Map of India -12 -Jyotirlinga Yatra -Siva Slokas

Map of 12 jyothirlingas . Click to enlarge the picture. Shiva Panchakshara stotram

Nagendra haraya Trilochanaya,
Basmanga ragaya maheswaraya,
Nithyaya shudhaya digambaraya,
Tasmai nakaraya namashivaya. 1

My salutations to the letter “Na” , which is Shiva,
Who wears as garland the king of snakes.
Who has three eyes,
Who wears ash all over Him,
Who is the greatest Lord,
Who is forever,
Who is the cleanest,
And who wears the directions themselves as dress)

Mandakini salila chandana charchithaya,
Nandeeswara pramadha nadha maheswaraya,
Mandra pushpa bahu pushpa supoojithaya,
Tasmai makaraya namashivaya. 2

My salutations to the letter “Ma” , which is Shiva,
Who is bathed by waters of ganges,
Who applies sandal paste all over him,
Who has Lord Nandi as his chiefton,
Who is the greatest lord,
And who is worshipped by Mandhara and many other flowers.

Shivaaya gowri vadanara vinda,
Sooryaya daksha dwara naasakaya,
Sri neela kantaya vrisha dwajaya,
Tasmai sikaraya namashivaya. 3

My salutations to the letter “Si” , which is Shiva,
Who is peace personified,
Who is like Sun to the Lotus face of Gowri[1],
Who destroyed the fire sacrifice of Daksha[2],
Who has a blue neck,
And who has a bull in his flag.

Vasishta kumbhodhbhava gowthamadhi.
Munendra devarchitha shekaraya,
Chandrarka vaiswanara lochanaya,
Tasmai vakaraya namashivaya. 4

My salutations to the letter “Va” , which is Shiva,
Who is worshipped by great sages like,
Vasishta, Agasthya and Gowthama ,
As also the devas,
And who has sun , moon and fire as his three eyes.

Yaksha swaroopaya jada dharaya,
Pinaka hasthathaya sanathanaya,
Divyaya devaaya digambaraya,
Tasmai yakaraya namashivaya. 5

My salutations to the letter “Ya” , which is Shiva,
Who takes the form of Yaksha,
Who has a tufted hair,
Who is armed with spear,
Who is forever filled with peace,
Who is godly,
Who is the great God,
And who wears the directions themselves as dress.

Phalasruthi

Panchaksharamidham punyam,
Ya padeth Shiva sannidhou,
Shivaloka maapnothi,
Shive na saha modathe.

Those who read these holy five letters great,
In the temple of Shiva,.
Would go to the world of Shiva,
And be forever happy with Him.

[1] Another name of his consort Parvathy signifying she is of white colour

[2] Daksha who was the father in law of Shiva insulted him by not inviting him to the fire sacrifice he conducted and Sathi Devi who was the consort of Shive jumped in the fire and gave up her life.Shive destroyed the fire sacrifice being conducted by Daksha.

One Must Visit in life time -12 -Jyotirlinga Yatra

There are Twelve (12) temples called Jyotirlingas also called (Dvadasa Lingalu means 12 lingas) dedicated to Lord Eshwara in the form of Shiva Lingas. These temples are situated across India and are considered very sacred by Hindus. There is a belief that, all these twelve Jyothirlingas are to be visited in the month of November-December (Kartika Masam). Below are brief details of each Jyotirlinga. Visit respective individual page for more details on each place. So one must visit these temples in their life time to attain peace..

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Pictorial view of all 12 jyotirlingas .... Click to get original picture.

These twelve jyotirlingas are :

Kedarnath Temple of Lord Kedarnath is situated on the banks of River Mandakini which is on the west side of Kedar mountain in Himalayas surrounded by snow. HOW TO GET THERE By Road : Kedarnath is connected by road with Badrinath (242 KM), Dehradun (268 KM), Delhi (450 KM), Haridwar (250 KM), Kotdwar (256 KM), and Rishikesh (226 KM). Route : Rishikesh to Kedarnath vai Rudraprayag :- Rishikesh -> Rudraprayaga -> Agastamuni -> Kund -> Gupta kashi -> Phata -> Soneprayag -> Gauri Kund. Gouri Kund to Kedarnath is 14 KM. This ditance has to be covered by foot, ponies, palkies. By Rail : The nearest convenient railway station are Dehradun and Haridwar. These are well connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and rest of India through Rail netwaork. By Air : The nearest convenient Air port is Delhi. Which is further well connected with Mumbai, Calcutta and rest of India through Air netwaork.

Viswanath Temple of Lord Viswanath is situated in Varanasi. Known formerly as Kashi or Benares, this ancient city set on the banks of the river Ganga, is one of the holiest cities in India. This city is said to have been founded by Lord Shiva. Being one of the oldest living and most holy city's in India, Varanasi attracts a lot of tourists. Varanasi gets its name from the two tributaries of the Ganga - Varuna and Asi - between which it is situated. This sacred city, which was founded ten centuries before the birth of Christ, is mentioned in holy scriptures like 'Vamana Purana', Buddhist texts and the Mahabharata. HOW TO GET THERE By Road : Varanasi is connected with Calcutta (677 Kms.), Delhi (765 Kms.), Madras (1901 Kms.), Bangalore (1763 Kms.) and to the rest of the country by good motorable, all-weather roads. By Rail : The city is linked by trains with all metros and major cities across the country - New Delhi (760 Kms.), Bombay (1509 Kms.), Calcutta (735 Kms.), Madras (1970 Kms.) , Lucknow (286 Kms.).There are three railway station - Kashi, City and Varanasi Junction (also known as Varanasi Cantonment), which is the main station and has computerised booking. There are not many trains running directly between here and Delhi or Calcutta but most Delhi to Calcutta trains do pass through Mughal Sarai, 18 km south of Varanasi. This is about 45 minutes by bus or shared autorickshaw. From Varanasi Junction, expresses take 13 to 16 hrs. to Delhi and 13 hours to Calcutta. Other expresses take 28 hrs. to Bombay, 39 hrs. to Madras, 3 hrs. to Allahabad, 41/2 hrs. to Patna, 5 hrs. to Lucknow. By Air : There is direct, daily flight connection between Varanasi and New Delhi. Varanasi is also connected by air to Agra, Khajuraho, Calcutta, Bombay, Lucknow and Bhubaneshwar.

Somnath The legendary temple of Somnath is one of the twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in India. According to the legend, Somnath is as old as creation, built by none other than the Moon God himself. It is situated 79 kilometres from Junagadh and 25 kilometres from Chorwad and 5 km from Veraval in Western part of Gujarat. Veraval is reached from Rajkot. It is believed that he had built this temple with gold. Later it was built by Ravana in silver, then Lord Krishna in wood and Bhima in stone. Legend has it that the Kalabhairava shivalinga at Prabhasa was worshipped by the moon and hence, the Lord is called as Somnatha. The Somnath temple also houses the remains of the ancient Sun temple. Somnath was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Mehmud of Gazni having heard of its fabulous treasure, raided it in 1026 and carried away camel loads of jewels and gold. Lunch is available here in the simple dining hall in the temple compound, north of the main gate. HOW TO GET THERE By Road : State Transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat. By Rail : Veraval (5 kilometres) is nearest railway station. By Air : The nearest airport is at Keshod, 47 kilometres, which is connected with Bombay.

Mallikarjuna The temple of Lord Mallikarjuna is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is situated in the town of Srisailam on the banks of River Patalganga Krishna. Srisailam mountain is looked upon reverentially as the Kailash of South. The temple situated here is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple sculptures narrate in stone, epics from thre great Hindu epics-Ramayana nand Mahabharata. HOW TO GET THERE By Road : Srisailam is well connected by APSRTC bus services. By Rail : The nearest railway station to Srisailam is Markapur Road. By Air : Nearest airport is Hyderabad.

Trayambakeshwar One of the holy places of not only Maharashtra but the whole India is near Nashik. Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. At the time of the marriage of Lord Shiva with Parvati, all the Devarshis gathered together. Brahmadev, the creator of the Universe, seeing the beauty of Parvati, had a discharge of semen. Lord Shiva observing this, offered him water of Ganges, the purest water and said, “You will wipe off your sin by this water”. Brahmadev kept the holy water in his kamandalu (a particular container made out of dried fruit carried by Sadhus) and was purified by its bath. Rathayatra of Trimbakeshwar - On the full moon day of the month Kartika , called Tripuri Paurnima- sometime in November HOW TO GET THERE By Road : Bombay - Trimbakeshwar 180 kms. Nashik - Trimbakeshwar 28 kms. State Transport buses ply between Nashik - Trimbakeshwar frequently. By Rail : Nearest railhead is Nashik Road 44 kms on Central Railway. By Air : Nearest airport is Nashik 39 kms. Where to Stay There are modern Dharmashalas (caravansary) built by charitable Gujarathi Community available for stay for three.

Bhimashankar Situated on a high peak, surrounded by thick dense forests, is a major pilgrim centre called Bhimashankar. The place has got its name because of the origin of Bhima, a prominent river in Maharashtra. Near the origin of the river, Bhimashankar houses one of the five 'Jyotirlinga' of Maharashtra. The annual Mahashivaratri fair is held in Bhimashankar in February-March and attracts upto 25,000 pilgrims. Countless devotees from all over Maharashtra and from places outside the state, flock near the temple during 'Tripuri Poornima'. Bhimashankar is more popular as a tourist place than a religious one due to its extravagant beauty and breathtaking scenery. This place is situated at a height of approximately 3250 feet resulting in chilly weather. Being at the edge of the mountain range, the place gives a clear view of the surrounding areas. The thick and dense forests are a major attraction for trekkers and mountaineers as well as tourists. The 'Shani temple' is located inside the main complex of the temple of Bhimashankar. Between the two pillars outside the 'Shani' temple, one comes across an ancient huge Portuguese bell. Behind the temple, there is a small pathway that leads us to the banks of a river. The dense forest of the Bhimashankar Wild Life Sanctuary, plays abode to most of the flora and fauna. To name a few, there are boars, sambars, hyenas, porcupines and even the leopards. The plant life includes anything and everything from mangoes to spices. After a short climb to the west of the temple, one comes across a peak termed the 'Nagfani'. The height of all these peaks is approximately 2750 feet above sea level. The peaks reveal a beautiful picture of all the forts and hill-stations like Matheran and even small lakes. HOW TO GET THERE By Road : Bhimashankar is situated around 260 kms from Mumbai via Pune. From Pune you have to take the road that goes to Wada to reach Bhimashankar. By Rail : The nearest Railhead is the Pune which is at a distance of 95 kilometres from Bhimashankar. By Air : The nearest airport is the Pune Airport which is at a distance of 95 kilometres from Bhimashankar.

Baijnath The Temple of Lord Baijnath is situated in Bihar. On the rail route from Patna to Kolkata is a place called Kiul. About 100 kms south-east of this place is Devghar where this ancient Temple is situated. It is a very important piligram Centre. It's famous for the Hindus for the temple of Shiva-Baidyanath and the place is a popular holiday Centre. HOW TO GET THERE By Road : By road Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar) to Calcutta 373 kms, Giridih 112 kms, Patna 281 kms, Dumka 67 kms, Madhupur 57 kms, Shimultala 53 kms etc. Long distance buses connect Baidyanath Dham with Bhagalpur, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Tatanagar, Gaya etc. Unmetered Taxis, Scooters, Cycle Rickshaws are available. By Rail : The nearest Railway Station is Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar) which is a terminal station of a 7 kms branch line orignating from Jasidih Jn. Places To See Baidyanath Temple Nandan Pahar Naulakha Mandir Satsang Ashram Tapovan Basukinath Temple (42 kms) - Famous for Shiva Temple. Harila Joria (8 kms) - Famous for Shiva Temple. Trikut (16 kms) - Sources of the River Mayurakshi.

Mahakaleshwar Temple of Bhagwan Mahakal is situated in the town of Ujjain. Ujjain is near Indore, and is reached by train via Ratlam or Bhopal.

Omkareshwar The Temple of Lord Omkareshwar is situated on the banks of River Narmada, in between Indore & Khandwa. The temple is situated on an island, which is encircled by the Narmada River.

Rameshwar The consecration of the temple of Lord Rameshwar was done by none other than Lord Rama himself, and thus this name. It is situated in a large island surrounded by sea in the southern side of India. It is approached from Madurai, which by itslf is well connected by all means of transportation.

Nageshwar Temple of Lord Nageshwar is situated in Gujarat, and is about 12 kms on way from Gomti-Dwarka to Bhet-Dwarka.

Grishneshwar The Temple of Lord Grishneshwar is situated just adjacent to the famous Ellora Caves.

Dwadasa Jyotirling Darshan Day 1 : Mumbai Pune Bhimashankar—275 Km. o/n Pune Day 2 : Pune Aurangabad Grishneshwar -230 Km. o/n Aurangabad Day 3 : Aurangabad Nasik Triambakeshwar Mumbai-450 Km. o/n on train to Dwarka. Day 4 : Arr. Dwarka in afternoon check in and leisure o/n Local Dwarikadhesh darshans. Day 5 : Travel by road for darshans of Bet Dwarka and Nageshwar. Day 6 : Visit Prabhas Shetra and afternoon catch train to Mumbai o/n in train. Day 7 : Arr. Mumbai in morning and dept by afternoon train to Madurai o/n in train. Day 8 : Arr. Madurai at night o/n Madurai. Day 9 : Morning leave for Rameshwar darshans during day and o/n at Madurai. Day 10 : Travel to Coimbatore and catch train to Hyderabad o/n in train. Day 11 : Arr. Hyderabad in afternoon and travel by road to Srisailem darshan And o/n stay at Srisailem. Day 12 : by evening come to Hyderabad and catch o/n train to Bhopal. Day 13 : Arr. Bhopal by evening and travel to Indore o/n at Indore. Day 15 : Visit Mahakaleshwar and in after noon travel to Omkareshwar after In evening travel to Khandwa for o/n. Day 16 : Dept: by morning train to Banaras o/n train. Day 17 : Arr. Morning at Banaras day at Banaras and KashiVishwanath. Day 18 : Dept to Deodhar by train Day 19 : Arr. Deodhar in morning and have darshans of Baidyanath dhamo/n . Day 20 : travel by train to Delhi. Day 21 : arr. In morning and proceed for Kedarnath Darshans vai Haridwar. Then from Day 22 : Haridwar to Guptkashi Day 23 : Guptkashi to Kedarnath. Day 24 : Kedarnath –Guptkashi Day 25 : Guptkashi—Haridwar Day 26 : Haridwar – Delhi

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Ganesh puja - Details - End of the pooja -Story

Siva gave the leadership of hurdles to Vinayaka on 4th day (chavithi) of Bhadrapada month. On this happy occasion all people prepared kudumulu, undrallu (a type of recipe made with rice floor, jaggery cooked over steam) and other sweets, along with coconut, Bananas, honey etc. Oblated(Naivedyam) to Vighneswara and worshipped him. Vighneswara with a pleasing and satisfied mood he ate maximum of undrallu along with other sweets and some he gave to his carrier mooshika (rat). Holding some with hands, he went to kailas by evening, to pranaam his parents. While doing so, he tried to touch the feet of the parents with his hands, but the belly (on his over consumption of food) touched the floor, prior to hands. He was facing problem to make pranaam, Chandra (who is on the head of Siva) laughed at Vinaayaka sarcastically. Due to this teasing, Vinaayaka’s stomach broken off and undrallu that were in his stomach had fallen on the ground and Vinaayaka died. On seeing this unpleasant incident, Parvathi felt very sad and impricated (cursed) Chandra that who ever see you, they become sinners and they will be allegated with slanders. Slanders to wives of hermits

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While the seven hermits (saptha rishis) doing sacrifice (yaagam) and making pradakshin to Agni(god of fire), he tempted on seeing the wives of rishis and due to the fear of curse, he started deteorating. Observing this, the wife of Agni appeared as the wives, but for Damayanthi and tried to cherish her husband Agni. Saptha rishis saw this and thought that their wives are with Agni and left them. It happened so, due to the reason that, the rishi patnis have seen Chandra after the curse given to him by Parvathi .

Gods and hermits informed Siva the hardship, met by the wives of the hermits and Siva being the knowledgeable person, came to know and explained them, that wife of Agni had only taken the form (figure) of wives. Mean while Brahma came to kailash and gave life to Vinayaka and Parvathiparameswaras felt happy for the re-birth of Vighneswara. Then the gods and hermits who were there explained Parvathi, that these hardships are coming and all the people in the universe are suffering due to the curse given to Chandra.And requested Parvathi to withdraw her curse. Then Parvathi relaxed the curse and said that on which day Chandra laughed at Vighneswara i.e on 4th day (chavithi) of Bhadrapada this curse will be effected. Like wise, Brahma and others habituated not to see Chandra on 4th day of Bhadrapada.


Samanthaka Story

In Dwapara yug Naarada visited Srikrishna in Dwaraka and praised him. It became evening during their conversation and Naarada said to Srikrishna that dusk had taken place and because of Vinayaka chaviti, one should not see Chandra for to-day and explained the total story and left for heaven. Srikrishna publicised the fact in the city through announcements. Srikrishna, without seeing over the sky, was squeezing the milk to a bowl. He happened to see Chandra’s reflection in the milk bowl and afraid of the slanders he may has to face.

After somedays on the boon of Surya, Satrajith gained ‘Samanthaka gem’ and went to Dwaraka to visit Krishna. After pleasantries, Krishna suggested Satrajith to give the gem as gift to their king. But Satrajith denied and said that noone, whatever the close they may be, loses such a gem which gives 8 maunds gold a day. After some days, Satrajith’s brother “Prasena” went on a hunting in to a forest by wearing the Samanthaka gem in his neck. On a wrong notion that the gem has a piece of meat, a lion killed ‘Prasena’ and took away the gem. A bear killed the lion and gifted the gem to her daughter ‘Jaambavathi’ as a sporting toy. Next day, Satrajith learnt the death news of his brother and blamed Srikrishna that Krishna killed his brother and snatched the gem. Sri Krishna heard the propaganda made against him and understood that it is the effect of Chandra’s replica in milk bowl that he had seen on Vinayaka chavithi . To wipe-off the slander, he went to forest with his soldiers in search of Prasena. He found the body of Prasena and foot-prints of lion and after wards that of a bear.He followed the foot prints of bear which lead them to the entrance of a cave. There he found a baby playing in a cradle, where in the gem was tied to the cradle. Sri Krishna plucked the gem and started coming back. The girl started weeping loudly. Jaambavantha(bear) came in rage and attacked Krishna and started fighting with him. Fierce fighting went on for 28 days between Sri Krishna and Jaambavantha. Jaambavantha was exhausted. Then be came to know that the person defeating him is none other than Rama who killed Ravana. He surrendered to Krishna and made pranaam to him and said “Oh! Almightly, your are my Rama, and during thretha yug, you had given me a chance to take any boon from you and due to my foolishness I asked you to give an opportunity to fight with you and you said that my desire will be fulfilled in future. Then on wards I spent yugs by praying you. Now you had come to my place and fulfilled my wish. Please pardon my mistakes and bless me. Now I have no fancy over the life”. Sri Krishna was pleased and embraced him. He said Jaambavantha that he had been blamed of snatching ‘Samanthaka gem’. To wipe off the blame he requested to give the gem to him. Jaambavantha readily handed over the Samanthaka gem along with his daughter Jaambavathi. He came out of the cave along with gem and Jaambavathi. His associates who were waiting at cave felt very happy over the happenings. They all went to Dwarakapuri. SriKrishna invited Satrajith and assembled all at a place and narrated the total story to them. He returned Samanthaka gem to Satrajith. Satrajith realized and felt sorry for having blamed Sri Krishna unnecessarily. He again gave back ‘Samanthaka’ along with Satyabhama. But Sri Krishna accepted Satyabhama and asked to keep the gem with satrajith himself. Sri Krishna married both ‘Jaambavathi and Satyabhama’ on an auspicious day. Gods and hermits praised Sri Krishna and said, being capable, you could wipe off the blames came up on you, but what about the common people who are neither mighty nor capable. Sri Krishna said to them, who ever perform pooja of vinayaka and listen to the Samanthaka story, wear ‘akshathas’ over their head.If they did so even if they see Chandra on this day, they do not get any slander, he blessed gods. Hermits and all others felt very happy and thanked him. They returned to their places and every year they continued worshipping vinayaka on Bhadrapada chavithi of and lead their lives very happily and prosperously.

“SARVE JANAAH SUKHINO BHAVANTHU”

Ganesh puja - Details - Part -3 -GANESH STORIES

(Hold akshathas throughout the vratha kadha, after completion, these akshathas are to be put on your head)

In ancient days, Dharma Raj - belonging to Chandra dynasty, lost all his property and kingdom due to his cousings foul games. Along with his wife and brothers, he stayed in forests. One day in the forest he reached “Naimisaranya” where he met sage “Sootha” who was preaching epical secrets to his co-hermits like “sounak”. Dharma Raj saluted the sage and told his difficulties including losing properties and kingdom. Dharma Raj prayed Sootha to guide about any pooja or vratha that can enable him to regain all his property and kingdom. Pleased by his obedience, “sootha” told Darma Raj, that he can get back all his properties, if he performs the “vinayaka vrath”. He explained the vratha kadha as follows:

Once, kumaraswamy visited lord Siva and requested “Oh father! Please tell me a vratha, that can fulfill all the aspirations of mankind, flourish their families, and enjoy their lives peacefully”. Lord siva replied , “Oh my son! There is a pooja called vinayak vrath and on performing this pooja, people will be blessed with prosperity, with increase in their life span and they can achieve all their goals”. This pooja is to be perormed on ‘chavithi’, the 4th day in the month of ‘Bhaadrapadh’, as per Telugu calendar , by getting up early in the morning ,finishing their regulars, and taking oil bath.

An idol of ‘vinayaka’ is to be made either with gold, silver or clay depending on their capacity. This is to be placed in the north side of the house, on a prepared portico (mandapa), this portico is to be prepared with rice upon which a rangoli of eight leaved flower (Ashta Dala Padmam) is put . Now pooja is to be performed with akshatha, folwers and leaves, Dhoop and deep (jyothi) .

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Sugar cane,Black-plum(neredu), wood-apple(velaga)- 21 fruits of each of these varieties is to be offered. The pooja is to be concluded with devotional songs, dances, and music recitations. Pandits and priests to be honoured. After wards, feast to be had along with relatives and well wishers. Next day in the morning again after finishing bath, pooja is to be re-performed(punah-puja) and priests are to be honoured. Who ever performs this pooja, will be blessed by Ganapathi, all their aspirations will be accomplished. This vratha is stated to be the best of all others, and lauded by, gods, hermits and Gandharvas and performed by all of them. This was stated to ‘Kumara swamy’ by “lord siva”. Dharma Raj was advised by Sootha to do likewise to defeat his rivals and to get back all his lost property.Previously Damayanthi the princess of “Vidarbha” was able to marry king “Nala” by performing this pooja. Lord Krishna performed this pooja and blessed with Samanthaka Mani (a powerful gem) along with two virgins Jaambavathi and Satya Bhama. Sootha proceeded to say the story as followed:

In olden days, an elephant-faced demon named “Gajaanana” performed penance (meditation) about lord siva. Pleased by his penance, lord siva appeared before “Gajaanana”. He praised siva and requested him to reside in his (Gajaanana’s) stomach. Lord siva accepted his request and stayed in the stomach. Goddess parvathi started searching lord siva and came to know that, he is in the stomach of “Gajanana”. She prayed lord Vishnu for the rescue of Siva. Lord Vishnu discussed with Brahma and other gods and planned to kill “Gajasura”. They decorated Nandeeswara. Brahma and other gods have costumed as musicians. Vishnu turned him self as main musician to the group. They went to “Gajasura pura” and gave melodious music recitals along with beautiful feats of the “Nandeeswara”. Gajasura came to know about the program and invited them to his place to give a recital. The team presented a very good program, by which “Gajasura” was pleased very much and asked them about their wish if any. Sree Hari approached Gajasura and requested him, this Nandi , the carrier of Siva and came to find where abouts of Siva. They requested to hand over Siva. Gajaasura was stunned by the words of Srihari and came to know that he is the killer of demon and death is inevitable to him.
Decided not to deviate from his promise,Gajaasura prayed Siva who is in his stomach, ‘Oh lord Siva! Please make my head respectable by the universe and please wear my skin. Then he asked Srihari to take out Siva from his stomach. Srihari provoked Nandi and Nandi torn out Gajasura’s stomach with his horns and killed him. Siva came out and praised Vishnu. Lord Vishnu advised Siva that you should not give boons to the evil doers and demons. That is like feeding a snake with milk. Srihari left to vaikuntha after a fare well to Brahma and Siva left to his kailas on his Nandi

Birth of vinayaka

In kailas, Parvathi heard the arrival of her husband and felt very happy. She thought of completing her bath to welcome him. While doing so, unmindedly she prepared a small toy in the shape of a boy. She had given life to that toy with the help of “mantra” which she learnt from her father. She put that handsome boy for watching and went in side. Mean while, lord Siva came. He was halted by the boy, and not allowed to go in. Lord Siva came in a rage, towards the restriction for him in his house itself. He cut off the boy’s head and went inside. Parvathi came to know the event that took place and felt sad of it. Siva also felt sorry for the untoward incident and immediately he joined the head of ‘Gajaanana’ that was available with him. He also attributed the foreverness and respectability from all over the universe. Ganesh became the loved one of Siva and Parvathi. After wards kumara swamy was born to Siva &Parvathi.

Vigneswara’s Domination

Once upon a day gods, hermits and human praised Siva and prayed him to give a leader of obstacles. Gajaanana (Ganesh) appealed father to give leader ship to him, since he is the elder son. Kumara swamy claimed it should be given to him on the plea that, his brother is not an able one, shorter and incapable. Siva had put a competition to both his sons that “who ever take a bath in all sacred rivers and comes to him first, will get the leader ship. Kumara swamy rushed off immediately to complete the task. But Gajaanana became mum and dull, in a feeling that he is not fast enough to win the competition. He prayed his father to suggest any wayout to win the competition .Pleased by Vinayaka’s obedience and cleverness Siva taught him ‘Narayana mantra’. ‘Naara’ means water ie; water will be under control of ‘Narayana’, in turn in the control of naraayana mantra. Chanting the mantra, Vinayaka started doing ‘pradakshinas’ to his parents Siva and Parvathi. Owing to the effect of mantra, vinayaka appeared of completing bath at every sacred river, prior to the arrival of Kumara swamy. Like wise it so happened in 3 crore 50 lakh rivers. Surprised by the fact, he arrived at kailas, where in he found Vinayaka was standing beside Siva. Making pranaam to Vinayaka he apologized his father and said “Oh father! Not knowing the capacity of brother, I asked for the leadership. Please forgive me and entrust leadership to brother”.

Contributed By Suryanarayana Murthy amrutavakkula & Ramakrishna Payidipalli & Varalakshmi Amrutavakkula

Ganesh puja - Details - Part -2

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Vasthrayagnam

sloka:
raktha vastra dyayam charu deva yougyamcha mamgalam subha pradham gruhana tyam lambhoudara haratmaja ome sri maha ganadhipathiya nama – vasthra yagnam samarpayami

upaveetham

rajetam brahma suthram cha kanchmam chowrtthareiyakam gruhana sarva dharmajna bhaketa namistadayakm Ome sri maha ganadhipathiami – upavetham samarpayami

Gandham

Chamdanagaru karpooram kasthuri kumkumanvitham Vilepanam sura shresta prityardham prathigruhyathaam Ome sri maha ganadhipathi namaha – gandham samarpayami

Akshathas

Akshathaan dhavalan divyan saleeyastambulammu bham Gruhana paramanamda sambhu puthra namousthute Ome sri maha ganadhipathiyai namaha- akashathalu samarpayami

Pushpamulu

Sugandhani sutusthani jajikunda mukhanicha Yekavimsati pathrani samgruhana namowsthuthe Ome sri maha ganadhipathi namaha- puisphamamm samarpayami

1. ome sumukhayanamah
2. yakadantaya
3. kapilaya
4. gajakarnaya
5. vikataya
6. vighnarajaya
7. ganadhipaya
8. dhumaketaye
9. ganadhyakshaya
10. palachandraya
11. gajananaya
12. vakrathundaya
13. surpakarnaya
14. harambaya
15. skandapurvajaya
16. sarvasiddhipradhayakaya

Celebrate pooja by flowers and akshathas by saying the above namas
Dhoopam darsayami
Slokam: dasamgam guggulopptham sugandham manoharam Dhoopam gruhana devesa vignaraja namousthe Ome sri maha ganadipathiyinamaha (light the bop stick and see to ganasha) Put fruit before ganasha sprinkle water on it showing hand six times saying ome pranayaswaha ome apanayaswaha ome vyanayasvaha ome udanayaswaha ome samanaya swaha ome sri maha ganadhipatayenamah naivadayam samarpayami

Adhanga pooja

Ome sri ganasayanamaha-padou pujayami
Yaka danthiya namaha- gulphou poojayami
Soorpamkarmaya namaha- janunee poojayami
Vighnarajayanamaha- jhangepoojayami
Lakhuvahanayanamaha – ooroompoojayami
Herambhayanamaha – katim poojayami
Lambhoudarayanamaha – udaram poojayami
Gananadhayanamah – nnbhim poojayami
Ganesayenamah- hrudhayam poojayami
Sthoolakhamthayanamaha – khamtham poojayami
Skamdham agrajayanamaha – schamdhou poojayami
Pashahastayanamaha – hasthou poojayami
Gajavakthraya namaha – vakthram poojayami
Vhnahamtranamah – vthrou poojayami
Suurpakarmaayanamaha – karnou poojayami
Palachamdraya – lalaatam poojayami
Sri maha ganadhipathi namaha – saryaanyaangaani poojayami
Sri ganesvaraanugrahasiddyardham – patram samarpayami

Pathra pooja(leaf)/b]

1. sumukhayamaha – machei
2. ganadi pathai namaha – bruhaveera
3. umaputrayamamaha – binva
4. gajanamayanamaha – duravara
5. harasonavenaha – dattoora
6. lambotharayanamaham – badari
7. guhagrajaye namaha – aparama
8. gajakarnayanamaha – tulasi
9. yekadanthayanamaha – choota
10. vikatayamaha – karavara
11. vhinnadantayanamaha – vishnukrnatha
12. vatave namaha – dadima
13. sarvaswaraya namaha – davadaru
14. palachandrnamaha – muruvaka
15. herambaya namaha – sindhuvera
16. soorpa karyanamaha – jajipapram
17. suragrajayamahna – gandakee
18. ebhaeaktraya namaha – sanea
19. vinayakayanamaha – aawaddha
20. suraseviteyenamaha – arjuna
21. kapilayanamaha – arka
sri ganashaya yakavimsati patra pooja samaptam

[b]astotharasathanama pooja

ome gajananaayanamaha
vinayakaya
pramukhaya
sukhaniddaye
mahaganapataye
mahabalayai
vignaraajaaya
dvimaturaya
supradeepaya
suraadyakshaya
meanyaia
ganadyakshaya
dvimukhaya
sumukhaya
surarignaya
mahakaalayai
herambayai
lambajataraayai
hrasvagreevaayai
mahodarayanamaha
Madhotkatayanamaha
Manrene
Mahaveeraya
Mangalaswaroopaya
Pramadaya
Pradhamaya
Praznaya
Vignakarthre
Vignahantre
Viswanetraya
Viratpataye
Cruthive
Vakrutave
Srungarine
Asrithavatsalaya
Sivapriyaya
Seeghrakarine
Saswataya
Bhavaya
Balothitaya
Bavatmajaya
Puranapurushaya
Pooshne
Prabhave
Puskarokshiptaya
Agraganyaya
Agrapoojyaya
Agragamine
Netrakruthe
Chamekaraprabhaya
Sarvaaya
Sarvopanyasaya
Sarvakatre
Sarvanetraya
Sarvasiddhipradhaya
Sarvasiddhaye
Panchahastaya
Parvathinandanaya
Kumaraguravenamaha
Akshobhyaya
Kunjarasurabhajanay
Premodhaya
Modhakapriyaya
Kanthimathe
Dhruthimathe
Kaminenamaha
Kapittaphalapriyaya
Bhramachrine
Bhrmavidyavibhave
Jishnave
Vishnupriyaya
Bhaktajeevetaya
Jitamanmadhaya
Aiswarayakaranaya
Jayasenamaha
Yakshakinnerasevidaya
Ome gangasutaya
Ganadesaya
Gamberaninadaya
Vatavenamha
Abhistavaradaya
Jyothishe
Bakthanidaye
Bavagamyaya
Mangalapradaya
Avyakathava
Aprakruthaparakramaya
Satyadharamine
Sakthiyi
Sarasambhunidhayai
Mahesayanamaha
Divyangaya
Manikinkinimekalaya
Samastadevataya
Sahishnave
Sathatothitaya
Vignantakarinenamaha
Vishvadhruse
Vihvarakhakruthe
Kalayanaguravenamaha
Unmattaveshaya
Parajithe
Samstajadharaya
Sarva aiswarya pradaya
Ekadanthaya
Srivigneswaraya
Ome sriharidraganapathiyenamaha
Sree vinayaka vratha kadha

Ganesh puja - Details - Part -3

Ganesh puja - Details - Part -1

Ganesh Festival - Ganesh Puja Details with Video and audio High Quality

Siddhivinayaka pooja:

Prepare vinayaka by paste of turmeric powder and put kumkuma on it and start pooja with akshathas.

Slokam:
gururbrahmaa, gurur Vishnu. Gurur devo maheswaraha, guru sakshath parabrahma thasmisri guravey namaha

Decorate the north east corner with water and turmeric powder and ragavallis with rice flour. put a plank on ragavlli decorate the plank and put astadalapadma take a plate with rice and put a pan leaf on the rice. The vinayaka prathima place on the leaf. Then perform puoja put the plate on the plank.

How to perform Vinayaka Chavithi (vinyaka Chathurthi Puja ) ?

Put Oil Light in the niruthi ( south west) light the lamp and also dhoop stics.
Put the thamb between middle and pointer then put the pointer and thumb and other finger horizontal and palm asboul then take water into the palm with a spoon and take in by saying
1.Ome kesavaya swaaha first sip
2. ome narayanaya swaha second sip
3. ome madavaya swaha third sip
4. ome govindayanamaha (wash the hands)
5. vishnavenamaha (touch the water and wash the eyes with thumb and middle finger
6. madusudanayanamaha 7. trivikramayanamaha (clean the lips with towel and namaskaram
8. vamanayanamaha 9 sridarayanamaha (sprinkle water on head )
10. hreshikesayanamaha sprinkle on ganesh with leaf.
11. ome padmanabaya namaha sprinkle drop of water on feat
12. damodarayanamaha sprinkle water on head
13 sankarshnayanamaha clean chin with fingers
14. vasudevaya namaha cought nose with fingers lightly
15. pradyunnayanamaha
16. aniruddayanamaha (tough the eyes)
17. purushotamayanamha
18. adhokshanayanamaha (tough the ears)
19. narsimhayanamha
20. achyutayanamaha (tough the naval middle part of the stomach )
21 janardhanayanamha (tough the chest with fingers )
22. upendrayanamaha tough the head the with finger points
23. harayanamaha
24. krishnayanamha (tough the right shoulder with left hand and left shoulder with right hand)

Aatma suddhi slokam:
apavitraha pavitrova sarvava upanga thosiva
ya smareth pudari kaksham saba bahyantara suchihi

(sprinkle water on head)


Bhusuddhi: (Cleaning the space with holy water, where we are going to place the idol)

Take water in the palm and say the sloka and sprinkle water around you

slokam: 

uttistantu bhotha pisacha yeethe bhumi bharakah yethesha mavirothena brahmma karma samarahe 
 put akshitas back. Side.

Puja Starts 
Suklam ambaradharam vishum sasi varnam chaturbujam Prasanna vadanam dyayai sarva vignopa santhayai Agajanana padmarkam gajanana maharnisam Aneka damtham yeka damtam upasmahe
Put some akshetas on vinayaka by this sloka
1. apada mapahartaram dataram sarvasampadam lokabhi ramam sri ramam bhuyobhuyo namamyaham
2. ya sivo nama ruupabyam yadevi sarva mangala saranyo trayambake devi narayana namostuthe
ome sri lakshmi narayanabyam namaha
ome sri umamaheswarabya namaha
vani hiranya garbayanamaha
sechi purandarabya ya
arundati vasitabya
sitaramabya
mitreyi katyai sahita yagnavalkyabya
sarva devathabya
sarva bhudevatabya
sarva dvigdevatabya
gramadevatabye
gruha devathabye
aditaya navagraha devata

slokam:
adityacha somaya mangalaya bhudayacha
guru sukra sanibyasksha rahave kethave nameha
sarvedyo mahajanebyo namaha ayam muhurtha sumohurthostu tough the nose with fingers say
sloka: ome bho ome bhuvaha ogam suvaha ome mamaha ome janaha ome tapaha ogam satyam ome tatsa viravrenyam bhargo devasye dhemahe dheyoyona prchodaya ome apojyothi rasamrutam brhamma bhurbhuvassurom samkalpam: mamoparta dulita kshaya dwara sri parameswara preetyardam subhe sobhana muhurthe sri maha rajniya pravarta manasya adya brahmana dvitiva paradye swetha varaha kalpe vivaswta manvantre kaliyuge pradama pade -------- jeethe --------- varshe ------ kande dig-------bage -------pradehe--- asmin sarvagith nama samvatsare dakshinayane varshrutuve sravana mase suklapakshe, sukravasare subha nakshtre subayoge subakarne ------ gotram ------namam ------asmatam sakutumbaya kshema styairya vijaya arogya aiswarya abhi vyardam darma arda kama moksha chturvida purusharda pala stityardam putra powtrabhi vyudhyardham sakalavida mano wanchika pala stityardam sri ------ ex: varalakshmi pardevatha anugraha prasada sityardam varalakmi muddisya varalakmi devatapujam krisye tough the water with middle finger.

Ada nirvigyna pari sampyardam sri maha ganapathi puuja karisye

Kalasapuja: take a vessal and apply tamaric anit decorate with cukum take water into the vasel unfit sound fowers and leaves then cover the kalasa with right hand and say Kalasasya muke Vishnu kante rudra samasritaha Muletatrastithow bramma madye matru gana smrutaha Kuchoutu sagara sarve sapta devepa vasudara Rugwedo adaha yajurvedo samavedo adhervanaha anaiksha sihita sarve karsambo samasritaha Tishsrathi savitri, gayatrichi sarasvathi Scandow ganapthi skhaivah santhihi pusti kari tadhe Slokam : ragecha yamunechiva godavari saraswathi narmadha sindu kaveri jalesmin sannidi kuru ayanatamdevi pujardam mama gurutaksya tarakaha palasodikena puuja dravani diva matmanam cha samprokya sprinkle the kalesodaka with flower and sprinkle on devatas and puuja dravas

Maarjanamu:
Ome apavitrah pavithrova sarvava stanga thopive ya smare pundarea kakshasa bahya byantara suchihi Then take some akshitas turmeric powder and put on ganapathi idol then touch the idol and namaskar Sri maha ganadhipatayenamaha- prana pratistapna muhurte sumuhurtostu thadastu next read as below and namaskar to god ganapathi

Sloka:
Sumukha schivadantaksha kapilo gajakanikah Lambow deraksha vikato vigna rajo vinayakaha Dhoomakatu ragnadyaksha palachandro gajanana Vakra thunda surpa kernp harambo skandha poorvajah Shodasyani namani yah pateshruniya depi Vidyarambhe vivahecha prauese nirgame thadha Samgrame sarve karyesu vignastasye najayathe Ome sri mahaganapathayainamaha dhyayami (say this and put akshatas on ganapathi) Dhyanam

Sloka:
Bhava sanchita papowghavidvansini vichakshana Vignadharka bhaswantham vigna raja mahan bhaje Eaka danta surpakarnam gajavaktraw chaturbhujam Pasankisedharam devam dhgaya tsiddi vinayakeni

Sloka:
Dhyaye dgajananam devam thapte kanchna sanibham Chaturbhujam mahakayam sarvabharanabhoositam Ome sri maha ganadhipatayenamaha dhyana samarpayami

Asanam
Mowktikhaihi pusyaragaisha nanaratnai dwirajitam Rathana simhasanam charu preetyardham pratigruhyatham Ome sri maha ganapathayainamaha- cimhasanardham akashta samarpayami

Arghyam
Gowri putri namastasu sankarasya priyanandanam gruhanyartham mayadattam dwanda puspa kshitiryutam Ome sri maha ganadipathiyainamaha- arghyam sarmayapayammi (sprinkle water with flower at ganapathi)

padyam

gajavaktra namastestu sarvadheestaaradayaka bhaktya tadyam mayadattam gruhana dwiradanana ome maha ganadipathyai namaha- padyam samapayami (sprinkle water with flower at ganapathi)

Achamanam
Anadhanadha sarvajana dwervana varapujitha gruhanachamanam deva thuvhyam dattham mayaprabhow Ome sri ganadhipathyai namaha – achamanaiyum samapayami Madhuparkam

Dadhi ksheira samayukitham maddhvajyema samarpitham Madhuparkam gruhanedam gajavakthra namousthuthe Ome sri maha ganadhipathyai namaha- madhuparkam samarpayami

Pamchamrutha snanam
Snanam pamchamruthirdheva gruhana gananayaka Anadhanadha saryajna geervanagana poojithi Ome sri maha ganadhipathi namaha – pamchamrupha snanam samarpayami (cow milk, cow curd, cow gee, honey and sugar together called panchamurtha)

Part -2 continues ..

• GANESH PUJA PART -3
• GANESH PUJA PART-2
• GANESH PUJA PART -1

Perform Ganesh puja - To fight with fate

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!

So perform Ganesh puja - to live prosperously.

Ganesh puja - Details - Part -1

Ganesh puja - Details - Part -2

Ganesh puja - Details - Part -3

Ganesh puja - Details - End of the puja with Samantaka story..

The Great AksharDham - photo gallery

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The Great Swamy Narayan Temple -London

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London is the first traditional Hindu Mandir in Europe. 2,820 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone and 2,000 tonnes of Italian Carrara marble were shipped to India, carved by over 1,500 craftsmen and reshipped to London. In all, 26,300 carved pieces were assembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle in less than 3 years. It is a miracle of modern times worked by over a thousand volunteers. It is a masterpiece of exotic design and workmanship that rises above London's skyline. Replete with luminescent white pinnacles and glittering marble pillars, it stands as a beacon for Hindus, both young and old throughout the world.

Since its opening in August 1995, the Mandir has attracted devotees and visitors from all over the world as well as 8,600 school and group visits. They come to experience living Hinduism and the peace and tranquility that the sacred Mandir and murtis provide. Together with the Mandir, the 'Understanding Hinduism' exhibition treats visitors to a concise, yet comprehensive study of the Hindu religion. It is an ideal place to learn about the glorious culture of India and the values of Hindu Dharma.

The Mandir has also achieved international recognition with two entries in Guinness World Records; the first entry is for the largest traditionally built Hindu stone Mandir in the Western hemisphere and the second for the largest Annakut offering with 1,247 vegetarian items offered to the sacred deities.

The Mandir has also been described as the 8th wonder of the world by Reader's Digest and has earned a place in their book, the 70 Wonders of the 20th Century. The Mandir has been seen all around the world through over 70 newspapers and magazines, as well as 30 television and radio stations.

With more news.. The Great Swamy narayan Mandir

Sri venkateswara Temple- Pittsburgh

About the Temple

About the Temple
Sri Venkateswara Temple (S. V. Temple) is located in Penn Hills, an eastern suburb of Pittsburgh, PA, USA. It is one of the earliest Hindu temples to be built in the United States.

History
S. V. Temple was constructed at an approximate cost of $925,000 with donations raised from more than six thousand devotees from around the country. Most donors were first generation Indian immigrants who were seeking to maintain ties with their mother culture. The ground-breaking ceremony for the Temple took place on June 30, 1976.

Structure
S. V. Temple, Pittsburgh is modeled after the famed Venkateswara temple in Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh, India) and it's 7th century architecture.

Agama
Essentially, a Hindu temple is constructed according to the Agama Sastras (temple manuals) in the image of the human body. The two sides of the temple represent the hands, and the top of the temple, the head. The deity, in this instance, Venkateswara (Lord of Venkata, and a representation of Vishnu) rests in the innermost recess called the Garbhagraha (sanctum sanctorum). S. V. Temple at Pittsburgh follows the temple texts called Pancharatra Agamas which consist of 108 samhitas (collection).

Archai Rupam
The Agamas state that Narayana, the eternal Divine Being, should be worshipped in the Archai Rupam (iconic form) in temples and homes. The Hindu devotee believes that divine power has manifested itself in the murti (icon/idol). Major religious events like Kumbhabhishekam are performed to re-energize the murti with Divine Power, which can either be diluted or lost due to transgressions commited unknowingly by the priests or the worshippers. Worshipping the Archai Avatara as Hari gives the devotees access to God and His Power.

Priests
Agamic rules require a temple priest to serve and act as an intermediary between the worshipper and God. The Vaishnava temple priests are referred to as Bhaktacharya, Bhattacharya or simply Bhattar. They come from families with temple priesthood as their traditional occupation, and they learn their skills from a young age.

Four priests permanently reside at the S. V. temple, some with their families. All the daily and weekly rituals are performed by these priests. Special occassions (Kumbhabhishekam, for instance) demand the presence of more priests, who are then brought from other temples in the United States or from India.

Worship
There are several types of worships performed at the Temple:

Archana
Deepa Aarati
Abhisheka
Sathyanarayana Puja
Kalyana Utsavam
Homas

Observance of Purity

A Hindu devotee follows certain minimal rules regarding the maintenance of purity on hallowed, sacred ground. Firstly it is a given that a Hindu will enter the temple only after a bath. Physical purity is symbolic of the mental state of the Hindu devotee while entering the house of God. Secondly, all devotees and visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering the temple.

The Entrance

There are two entrances to the temple. The first is via Rajagopuram (the main domed entrance) which is open only during special occasions. The second entrance is via the lobby and the main office where archana and other puja tickets can be purchased.

Mural from the Bhagavad Gita

Upon ascending the stairs from the lobby, to the immediate right, you will see a life-size mural from the Bhagavad Gita (the Divine Song).

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The Rameshwaram - one of 12 jyothirlingas

Apart from being a Pilgrimage centre, Rameshawaram is one of the major marine food centres in the south, much of its fish and prawn catch being exported. Known as the Varanasi of the south, Rameswaram is a major pilgrimage centre for both Shaivites and Vaishnavaites, as it was here where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Siva after the war against Ravana. At the heart of the town is the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the most important temples in southern India.

Rameswaram lies on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, connected to the mainland at Mandapam by rail and by one of India's engineering wonders, the Indira Gandhi Bridge. The bridge took 14 years to build and was opened by Rajiv Gandhi late in 1988.

Sightseeing at Rameshwaram : Rameshwaram temple
Ramanathaswamy Temple : A remarkable example of late Dravidian architecture, this temple is most noted for its excellent corridors lined with massive sculptured pillars with their elaborate design, style and rich carving. Legend has it that Rama sanctified this place by worshipping Siva here after the battle of Sri Lanka. The construction work commenced in the 12th century AD and further developments were made over the centuries by successive rulers, and hence, today its gopuram is 53 m high. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the inner sanctorum.

Kothandaraswamy Temple & Dhanushkodi : 12 km from town, this temple was the sole structure to withstand the 1964 cyclone which washed the rest of the village away. Legend states that Vibishana, brother of Sita's kidnapper Ravana, surrendered to Rama at this spot.

Adam's Bridge : Adam's Bridge is the name given to the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India. According to legend, this is the series of stepping stones used by the monkey army, lead by Hanuman to cross the ocean in a bid to rescue Sita from the clutch of Ravana.

Gandhamadana Parvatam : The stepped mandapam or hall, about a mile and a half west of the Ramanathaswamy Temple offers an excellent view of the countryside. There is a footprint here believed to be of Lord Rama.

Dhanushkodi Beach : Dhanushkodi beach is the best place for a laid back leisure hours.

Best Season to Visit : Through out the year.

Reaching Rameshwaram :
Rail : The are many train to Chennai daily. It is connected directly to Manamadurai and Trichy. The passenger trains run at regular interval from Madurai.
Road : The city is well connected to Madurai, Kanyakumari, Chennai and Trichy. It is also connected to Pondicherry and Thanjavur via Madurai.

STD/ISD Codes :
If dialing from India -------04573 (number)
If dialing from abroad -------++91-4573 (number)

Shopping in Rameshwaram :
Rameswaram is famous for variety of exquisite handicraft and decorative items. There are several shops near the temples, where you can find different items made from palm leaf, beads and seashells. Khadicraft is the place from where you can purchase your handicraft items. Rameswaram silk sarees are very popular among the ladies.

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In short
Rameshwaram, Southeast of Madurai, on an island in the Palk Straits, is the temple town of Rameswaram, a sacred place for Hindus. According to the Ramayana, this is the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, to absolve himself of the sin of killing Ravana. Every nook and corner of Rameswaram is steeped in episodes from the Ramayana. Rameswaram is the Varanasi of the south, and is a major pilgrimage centre for Vaishnavites and Shaivites.

Place of importance :- one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Legend says that Ramanatha Swamy Temple stands where Lord Rama performed worship of a Sand Lingam made by Sita. Lunch at Rameshwaram. Return to Madurai.

Ramanathaswamy, The 17th century temple close to the sea, on the eastern side of the island, is ,renowned for its magnificent pillar corridor, running to a length of 1200 metres, and flanked by ornate pillars.

Agnitheertham, 100 metres away from the temple is Agnitheertham, where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana.

Gandamadana Parvatham, Situated on the highest point in the island, 2 km north of Rameswaram town centre, is the venerable shrine, housing the imprint of Lord Rama's feet placed on a chakra.

Access by Air:
Rameshwaram doesn’t have its own airport: the nearest airport is Madurai, which is 173 kms away.

Access by Rail:
Rameshwaram is connected with all major cities like Madras, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy and Tanjavur.

Access by Road:
Connected by road to all important towns.

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After Morning breakfast check out hotel and proceed to Kanyakumari it is the place were Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meets and it is very important pilgrimage center for Hindu's on arrival Kanyakumari check in hotel later on proceed for a local tour visit Vevakananda rock, Gandhi Museum, Kumari Amman Temple etc evening after sun set return back to hotel and over night stay at hotel .

titbit : Rameshwaram is the birth place of THE GREAT PRESIDENT OF INDIA A.P.J ABDUL KALAM