Shiridi Sai baba Aarti Song

Shiridi Sai Baba Aarti Song

  

PARENTS

Beautiful letter written by a father to his son and daughter.
Use this in your teachings to your children - you too can learn something out of it
for sure.

Following is a letter to his son and daughter from a renown Hong Kong TV
broadcaster cum Child Psychologist. The words are actually applicable to
all of us, young or old, children or parents.!

I am writing this to you because of 3 reasons

1. Life, fortune and mishaps are unpredictable, nobody knows how long he
lives. Some words are better said early.

2. I am your father, and if I don't tell you these, no one else will.

3. What is written is my own personal bitter experiences that perhaps
could save you a lot of unnecessary heartaches.
Remember the following as you go through life


1. Do not bear grudge towards those who are not good to you. No one has
the responsibility of treating you well, except your mother and I. To
those who are good to you, you have to treasure it and be thankful, and
ALSO you have to be cautious, because, everyone has a motive for every
move. When a person is good to you, it does not mean he really likes
you. You have to be careful, don't hastily regard him as a real friend.

2. No one is indispensable, nothing in the world that you must possess.
Once you understand this idea, it would be easier for you to go through
life when people around you don't want you anymore, or when you lose
what/who you love most.

3. Life is short. When you waste your life today, tomorrow you would
find that life is leaving you. The earlier you treasure your life, the
better you enjoy life.

4. Love is but a transient feeling, and this feeling would fade with
time and with one's mood. If your so called loved one leaves you, be
patient, time will wash away your aches and sadness. Don't over
exaggerate the beauty and sweetness of love, and don't over exaggerate
the sadness of falling out of love.

5. A lot of successful people did not receive a good education, that
does not mean that you can be successful by not studying hard! Whatever
knowledge you gain is your weapon in life. One can go from rags to
riches, but one has to start from some rags!

6. I do not expect you to financially support me when I am old, either
would I financially support your whole life. My responsibility as a
supporter ends when you are grown up. After that, you decide whether you
want to travel in a public transport or in your limousine, whether rich
or poor.

7. You honour your words, but don't expect others to be so. You can be
good to people, but don't expect people to be good to you. If you don't
understand this, you would end up with unnecessary troubles.

8. I have bought lotteries for umpteen years, but I never strike any
prize. That shows if you want to be rich, you have to work hard! There
is no free lunch!

9. No matter how much time I have with you, let's treasure the time we
have together. We do not know if we would meet again in our next life.

Your Dad and Mum

THE 99 CLUB - Article

The 99 Club

Once upon a time there lived a King, who despite his luxurious lifestyle, was neither happy nor content.  

One day, the King came upon a servant who was singing happily while he worked.  

This fascinated the King;  why was he, the Supreme Ruler of the Land,

unhappy and gloomy, while a lowly servant had so much joy in his heart?

The King asked the servant, "Why are you so happy?"

The man replied, "Your Majesty, I am nothing but a servant, but my family and I don't need too much - just a roof over our heads and warm food to fill our tummies."

Later in the day, the King sought the advice of his most trusted advisor.  

After hearing the King's woes and the servant's story, the advisor said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the servant has not been made part of The 99 Club."

"The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?" the King inquired.

The advisor replied, "Your Majesty, to truly know what The 99 Club is, place 99 Gold coins in a bag and leave it at this servant's doorstep."

When the servant saw the bag, he took it into his house. When he opened the bag, he let out a great shout of joy... so many gold coins!

He began to count them. After several counts, he was at last convinced that there were 99 coins.

He wondered, "What could've happened to that last gold coin? Surely, no one would leave 99 coins!"

He looked  everywhere he could, but that final coin was elusive.

Finally, exhausted, he decided that he was going to have to work harder than ever to earn that gold coin and complete his collection.

From that day, the servant's life was changed. He was overworked, horribly grumpy, and castigated his family for not helping him make that 100th gold coin.

He stopped singing while he worked.

Witnessing this drastic transformation, the King was puzzled.

 When he sought his advisor's help, the advisor said, "Your Majesty, the servant has now officially joined The 99 Club."

He continued, "The 99 Club is a name given to those people who have enough to be happy but are never contented, because they're always yearning and striving for that extra 1 to round it out to 100!

MORAL OF THE STORY :

==================

"Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things."

Sri Swarna Gowri Vratha Vidhana - Sep 10, 2010

Swarna Gowri Vratha Vidhana:

16 Knots Thread Procedure :

A thread with 16 knots, dipped in turmeric, (Haldi) is kept on the betel leaf and worshipped with the idol of Gowri. 

Dhorabandhana sthothra: 

Bhakthu Priye Mahaadevi 

Sarvaishwarya Pradhaayini 

Soothramthu Dhaara Ishyaami 

Mama Abheeshtam sadhaakuru !! 

Shodasha granThiahitham 

GuNai ShodaSha Bheeryutham 

Haridraa Pushpasahitham 

DhOram Samsthaapayaamithe !! 

For each knot ( Dhora Grandhi), one naamaavaLi is recited , 

offering Gandha ,Pushpa

. 

1. SwarNa Gowrai NAMAH 

Prathama GrandhiM Poojayaami 

2. Mahaa Goarai NAMAH 

Dwiteeya GrandhiM Poojayaami 

3. Kaatyaayinai NAMAH 

Truteeya GrandhiM Poojayaami 

4. Kaumaraai NAMAH 

Chaturta GrandhiM Poojayaami 

5. Bhadraai NAMAH 

Panchamam GrandhiM Poojayaami 

6. ViShNu Sodarai NAMAH 

ShaShTha GrandhiM Poojayaami 

7. ManagaLaDevatai NAMAH 

Saptamam GrandhiM Poojayaami 

8. Raakenduvadanaayai NAMAH 

AShThama GrandhiM Poojayaami 

9.Chandrashekharapatneai NAMAH 

Navama GrandhiM Poojayaami 

10.VishvEShwarapriyaai NAMAH 

Dashama GrandhiM Poojayaami 

11.DaakShayiNai NAMAH 

Ekaadasha GrandhiM Poojayaami 

12.KrishNavENai NAMAH 

Dwaadasha GrandhiM Poojayaami 

13.Bhavaanai NAMAH 

TrayOdasha GrandhiM Poojayaami 

14.Lolalochanaai NAMAH 

Chaturdasha GrandhiM Poojayaami 

15.Menakaatmajaai NAMAH 

panchadasha GrandhiM Poojayaami 

16.Sri SwarNa Gowrai NAMAH 

ShODasha GrandhiM Poojayaami 

After pooja , the custom is that they give “ maradha baagina” to suhaasinis. 

Pooja Vidhana :

On this day, Hindu women and young girts are in new/grand traditional attire. They make either jalagauri or arishinadagauri (a symbolic idol of Gowri made of turmeric) and bestow her for Puja. These days ready-made beautifully painted and decorated clay idols of Goddess Gowri can be bought along with Ganesha statues, at the local market.

The goddess’ idol is mounted in a plate, with a cereal (rice or wheat) in it. According to the Vrata, Asthis pooje is to be performed with 'suchi' (cleanliness) and 'shraddhe' (dedication). A mantapa, generally decorated with banana stem and mango leaves, is built around the idol. The Gauri is decorated with decorations made of cotton, vastra(silk cloth/saree), flowers garlands, and ladies get their 'gauridaara' (a sacred thread with 16 knots ) tied to their right wrists, as blessings of gauri and as part of the vratha. At least 5 baginas are prepared as part of the vratha.

Each baagina usually contains a packet of arshina (turmeric), kumkuma(vermilion) , black bangles, black beads (used in the mangalsutra), a comb, a small mirror, baLe bicchoLe, coconut, blouse piece, dhaanya (cereal), rice, tur dal, green dal, wheat or rava and jaggery cut in a cube form. The bagina is offered in a traditional mora (winnow painted with turmeric). One such bagina is offered to Goddess Gowri and set aside. The remaining Gowri baaginas are given to married women.                                                                                              -Karnataka.com

Refer to the link and perform the pooja : 

Links: Swarna Gowri vratha Audio in Kannada

Varalakshmi Vratam Audio in Kannada and Telugu - Significance and Importance

                            Significance and importance :

The name Varalakshmi itself can be interpreted in two ways.In one meaning, Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Vara/Varam). In another, she is the Goddess who is invited into the home and honoured.One who performs this  pooja with great devotion and bhakti is believed to be blessed with dhanam (money), dhanyam (grains or food), arogyam (health), sampath (property), sathsanthanam (virtuous offspring) and "dheerga saumangalyam" (longevity of the husband).

Performing the Varalakshmi puja is said to be equivalent to worshipping all the different forms of Lakshmi. Varalakshmi vratam is considered auspicious for a married women. This vratam is also known as sravana sukravaram vratam.

The legend behind Varalakshmi puja and the vratam is fascinating. It was a game of dice which caused a small tiff between Lord Shiva and Parvati as to who was the victor. An honest gana, Chitranemi, was asked to arbitrate and he decided in Shiva's favour. An angry Parvati cursed him to suffer from leprosy. When Shiva pleaded with her, she gave in and said the day women in the world observed Varalakshmi puja, Chitranemi would get deliverance. Chitranemi got relief when he observed some women performing the puja. Ever since then, this vratham has been observed. 

-© 1998-00 OurKarnataka.Com,Inc.

For the katha (Story), Click the link below .
Varalaksmi Vratam Vidhanamu in Telugu 

Varalaksmi Vratha Pooja Vidhana - Kannada Audio

One who don't have this vratham, can recite  Lalitha Sahasranamam and Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam Link  every friday in Sravana Masama

SHRAVANA MASAM CALENDAR 2010- AUG 11th - SEPTEMBER 8th

•               In the year 2010,  Shravana Masam  starts from August 11 and ends on September 8th. Shravana masa is the most important month to perform Lakshmi pujas.  This month is considered very auspicious and numerous festivals are held in this month. 
•  I will be posting rituals related to these festivals here accordingly.
• 
  
  Mondays of Sravana Masam is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  Mangala Gowri Vrata is observed on Tuesdays in the month of Sravana by women.
  Fridays in Shravana sukravaram is dedicated to Goddess Lakshimi.
  Saturdays are dedicated to Lord Shani and Lord Balaji.
  The birthday of Lord Krishna is observed in the month and therefore many people consider the month highly auspicious and perform numerous functions like Grihpravesh etc.
  Shravan Poornima is observed as Raksha Bandhan.
  Below is the list of dates and festivals :
  10th August 2010 -Bhimana Amavasya/Divasi Gowri Link
• 
  
• 11 August 2010 - Shravana Shuklaa Masa Starts
• 
  
• 13th August 2010  (Friday) - Shravana Masa Shukravara Lakshmi Pooja / Nagara Chaturthi
• 
  
• 14th August 2010 – Nagara Panchami
• 
  
• 17th August 2010 (Tuesday) - Mangala Gowri
• 
  
• 20th August 2010 :  Varalakshmi Vratham Link                                           And   Shravana Masa Shukravara Lakshmi Pooja / Ekadasi
• 
  
• 23rd August 2010 – Rig Deva Upakarma / Raksha Bandhan / Rakhi Festival 
• 
  
• 24th August 2010 (Tuesday) – Mangala Gowri /Yajurveda Upakarma / Raksha Bandhan / Rakhi Festival
• 
  
• 27th August 2010  (Friday )- Shravana Masa Shukravara Lakshmi Pooja
• 
  
• 31st August 2010 (Tuesday) - Mangala Gowri
• 
  
• 1st September 2010 – Sri Krishna Janmashtami/ Gokulashtami
• 
  
• 3rd September 2010 (Friday) - Shravana Masa Shukravara Lakshmi Pooja
• 
  
• 4th September 2010 - Ekadasi
• 
  
• 7th September 2010 (Tuesday) - Mangala Gowri
• 
  
• 8th September 2010 – Sravana Amavasya

Note: one can post slokas or any related information in the comment section , so that it will be useful for all of us to learn something new.

Aug10 2010 - bhimana Amavase - Divasi Gowri - Vratha/Pooja vidhana

AUGUST 10 - 2010 - Bhimana Amavasya - Divasi Pooja - Jyoti Bheemeswara Vratha In Karnataka

This is my first pooja/Vrata after marriage, I came to know about this vrata from my Mother In  Law. Before performing this pooja, I wanted to collect some information to be handy, such as stories and audio links, since books based on these poojas are not readily available in US. So, thinking that  this info would be helpful to both me and my MIL, I have collected information about the significance of this pooja and katha (story) to be read on this day by sumangalis, along with the rituals, so that every year it wouldn't be a hassle to search for the procedure of this vrata.

This pooja can be done by married or unmarried woman. And a newly  married woman should  perform this pooja for nine years. At the end of  9th yr pooja, a pair of lamps should be gifted to her brother/ cousin.This pooja is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. It is also called “Pathi Sanjeevini Vratha “ and jyotibimeswara vrata

BHIMANA AMAVASE - DIVASI GOWRI POOJA - JYOTHI BHEEMESWARA AMAVASI

INTRODUCTION : (Reason behind the above mentioned names)

Bhimana Amavase known as gandana pooje or divasi gowri pooje or jyothi bheemeswara pooja is a very important festivals performed in karnataka. Its generally observed on  Ammavasya, no moon day, in the month of Ashada (July – August). This time it is on Aug 10th 2010.

It is the last day of the month of Aashada.

Ashadaa Bahula 30th tithi is called Deevasi (Amavasye).

Since the importance of this festival is to mainly worship Lamps, its otherwise known as JyothiBheemeshwara amavasi.

It is believed that AshtA vidha Lakshmi seem to visit houses glittering with Lamps.

LIGHT OF LAMP, gives tejassu:Prosperity,Jnaana, Truth, Holiness (Pavitrate) which are good

characterstics.

Darkness symbolizes,Ajnaana,Ego,poverty,untruth, sorrow.

Lighening Lampsmeans the emission of SadguNa as Aradhana.

Pooja Vidhaana

On this day, the Sumanagalis :
1)Clean the pooja place, put rangoli, on which they place a wooden plank (Peeta/mane).
2)On this wooden plank, place a silver plate with raw rice and place 2 lamps (Mud lamps or silver lamps) along with divasi gowri or mangala gowri idol.
3) Near to it, keep 9 betel nuts, 9 betel leaves and a thread and 1 dry coconut.
4) For neivedyam, a special dish is prepared kucchida kadubu / steamed cakes(kannada) with wheat or rice flour.
5)Immerse the thread in the turmeric paste.  Tie 9 knots on the thread with a flower and turmeric root in between and place this near deepa stambha
6)Perform aarti and chant this special prayer

 Shalabaranam kala deepika - maadi; Naaru batti neeru ennai nerudhalu.

7) Finally a sacred thread is tied on their right hand wrist by another brahmin woman or by Mother in law.

They offer prayer to God that their house may glitter with happiness and prosperity, peace, like the Lamp.

PROCEDURE:

1. Mangala Snaanam

2. Hosthilu Pooje -(Draw a rangoli, apply turmeric and vermilion to the Hostilu/ gadapa)

3. Bheemana /Divasi Pooja : Pooja Vidhana and Vratha - Audio Link - Kannada (This covers the entire pooja with pooja vidhaana + Story narration - 1 hr pooja)

Pooja items as per the above audio link: 

If one wishes to know the story in detail, its given below :

 SIGNIFICANCE  OF  BHEEMANA AMAVAASYA:

One Haribhaktha has asked a question as to why ladies tie the 9 knot thread to their wrist

on Bheemana amavasya Day. And what is the story behind the festival.

Here is a small note on the “Significance of Bheemana Amavaasya”

It is also called “Pathi Sanjeevini Vratha “

A set of Saints (Rishis) were living in “Namishaaranya”. They were termed as “Shaunakaadhi Mahaa Muni”.

Once Sootha PuraaNika saint came to them as a guest. These rishis questioned him to tell them as to which type of Vratha should ladies perform so that they could get “ Dheerga Sunmangalithwa, happiness, wealth, good husband, etc.

Sootha puraaNik replied that they had asked a very good question and thus in answering , it

would be a great boon, apt, as well as in the interest of to the ladies to perform the Vratha.

That Vratha is called Bheemana Amaavaasya or

Pathi Sanjeevini Vratha , performed on Ashaada maasa Krishna Paksha Amaavasya day.

Saurashtra kingdom was ruled by Vajra Baahu. He was a great warrior,powerful and intelligent. He had a son called Jayasheel. He was handsome and had all the good qualities. But passed away at a young age.It was a great set back for the Raja.

He felt that by his death there would be no body to perform rituals to his ancestors. An idea stuck to him. He decided that by getting married a girl to his dead son, his

“pitrus” would get “ sadgathi”.

He sent word that anyone who would marry his dead son would be given lot of money ,wealth etc. A drummer used to go round cities with his drum , make sound loudly and announce the proclamation made by his king. People listened and nobody was prepared to accept the condition.

There was a poor man by name Madhawa. He had a wife who was very obedient to him. This poor man was also a pundit who was well versed in sanskrit, Veda Shaastra etc, He had 5 daughters and 9 sons. That was his great wealth’

Listening to the drum beat, he thought that he could give one of his daughter to the king. He was in a state of confusion and was thinking as to how open the discussion with his wife. He was walking up and down in the house.

Later he was courageous to tell his wife, about his decision to offer one of his daughter for this sake and to get rid of the poverty life lead by them . His wife agreeing to the

suggestion of her husband ,says that she would feel that one of her daughter had died, in agreeing to get her married to an impotent or, lame , or a blind or an aged person,

The two decided that they should go to the king offering their daughter and thus overcome over

the poverty they were experiencing. He offered his daughter and arranges

marriage with the dead Yuvaraaja for the sake of money. The Raja, felt happy that his wish came true. The poor man came to his village with a lakh of rupee and wealth.

After marriage, the King arranged to shift the dead body to the cremation ground and asked the

newly wed bride to light the pyre. She was decked with full jewels and was at

her height; so far Managakla Dravaya was concerned. With all devotion, offering

prayer to God, she lit the pyre.

Oh! It was a miracle.

Immediately rain came and puts of the fire. The sun disappeared in the west. . The rain was so furious that water gushed everywhere. Pitch darkness prevailed.

In such a situation the king left to his palace, leaving the dead body and the daughter in law in the hands of cruel animals, demons, witches.

Whereas, the “Saadhvi maNi” thought that she could stay there itself

without leaving the dead body on the pyre. She was afraid, to be alone in that place. She offered prayer to God.

She tells the God that Markandeya became Chiranjeevi, Chyavan got Dheeraga Ayush, Agni- Manmatha got Punar janma-Shwethavaahana got PooRNa Ayush,

By his blessings, Rathi Devi, Wife of Maarkandeya, the wives of Agni who are Swaahaa and

Swaadha devi became Sumanagalis and got children,.

She requests god as to why she should be punished for no fault of hers. She requests the almighty to protect her.

Then God, being pleased with her fervent prayer, appears before her with Parvathi and ask her

what she wants. She prays god to give her SauBhaagya samapaththu.

Then Girija Ramana (Shiva) narrates a story:

He tells that for

getting the SauBhaagya Sampath there is an auspicious Vratha.

In Ashada maasa Krishna Paksha Amavaasya day, the lady is supposed to have Managala Snaana. The Pooja room is decorated with mango Leaves, flowers and with Rangavalli.

Rice is spread on the Peeta or a plate.

To place on it Silver or a Bronze deepa Sthamba with flowers tied to it to Pour Ghee with a wick in it. Light the Vick. The Jyothi would come. Perform Awaahane thinking that

Lord Eshwar is there. He is present in that form.

Among Ashta murthy, his friend Chandra is also there. The Jothirmaya is named as BHEEMESHWARA.

The Deepasthamba is ESHWARA and the Jyothi Swaroopa is Chandra. Think these two are Mahaalinga Swaroop[a and with all devotion-Bhakthi Bhaava perform araadhana. You are keeping the two Idols made out of Mud on the rice.While performing peeta Pooja, it says Rathna Simhaayana

Maha. Thanmadhye Bheemeswara Swaaminenamaha,

Then a thread dipped in Turmeric with nine Knots is kept to the right side of the God. That is left side for us. It is called Navadhora Sthaapanam ( Nava means New- not nine)

For 9 years kadabus must be done and neivedya done to God. This could be done from rice Flour also. Danam is an important thing here. By so doing that his husband would come to life

This is the Pooja Vidhaana or Krama narrated by Eshwar and he disappears.

She took bath in the river and molded two lamps and rolled out fiber of a plant to form the wick for the lamps.  She poured water into the lamps and also remembered bandara and instead of the wheat / rice steamed cakes, she made mud balls representing bandara.


Lord Shiva and Parvathi were watching all her activities and were extremely pleased with her devotion and blessed her with all their energy.  The girl lighted the lamps with water and performed the pooja using wild flowers/grass as flowers and leaves.  As she finished her pooja Lord Shiva and Parvathi appeared before her.  Lord Shiva broke the mud balls / bandara/ Kadubu and asked her to ask for a boon.  She requested them to bring her husband back to life, which was granted.


 Immediately there was a change and she was encircled with a fort with many attendants around her. Her husband sleeping on a cot gets up as if he was waking from sleep. He listens to the story narrated by his wife. The king having heard this comes rushing and embracing his son and appreciating the perseverance and devotion of his daughter in law praises her and brings them to his kingdom and they live happily there afterwards.

This is the story told by Sootha PuraaNik to Shaunakaadis in Skaanda PuraaNa.