Sri Ganesha Gayatri Mantras:

SRI VIJAYAGANAPATHI DEVALAYAM

 SSVDA LAYOUT SOWBHAGYARAYAPURAM

NEAR SIMHACHALAM

VISAKHAPATNAM. AP

 Sri Ganesha Gayatri Mantras:

Gayatri refers to a special three-line Vedic meter used in mantras for invoking and focusing consciousness on the Deity. The three gayatris below are intoned during pujas and yajnas. They may also be recited as powerful japa -- repeated again and again, while gently regulating the breath according to systematic rhythms given by one's guru to establish a deep inner connection with Lord Ganesha.

Aum ekadantaya vidmahe
vakratundaya dhimahi
tanno dantih prachodayat

We devote our thought to the one-tuske Lord We meditates upon Him who has a curved trunk. May the tusked One guide us on the right path.

Ganapati Upanishad

Aum tatpurushaya vidmahe
vakratundaya dhimahi
tanno dantih prachodayat

We devote our thought to that supreme person. We meditate upon Him who has a curved trunk. May the tusked One guide us on the right path.

Narayana Upanishad

Aum tat karataya vidmahe
hasti mukhaya dhimahi
tanno dantih prachodayat

We devote our thoughts to the mysterious Lord. We meditate on His elephant face. May the tusked One guide us on the right path.

Maitrayani Samhita 2.6-9

A Special Collection of Ganesha Mantras:

Ganesha mantras are siddhi mantras . Each mantra contains certain specific powers of Lord Ganesha. When chanted with the proper pranayama (rhythmic breathing) and sincere devotion, they will yield good results. In general, Ganesha mantras will ward off all evil and bless the devotee with abundance, prudence and success. Evil spirits dare not enter the home or the mind of the devotee where Ganesha mantras are recited. Those so mystically inclined and knowledgeable of the seven chakras below the muladhara use these powerful incantantions under the direction of the guru to close off these regions of the mind one by one and free consciousness from deep depression, confusion, jealousy, rage, lingering anger and fear. Some such mantras are given below for the spiritual benefit of the readers.

One more point to remember is that one should bathe or wash the limbs before sitting for repetition of the mantra. Also, one should do three or more pranayama before beginning the mantra. The minimum repetition of the mantra should be one full mala, or 108 times. When this is done at a fixed hour and place regularly for 48 days, it becomes an upasana, which means intense meditation, that will yield siddhis, or spiritual powers. Another warning to bear in mind is that one should use those powers only for healing the sick and other such selfless actions for the benefit of mankind. These powers should not be misused. Misuse of power may bring the curse of the asuras.

Aum gam ganapataye namah:

This is a mantra from Ganapati Upanishad. One may always use it before beginning a journey, a new course in school, new career or job, or before entering into any new contract or business so that impediments are removed and your endeavor may be crowned with success.

Aum shri ganeshaya namah: 

This mantra is usually taught to children for their good education. It increases their memory power, and they become successful in their examinations. Of course, people of any age may use this mantra when taking courses in a school or university, and for success in attaining their degree.

Aum vakratundaya hum:

This is a very powerful mantra, as discussed in the Ganesha Purana. When something is not working properly, individually or universally, nationally or internationally, or when the minds of the people turn crooked, negative, depressed or discouraged, the attention of Ganesha may be drawn by this mantra to straighten their ways. The HUM symbolizes "Delay no more, my Lord, in straightening the paths of the crooked-minded ones." This mantra is used many times in the Ganesha Purana to curb the atrocities of cruel demons. In addition, this mantra could also be used for healing any spinal deficiency, such as curvature of the spine or curved limbs. Dedicate 1,008 repetitions of this holy word to straighten and heal such deficiencies.

Aum kshipra prasadaya namah:

Kshipra means instantaneous. If some danger or negative energy is coming your way and you don't know how to get rid of that trouble, with true devotion, practice this mantra for quick blessing and purification of one's aura.

Aum shrim hrim klim glaum gam
ganapataye vara varada sarva
janamme vashamanaya svaha

There are several bija (seed) mantras in this mantra. Among other things, it signals, "Shower your blessings, O Lord. I offer my ego as an oblation."

Aum sumukhaya namah:

This mantra has a lot of meaning, but to make it simple, it means you will be always very beautiful in soul, in spirit, in fact, everything. By meditating on this mantra, very pleasing manners and a beauty comes on you. Along with that comes peace, which constantly dances in your eyes; and the words you speak are all filled with that power of love.

Aum ekadantaya namah:

Ekadanta refers to one tusk in the elephant face, which means God broke the duality and made you to have a one-pointed mind. Whoever has that oneness of mind and single-minded devotion will achieve everything.

Aum kapilaya namah:

Kapila (red) means that you are able to give color therapy. You are able to create colors around yourself and around others, bathe them in that color and heal them. As per the mantra you create, so will you create the colors. Another meaning is "wish cow," the "cow of plenty." It means that whatever you wish, that comes true. There is a wish-cow inside you. Whatever you wish, especially for healing others, comes true immediately.

Aum gajakarnikaya namah:

The ears of Ganesha, the elephant, are constant fanning, which means people may talk a lot, but you are not receiving inside anything other than that which is important. It also means that you can sit anywhere and tune this cosmic television (the body) with seven channels (chakras) and all 72,000 nadis, to any loka and be able to hear ancestors, angels, the voice of God or the voice of prophets. That kind of inner ear you will develop through this mantra.

Aum lambodaraya namah:

This means you feel that you are this universe. It means that all the universes are within you. Like an entire tree is in the seed, the whole universe is in the sound of creation, which is Aum, and that Aum consciousness in you makes you feel that you are the universe. Therefore, if you say, realizing the oneness with the universe, "shanti to the world" every day, then the grace of God will come and there will be world peace, universal peace. It is the universes within Aum and Aum within you.

Aum vikataya namah:

This means realizing this world as a dream or a drama. When you are in that high consciousness, this whole world looks like a dream. All of us have taken a role. We have to play our role in life as wife or husband or children or citizens, all consistent with the role we have taken. When an actor bitten by a sponge cobra that is brought on the stage falls, the entire audience cries; but that boy who has fallen knows it was not a real cobra and he is not dead. Life is a drama -- definitely life in this material world, this physical world of ego, is a drama. But inside, like the boy on the stage who is quite happy knowing that he didn't die by the bite of the sponge cobra, like that, the truth never dies in us; it is immortal. So everything else you consider as drama. That consciousness comes to you by knowing this mantra.

Aum vighna nashanaya namah:

This mantra invokes the Lord Ganesha to remove every impediment in your life and in your works. By constant meditation on this mantra, all obstacles and blocked energy in your physical and astral bodies are released.

Aum vinayakaya namah:

Vinayaka is the name of Ganesha in the golden age. So by realizing this mantra, your life will have a golden age. In your office, in your work, you'll be the boss. Vinayaka means something under control. Vinayaka means the Lord of problems.

Aum dhumraketuve namah:

Halley's Comet is called Dhumraketu in the Vedas. Whenever Halley's Comet appears, on the whole planet Earth, and in other places also, there will be fear and terror. The guiding masters and those who have the wisdom to face it will all withdraw to the higher worlds. Important people die during that time, and bloodshed and various other problems come. To overcome that, it's important for us to remember this mantra for world peace.

Aum ganadhyakshaya namah:

This mantra is so important. Suppose you have a group, a country, neighbors, or any kind of group therapy, group healing or a whole country needing healing, then you have to bring that entire group to your mind's arena and say this mantra. A group healing takes place by this mantra.

Aum bhalachandraya namah:

In Sanskrit, bhala means the forehead center. Chandra means the crescent moon. Bhalachandra means that chakra from where the nectar drips. That is the secret of all healing. It is to feel yourself as Siva, identifying yourself with the Truth and feeling constantly that you are carrying the crescent moon, the symbol of growth and nectar and peace.

SLOKAS ON SRI GANESHA

SLOKAS ON SRI GANESHA

ॐ गणानां त्वा गणपतिं हवामहे कविं कवीनामुपमश्रवस्तमम् ।
ज्येष्ठराजं ब्रह्मणाम् ब्रह्मणस्पत आ नः शृण्वन्नूतिभिःसीदसादनम् ॥1
ॐ महागणाधिपतये नमः ॥

Ganaanaam Twam Ganapathi Gam Havaamahe Kavim Kaveenaam Upamasra Vastamam
Jyeshta Raajam Brahmanaam Brahmanaspatha Aanashrunvanna Oothibhi Seedha Saadanam

The Lord of spiritual faith, son of Lord Shiva, is the wisest among the wise. Ganesha has no comparison. He is the senior Lord of the Vedic mantras, who listens to the devotee's prayers. I invite Lord Ganesha to visit my home with prosperous things and be seated here.

शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं शशिवर्णं चतुर्भुजम् । प्रसन्नवदनं ध्यायेत् सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तये ॥ 2.

Shukla-Ambara-Dharam Vissnnum Shashi-Varnnam Catur-Bhujam |
Prasanna-Vadanam Dhyaayet Sarva-Vighno[a-U]pashaantaye ||

 (We Meditate on Sri Ganesha) Who is Wearing White Clothes, Who is All-Pervading, Who is Bright in Appearance like the Moon and Who is Having Four Hands Who is Having a Compassionate and Gracious Face, Let us Meditate on Him To Ward of all Obstacles.

अगजानन पद्मार्कं गजाननं अहर्निशम् ।
अनेकदंतं भक्तानां एकदन्तं उपास्महे ॥ 3

Agaja-[A]anana Padma-Arkam Gaja-[A]ananam Aharnisham |
Aneka-Dam-Tam Bhaktaanaam Eka-Dantam Upaasmahe ||

 As the Rays from the Lotus-Face of Gauri (Devi Parvati) is Always on Her Beloved Son Gajanana ( Who is having theFace of an Elephant ) Similarly, the Grace of Sri Ganesha is Always on His Devotees; Granting their Many Prayers; the Devotees who with deep devotion Worship the Ekadanta ( Who is having a Single Tusk ).

गजाननं भूतगणादि सेवितं कपित्थ जम्बूफलसार भक्षितम्
उमासुतं शोक विनाशकारणं नमामि विघ्नेश्वर पादपङ्कजम् ॥ 4

Gaja-[A]ananam Bhuuta-Ganna-[A]adi Sevitam Kapittha Jambuu-Phala-Saara Bhakssitam
Umaa-Sutam Shoka Vinaasha-Kaarannam Namaami Vighne[a-I]shvara Paada-Pangkajam ||

(I Salute)  Sri Gajananam  ( Who is having an Elephant Face ), is  who  Served by the BhutaGanas (Celestial Attendants or Followers) and Others,    who eats the  core of Kapittha  (Wood Apple) and Jambu (Rose Apple) Fruits,  Who is the Son of Devi Uma (Devi Parvati) and the Cause of Destruction of Sorrows,  I Prostrate at the Lotus- feet  of Vigneshwara ( the God Who Removes Obstacles ).

मूषिकवाहन मोदकहस्त चामरकर्ण विलम्बितसूत्र ।
वामनरूप महेस्वरपुत्र विघ्नविनायक पाद नमस्ते ॥ 5

Muussika-Vaahana Modaka-Hasta Caamara-Karnna Vilambita-Suutra |
Vaamana-Ruupa Mahesvara-Putra Vighna-Vinaayaka Paada Namaste ||

 (Salutations to Sri Vighna Vinayaka) Whose Vehicle is the Mouse and Who has the Modaka in His Hand Whose Large Ears are like Fans and Who Wears a Long Sacred Thread, Who is Short in Stature and is the  Son of Sri Maheswara (Lord Shiva), Prostrations at the Feet of Sri Vighna Vinayaka, the Remover of the Obstacles of His Devotees.

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सुर्यकोटि समप्रभ निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा 6

Vakra-Tunndda Maha-Kaaya Surya-Kotti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa

 O Lord Ganesha, of Curved Trunk, Large Body, and with the Brilliance of a Million Suns, 
 Please Make All my Works Free of Obstacles, Always.

OUR RELIGIOUS AND MEDICINAL PLANTS-4 NEEM TREE.

OUR RELIGIOUS AND MEDICINAL PLANTS-4

NEEM TREE.

  Neem in Hindu Religion:

 The Hindus on the first day of Chaitra Masam worship the Neem and eat its leaves, mixed with pepper and sugar, as a safeguard from fever. The neem tree besides having various medicinal benefits is a highly revered tree among the Hindus because it is a manifestation of "Goddess Durga" or "Maa Kali". That is why the tree is sometimes referred to as Neemari Devi. Tamil Ladies, while worshiping Maa kali dress in red, carry branches of the Neem tree, and dance in public places swishing the branches as an act of exorcism and to purify the world. The multi-headed occult goddess Yellamma  sometimes assumes the appearance of a young neem tree. Young maidens worship this Goddess by cladding themselves all over in neem branches. In Bengal, neem is considered to be the tree which is the abode of "Sitala" (the great Pox-mother who can cause or cure disease). The customary treatment of pox is therefore to rub the body with neem leaves while making prayers to Sitala. It is also said that the smoke of burning neem protects both the living and the dead from evil spirits.   Gudhi Padwa festival is especially dedicated to the worship of Lord Brahma. Maharashtrians see the gudhi as a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces lead by the great hero Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Traditionally, families are supposed to begin the festivities by eating the bittersweet leaves of the neem tree. Sometimes, a paste of neem leaves is prepared and mixed with ajwain, gur, and tamarind. All the members of the family consume this paste, which is believed to purify the blood and strengthen the body’s immune system against diseases. 

  People in many villages in south India continue to live by the belief that their traditional practices, rituals and superstitions will invariably help them lead a better life. In one such instance, people in a Coimbatore village organised a symbolic wedding of a Neem and Banyan tree on June 2009 to appease Rain God. 

Indra - the king of Celestials - bestowed neem with its incredible power while returning to heaven on a sacred white elephant after retrieving a golden pot of ambrosia from the demons. He spilled the ambrosia on a neem, making it a tree blessed with virtuous qualities that could remove all diseases. In another story, insects are said to be the creation of evil demons, and neem protects people from them by weakening the insect's life patterns.

The Vedas, the oldest of the Hindu sacred texts and the basis of the Ayurvedic tradition, detail the use of neem as a medicinal herb. Brihat Samhita, the ancient text written by Varahamihira (505 AD) and sometimes called "the encyclopedia of Indian Culture," includes a chapter on medicinal herbs that highly recommends neem.  In Sanskrit, neem is translated as "nimba" and becomes the basis of an ancient saying "nimbati ivasthyamdadati," or "Neem, to give good health." Another ancient name is "Sarvo Roga Nivarins" - or "the curer of all ailments."

Thousands of years later, neem still plays an important role in healthcare and religion in many Indian households to such a degree that it's almost "cradle-to-grave" healthcare insurance. For instance, families often bathe new-born babies in water that has been boiled with neem leaves because of its medicinal and refreshing qualities. In South India, when a mother leaves a baby unattended, she often leaves a small twig of neem leaves near the baby for protection. Thousands of Indians use neem twigs to brush their teeth every day (a tradition recognized by the Indian subsidiary of international giant Unlived that created a neem-based toothpaste).

Another ritual called the "Ashwatta Narayana Puja" is used by couples who want to conceive a child. They perform a "marriage" of neem and the banyan tree and go around these seven times every morning for seven days.

Other ventures may start by propitiating Lord Vigneshwara to remove obstacles and for the smooth completion of the event. For the Siddhi Vinayaka Puja twenty types of flower are offered at the feet of the Lord, including neem flowers.

At funerals, the Puranas urge that family and friends chew neem leaves to protect against lingering infections, and spread more leaves at the threshold of the house where the death occurred - a tradition based on neem's healing powers and dating back to the days when many people died in epidemics.

Rural residents of India have a festival called "ghatashapana" in which neem leaves are used to sanctify the water-pot. The Gamits of Gujarat offer neem juice to God, and then cattle and lastly take it themselves.

Many Hindus around the world celebrate the New Year or ugadhi or Chaitra Vishnu, which comes in March/ April when the Sun enters the sign of Aries, by eating the bitter leaves of neem with a little jaggery to symbolize acceptance of the good with the bad. The tradition also signals the beginning of a season when neem is to be used regularly, since the period after the onset of the New Year is the season when Pitta dosha is aggravated. As per the Ayurvedic tradition, Neem helps to keep Pitta in check.

  Mahatma Gandhi was a believer in neem. Prayer meetings he conducted at the Sabarmati Ashram were held under a neem tree and a neem leaf chutney was a part of his everyday diet.

People all over India worship neem tree. The Hindu goddess Arulmigu Mariamman is synonymous with the neem tree and is worshipped for her curative powers. In many communities neem leaves are hung in bunches at the entrance to the house as a symbolic way to keep out infestations and evil spirit.