Monday, August 24, 2009

Yajur Vedi Upakarma (Avani avittam) with meaning

Yajur Vedi Avani Avittam

Compilation and Translation by
P.R.Ramachander

The duty of all Brahmins is to learn Vedas and preserve it by constant recitation. But this is not being done due to the very fact that in this competitive world, they are forced to earn a living. As redemption all Brahmins are supposed to observe Upakarma every year. This is also called Avani avittam. This is the only festival which is 100% male centric for a Tamil Brahmin. I am giving below the list of rituals to be performed during Upakarma, the manthras to be used as well as the meaning of such manthras. Being not an expert on rituals or the Vedic Sanskrit, I have depended totally on the Tamil translation of the Upakarma (in Sandhya Vandana Bhashya) done by the great Brahma Sri Anna and published by Sri Ramakrishna Mutt, Chennai. As a token of my great respect to this great person, I dedicate this English translation to Brahma Sri Anna. The rituals for Rig Vedhis are almost similar but are very different for Sama Vedis.
I am giving below the religious rules to be followed for doing Upakarma as given in the book Samkshepa Dharma Sasthra, published from Madras as per the desire of late Paramacharya of Kanchi

Upakarma
(Annual redemption Ceremony)

This has to be observed both by Brahmacharis and family men. It consists of two parts . Upakarma(Redemption) and Uthsarjana(learning of Vedas). These help the already learnt Vedic chants shine with great vigour. .Any actions done with such strengthened Vedic chants , would give good and better results. Due to our using Vedic cants for various purposes as well as our not being in a position to follow all the rules, make such chanting of Vedas very weak. So it is necessary to do Upakarma and Uthsarjana every year.

1.Kathyayana:-
By the annual performance of Upakarma and Uthsarjana by the Brahmins, The power of the already learnt Vedic chants will increase.

2.Gargya:-
Krishna Yajur Vedis should do it in the Pournamasya of the month of Sravana(avani in Tamil and Chingam in Malayalam.It occurs during august September) , Rig Vedis in the Sravana Nakshatra of Sravana Masa . The day should not be the beginning of the month or eclipse. Upakarma should not be done if it is eclipse or first day of the month(Solar month)

3.Gobhila:-
Krishna Yajur Vedis, who have learned the Taithreeya branch of the Krishna Yajurveda should do Upakarma on the full moon day of the month of Sravana. Rig Vedis should do it in Sravana (Thiruonam) star and Sama Vedis should do it in Hastha star.
For Krishna Yajur vedis , the pournami Thithi should be there from the morning till noon.This is called Oudhayakhi.

3.Smruthyanthara:-
If Pournami and Prathama join after 12 nazhigai after sun rise(called Sangha kala-4 hours 48 minutes) and before noon , that is the proper day for annual chant of Gayathri(Gayathri Japam) . If it joins before this time then previous day is Upakarma and next day Gayathri Samitha Dhanam.

4. Thithi darpanam:-
Rig vedis should do Upakarma on the day when during sun rise Sravana star is there. Yajur vedis should do when Pournami extends beyond 4 hours 48 minutes . Sama Vedis should do it when Hastha Nakshatra extends beyond this time in month of Bhaadrapada(Purattasi/Kanni/September-October).
If the Simha Bhadrapada is not holy due to Moudya , then they (Sama Vedis) should do it in Kanya month during Krishna Paksha(waxing period of moon)
For Rik Vedis the lord of the Shaka(branch) is Guru, For Yajur vedis it is Shukra , for Sama Vedis it is Angaraka and for Atharva Vedis it is Bhudha. So they should do upakarma when the Lord of their Shakha is powerful.. If these planets are in Moudya(powerless) or when there is eclipse or when there is month beginning, Upakarma should not be performed on that day.
For Yajur Vedis, Pournami in Sravana month is important. If it is bad then they can do in Pournami of Aashada (AAdi/karkidaka/july-august) month . If that also is bad, then they should do in the Pournami of Sravana month after carrying out redemption rituals.
Rik Vedis should do Upakarma in Sravana star in the month of Sravana. If there is dosha during that period , they can do it instead on a day in the same month when Hastha star and Panchami Thithi is together.
Shukla Yajur Vedis should do Upakarma on the full moon day of Sravana month.. If that has dosha they can do it on Sravana star of the same month or on the day when star Hastha and Panchami thithi are together in the same month and if even that is unsuitable they can do it on the day when Hastha star is there in the Sravana month. They can also do it in the full moon day of the Bhadhra pada month. The decision has to be made based on the family custom.
Brahmacharis should do Upakarma after hair cutting. Yajur Vedis should start learning Vedas (Uthsarjanam) on a full moon day of the Pushya month. If this is not suitable they can do it in Magha(Maasi/Kumbha/ February-march) month also.

5.Sandilya:-
Upakarma should not be performed with wet cloths. If it is done , it is termed as Rakshasa. During Upakarma, a new sacred thread should be worn, That is Upakarma should be done with new cloths and new sacred thread by every one and in case of Brahmachari they should wear in addition a new belt, new deer’s skin and new staff.)

The ritual of Upakarma consists of 7 parts on the Avani avittam (Upakarma day ) followed by Chanting Of Gayathri Manthra , the next day. What is given below is in the order that it has to be performed.


1.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra
( Manthra for wearing Poonal-sacred thread)
a.Aachamanam:,Shuklaam Bharadharam………. Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo…………..Bhoorbhavaswarom
c.Mamo partha samastha duritha kshaya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham
Sroutha smartha vihitha sadachara nithya karmaanushtanaa yogyatha sidhyartham brahma teja abhivrudyartham yagnopaveetha dharanam karishye.

For getting rid of all difficulties and to please lord Parameshwara and also to increase the power that comes when one is a Brahmin, I am wearing this new sacred thread.

d.Yagnopaveetha dharana maha manthrasya
Parabrahma rishi(Touch forehead) The sage is Parabrahma
Trushtup chanda (touch below nose) The meter is Trushtup
Paramathma devatha (touch heart) The god addressed to is Paramathma

e.Yagnopaveetha dharane viniyoga

Wear Poonal one by one by reciting(poonal should be held by both hands, the tie in the poonal being held above by the right hand facing upwards.

Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram praja pathe,
Yat sahajam purasthad aayushyam
Agriyam prathi muncha shubram yagnopaveetham balamasthu theja.

This sacred thread is very holy and was created along with Lord Brahma and is capable of giving long life and primacy , it is pure white in colour and would grant me strength as well as splendour

f.After wearing all poonals one by one do Aachamanam

g.Remove the old poonals and break them to pieces by reciting

Upaveetham bhinna thanthum jeernam kasmala dooshitham, visrujami jale punarbrahman varcho deergayurasthu me.
I am removing the old sacred thread which is broken , weak and dirty. Oh God grant me long life and light of wisdom.


h.Do aachamanam.

.

2.Kamo karshet Japam
(The Vedic chant to get rid of sins committed due to passion, anger and avarice)
a.Aaachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam…….Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo
c.Mamo partha samastha duritha kshaya dwara parameswara Preethyartham
For getting rid of all difficulties and to please lord Parameshwara

Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami

For getting the proper holy time, for getting strength of stars, for getting the strength of moon , for getting strength of knowledge , for getting support from God , I again and again meditate on Vishnu who is the consort of Goddess Lakshmi.

Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama

For making the unholy, holy in case of all situations, I meditate on the lotus eyed God and for getting external and internal cleanliness from the sins committed by the mind as well as word and the sins which were earned in performance of duties , there is no doubt the only way is to remember the name of the God Rama-Rama, Rama

Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda

Today the thithi is Vishnu , and so is the day and star , By yoga as well as performance of action the whole universe is filled by Vishnu. Govinda, Govinda, Govinda

Aadhya sri bagavatha mahaa purushasya Vishnor Agnaya , Pravarthamanasya , Aadhya brhmana , dweethiya parardhe, swetha varaha kalpe, , Vaivaswatha manvanthare, ashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashti samvatsaranaam madhye ,

In the beginning due to the wish of Lord Vishnu , the world started functioning and the first Brahma was created. In the second division in the age of the white boar, during the rule of Vaivaswatha Manu , in he 28th part Kali Yuga , in the first division , in the Island of Jambu (Jamun) fruit , in the continent of India , in the country of India , to the south of the mountain Meru , in the middle of the 60 year cycle of years starting from Prabhava

------ nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Greeshma rithou, kataka mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam shubha thidou, ------- vasara yukthayam, --------- nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam shubha thithou, taishyaam pournamaasyam adhyot sarjana akarana praayaschithartham , samvatsara praayaschithartham, cha ashtothara sahasra samkhyaa “kamo karsheth manyura karsheth” ithi maha manthra japam karishye.
d.Then chant “Kamo karsheth manyura karsheth namo nama” 1008 times

in the ------ year, in the southern solastice , in the Greeshma season (August-september), in the waning period of the moon on the good Pournamasi (full moon) thithi, on ------- day, on ---------- nakshatra, in the good yoga , in the good karana , and in the good thithi of pournamasi which has all the good qualities described , for performing the annual redemption for not doing the prescribed rituals and for doing the annual redemption , I chant “Kamokarsheth manyura Karsheth (pardon for the lapses committed out of anger, passion and avarice)”, 1008 times

e. Afterwards perform Aachamana and say

”Kama manyu upastham karishye” , Om tat sat brahmaarpanam asthu.

I am ending this kama Manyu Japa,. I am dedicating this to Brahma.

After wards perform Madhyahneekam (the ritual of the noon) .

3. Brahma Yagnam.
(The sacred ritual of Brahma)
(This is a daily ritual normally to be performed at noon.)

1. Perform Achamanam
2. Face eastern direction and do “Shuklam baradaram….” Followed by pranayamam “om Bhoo…”
3. Mamopartha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri Parameshwara preethyartham Brahma Yagnam karishye. Brahma yagnena Yakshye.

I observe Brahma Yagna for removal of all my problems as well as for pleasing Lord Prameshwara

4. Chant and clean the hands with water
Vidhyudasi paapmanam vidhya me paapmanam ruthath Sathya mupaime

Oh great God you are like the lightning among clouds and know the sins committed by me and I seek your true self from the playful one.
Do achamanam thrice , wipe your lips twice , touch water once , sprinkle water on left hand and leg and touch head eyes , nose ears and chest

And then chant
Om Bhooo tatsa vithurvarenyam
Om earth , The God who is worthy and eligible
Om Bhuva Bhargo devasya Dheemahi
Om Bhuva loka, meditate on the luminous light of God
Ogum suva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Ogum Suva Loka , God make my intellect shine
Om Bhooo Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Om earth , Meditate on the luminous light of that God who is worthy and elegible
Om Bhuva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Om Bhuva loka, God make my intellect shine
Ogum Suva Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo yona prachothayath
Ogum Suva loka Oh God who is worthy and eligible , I meditate on thine luminous light, please make my intellect, shine

5. Chant Vedic manthras
Om Agnimeele purohitham Yagnasya Dheva mruthvijam, hotharam Rathna Dhathamam

I salute Agni who stands first and leads us, who is the first God of all yagna, who has the form of Rithvik (one who performs the ritual) as well as hotha (one who benefits) and is the one who gives us matchless wealth.

Om Ishe Tworje Thwa vayavasthapayavastha Devo vassavitha prarpayathu sreshtathamaya karmane

Hari Om. Oh cows , oh calves , for giving us Anna (food) and Rasa(taste) and making us join in the great duty of worship of Gods , you go for grazing and come back. Let the Saavithru deva (Sun God), give you good grazing. Om

Om Agna Aayahi veethaye grunano havyadathaye, ni hotha sadhsi bharhishi

Oh Agni you have to come , Please accept our worship because we sing your praise. . Whatever we offer to you, please make it reach the concerned devas. You who has been invited should occupy your place in the hall of yaga.


Om sanno devirabheeshtaya Aapo peethaye sam yorabhisravanthu na

Oh Gods of water Please satisfy not only those who are thirsty but fulfill all our desires and bless us with all that is good, Let by your grace , all our sorrow vanish and let us become happy.

After this recite if possible vedic manthras that you know like Rudram, Chamakam etc

6. Sprinkle water round the head by reciting
Sathyam Thapa sradhayam juhomi
The Meditation is the truth, I desire devoted attention

7. Recite three times with folded hands
Om namo brahmane namosthwagnaye nama pruthwyai nama oshadheebhya namo vaache namo vaachaspathaye namo vishnave bruhathe karomi.

Salutations to Brahma. Salutations to Agni(fire God) , Salutations to earth , Salutations to plants and climbers. Salutation to words. Salutation to the lord of words(Brahaspathi). Salutations to Lord Vishnu (repeat this thrice)


8.Clean the hands again with water by reciting “vrushtirasi vruschame paapmanamamruthath sathyamupaaga” (see 4 above)
Do aachamanam
8. Chant “shuklam baradaram….”
9. Do Pranayamam, “om Bhoo…”
10. Mamopartha samastha duritha kshaya dwara sri parameshwra preethyartham deva-rishi-pithru tharpanam karishye.

For removing all my sorrows as well as pleasing Lord Prameshwara , I do the ritual of satisfaction of devas, sages and manes

11. Touch water and clean your hands
12. Do deva tharpanam(satisfaction of devas) by pouring water through the tip of fingers
1.Bramodaya ye deva thaan devaan tharpayami
I satisfy the devas lead by Lord Brahma
2.Sarvaan devaan tharpayami
I satisfy all devas
3. Sarva deva ganaan tharpayami
I satisfy all the society of devas
4.Sarva deva pathnis tharapayami
I satisfy the wives of devas
5.Sarva deva ganapathnis tharpayami
I satisfy all the society of wives of devas

13, Do rishi tharpanam(satisfaction of sages) by wearing yagnopaveetha (sacred thread) as garland and pouring out water from the left side of the palm.
1,Krishna dwaipayanaya ye rishaya thaan rishin tharpayami
I satisfy the sages lead by Veda Vyasa
2. Sarvaan risheen tharpayami
I satisfy all sages
3.Sarva rishi ganaan tharpayami
I satisfy all the society sages
4. Sarve rishi pathnis tharpayami
I satisfy the wives of the sages
5,Sarva rishi gana pathnistharpayami
I satisfy the society of wives of sages
6. Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Brahma
7. Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Lord Moon
8. Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called God of fire
Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
9. Viswan devan kanda rishin tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Gods of universe
10. Samihithir devatha upanishada tharpayami
I satisfy the Gods of Upanishads presiding over Vedas
11. Yagnigir devatha upanishada tharpayami
I satisfy the Gods of Upanishads presiding over fire sacrifices
12.Varuneer devatha upanishada tharpayami
I satisfy The Gods of Upanishads presiding over water
Put the Yagnopaveetham poonal) as garland and pour water by towards the left of the palm
13. Havyavaham tharpayami
I satisfy the fire God who bears our oblations
14.Viswaan devaan kanda rishin tharpayaami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Gods of universe

Pour water by the bottom of the palm towards body
15.Brahmanam swayambhuvam tharpayami
I satisfy the Brahmam who is within me
16.Viswan devan kandarishin tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Gods of universe

17.Arunan kandarishin tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi Aruna who chariots the Sun God

Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
18.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
I satisfy the lord who presides over everything
19.Rig vedam tharpayami
I satisfy the Rig Veda
20.Yajur Vedam tharpayami
I satisfy the Yajur Veda
21. Sama Vedam tharpayami
I satisfy the Sama Veda
22. Atharvana Vedam tharpayami
I satisfy Atharvana Veda
23. Ithihasa puranam tharpayami
I satisfy the epics
24. Kalpam tharpayami
I Satisfy the eons
14.Only those who have lost their father (others go to step 15)do Pithru tharpanam wearing the yagnopaveetham on the right shoulder pouring water between the thumb. And index finger.
1.Soma pithruman yamo angiraswan agni kavyavahana ithyadaya ye pithara
thaan pithrun tharpayami,
I satisfy my manes lead by moon the leader of manes, Yama the god of dead ones and Fire, the carrier of our offerings.
2. Sarvaan pithrun tharpayami
I satisfy all my manes
3. Sarva pithru ganan tharpayami
I satisfy the society of manes
4. Sarva pithru pathnistharpayami
I satisfy the wives of manes
5. Sarva pithru ganapanthnistharpayami
I satisfy the society of the wives of manes
6.oorjam vahanthi amrutham grutham paya keelaalam parisruyatham
swadaastha tharpayatha me pithrun trupyatha, trupyatha, trupyatha

Please be the juice of food, nectar , Ghee, milk , honey and Jaggery water and satisfy my manes, Satisfy, satisfy, satisfy

7.Aabrahma sthambha paryantham jagat trupyathu
I satisfy this universe as long as Lord Brahma exists


15.Put the yagnopaveetha in the normal fashion
Pour water saying Om That sat Brahmarpanamasthu
And then do aachamanam.


4.Maha Samkalpam
( after Madhyaanikam and Brahma yagnam*)
a.Aachamanam
b.Shuklam baradharam……..
c.Om bhoo
d.Maha samkalpam
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama rama

For making the unholy, the holy in case of all situations , I meditate on the lotus eyed God and for getting external and internal cleanliness from the sins committed by the mind as well as word and the loins which were earned in performance of duties , there is no doubt the only way is to remember the name of the God Rama-Rama, Rama

Thithir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Today the thithi is Vishnu, and so is the day and star, By yoga as well as performance of action the whole universe is filled by Vishnu. Govinda, Govinda, Govinda


Aadya sri bhagawatha, Aadi vishno, Aadinarayanasya achinthyaya , aparimithaya, sakthyaa, briyamaanasya, mahaa jaloughasya madhye,

In the middle of the great waters which are maintained by the power which cannot be estimated of the primeval God, the ancient Vishnu and the Ancient Narayana

paribrhamatham aneka koti brhmaandanam madhye,

In the middle of crores of rotating universes

eka thame, prithya aptejo vayvakaasaa ahankaradhi -mahada vyakthai-aavaranair- aavruthe-

In the unified whole of Earth which is encircled by air and sky in a clear fashion

asmin mahathi bramanda-karandaka-madhye

In the middle of our universe

aadhara sakthi –koormaa nandathi ashta diggajopari prathishtithasya , athala-vithala-suthala-rasaathala-thalaa thala-mahaathala-pathalakyai loka sapthakasya upari thale,

Above the seven nether worlds of Athala, Vithala , Suthala , rasatala, Thala Thala and Patala , where the basic power in the form of Varaha established the world on the back of eight elephants,

punya kruthaam nivaasabhuthe bhoor –bhuvar-suvar-mahar-janarr-thapa-satyaakhyai loka shatkasya adho bhage

Below the six worlds which are residences of the ones who do holy acts viz. Bhuva, Suva, Maha , Jana, Thapa and Sathya

mahaa nalayamana phani raja seshasya sahasra phanaa mani mandala mandithe,

Where the thousand heads of Adhi Sesha are spread everywhere,

dighdanthi-shunda dhanda-uttambhithe,

Where sounds roar in all directions,

panchasath koti yojana vistheerne,

Which is of the area of 50 crores yojanas,

lokaloka –achalena valayithe

Which consists of populated areas and mountains,

lavaneshu-sura-sarpi-dhadhi-ksheera-udakaarnavischa parivruthe,

Which is surrounded by the oceans of salt, Surapana,(an intoxicating drink), Sarpa , curd, Milk and water,

jambhu-plaksha-saka-salmali-kusa-krouncha-pushkarakhya saptha dweepanaam madhye

In the middle of seven islands called Jambu , Plaksha, Saka, Salmali , Kusa , Krouncha and Pushkara,

, Jamboo dweepe,

In the Jamboo island,

Bharatha varshe,

In the continent ruled by King Bharatha,

bharatha kande,

In the sub continent of India,

prajaapathi kshetre

In the area created by Lord Brahma,

dandakaaranya-chamapakaaranya-vindhyaaranya-veekshaaranya-vedaaranayaadhi, aneka punya aaranyaanam Madhya pradeshe,

In the middle of the area surrounded by the forests of Dandakaranya, Champakaranya, Veeksharanya ,Vedaranya and other holy forests,

karma bhoomou,

In the land of action

rama –sethu-kedharayoo madya pradaeshe ,

In the middle of Kedharnath and the bridge built by Rama,

Bhaageerathi-Gouthami-Krishna veni-Yamuna-Narmadaa-Thungabadhraa-Triveni-Malaapahaarini-kaveri- ithyadi , aaneka punya nadhi viraajithe,

In the area where several holy rivers such as Ganga, Gouthami, Krishna veni , Yamuna , Narmada, Thunga Bhadra , Triveni, Malaprabha , Kaveri etc flow,

Indraprastha-Yamaprastha-Aavanthikaapuri-Hasthinaapuri-Ayodhyaa puri-Maayaa puri-Kasi puri-Kanchi puri-Dwarakaa aadi aneka punya puree viraajithe

In the area where cities like Indraprastha, Tamaprastha , Avanthikapuri, Hasthinapuri , Ayodhya , Maya Puri , Benares, Kanchipuram , Dwaraka etc shine,

Sakala jagat srushtu, parardha dwaya jeevana, bramana dweethiya parardhe, Pancha sathabdhou

In the fifty years of the second parardha of Brahma who creates all the world and lives two parardhas,

, prathame varshe, prathame mase, prathame pakshe, prathame divasae,

In the first year , first month , first Paksha (moon phase) and first day,

aahni, dweethiye yame,

In the day time in the second yaama (four Yamas make 12 houurs),

trithiye muhurthe,

In the third Muhurtha,(30 muhurthas make one day)

swayambhuva-swarochisha-uthama-thamasa-raivatha-chakshu shakheshu, shatsu manusha atheetheshu,

After the period of the six manus called Swayambuva, Swarochisha, Uthama, Thamsa, Raivatha and Chakshusha, (the kings who were ruling entire earth)

sapthame vaivaswathe manvanthare,

In the seventh Vaivaswatha manvanthara,(Vivaswan was a Manu)

aashta vimsathi thame,

In the twenty eighth Chathur yuga,

kali yuge,

In Kali yuga,

prathame padhe,

In its first part,

Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashtya samvatsaranaam madhye , ------ nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Greeshma rithou, Karkidaga mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam* shubha thidou, ---------vasara yukthayam,---------- nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam* shubha thidou,


In the island of Jambu , In the continent of Bharatha, In the country of Bharatha, south of mount Meru , in the middle of the sixty year cycle of years which is in practice.
in the ------ year, in the southern solastice , in the Greeshma season (August-september), in the waning period of the moon on the good Pournamasi (full moon) thithi, on ------- day, on ---------- nakshatra, in the good yoga , in the good karana , and in the good thithi of pournamasi which has all the good qualities described

anaadhya avidhya pravarthamane asmin mahathi samsara chakre ,

In the growing wheel of life which does not have any beginning and grows through ignorance,

vichitrabhi karma gathibhi vichitrasu yonishu puna puna anekadha janithwa ,

Being born in varied wombs due to Karma several times,

kenapi punya karma viseshena idhaanimthana manushye dwijanma visesham prapthavatho ,

But due to the holy deeds done , being born as a man and specially as a Brahmin,

Mama jjanmabhyasa jjanama prabruthi ethath kshana paryantham ,

And in the several births that I have taken till this time,

baalye, vayasi kaumare yowane vaardhake cha jagrath swapna sushupthya avasthamsu

In the childhood, youth and elderly age and in the states of wakefulness, dream and sleep,


mano vak kaya karmendriya jnanendriya vyaparai,

due to the dealings of mind , words , body and organs of action,

kama-krodha-lobha-moha-madha-mathsaryaadhi sambhavithaanam,

born out of passion , anger, . avarice, desire , exuberance and competition,

iha janmani janmanthare cha jnana ajnana kruthaanam ,

in this birth and in all previous births , knowingly and unknowingly done,

maha pathakanaam mahaa patathakanumanthratwadeenam ,

Great sins and having been the cause for doing great sins ,

samapathakaanaam upapaathakaanaam

normal sins and subsidiary sins

malini karanaanam

making things dirty

nindhitha dhana dhaano upa jeevanaadeenam

For having done hateful actions for the sake of earning wealth to lead a life,

aapathrikarananaam ,

by giving and taking from unsuitable sources,

jathi bramsa karaanam ,

for actions which lead to the deterioration of my caste,

vihitha karma thyaagaaadeenam,

For not doing rituals which should have been done,

jnanadha sakruth kruthanaam ajnanatha asakruth kruthaanam ,

for having left actions which are proper knowingly and unknowingly doing proper things,

sarveeshaam papaanam sadhya aapanodhanartham,

For redemption of sins of all these types,

aswatha narayana sannidhou-deva brahmana sannidhou-tryaa trimsath koti devathaa sannidhou,

In front of the banyan tree, in front of devas and brahmanas, in front of 33 crores of gods,

-sri visaalakshi sametha visweswara swami sannidhou-mahaa ganapathi sannidhou-seetha lakshmana bharatha sathrugna-hanumt samedha sri rama chandra swami sannidhou,

In front of Kasi Viswanadha accompanied by Visalakshi, , in front of Lord Ganesa, In front of Lord Rama accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shathrugna,

-sri rukmani sathyabhama samedha sri gopala Krishna swami sannidhou-hari hara puthra swami sannidhou-sri lakshmi narayana swami sannidhou ,

In front of Lord Gopalakrishna accompanied by Sathyabhama and Rukmani , in front of lord Aiyappa., In front of Lord Lakshmi Narayana,


sraavanyaam pournamasyaam adhyopakrama karma karishye.

I start learning of Vedas in this Pournami with Sravana Nakshatra

Thadangam sravanee pournamasi punyakale sareera shudhartam shuddhodhaka snanam aham karishye

As a part of this during the Pournami and Sravana , for the sake of cleaning my body , I take bath

Athi krura maha kaya, kalpanthahanopama,
Bairavaya namasthubhyam anujnam dathu marhasi

I salute Lord Bhairava who is very cruel, who has a big body,
Who does not have any similar ones in this age,
And take his permission to proceed further.




5.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra

After bath again change poonal by reciting manthra as given in s.No.1.Please note that now a days very rarely people take bath after mahaa sankalpam but do prokshana snanam i.e bath by sprinkling of water on the head.

6.Kanda Rishi Tharpanam
1,Aachamanam
2,Shuklaam baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo partha samastha durida kshya dwara sri parameshwata preethyartham sravanyaam pournamaasyam adhyoyapakrama karmangam kanda rishi tharpanam karishye.

For getting rid of all problems that have occurred to me and for pleasing Lord Shiva , in the pournami accompanied by Sravana Nakshatra , as a part of my learning Vedas I do the oblation to Kanda rishis

Wear poonal as garland and do tharpanam using water mixed with thil (black gingely) and akshatha
Each manthra has to be chanted thrice and tharpanam done.

1.Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called Prajapathi
2,Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called moon
3.Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called fire
4.Viswaan devaan kanda rishim tharpayaami
I satisfy the Kanda rishi called devas of the world
5.Saahinkeer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
I satisfy Upanishads which are devathas of collections of Vedas
6.Yagnigeer devatha upanishadha tharpayaami
I satisfy Upanishads which are devathas of collections of Yagnas
7.Vaaruneer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
I satisfy Upanishads which are devathas of collections of Varuna
8.Brhamanagum swayubhuvam tharpayaami
I satisfy the Brahmam which is within me
9.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
I satisfy the presiding deity

wear yagnopavita (poonal) in the normal fashion and then do aachamana.


.

7.Vedarambham

This is the most important part of Avani Avittam. We as Brahmins restart on this day chanting of all Vedas and its branches symbolically

Adhya poorvoktha evam guna viseshena viishtayam , asyam sravanyam pournamasyam , Vedarambham karishye

In the Pournami of Sravana month which has the good qualities as told earlier, I am starting the chanting of Vedas

Hari Om. EEshethworje thwam vayavastho payavastha devo vas savitha prarpayathu sreshta thamaya karmane.Om

Hari Om. Oh cows , oh calves , for giving us Anna (food) and Rasa(taste) and making us join in the great duty of worship of Gods , you go for grazing and come back. Let the Saavithru deva (Sun God), give you good grazing. Om (these are the first line of Yajur Veda)

Bhadram karnobhi srunuyama deva. Bhsadram pasyemaksha bhiryajasra. Stirai rangai sthushtuva un sa sthanoobhi. Vyasema deva itham yadaryu. Swasthi na indro vrudha srava, swasthi na poopa viswarveda, swasthi nasthakshyor arishta nemi. Swasthi na brahaspathim dadhathu. Om

Oh devas , with your ears hear the good that we have to say. Oh people fit to be worshipped , please see with your eyes the good we do. Let us pray Devas with healthy body parts and body and attain the life span that the devas have. Let Indra who has great fame give us all that is good. Let the Sun god who knows everything give us all that is good. Let Garuda who does have any obstacles in the way give us all that is good. Let Brahaspathi give us all that is good.

Adatho darsa pournamasyai vyakhyasyama. Prathar agnihothram hruthwa. Anyamavahaneeyam praneeya. Agnin vadadhathi . Na gatha sriyonya magnim pranayathi. Om

We are now describing Amavasya and Pournavasya. We have to finish agnihothra in the morning , then establish ahavanneeyagni and worship fire. The widower should not worship any other havaneeyagni. Om (From Apasthamba sroutha suthra)

Adha karmani. Aacharadhyani grahasthe. Udhagayana poorvapakshaha. Punyaheshu kaaryani. Yagnopaveethina pradakshinam. Om

Now the ritual duties. These are to be done by Grahshthas as per teaching of Acharyas. These have to be done in the Poorva paksha, day time and sacred days. They have to be done with the sacred thread in the clock wise fashion. (From Apasthamba sroutha Suthra)

Adhatha saamayacharikaan dharman vyakyasyama. Dharmagna samaya . Pramanam Vedascha. Chathwaro varna. Om

We now tell the Dharma which is ancient and followed by our ancestors. These are based on the Vedas and the words of the people who know Dharma. There are four Varnas. Om (Apasthambha Dharma Suthra)

Aye un. Rulrukh, A od, I ouch, Haya varat. Lan. Gnamadan nam. Jabhagn. Gadadhsh. Jabagada Das. Khafachatath. Chatanav. Kapay. Sashasar. Hal. Ithi Maheswara Suthrani

Aye………Hal. These are the Suthras of Maheswara(the great god)

Geernisa sreya . Dhenava sri. Rudrasthu namya. Bhago hi yagnya.Dhanyeyam nari. Dhanavan puthra. Om

Let our words lead to greet good. Let our wealth and cows grow. Rudras are fit to be worshipped. Let God be worshipped by fire sacrifices. Let my lady grow wealthy. Let my son become rich. Om(From Jyothisha suthra)

Agnimeele purohitham yagnasya deva mruthwijam. Hotharam rathna dathamam. Om

I salute Agni who stands first and leads us, who is the first God of all yagna, who has the form of Rithvik as well as hotha andis the one who gives us matchless wealth.

(This line consists of the first words of the Rig Veda )

Agne aayahi veethaye grunano havya dathaye , Ni hotham sathsi barhishi om

Oh Agni you have to come , Please accept our worship because we sing your praise. . Whatever we offer to you, please make it reach the concerned devas. You who has been invited should occupy your place in the hall of yaga.
*This line consists of the first wors of Sama Veda

Adatho Brahma Jignasa, Om

My salutations to Brahma

Om namo brahmne , namosthvagnaye , nama pruthwayai , nama Oshadheebhya . Namo vache namo vachaspathaye , namo vishnave brahathe karomi Om (Evam Thri)

Salutaions to Brahma. Salutations to Agni(fire God) , Salutations to earth , Salutations to plants and climbers. Salutation to words.
Salutation to the lord of words(Brahaspathi). Salutations to Lord Vishnu (repeat this thrice)


Gaayathri japam (To be performed the next day after Sandhya Vandanam)

1.Aachamanam
2,Shuklaam baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo partha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaraami

For getting rid of all our problems and to please Lord Parameshwara , in this time which is good ,which has the power of stars , the power of moon, the power of knowledge , I meditate on the consort of Goddess Lakshmi

Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama

For making the unholy, the holy in case of all situations , I meditate on the lotus eyed God and for getting external and internal cleanliness from the sins committed by the mind as well as word and the loins which were earned in performance of duties , there is no doubt the only way is to remember the name of the God Rama-Rama, Rama

Shubhe Shobane muhurthe adya Brahmana dwiteeya paradhe , Swetha varaha kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Ashtavimsathi thame , Kali yuge, Prathame pade, Jambhu Dwipe, Bharatha Varshe,Bhartaha Kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Sakabdhe, Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike, Prabhavadhi Sashti Samavathsaranaam Madhye,

In the beginning due to the wish of Lord Vishnu , the world started functioning and the first Brahma was created. In the second division in the age of the white boar, during the rule of Vaivaswatha Manu , in he 28th part Kali Yuga , in the first division , in the Island of Jambu (Jamun) fruit , in the continent of India , in the country of India , to the south of the mountain Meru , in the middle of the 60 year cycle of years starting from Prabhava



------- nama Samvathsare , Dakshinayane, Greeshma Rithou, Karkidaga mase Krishna pakshe aadhya prathamaayam shubha thidou ------ vaasara yukthayaam -------- nakshatra yukthaayam shubha yoga shubha karana evam guna viseshana visisishtaayam asyaam prathamaayam shubha thidou mithyaa theetha prayaschittartham ashtothara sahasra samkya gayatri maha manthra japam karishye.

in the ------ year, in the southern solstice , in the Greeshma season (August-september), in the waning period of the moon on the good Pournamasi (full moon) thithi, on ------- day, on ---------- nakshatra, in the good yoga , in the good karana , and in the good thithi of pournamasi which has all the good qualities described , for performing the annual redemption for not doing the prescribed rituals and for doing the annual redemption , I chant the Gayathri manthra (Om bhur bhuva suva , thathsa vithur varenyam, Bhargo devasya deemahi ,Dhiyo tona prachodayath*.) 1008 times

* meaning “Oh God who is worthy and elegible , I meditate on thine luminous light, please make my intellect shine”
Start from Pravasya Rishi brahma…. followed by aayathith anuvagasya… and then chant the gaythri manthra 1008 times.
Complete with Abhivaadaye and then complete with
Kayena vacha…….

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Sharada Stotram

Sharada Stotram
(Prayer to Goddess of learning)

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

(Goddess Saraswathi is worshipped as Sharada Devi in the famous temple at Sringeri.)

Namasthe Sharade devi, Kashmeera pura Vasini,
Thwam aham prathaye nithyam , vidhya dhanam cha dehi may. 1

Salutations to Goddess Sharada who lives in Kashmir,
I pray you daily and so give me knowledge as gift.

Ya Shradha , dharana medha , vagh devi vidhi vallabha,
Bhaktha jihwagra sadhana shamadhi guna dhayini. 2


You are attention, understanding , wisdom, goddess of speech and consort of Brahma,
Sitting at the tip of the toungue of your devotees , you grant peace and all that is good.


Namami Yaminim nadha lekha alankrutha kunthalam,
Bhavaneem bhava santhapa nirvapana sudha nadheem. 3

Salutations to her who decorates her tresses with the darkness of night and sound of writing,
And to Goddess Bhavani who cures sorrow due to life like a river of nectar.

Bhadra kalyai namo nithyam sarasvathyai namo nama,
Veda vedanga vedantha vidhya sthanebhya eva cha. 4

I salute daily you as Bhadra kali as well as salute her as Saraswathi,
As you are the home of Vedas, branches of Vedas , philosophy and knowledge.

Brahma swaroopa paramaa jyothi roopa sanathani,
Sarva vidhyadhi devi ya thasyai vanyai namo nama. 5

Salutation to Vani who is the goddess of all types of learning,
Who has the form of Brahma , the ultimate light and is for ever.

Yaya vinaa jagat sarva sasva jeevan mrutham bhaveth,
Jnanadhi devi ya thasyai saraswathyai namo nama. 6

Salutations to Goddess Saraswathi , who is the supreme goddess of wisdom,
Without whom the entire universe would appear dead even though it is alive.

Yaya vinaa jagat sarvam mooka munmathavad sadaa,
Ya devi vaghadhishtathri thasyai vanyai namo nama, 7

Salutations to goddess Vani , who presides over the act of speaking ,
Without whom this world would be dumb, confused and mad,

Kameshwari Sthuthi

Kameshwari Sthuthi
(The prayer to the goddess of attachment)

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

(This is taken from the Hindi religious magazine called Kalyan, published by Gita press , Gorakhpur. Kameswari can also be translated as the Goddess of passion. She is the presiding deity of the famous temple of Kamakhya, in Guahathi, Assam.)

Namasthe paramesani brahma roope sanathani,
Surasura jagathvandho Kameswari namosthuthe. 1

Salutations to the divine goddess , who is ancient and form of Brahma,
Salutations to Kameswari who is being worshipped by devas, Asuras and the world.

Na they prabhavam jananthi Brahmadhya thridaseswara,
Praseedha jagan mathe, Kameswari namosthuthe. 2

Even Brahma and other thirty three gods do not realize your power,
Shower your grace, oh mother of the world, salutations to Kameswari.

Anadhi parama vidhya dehinaam deha dharini,
Thwamevasi jagat vandhyo kameswari namosthuthe. 3

Oh divine knowledge without beginning and she who gives body to the persons,
You are the one saluted by the universe, salutations to Kameswari.

Thwam bheejam sarva bhoothanaam. Thwam budhi schethana druthi,
Thwam prabodhascha nidhra cha kameswari namosthuthe. 4


You are the root cause of all beings, you are brain, consciousness and joyous nature,
You are consciousness as well as sleep, salutations to Kameswari.

Thwam Aardhya Maheshopi, krutha kruthyam hi manyathe,
Aathmaanaam paramathmapi , kameswari namosthuthe. 5

After worshipping you , even Lord Shiva felt satisfied of doing his duty,
In quest of the soul as well as the divine soul , salutations to Kameswari.

Durvrutha vrutha samharthri , papa punya phala pradhe,
Lokaanaam thapa samharthri, kameswari namosthuthe. 6

You are one who destroysones with bad conduct , granter of results of sin and bliss,
And also the one who puts an end to suffering of beings, salutations to Kameswari.

Thwameka sarva lokaanaam srushti sthithyantha karini,
Karla vadhane kali, kameswari namosthuthe. 7

Alone you are the cause of creation, upkeep and destruction of all the world,
One with fearsome face, one who is black , salutations to Kameswari.

Prapannarthi hare matha suprasanna mukhambhuje,
Praseedha parame poorne , kameswari namosthuthe. 8

Oh mother, the absolver of pains of life who has a lotus like pleasing face,
Shower your grace of fully divine one, salutations to Kameswari

Thwam ashrayanthi ye bhakthya, yanthi chasrayatham thu the,
Jagatham tri jagath dhathri, kameshwari namosthuthe. 9

To those devotees who depend on you , you provide full support,
Oh Goddess you are the world and its mother, salutations to Kameswari.

Shudha jnana maye poorna prakruthi srushti bhavini,
Thwameva mathar viwesi kameswari namosthuthe, 10


Oh goddess who is the pure divine knowledge who creates the entire nature,
You are the mother of entire universe, salutations to Kameswari.


From Kalyan , 2005

Sri Ganesa Suprabatham

Sri Ganesa suprabhatham
(A good morning to Lord Ganesa)

Translated by
P.R.Ramachander

(This is a rare stotra which I got from a hand out published in 1971 by the Sri Adhi Sankara Bhagawad pada Veda Sabha, Triplicane, Madras which was printed in Tamil. Unfortunately in spite of my best search, I could not get it in Sanskrit alphabets. Tamil being phonetically inadequate, there may be many mistakes in the transliteration. I would be grateful to any one who can send the text in Deva Nagari or Malayalam script. I shall then do the transliteration and correct the translation.)


Sri Parvatheesa thapa prabhava,
Jatha suredya tharunendu chooda,
Kumbeendra vakthrascha kumara poojya,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 1

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who was born as the result of austerities of Shiva and Parvathi,
Who is being worshipped by devas,
Who wears the moon’s crescent on his head,
Who has the head of an elephant,
And is worshipped by Lord Subrahmanya.

Himamsu samshobitha kireeda bhaga,
Himadhri jatha, nayanabhja bhanu,
Ramapatheedya , kamalasanastha,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 2

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who has a crown well lit by the crescent,
Who is the sun to the eyes of her who was born in Himalayas,
Who was worshipped by the consort of Lakshmi ,
And who is seated on a lotus flower.

Kalyanadha , kamidatha kulabhja-,
Konathrayastha guru rad prapoojya,
Kuladri jamathru sukha pradatha,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 3

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who blesses every one with all that is good,
Who grants every one all that they desire,
Who sits in the triangle in Mooladhara* lotus,
Who is worshipped by great Gurus,
And who gives happiness to son in law of the great mountain.
*Lord Ganesa occupies one triangle of the Mooladhara Chakra

Himachalothanga malo udhbavaya,
Sumanasanthar malamekha vayu,
Samari mithra mala chitha poojya,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 4

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who rose from the dirt on the body of the daughter of the mountain,
Who is like a wind towards the cloud like dirt in the mind of good people,
And considers enemies and friends as equal and worships them without dirt.

Panchanana pancha sarari soonu,
Panchasyavaho gaja raja vakthra,
Panchagahar dasritha bhaktha raje,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 5

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who has five faces and son of he who killed Manmatha who has five arrows,
Who rides on a lion , who has the face of the king of elephants,
And who destroys five types of sins of his devotees.

Shadvarna lakshya , shadripraharatha,
Shadur mihandacha shadambhujastha,
Sahadngrism shibhi kapala bhaga,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 6

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who is the aim of the chant with six letters,
Who steals the six types of bad habits from us,
Who lives in the six mooladhara wheels with happiness,
Who destroys the six “Urmis” like , “It is” and “it is created”
And who has two heads which is surrounded by bees.

Saptha swaranambi lakshya bhootha,
Nada swaroopo nayanabhi rama,
Saptha rishi sampujitha pada padma,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 7

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who is the aim of the seven musical notes,
Who is the form of sound and pleasing to the eyes,
And whose lotus like feet are worshipped by the seven great sages.

Puryashta kakara thanu purana,
Dandhee puranarshi shubha vidhangri,
Purana janmarjitha punya rasi,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 8

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Whose body is made of eight aspects like,
Pancha bhoothas*, sun, moon and the Lord,
Whose feet was worshipped by ancient sages like Sanaka,
And who is the form of holy deeds done in previous births.
* The five elements earth, sky, air, water and fire

Chathurbhujou bala ganadhi bhagya,
Yo bala sooryapa sareera kanthi,
Gowri sutha chootha phaladhi bhoktha,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 9

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who has four hands and is like the baby sun,
Who is called the baby chief of Ganas*,
Who is son of Parvathi and likes fruits like mango.
* Shiva’s army

Umesha jatha tharuna runabha,
Gathrojjwala sri tharunabhi dhana,
Pasadhi sam shobhi bhujashtako ya,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 10

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who is son of lord of Parvathi and has the colour of rising sun,
Whose body shines as if it is gifted by Sun,
And who holds in his eight hands weapons like rope.

Deva sarad chandra vapu swa bhaktha,
Sidheshtadho bhaktha ganadhi Bhagya,
Chthurbhujo ya bala payaseshta,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 11

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who looks like the full moon of the autumn,
Who fulfills the wishes of his devotees,
Who is the luck of the hoard of his devotees,
Who has four hands and likes fruits and Payasa.*
* A sweet dish made out of rice and jaggery.

Veera petho ashta dasa hastha shobi,
Vetala mukhyayutha jaala eedya,
Swagathra shobhajitha bala surya,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 12

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who is a hero with his eighteen hands,
Armed with Vetala , spear and other arms,
And whose body shines like the young sun.

Umasutha pushtaka hara danda,
Kamandaludhyathkara varijatha,
Chathurbhuja chandra nibha thwajakya,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 13

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who is the son of the Goddess Uma,
Whose four hands are armed with book,
Garland Stick and water pot of sages,
And who has the white colour of Chandra.

Sidhahavya pushpa sumanjarikshu,
Dandathi pakvamra kutara pani,
Sri Sidhitha pingala varna gathra,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 14

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who is a realized soul , armed with flower bouquet,
Sugarcane , axe and a ripe fruit of mango,
Who is blessed by goddess of wealth ,
And has a body which is of reddish brown.

Pasangusow kalpalatham swa dandham,
Kshiprahvayo rathna gatam dadana,
Devo japa pushpa nibhasva gathra,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 15

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who is armed with rope , goad , branch of wish giving climber,
And his own tusk in his four hands.
Who holds a pot of gems in his trunk,
Who is a god with the red colour of hibiscus.

Kudara mukhyayudha shobi hastha,
Padmashtako hataka thulya varna,
Vignahvayo bhooshana bhooshithanga,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 16

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who is armed in his eight hands with axe , lotus etc,
Who is of the colour of purest gold,
Who is well ornamented and removes obstacles.

Pasangusaabheethi varaan dadana,
Rakthambaro raktha mayanga raga,
Ekaksharakyo vidhu shobi mouli,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 17

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who holds rope and goad and shows ,
Signs of blessing and fulfilling of wishes in his four hands,
Who wears red cloths and applies red sandalwood paste,
And who is called one lettered one* and wears the crescent.
* He is considered to have the form of letter “Om”

Pasangusavamra balam swadantham,
Karair dadana Vijayabhidana,
Rakthajwalo mooshika vahanastha,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 18

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who holds rope goad , mango and his own tusk in his four hands,
Who shines like blood, rides on a mouse ,
And who is forever victorious.

Nruthe radha kalpatharoradhasthan,
Karthaswarapa kara shadkayuktha,
Lambhodara laksha swarna dada,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 19

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who dances below the wish giving tree,
Who is of the colour of gold and has six hands,
Who has a big paunch and gives millions of gold .

Rakthambaradya runa mochanagnya,
Kundendhu sankha spatikapa gaathra,
Chathurhuja charu thara swa drishti,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 20

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who wears red cloth and removes all loans taken,
Who is as white as jasmine, moon, crystal and conch,
And who has four hands and very attractive glance.

Balena varno vara yoga patta,
Dareendra neelambara druk swa leena,
Yogasanasthascha nimlithaksha,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 21

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who has the shine simlar to the rising sun,
Who wears the crown of Yoga,
Who wears blue cloths and drowned within himself,
And sitting in a yogic pose has closed eyes.

Pasangusou modhaka megha dantham,
Karair dadhana kalithapa haari,
Devo haridhrabha samana gathra,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 22

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who holds rope goad , tusk and Modhaka* in his four hands,
Who removes the pain created by the kali age,
And who is the God having body similar to turmeric.
*A savory ball made of rice and jaggery

Dandhamra pasangusa shobhi hastha,
Rakthambaro mooshika vahanadya,
Srushtya hwayo asesha jagath prapoojya,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 23

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who has tusk, mango rope and goad in his four hands,
Who is of the colour of blood and rides on a mouse,
And who is the creator and is being worshipped by the world.


Sidheswara sidhitha Sidhi Budhi,
Shakthi thwaya shobhitha parswa bhaga,
Sidheswaradhitha pada bhaga,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 24

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who can be got only by very great sages,
On whose both sides Sidhi and budhi *’
And whose feet are worshipped by Sidheswaras.
* Sidhi (occult powers) and Budhi (wisdom) are
Considered as wives of Lord Ganesa by some people.

Bandaji sandarshitha bahu danda,
Parakramo akanda sidhi pradha tha,
Gandanga samshobhitha bala bhaga,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 25

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who exhibited his strength in the war with Bandasura*,
Who grants limitless occult powers to his devotees,
And whose head shines with the moon’s crescent that he wears.
* Goddess lalitha waged a war against this asura and killed him.

Bhakthi priyo bhukthi kavithva mukthi.,
Sukthi pradho bhaktha mahac sayaanaam,
Suktha priya sudha sidhi pradhayi,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 26

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who being a lover of his devotees,
Grants joy, poetic skill, salvation,
And good speaking ability to his devotees,
Who loves the chanting of Ganapathi Suktha*,
And who grants unalloyed wisdom.
*Also called Brahmanaspathi

Deva Chathurthyam brugu vasare cha,
Mithrodhaye tharpana home thushta,
Durva priyo dur manaso athi dhoora,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 27

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who is extremely pleased by tharpana,
Or Homa done on Chathurthi as well as Fridays,
Who likes being worshipped by Durva grass,
And who is far away from the mind of people with bad minds.

Anatha kalyana gunaika bhoomi,
Anantha hrud padma vihara bhoomi.
Sananthana theedya padaravinda,
Kuryath Ganeso mama Suprabatham. 28

Let my morning be made great by Ganesa,
Who is home of all the good qualities,
Who plays in the lotus like heart of Adhi Sesha,
And whose lotus like feet are worshipped by sages like Sanantha

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Datha Sharanashtakam

Sri Datha Sharanashtakam
(An octet of Surrender to Lord Dathathreya)

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

Lord Dathathreya is an avadhootha who is the son of sage Athri and Anasooya. He is the holy trinity rolled in to one. Here is a write up about his symbolism given in
http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/datta/DattaLarg.html
“Symbolically Lord Dattatreya is depicted with three heads, six hands, four dogs, standing in front of a cow and tree. In his hands He holds a drum (damaru), discus like weapon (chakra), conch shell (sankh), rosary (japa mala), water vessel (kamandala) and a trident (trisula).

The Lord's three heads represent Brahma Tatwa, Vishnu Tatwa and Shiva Tatwa. All powerful creative cause is Brahma, sustaining energy is Vishnu and annihilating energy is Shiva (Srishti, Sthithi and Laya energies) are three heads.

All these attributes of the Lord have their esoteric meanings. The trident is used for killing the ego, and the drum is used to awaken those souls who are still sleeping in the slumber of ignorance. Lord Datta's conch shell is used to sound the OMKARA, the primordial sound and the first word of the Hindu scriptures. The divine AUM is composed of Akara - the Creator/Initiator, Brahma; Ukara -Sustainer/Protector, Vishnu; Makara - Destroyer/Terminator, Maheswara. When mixed together in the conch of the Lord, they sound as the eternal Omkara -Datta.

OM is an essential sound. With every breath our lungs resonate the Omkara. So-hum...So-hum... I am the world, I am the universe, I am Lord Shiva, I am Lord Vishnu... We are always chanting this mantra, even when we are walking, talking, eating or sleeping. The speed with which we sound this So-hum may change with our bodily activity, but the So-hum remains eternal. When the body stops resonating with this divine sound, the soul seeks another residence. All living creatures, even animals resonate this AUM in their body. In Sanskrit, "Datta" means gift, hence, Omkara is the eternal gift of God to all souls.

Lord Dattatreya is also holding a rotating discus -chakra. It is a round circle with no beginning and no end. Like the universe, it too is constantly moving, always in a flux. He uses this chakra to destroy all kinds of karmic bonds of His devotees. His right hand holds a rosary -japa mala. With this the Lord counts His devotees, liberating them by merely thinking of their name. In another hand the Lord is carrying the water pot -kamandala. This holds the nectar of pure wisdom. With this He revives the souls thirsty for knowledge, liberating them from the endless cycle of life and death.

The four dogs of Dattatreya are the embodiments of the four Vedas. They follow the Lord as "hounds of heaven, watchdogs of the ultimate Truth". They help the Lord in "hunting" and finding pure souls, wherever they may be born. Behind the Lord Dattatreya is the cow named Kamadhenu. This divine cow grants the wishes and desires of all those who seek the Lord. She grants all material and spiritual wishes of the Lord's devotees.

The Lord stands in front of the Audumbara tree. This is the celestial wish -yielding tree. It fulfills the wishes of those who prostrate before it. Audumbara is the bearer of nectar, and wherever it is found, Lord Dattatreya is always found in it's shade”


Dathathreya Thava saranam
Dathathreya Thava Saranam

I surrender to you Lord Dathathreya
I surrender to you Lord Dathathreya

Trignathmaka trigunatheetha,
Tribhuvana Palaka Thava Saranam,
Shaasvaha murthe thava Saranam,
Shyama Sundara thava saranam . 1

You are the soul of three Gunas,
You are beyond the three Gunas,
You rule over the three worlds,
I surrender to you oh God,
I surrender to you oh God with stable form,
I surrender to you oh pretty one who is black.


Seshaabharana Sesha bhooshana,
Seshasaayi guru thava saranam,
Shadbhuja moorthe thava saranam,
Shadbhuja yathivara thava saranam. 2

You are an ornament to Sesha*,
You wear Sesha as an ornament,
I surrender to you teacher who sleeps on Sesha,
I surrender to the God with six arms,
I surrender to the saint with six hands.
* Adhi Sesha

Danda Kamandalu Gada padmakara,
Shanka Chakra Dhara thava saranam,
Karuna nidhe Thava Saranam,
Karuna sagara thava Saranam. 3


You hold Danda *, Kamandalu ** , mace and lotus,
You wear the conch and the holy wheel.
I surrender to you , Oh my God,
I surrender to the treasure of compassion,
I surrender to the ocean of compassion.
* staff ** water pot of sages

Sreepada sree Vallabha guruvara,
Narasimha Saraswathi thava Saranam,
Sri Gurunatha thava saranam,
Sad guru natha thava saranam. 4


I surrender to teacher Narasha Saraswathi,
Who is also Sripada and Vallabha Guru,
I surrender to the Guru natha,
I surrender to the holy Guru natha.

Krishna sangama tharuvara vasi,
Bhaktha vathsala thava Saranam,
Kripa nidhe thava saranam,
Kripa sagara thava saranam. 5


I surrender to the God who loves his devotees,
And lives in the shade of trees by the confluence of Krishna,
I surrender to the treasure of mercy,
I surrender to the ocean of mercy.

Kripa kataksha kripaavalokana,
Kripa nidhe , Prabhu thava saranam,
Kalaanthaka thava Saranam,
Kala nasaka thava saranam. 6

I surrender to the Lord who is a treasure of mercy,
Who has side long glance of mercy ,
And has a glance of graceful mercy,
I surrender to him who killed the God of death,
I surrender to him who wipes away time.

Poornananda poorna Paresha,
Poorna purusha thava saranam,
Jagadheesa thava saranam,
Jaganatha thava saranam. 7

I surrender to the lord who is complete,
Who is full of bliss and the complete divine God,
I surrender to the God of universe,
I surrender to the lord of the universe.

Jagat palaka jagadadheesa,
Jagadodhara thava saranam,
Akhilaanthaka thava saranam,
Akhileswaraya thava saranam. 8

I surrender to the Lord who lifted the earth,
Who looks after the earth and is the master of the earth,
I surrender to him who destroys everything,
I surrender to the Lord of everything.

Bhaktha Priya vajra panjara,
Prasanna vakthra thava saranam,
Digambhara thava saranam,
Dheena dhaya Ghana thava saranam. 9


I surrender to the Lord who has a happy pleasing face,
Who loves his devotes and is an armour of diamond,
I surrender to him who wears the directions,
I surrender to him who sings and has mercy on the oppressed.

Dheena natha , dheena dhayala,
Dhenodhara thava saranam,
Thapo murthe thava saranam,
Thejo rasi thava saranam. 10

I surrender to that lord who lifts the oppressed,
Who is the lord of the oppressed and merciful towards the oppressed
I surrender to the acme of thapas,
I surrender to the one who shines.

Brahmananda, Brahma Sanathana,
Brahma mohana thava saranam,
Viswathmaka thava saranam,
Vishwa Rakshaka thava saranam. 11

I surrender to the Lord who sports with Brahma,
Who has the bliss of Brahma and ancient like Brahma,
I surrender to Him who is the soul of this universe,
I surrender yto him who is the protector of the universe.

Viswambhara Vishva jeevana,
Viswa parathpara thava sharanam,
Vighnantaaka thava saranam,
Vighna nasaka thava saranam. 12

I surrender to him who is the divine truth of the universe,
Who is dressed inn universe and is the life of the universe,
I surrender to him who ends all obstacles,
I surrender to him who destroys all obstacles.

Pranatheetha prema vardhana,
Prakasa murthe thava saranam,
Nijaananda thava saranam,
Nija pada dayaka thava sharanam. 13

I surrender to him who dazzles and shines,
Who is beyond the soul and increases love,
I surrender to him who is the true bliss,
I surrender to him who gives true salvation.

Nithya niranjana niraakara,
Niradhara thava saranam,
Chidathma roopa Chidananda,
Chithsukhaa kanda thava saranam. 14

I surrender to him who needs no support,
Who is forever blemish less and has no form,
Who is the divine soul and who is the divine bliss,
I surrender to him who grants divine bliss.


Anadhi Murthe thava saranam,
Akhilavathaara thava saranam,
Anantha koti Brahmanda nayaka,
Aghathitha ghatana thava saranam. 15

I surrender to him who is there from ancient times,
I surrender to him whose incarnation is the world,
I surrender to him who protects the helpless,
And who is the lord of billions of universes.

Bhakthodhara thava saranam,
Bhaktha Rakshaka thava saranam,
Bhathanugraha guru bhaktha Priya,
Pathithodhara thava saranam. 16

I surrender to the one who saves his devotees,
I surrender to the one who protects his devotees,
I surrender to him who uplifts the oppressed,
Who blesses his devotees and who likes devotees of Guru.

Datha Kshamapana Stotram

Datha Kshamapana Stotram
(prayer beseeching forgiveness of Dathathreya)

By
Sri Vasudevananda Saraswathi

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

(This was written by a great saint devotee of Swami Dathathreya of Maharashtra called Sri Vasudevananda Saraswathi or Thembe Swami. A brief life history is given in
http://saikesaat.blogspot.com/2008/01/shri-vasudevanandsaraswati-tembe-swami.html
You can chant this mantra 9 times a day for a life time or at least once or thrice a day. some Dattatreya devotees chant this mantra 9 times a day for 40 days as a belief that their wish get fulfilled)

Rasgnavasa tharakam swadhu labhyam,
Graheetham kadachina nama Datha,
Ksmaswaparadham, Ksmaswaparadham,
Kshamaswaparadham, prabho klinna chitha. 1

We would get the sweetness of a saviour,
By always accepting the name of Dathathreya,
Forgive my faults, forgive my faults .
Forgive my faults , Lord who has a merciful mind.

Viyonyanthare daiva dhaivadhadyordhvibho prak,
Graheetham kadachina nama Datha,
Ksmaswaparadham, Ksmaswaparadham,
Kshamaswaparadham, prabho klinna chitha. 2

Separate our mind and think of the lord of the east rich in godliness
By always accepting the name of Dathathreya,
Forgive my faults, forgive my faults .
Forgive my faults , Lord who has a merciful mind.

Maya Mathru Garbha sthitha praptha kashtan,
Graheetham kadachina nama Datha,
Ksmaswaparadham, Ksmaswaparadham,
Kshamaswaparadham, prabho klinna chitha. 3

Remove all the troubles when we remained in the womb of the mother
By always accepting the name of Dathathreya,
Forgive my faults, forgive my faults .
Forgive my faults , Lord who has a merciful mind.

Maya Jatha mathrena Sammohithena,
Graheetham kadachina nama Datha,
Ksmaswaparadham, Ksmaswaparadham,
Kshamaswaparadham, prabho klinna chitha. 4

Charm the world as soon as we were born,
By always accepting the name of Dathathreya,
Forgive my faults, forgive my faults .
Forgive my faults , Lord who has a merciful mind.

Maya kreedan aasaktha chithena Balye,
\Graheetham kadachina nama Datha,
Ksmaswaparadham, Ksmaswaparadham,
Kshamaswaparadham, prabho klinna chitha. 5

Though in the childhood, our mind was full of sports,
WE Always accept the name of Dathathreya,
Forgive my faults, forgive my faults .
Forgive my faults , Lord who has a merciful mind.

Maya youvane agnatho bhoga thoshath,
Graheetham kadachina nama Datha,
Ksmaswaparadham, Ksmaswaparadham,
Kshamaswaparadham, prabho klinna chitha. 6

Though I was ignorant in youth being filled with passion,
I Always accept the name of Dathathreya,
Forgive my faults, forgive my faults .
Forgive my faults , Lord who has a merciful mind.

Maya Sthavire anigna sarvendriyena,
Graheetham kadachina nama Datha,
Ksmaswaparadham, Ksmaswaparadham,
Kshamaswaparadham, prabho klinna chitha. 7

Though in old age I loose control over all organs,
I always accept the name of Dathathreya,
Forgive my faults, forgive my faults .
Forgive my faults , Lord who has a merciful mind.

Rishikesa may Vang maya kaya jatham,
Hare Jnanatho Ajnjnatho Viswa Sakshin,
Ksmaswaparadham, Ksmaswaparadham,
Kshamaswaparadham, prabho klinna chitha. 8


Though I am holy , in essence I am born out of a body,
And so always accept the name of Dathathreya,
Forgive my faults, forgive my faults .
Forgive my faults , Lord who has a merciful mind.

Smrutho dhyath aavahitho asya architho vaa,
Na githa sthutho vanditho vaa na japtha,
Ksmaswaparadham, Ksmaswaparadham,
Kshamaswaparadham, prabho klinna chitha. 9

I am Thinking, meditating, consecrating and worshipping you,
Not singing , praying , saluting not chanting your names,
Forgive my faults, forgive my faults .
Forgive my faults , Lord who has a merciful mind.

Dhayabdhir bhava drudan saagascha mathruka,
Bhavathyapthamantho bhavanme saranya,
Yadaa aalambanam bhoorhi bhoonir sruthangre,
Reethi prarthitham datha sishyena saaram. 10

If one surrenders to this ocean of mercy,
With complete concentration and as a model to all,
And then depend on this earth as told in the Vedas
And pray according to tradition , he would be a model disciple of Datha.

Ithi Sri pa.pa. Sri Vasudevananda Saraswathi virachitham Sri Dathathreya Kshamapana Stotram

Thus ends the prayer requesting forgiveness of Datha composed by Sri Vasudevananda Saraswathi.

Datha Sthavam

Sri Datha Sthavam

By
Sri Vasudevanand Saraswathi Maharaj

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

(This was written by a great saint devotee of Swami Dathathreya of Maharashtra called Sri Vasudevananda Saraswathi or Thembe Swami. A brief life history is given in
http://saikesaat.blogspot.com/2008/01/shri-vasudevanandsaraswati-tembe-swami.html
You can chant this mantra 9 times a day for a life time or at least once or thrice a day. some Dattatreya devotees chant this mantra 9 times a day for 40 days as a belief that their wish get fulfilled)

Sree ganeshaya namaha !!!!
Sree saraswathyaya namaha !!!!
Sree padha vallabha narashimha saraswathi
Sree guru dattatreyaya namaha !!!
Jai Guru Datta !
Jai Guru Datta !
Jai Guru Datta !


Dathathreyam Mahathmanam,
Varadam Bhaktha Vathsalam,
Prapannarthi haram vande,
Smarthrugaami Sanovathu. 1

Salutations to Dathathreya who is a great one,
Who loves and blesses his devotees,
And who destroys all worries of those,
Who always remember him with faith.

Deenabandhum , krupasindhum,
Sarva Karana Kaaranaam,
Sarva Raksha karam vande,
Smarthrugaami Sanovathu. 2

Salutations to the friend of the oppressed,
Who is the ocean of mercy,
Who is the cause of all causes,
And who protects all those,
Who always remember him with faith.

Saranagatha Dheenartha,
Parithrana paarayana,
Narayanam Vibhum Vande
Smarthrugaami Sanovathu. 3

Salutations to him who protects all those who surrender,
Who is the friend of all the down trodden,
Who protects those who have faith in him,
And is the great Lord Narayana for them,
Who always remember him with faith.

Srvaanardha haram devam,
Sarva mangala Mangalam,
Sarva klesa haram vande,
Smarthrugaami Sanovathu. 4

Salutations to him, who is the destroyer of the useless,
Who blesses us with all that is good,
And is the lord who removes all problems for them,
Who always remember him with faith.

Brahmnayam dharma Thathwagnam,
Bhakthe keerthi vivardhanam,
Bhakthabeeshta pradham vande,
Smarthrugaami Sanovathu. 5

Salutations to him who is holy and master of religion,
Whose fame is spread by his devotees,
And who fulfills all wishes of his devotees,
Who always remember him with faith.

Soshanam papa pankshaya,
Deepaanaam jnana thejasaa,
Thaapaa prasamanam vande,
Smarthrugaami Sanovathu. 6

Salutations to him who removes bundles of sins,
Who blesses us with the light of wisdom,
And who removes al pains and problems to those,
Who always remember him with faith.

Sarva roga prasamanam,
Sarve peeda nivaaranam,
Vipad udharanam vande,
Smarthrugaami Sanovathu. 6

Salutations to him who cures all diseases,
Who removes all ills and problems,
And who lifts from danger, his devotes,
Who always remember him with faith.

Janma samsara bandhagnam,
Swaroopananda dayakam,
Nissreyasa padam vande,
Smarthrugaami Sanovathu. 7

Salutations to him who puts and end to cycle of births,
Who gives you a form full of bliss,
And who gives the position of great fame to those,
Who always remember him with faith.

Jaya Labha yasa kama,
Dathur dathasya yasthavam,
Bhoga moksha pradaasye maam,
Prapathe Sakruthe bhaveth 8

This prayer addressed to Dathathreya,
Gives victory , profit , fame and desire,
Happy life and salvation to the one
To the one who recites it regularly with faith.

Jai Guru Datta !
Jai Guru Datta !
Jai Guru Datta !

Victory to the great teacher Datta