be re-energized by another purohit or by yourself at home.  Here is a procedure for :

Simple Worship of Yantras

a)   In the morning after having bath, start with a clear and positive mind frame.

b)   Find a place on the floor in the puja room facing east where you will be undisturbed.

c)   Light incense and diya (it does not matter how many you light).

d)   Place fresh flowers and fresh fruits on the altar.  Make other sweet offerings if you wish, such as honey, sweets, milk, curd, etc.

e)   Place the yantra alongside the deity of the yantra (if you have it) and your Ishta Devata.

f)   Take water with any leaf from any tree and sprinkle it on yourself followed by sprinkling on the yantra.

g)   Surrender yourself and ego completely to God and chant the mantra of the yantra for 21 times.

h)   Close your eyes and concentrate on the deity of the yantra to bless you in whatever endeavor you are trying to achieve.

By the way, here is the link to good information about yantras:

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/yantra.htm

 

Om Bholenath

Indra Mala Sadhana

Indra Mala Sadhana

Copied from Rudraksha Beads Societies Club (RBSC).  Message dated 12 January 2009.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rudrakshabeadsocietiesclub/message/23016

Dear Srikanth,

There are many forms of sadhana that can be done while wearing Indra Mala.  Its essential to wear the mala for as many hours as possible during the day.  At night, it should be taken off and placed on the altar.

For a beginner in sadhana with wearing Indra Mala, he/she must be very sure he wants to commit to performing it everyday for 365 days (one year) at least.  Best to do the first year and see what happens before doing it the second year. 

How soon the effects will take place largely depends on the sadhak’s karmic propensity with Indra Mala.  Some see results quicker and some people get benefits later.  But its worth a try.  It must be done with utmost bhakti and concentration on the mantra.  There are 2 Shiva mantras that you can choose from:

a)  Om Namah Shivaya

b)  Om Namah Shivaya Shivaya Namah Om.

Once you have chosen the mantra, you must stick to it.  Its not advisable to change mantra halfway through the process.

The simplest sadhana is to firstly take a bath in the morning and wear fresh clothes.   Place Indra Mala on a silver plate upon the altar.  Surround it with flower garland if you can find it.  On the first day of sadhana (begin on Monday), make offerings including fruit, flowers, curd, honey, sweets, milk, camphor, ghee lamp and incense.  Recite the mantra 108 times with a Japa Mala.  After the first day of offerings, they can be made weekly for one year (52 weeks).

During the sadhana period, many things will come and go, some insecurities become stabilized, impurities are removed and you will also gain a sense of heightened spirituality.  Treat this as the most important as its like a connection with God the Divine. 

Some material comforts may come but remember that this is “God’s Money” and you are only a custodian.  But you can make donations to worthy causes such as orphanages, old people’s homes, feed poor people, donate to poor hospitals and to temples that are run down, etc. 

Eventually things will unravel more and more in different ways.  Perhaps you may even gain financial improvement BUT you must always pay debts on time and DO NOT spend unnecessarily NOR borrow money unnecessarily.

When you become well-to-do one day, you MUST look after your family, relatives and perform SEVA for your local community (do good deeds by visiting elderly people who are lonely in nursing homes, bring them food or something, sit and talk with them for a little while). 

After the first year of sadhana, take a rest of a couple of months.  Then if you wish to perform second year, this is an elaborate process:

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/showarticles.php?artid=98

In the above link, its puja for Lord Shiva.  But you can substitute Lord Shiva’s murti with Indra Mala for putting on chowki (pedestal).

Hope this helps.

Om Bholenath
— In rudrakshabeadsocietiesclub@yahoogroups.com, “Srikanth Jyotula” <shreekaa@…> wrote:
>
> Dear Narasimhaji,
>

> Can you please give me the details of the sadhana and how to perform it. I
> own an indra mala and currently my spiritual levels are high and I want to
> take them to the next level.
>
> Please guide me in this regard.
>
> Thanks and regards
>
>
> Srikanth

Ganesha

Ganesha

 

Ganesha (Sanskrit: गणेश; IAST: Gaṇeúa; listen (help·info)), also spelled Ganesa or Ganesh and also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon.^[5] His image is found throughout India.^[6] Hindu sects worship him regardless of other affiliations.^[7] Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.^[8]

Although he is known by many other attributes, Ganesha’s elephant head makes him easy to identify.^[9] Ganesha is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles^[10] and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles (Vighnesha, Vighneshvara),^[11] patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom.^[12] He is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies and invoked as Patron of Letters during writing sessions.^[13] Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography.

Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in clearly recognizable form in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta Period, although he inherited traits from Vedic and pre-Vedic precursors.^[14] His popularity rose quickly, and he was formally included among the five primary deities of Smartism (a Hindu denomination) in the 9th century. A sect of devotees called the Ganapatya, (Sanskrit: गाणपत्य; gâṇapatya), who identified Ganesha as the supreme deity, arose during this period.^[15] The principal scriptures dedicated to Ganesha are the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha

32 Forms of Lord Ganesha

32 Forms of Lord Ganesha

As with the 64 forms of Shiva, 32 forms of Ganapathi are recognized in the Agamic scriptures

1. Baala Ganapathi – Red colored image of a four armed Ganesha 

2. Dharuna Ganapathi – Red colored image of an eight armed Ganesha

3. Bhakti Ganapathi – Grey colored image of four armed Ganesha

4. Veera Ganapathi – Red colored image of 16 armed Ganapathi

5. Shakti Ganapathi – Red colored image of 4 armed Ganapathi, seated with his consort to his left

6. Dwija Ganapathi – White colored image of four-faced Ganesha with 4 arms

7. Siddhi Ganapathi – Golden colored image of four armed Ganapathi

8. Ucchishta Ganapathi – Blue colored image of six armed Ganapathi with his consort

9. Vigna Ganapathi – Gold colored image of eight armed Ganapathi

10. Kshipra Ganapathi – Red colored image of four armed Ganesha bearing a ratna kumbham

11. Heramba Ganapathi – Black colored image of ten-armed Ganesha with five faces, seated on a lion

12. Lakshmi Ganapathi – White colored image of eight-armed Ganesha with two consorts

13. Makara Ganapathi – Red colored image of Ganesha with a third eye, 10 arms, bearing a ratna kumbham, with his consort

14. Vijaya Ganapathi – Red colored image of 4 armed Ganesha on the mooshika mount

15. Nritta Ganapathi – Gold colored image of Ganesha in a dance posture

16. Urdhva Ganapathi – Gold colored image of six armed Ganesha with his consort

17. Ekakshara Ganapathi – Red colored image of Ganesha with a third eye, seated on a lotus

18. Vara Ganapathi – Red colored image of 4 armed Vinayaka with a third eye

19. Dhryakshara Ganapathi – Gold colored image of four-armed Vinayakar, decorated with Chaamara ear rings

20. Kshipraprasaada Ganapathi – Red colored image of six armed Ganapathi

21. Haridra Ganapathi – Yellow colored image of four armed Ganapathi

22. Ekadhanta Ganapathi – Blue colored image of four armed Ganapathi

23. Srishti Ganapathi – Red colored image of four armed Ganapathi seated on his mooshika mount

24. Utthanda Ganapathi – Red colored image of 10 armed Ganesha with his consort to his left

25. Ranamochana Ganapathi: Crystal image of four armed Vinayakar

26. Dundi Ganapathi – Four-armed image of Ganesha bearing a tusk, a garland, an axe and a gem studded vessel

27. Dwimukha Ganapathi – Red colored image of Ganesha with two faces and four arms

28. Trimukha Ganapathi – Red colored image of Ganesha with three faces and six arms seated on a golden lotus

29. Simha Ganapathi – White colored image of Ganesha with eight arms (with an arm bearing a lions face)

30. Yoga Ganapathi – Red colored image of Ganesha in the posture of a yogi

31. Durga Ganapathi – Red colored image of Ganesha with eight arms

32. Sankatahara Ganapathi – Red colored image of four armed Ganesha clothed in blue, seated on a lotus peetham with his consort to his left

http://www.ssso.net/ganesha/32-forms.htm

Consorts of Ganesha

Consorts of Ganesha

The marital status of Ganesha varies widely in mythological stories and the issue has been the subject of considerable scholarly review.[1] Several patterns of associations with different consorts are identifiable. One pattern of myths identifies Ganesha as an unmarried brahmacarin with no consorts. Another pattern associates him with the concepts of Buddhi (intellect), Siddhi (spiritual power), and Riddhi (prosperity); these qualities are sometimes personified as goddesses who are considered to be Ganesha’s wives.[2] Another pattern connects Ganesha with the goddess of culture and the arts, Sarasvati, and the goddess of luck and prosperity, Lakshmi.[3] In the Bengal region he is linked with the banana tree, Kala Bo.[4] He also may be shown with a single consort or a nameless servant (Sanskrit: dasi).[5]

Some of the differences between these patterns can be understood by looking at regional variations across India, the time periods in which the patterns are found, and the traditions in which the beliefs are held. Some differences pertain to the preferred meditation form used by the devotee, with many different traditional forms ranging from Ganesha as a young boy (Sanskrit: बालगणपति; balaganapati) to Ganesha as a Tantric deity.[6][7]

UNMARRIED

According to one tradition, Ganesha was a brahmacarin, that is, unmarried.[8] This pattern is primarily popular in southern India.[9] This tradition was linked to Hindu concepts of the relationship between celibacy and the development of spiritual power.[10] Bhaskaraya alludes to the tradition in which Ganesha was considered to be a lifelong bachelor in his commentary on the Ganesha Purana version of the Ganesha Sahasranama, which includes the name Abhiru (verse 9a).[11] In his commentary on this verse Bhaskaraya says the name Abhiru means “without a woman,” but the term can also mean “not fearful.”[12]

BUDHI, RIDDHI AND SIDDHI

The Ganesha Purana and the Mudgala Purana contain descriptions of Ganesha flanked by Siddhi and Buddhi.[14] In these two Puranas they appear as an intrinsic part of Ganapati[15] and according to Thapan[16] do not require any special rituals associated with shakti worship. In Chapter I.18.24-39 of the Ganesha Purana, Brahma performs worship in honor of Ganesha, and during it Ganesha himself causes Buddhi and Siddhi to appear so that Brahma can offer them back to Ganesha. Ganesha accepts them as offerings.[17] In Ganesha Purana I.65.10-12 there is a variant of this incident, in which various gods are giving presents to Ganesha, but in this case Siddhi and Buddhi are born from Brahma’s mind and are given by Brahma to Ganesha.[18]

The Ganesha Temple at Morgaon is the central shrine for the regional aṣṭavinayaka complex. The most sacred area within the Moragaon temple is the sanctum (garbhagrha), a small enclosure containing an image of Ganesha. To the right and left sides of the image stand Siddhi and Buddhi.[19] In northern India the two female figures are said to be Siddhi and Riddhi. There is no Purāṇic evidence for the pair, but the pairing parallels those of Buddhi and Siddhi in Shiva Purana and Riddhi and Buddhi from Matsya Purana.[20]

READ THE REST AT: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consorts_of_Ganesha

Identification of Shri Shaligram Shilas

Identification of Shri Shaligram Shilas

The peace-loving deity of the Hindu Trinity, Vishnu is the Preserver or Sustainer of life with his steadfast principles of order, righteousness and truth. When these values are under threat, Vishnu emerges out of his transcendence to restore peace and order on earth.
The 10 Avatars: Vishnu’s earthly incarnations have many avatars. His ten avatars are Matsyavatara (fish), Koorma (tortoise), Varaaha (boar), Narasimha (the man lion), Vaamana (the dwarf), Parasurama (the angry man), Lord Rama (the perfect human of the Ramayana), Lord Krishna (the divine diplomat and statesman), and the yet to appear 10th incarnation called the Kalki avatar.
In his commonest form, Vishnu is portrayed as having a dark complexion – the color of passive and formless ether, and with four hands holding Sankha, Chakra, Gada, Padma.
Sankha, Chakra, Gada, Padma: On one of the backhands he holds the milky white conch shell or ‘sankha’ that spreads the primordial sound of Om, and on the other a discuss or ‘chakra’ – a reminder of the cycle of time – which is also a lethal weapon that he uses against blasphemy. It is the famous Sudarshana Chakra that is seen whirling on his index finger. The other hands hold a lotus or ‘padma’, which stands for a glorious existence, and a mace or ‘gada’ that indicates punishment for indiscipline.
The Lord of Truth: Out of his navel blossoms a lotus, known as Padmanabham. The flower holds Brahma, the God of Creation and the embodiment of royal virtues or ‘Rajoguna’. Thus, the peaceful form of Lord Vishnu discards the royal virtues through his navel and makes the Sheshnag snake that stands for the vices of darkness or ‘Tamoguna’, his seat. Therefore Vishnu is the Lord of ‘Satoguna’ – the virtues of the truth.
The Presiding Deity of Peace: Vishnu is often depicted as reclining on a Sheshanaga – the coiled, many-headed snake floating on cosmic waters that represents the peaceful Universe. This pose symbolizes the calm and patience in the face of fear and worries that the poisonous snake represents. The message here is that you should not let fear overpower you and disturb your peace.

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/shaligrams.htm

 

Shree Shaligram

Shree Shaligram

Shree Shaligram is a sacred stone found in Gandaki river found in the Muktinath area of Nepal . This stone is worshipped as an iconic representation Lord Vishnu, just as Lingam is worshipped as an iconic Lord Shiva. The marks on the Shaligram are natural with the pattern often representing that of Sudarshan Chakra, the Discus of Lord Vishnu. The worship of these stones is widespread and dates back to a distant past. They are worshipped in temples, monasteries and households all over the country, as visible and natural emblems of Vishnu. The sipping of water in which these stones are bathed is a daily ritual for the pious Hindu belonging to the old and traditional families. Salagrama is an iconic in character. However in comparison, the linga may be a natural object like the bana-linga found in the river Narmada, or carved by man in stone, gems or clay or any material. But Salagramas are always only those which are naturally found in the river Gandaki; they are never made by man.

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/shaligrams.htm

Gajendra Moksha Stuti (Prayer)

Gajendra Moksha Stuti (Prayer)

 

Aum namo bhagawate tasmay yat etcchidatmakam

purushaayaa dibijaay pareshaayaabhi dheemahee

yasminnidum yetascchedum yenedum eedum swayam

yosmaat parasmaasch parah tumprapadye swayambhoowam.

Swetark Ganesha

Swetark Ganesha
	Madar has a very special significance in Indian herbs. Though it is poisonous, yet it is full of several benefits. In Ayurveda, medicines made of its poison are used as life-giving drugs. Among these trees, one gives white flowers. This tree is called as Swetark. This a very rare tree. Benefits of worshipping Shwetark Ganesha: • To get blessings of Shiva and Ganesha. • Gives knowledge and concentration power • Promotion in job and increase in business • Maintains harmony in married life. • Eliminates illness and diseases • For Prosperity and growth • Get rid of hardship or insufficiency • Activating positive energies in the house • Protection against any enemy It is mentioned in our ancient texts, that a house where Swetark Ganesha is worshipped it gets freedom from from poverty, obstacles, quarrels, horror and all sorts of negativites. It also gives knowledge and concentration power to students. It also gives promotion in job and maintains harmony in married life. It is essential to chant any of the following Ganesha mantras while worshipping Swetark Ganesha: • Om Vakratundaya Namaha • Om Shree Ganeshaya Namaha While worshipping Swetark Ganesha, the worshipper may use the following items: Red Cloth, Red Aasan, Coral or rudraksha mala Offer the following to Ganesha: • Coarse brown sugar / Gur • Chickpea flour / Besan Worshipping Ganesha with these items, gives benefits in a very short period.

 

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/showarticles.php?artid=23

Temple Worship Procedures

Temple Worship Procedures
	Temples are the connecting points of high importance in our religion and culture. The absolute necessity of the temple worship is stressed throughout by the great saints of the religion. It is not very difficult to realize the important role they play in cultivating the spiritualism in people. It is the place for collective worship. Given these significant roles of the temples it is required to have some discipline to be followed in the temples for having the real expected out of the worship. Here are a few one can follow to set that harmony. Most of these are in general applicable to all Hindu temples though a few are specific to shaivite temples. 1. Going to the temple with a clean body. Legs and hands shall be cleaned at entering the temple. 2. Going to the temple adorned with holy symbols like the Holy Ash, rudrAxam. 3. Taking something to offer to the Lord. It is an offering out of devotion. It would be nice if the offering is the one required in the worship. 4. Not to enter the temple with foot wear. 5. Prostrating in front of the flag column (dwajastaMbham) (towards the North) on entering the temple. 6. Not to prostrate anywhere else in the temple. 7. Not to prostrate to anybody else in the temple premises. 8. Taking the permission of nandi dEvar mentally before entering His abode. 9. Saluting the elephant headed Lord enter the Lord’s abode. 10. In Lord shiva’s abode, engage the mind in the thinking of the God. Avoid any gossip. Temple is not the place for gossiping. Can sing or chant His names loudly and sweetly if it would not disturb others. Otherwise it could be done internally without making noise. 11. The Holy ash given as the blessings should be worn saying “shivAya namaH”. It should not be spilled on the ground or wasted. 12. It is normally a procedure to offer something to the priest whose whole life should be in the service of the Lord. Circumambulating the Lord saluting the Goddess and the deities in the temple. The circumambulation would be done at least for three times. On special occasions like pradoshham the are special circumambulation methods like soma sUkta pradhaxiNam are followed. 13. While in the temple either the Holy five letters or any praise could be chanted. 14. Before coming out of the temple go to the place of chaNdEshwarar and take permission for the materials which after worship are taken out of the temple as blessings. One must not take anything out in excess and things taken from the temple should be only as the mark of blessings. If nothing is taken it is the normal practice to wipe (rub) the hands together in his place. 15. Should do something in the promotion of the temple physically or materially or whichever is convenient and required. 16. On coming out of the temple, again prostrate in front of the flag column towards the north. Sit facing the north and meditate on the God chanting the Holy five letters. 17. While inside the temple should not make the place dirty in any way or make any noise. 18. Going to the temple at least once in a week with the family. The mind should be focussed on the Lord like the dust of iron that stick to the magnet. A worship with such an orientation would have very good effect in us by the grace of the Almighty.

 

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/showarticles.php?artid=300