parvati Archives -

Madurai’s Meenakshi – Sundaresvara Temple, The Gem of Indian Temples

The temple town of Madurai is most famous for the Meenakshi – Sundaresvara temple. This temple dates back to the early centuries of the first millennium, but the intricate and magnificent temple complex that exists today was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. The vast temple complex is home to fourteen monumental towers, or gopurams, as well as some 40,000 individual sculptures chronicling scenes from Hindu mythology. Entering through the east gopura, visitors are greeted by the eight forms of the goddess in the Ashta Sakti mandapa. Passing the intricately carved pillars donning the goddess in eight beautiful forms, you arrive at the Muthupillai mandapa named after its donor. This is a wide and dark hall filled with sculptures of Shiva in his various forms. The small rays of light that seep through openings in the granite ceiling make for an enchanting and ethereal experience. Exiting this hall, you are immediately greeted by the bright sunlight and the open courtyard containing the Golden Lotus Pond.

In the middle of this quaint tank, there is a beautiful hundred petal lotus covered in gold. Along the portico, on the way to the main shrine, are beautifully painted murals narrating 64 glorious exploits of Shiva as referenced in the Tamil magnum opus Tiruvilayadal (divine game). The most famous of these is one depicting the celestial marriage of Meenakshi, a form of Parvathi, with the beautiful Siva, or Sundaresvara. The next stop is the Killikoondu mandapa, or the corridor of bird cages. Up until a few decades ago, this hall was filled with hundreds of parrots, considered very dear to the goddess. North of this corridor is the altar of Ganesha. Just beyond this altar resides Goddess Meenakshi in all her regal splendor.

The famous stone carving of the divine marriage

The entire corridor around her sanctum sanctorum is richly decorated with intricate stone carvings and beautiful gold relief work. Inside the Garbha Gruha, literally the womb-house stands the Goddess Meenakshi, carved from a single large emerald stone. Her left-hand hangs gracefully by her side, while her right-hand holds a golden lotus upon which a gold parrot stands. North of her chamber resides her consort Sundaresvara, surrounded by a hall containing gargantuan pillars embellished with carvings of his various forms. The most famous of these is the depiction of the marriage of Meenakshi-Sundaresvara, facilitated by Meenakshi’s brother, Lord Vishnu. Just before exiting the temple, you meet the thousand pillared halls, boasting a beautiful statue of Nataraja and his consort Sivakamasundari, as well as numerous carved pillars depicting the Hindu epics like the Mahabharata.

The famous scene of the sacred marriage is described in the Saiva Karanagama as follows: Lord Shiva shines beautifully like bright saffron. He has three eyes, and four hands. He is adorned with fresh flower garlands and exquisite gold ornaments. His entire body is draped with fine silk garments.

Amazing wood carving made by our artists from mango wood that came from Madurai, and received special worship in the Meenakshi temple — Amazing wood carving in mango wood that came from Madurai, and received special worship in the Meenakshi temple

His hands are decorated by jeweled bangles and gold lotuses. He holds the hand of Parvathi with one hand and the ax and deer in his other two. The Lord gleams with the effulgence of a thousand bright suns. He has matted dreadlocks and a diamond-studded crown, embellished by the moon. The Goddess stands next to Shiva, holding his hand. She is decked with the most elegant red silk. Her chest bends slightly due to the weight of her many pearls, gold, ruby, emerald, sapphire, and diamond necklaces. She is adorned with Champa and jasmine flowers in her dark hair. She gleams like dawn. Her brother, Lord Vishnu, pours the holy water on their joined hands to consecrate the divine matrimony. The three stand beautifully under the golden kadamba tree, in the forest of kadamba (Madurai).

-Svasti-

6 Murugan Mantras, Quotes & Hymns of Murugan, Subramaniyan, including 108 Chants to Murugan

The ardent devotees of Murugan call him by a variety of names – Karthilkeya, Arumuga, Shanmuga, Guhan, Skanda, Subramanya and Kumara. He is the son of the Hindu God of Destruction, Lord Shiva and the brother of the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesh (The elephant-headed God).

As far as Indian history goes, Skanda began his existence basically from the beginning. He was a popular war god who lived on forested hills, was fond of hunting, fighting, and an appetite for blood sacrifices. He was young, handsome and a fire-eating, spear-wielding bravo.

This basic template went by many names in different parts of the country. In Maharashtra he was called Khandoba and in vast areas of the south of India the god was known as Malai Kilavan, the Lord of the hills in ancient Tamil. His other name was Murugan. This is the name that he is most recognized as today in places of worship.

1. Moola Mantra

“Om Sharavana-bhavaya Namaha“

Meaning: Adoration to Lord Subrahmanya

2. Muruga Sloka

“Gyaanashaktidhara skanda
valliikalyaaNa sundara
devasenaa manaH kaanta
kaartikeya namo.astute
OM subrahmanyaaya namah“

Meaning: Adoration to Lord Kartikeya, who is also known as Skanda. He is the one who holds the staff of intelligence, and holds the beautiful beloved of Goddess Vallii. She is the enchanter of the mind of Goddess Devasena. I offer adorations repeatedly to that Divine Kartikeya.

3. Sri Subramanya Pancharatnam: This mantra is also known as Murugan Pancharatna stotram and is a six-verse prayer chanted everyday by devotees, especially on Sashti Viratham days.

“Shadananam, chandana lepithangam,
Mahorasam, divya mayoora vahanam,
Rudrasya soonum, sura loka nadam,
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

Jajwalyamanam, sura brunda vandyam,
Kumaradhara thada mandirastham,
Kandarpa roopam, Kamaneeya gathram,
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

Dwishadbujam dwadasa divya nethram,
Trayee thanum soolamasim dadhanam,
Seshavatharam, kamaneeya roopam,
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

Surari gorahava shobhamanam,
Surothamam shakthi daram kumaram,
Sudhaara shakthyayudha shobhi hastham,
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

Ishtartha sidhi pradha meesa puthram,
Ishtannadham bhoosura kamadhenum,
Gangodbhavam sarva jananukoolam,
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

Ya slokamidham padatheeha bhakthya,
Brahmanya deva nivesitha manasa san,
Prapnothi bhogamakilam bhuvi yadyadishtam,
Anthe cha gachathi muda guha samyameva“

4. Sri Subramanya Karavalambam : This is one of popular mantra of Lord Subramanya, which is chanted by almost all devotees.

“Hey Swaminatha karunakara deena bandho,
Sree Paravatheesa mukha pankaja padma bandho,
Sreesadhi deva gana poojitha pada padma,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Devadhi deva sutha, deva ganadhi nadha,
Devendra vandhya mrudu pankaja manju pada,
Devarshi narada muneendra sugeetha keerthe,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Nithyanna dana nirathakhila roga harin,
Bhagya pradhana paripooritha bhaktha kama,
Sruthyagama pranava vachya nija swaroopa,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Krouncha surendra parigandana sakthi soola,
Chapa thi sasthra parimanditha divya panai,
Sree kundaleesa drutha thunda sikheendra vaha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Devadhi deva radha mandala Madhya methya,
Devendra peeda nagaram druda chapa hastha,
Sooram nihathya sura kotibhiradyamana,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham
Heeradhi rathna vara yuktha kireeda hara,
Keyura kundala lasath kavachabhirama,
Hey Veera tharaka jayaa amara brunda vandhya,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Panchaksharadhi manu manthritha ganga thoyai,
Panchamruthai praudhithendra mukhair muneendryai,
Pattabhishiktha maghavatha nayasa nadha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Sree karthikeya karunamrutha poorna drushtya,
Kamadhi roga kalushi krutha drushta chitham,
Sikthwa thu mamava kala nidhi koti kantha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.“

5. Sri Subrahmanya Ashtottara Sata Namavali: We all know the fact that the names of Lord Skanda are innumerable, but in this sthothram the 108 of His descriptive names are enumerated.

1. Om Skandaya namaha
Hail Skanda! Vanquisher of the mighty foes

2. Om Guhaya namaha
Praise be to the Invisible Lord—He who abides in the hearts of devotees true

3. Om Shanmukhaya namaha
Praise be to the six-faced one

4. Om Balanetrasutaya namaha
Praise be to the Son of the Three-Eyed Siva

5.Om Prabhave namaha
Praise be to the Lord Supreme

6. Om Pingalaya namaha
Praise be to the golden-hued one

7.Om Krittikasunave namaha
Hail to the Son of the starry maids

8. Om Sikhivahanaya namaha
Hail to the rider on the peacock

9. Om Dvinadbhujaya namaha
Hail to the Lord with the twelve hands

10. Om Dvinannetraya namaha
Hail to the Lord with the twelve eyes

11. Om Saktidharaya namaha
Hail to the wielder of the Lance!

12. Om Pisidasaprabhajanaya namaha
Praise be to the destroyer of the Asuras

13. Om Tarakasurasamharine namaha
Praise be to the slāyar of Tārakāsuran

14. Om Raksobalavimardanaya namaha
Praise be to the Victor of the Asuric forces

15. Om Mattaya namaha
Praise be to the Lord of felicity

16. Om Pramattaya namaha
Praise be to the Lord of bliss

17. Om Unmattaya namaha
Hail Oh passionate One

18. Om Surasainyasuraksakaya namaha
Hail Saviour of the Devas

19. Om Devasenapataye namaha
Hail Commander of the Heavenly hosts

20. Om Pragnya namaha
Hail, Lord of Wisdom

21. Om Kripalave namaha
Hail Compassionate One

22. Om Bhaktavatsalāya namaha
Lover of devout ones, Praise be to Thee

23. Om Umasutaya namaha
Son of Uma—Praise be to Thee

24. Om Saktidharaya namaha
Mighty Lord—Praise be to Thee

25. Om Kumaraya namaha
Eternal youth—Praise be to Thee

26. Om Krauncadharanaya namaha
He who reft asunder the Krauñca Mount—Praise be to Thee

27. Om Senanye namaha
Praise be to the Army Chief

28. Om Agnijanmane namaha
To the effulgence of Fire, all Hail

29. Om Visakhaya namaha
To Him who shone on the astral Visakha—All Hail

30. Om Shankaratmajaya namaha
Thou Son of Sankara—All Hail

31. Om Sivasvamine namaha
Thou Preceptor of Siva—All Hail

32. Om Ganaswamine namaha
On Lord of the Ganas—All Hail

33. Om Sarvasvamine namaha
On Lord, God Almighty, All Hail

34. Om Sanatanaya namaha
Oh Lord eternal, Praise be to Thee

35. Om Anantasaktaye namaha
Thou potent Lord, Praise be to Thee

36. Om Aksobhyaya namaha
Unsullied by arrows art Thou—Praise be to Thee

37. Om Parvatīpriyanandanaya namaha
Thou beloved of Parvati, Praise be to Thee

38. Om Gangasutaya namaha
Oh, son of Goddess Ganga—Praise be to Thee

39. Om Sarodbhutaya namaha
Thou who did’st nestle in the Saravana Lake

40. Om Atmabhuve namaha
Thou Unborn Lord

41. Om Pavakatmajaya namaha
Thou who art born of Fire

42. Om Mayadharaya namaha
Energy Art Thou—Praise be to Thee

43. Om Prajrimbhaya namaha
Praise be to thee Auspicious One

44. Om Ujjrimbhaya namaha
Praise be to the Invincible One

45. Om Kamalasanasamstutaya namaha
Praise be to the Lord extolled by Brahma

46. Om Ekavarnaya namaha
The one Word art Thou—All Hail

47. Om Dvivarnaya namaha
In Two Art Thou—All Hail

48. Om Trivarnaya namaha
Thou Art the Three—All Hail

49. Om Sumanoharaya namaha
Thou Stealer of pure hearts—All Hail

50. Om Caturvarnaya namaha
In four Art Thou—All Hail

51. Om Pancavarnaya namaha
In five letters Art Thou—All Hail

52. Om Prajapataye namaha
Father of all Creation—All Hail

53. Om Trumbaya namaha
Praise be to Thee, Oh Peerless One

54. Om Agnigarbhaya namaha
Thou who dost sustain the fire

55. Om Samigarbhaya namaha
Hail Thou who arose out of the Vanni flame

56. Om Visvaretase namaha
Thou glory of the Absolute Paramasivam, All Hail

57. Om Surarighne namaha
Oh, Subduer of the foes of the Devas, All Hail

58. Om Hiranyavarnaya namaha
Thou resplendent One, All Hail

59. Om Subhakrite namaha
Thou Auspicious One—All Hail

60. Om Vasumate namaha
Thou Oh Splendour of the Vasus All Hail

61. Om Vatuvesabhrite namaha
Praise be to Thee, Oh lover of celibacy

62. Om Bhushane namaha
Thou Luminous Sun—All Hail

63. Om Kapastaye namaha
Thou Effulgence divine, All Hail

64. Om Gahanaya namaha
Thou Omniscient One—All Hail

65. Om Chandravarnaya namaha
Thou Radiance of the Moon—Praise be to Thee

66. Om Kaladharaya namaha
Thou who adorns the crescent—Praise be to Thee

67. Om Mayadharaya namaha
Engergy art Thou—Praise be to Thee

68. Om Mahamayine namaha
Great Artist of Deception too art Thou, Praise be to Thee

69. Om Kaivalyaya namaha
Everlasting joy of attainment—Praise be to Thee

70. Om Sahatatmakaya namaha
Art all-pervading—All Hail

71. Om VisvayOnaye namaha
Source of all Existence—All Hail

72. Om Ameyatmane namaha
Oh, Supreme Splendour, All Hail

73. Om Tejonidhaye namaha
Illumination divine—All Hail

74. Om Anamayaya namaha
Savior of all ills—All Hail

75. Om Parameshtine namaha
Thou art Immaculate Lord, Praise be to Thee

76. Om Parabrahmane namaha
Thou Transcendant One, Praise be to Thee

77. Om Vedagarbhaya namaha
The Source of the Vedas art Thou, Praise be to Thee

78. Om Viratsutaya namaha
Immanent Art Thou in the Universe, Praise be to Thee

79. Om Pulindakanyabhartre namaha
Praise be to the Lord of Valli, the Vedda belle

80. Om Mahasarasvatavradaya namaha
Praise be to the source of Gnosis

81.Om asrita Kiladhatre namaha
Praise be to Him who showers grace on those who seek his solace

82. Om Choraghnaya namaha
Praise be to Him who annihilates those who steal

83. Om Roganasanaya namaha
Praise be to the divine Healer

84. Om Anantamurtaye namaha
Praise be Thine whose forms are endless

85. Om anandaya namaha
Praise be Thine, Oh Thou infinite Bliss

86. Om Shikhandīkritagedanaya namaha
Praise be Thine, Thou Lord of peacock banner!

87. Om Dambhaya namaha
Praise be Thine, Oh lover of gay exuberance

88. Om Paramadambhaya namaha
Praise be Thine, Thou lover of supreme exuberance

89. Om Mahadambhaya namaha
Praise be Thine, Oh Lord of lofty magnificence

90. Om Vrishakapaye namaha
Thou who art the culmination of righteousness—All Hail

91. Om Karanopatadehaya namaha
Thou who deigned embodiment for a cause—All Hail

92. Om Karanatita Vigrahaya namaha
Form transcending causal experience

93. Om Anishvaraya namaha
Oh Eternal peerless plentitude, All Hail

94. Om Amritaya namaha
Thou Ambrosia of Life—All Hail

95.Om Pranaya namaha
Thou life of life, Praise unto Thee

96. Om Pranayamaparayanaya namaha
Thou support of all beings—Praise unto Thee

97. Om Vritakandare namaha
Praise unto Thee who subjugates all hostile forces

98. Om Viraghnaya namaha
Thou vanquisher of heroic opponents, Praise unto Thee

99. Om Raktashyamagalaya namaha
Thou art Love, and of crimson beauty— Praise unto Thee

100. Om Mahate namaha
Oh Consummation of glory, All Praise to Thee

101. Om Subrahmanyaya namaha
We praise Thee, Oh effulgent Radiance

102. Om Paravaraya namaha
Oh Supreme Goodness, Praise unto Thee

103. Om Brahmanyaya namaha
We praise Thee, luminous wisdom serene

104. Om Brahmanapriyaya namaha
Thou who art beloved of seers—Praise unto Thee

105. Om Loka Gurave Namaha
Oh universal Teacher, All Praise to Thee

106. Om Guhapriyaya Namaha
We praise Thee, In-dweller in the core of our hearts

107.Om Aksayaphalapradaya namaha
We praise Thee, Oh bestower of indestructible results ineffable

108.Om Sri Subrahmanyaya namaha
We praise Thee, most glorious effulgent Radiance

View our collection of Murugan statues here

6. Sri Subramanya Bhujaga Stotram : This mantra is believed to remove Kuja dosha, delayed marriages, clashes, legal disputes, disturbed married life etc.

“Bhajeham kumaram bhavnikumaram galollasiharamNamtsya edwiharam, repustomaparam nrusimhavatramSada nirvikaram guham nirvicharam

Namameesa putraam japashonagatram kuraraatisatrumRuvemdwagni neetram, mahabahrnipatram sivasabjamitramPrabhaswatkaltrayam puranam pavitram

Aneekarkakoti prabhavasyalamtam manoharimanikyaBhooshojwalam tam, sritanamabheestam nisamtamKrupavarikallola bhastkataksham varjanmanoharisoNambujaksham, prayogapradana pravhaikadaksham baje Kanti kantam parastomarakham

Sukumdaprasoonavalisobhitamgam saratpoorna chandraprabha Kantikantam, sirisha prasunabhiramam bhavatam bhaje deva Senapatim vallabham tam

Sukastoorisimdooraswalllalatamdayapoorna chittammaha Deviputram, raveedoolllasadratna rajatkireetam bhajekreedita Kasagangadikootam“

View All Our Mantras to Hindu Gods
including English and Sanskrit translations

10 Kali Mantras	15 Saraswati Mantras	4 Ganesha Mantras
6 Murugan Mantras	8 Krishna Mantras	7 Hanuman Mantras
3 Lakshmi Mantras	8 Vishnu Mantras	5 Shiva Mantras

5 Shiva Mantras, Quotes, Hymns for Pleasing Shiva

Lord Shiva is known as the Lord of Lords and even other Hindu Gods try to plead Lord Shiva with mantras. Lord Shiva is worshiped in two forms – The Shiva Lingam and the statue form.

All across India, and in many Hindu communities around the world, nightlong vigils are observed in honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees offer abhisheka, or a ritual bath, to bronze and stone sculptures of Lord Shiva in his many forms. Among the most popular of the forms that receive worship on this day are the Shiva Linga, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Bhairava, and Lord Somaskanda.

Since Shiva is easily pleased, offering milk, water, leaves, flowers, clothes, fruits, or even an oil lamp is commendable. Simply meditating upon the form of Shiva with a pure mind and utmost devotion is considered the highest form of worship. The sage Adi Shankara wrote Shiva Manasa Puja as an affirmation of this notion. In this beautifully composed hymn, Shankara performs the Puja of Lord Shiva with vivid and devout imagination. Reciting this hymn on the night of Maha Shivarathri is the best way to begin or end the night’s festivities!

Here, let us see some of the mantras (and their meaning), used by great sages, as well as common people to get the blessings of the Lord.

1. The Mool (Main) Mantra of Lord Shiva is a five syllable mantra, known as panchakshri mantra. It is believed that the chanters are bowing to themselves, as the Lord Shiva is considered as the ultimate reality.

“OM Namah Shivaya”

Meaning: I bow to Shiva.

2. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is the greatest Mantra for Lord Shiva found in Rig Veda.

“OM. Tryambakam yajamahe
Sugandhim pushti-vardhanam
Urvarukamiva bandhanan
Mrityor mukshiya mamritat”

3. Shree Shiva- Parvati Stuti is the mantra which praises Lord with his consort Parvati.

“Karpoor Gauram Karunnaavataram Sansaar Saaram
Bhujgendra Haaram.
Sadaa Vasantam Hridyaarvrinde
Bhavam Bhavaani Sahitam Namaami”

Meaning: I Bow to Bhavani as well as to Lord Shiva who is white as camphor, who is compassion incarnate, who is the essence of the world, who wears a garland of a large snake and who always dwells in the lotus-like hearts of his devotees.

4a. Shree Rudraashtak Stotram is the eight fold hymn recited by Brahma to please Shiva. This mantra can be used by anyone to get the blessing from the Lord Shiva.

“Namaam-Iisham-Iishaana Nirvaanna-Ruupam
Vibhum Vyaapakam Brahma-Veda-Svaruupam
Nijam Nirgunnam Nirvikalpam Niriiham
Cidaakaasham-Aakaasha-Vaasam Bhaje-[A]ham”

Meaning: I Salute the Lord Ishana. It is the Form that represents the state of the highest Nirvana. This is the form that manifests the essence He is pervading everywhere and The Lord embodies the Highest Knowledge of Brahman present in the core of the Vedas. He who remains absorbed in His own self which is beyond the three Gunas. Beyond any change and Manifoldness, and which is free from any movement. I worship Ishana, who abides in the spiritual sky.

4b.

“Niraakaaram-Ongkara-Muulam Turiiyam
Giraa-Jnyaana-Go-[A]tiitam-Iisham Giriisham
Karaalam Mahaakaala-Kaalam Krpaalam
Gunna-[A]agaara-Samsaara-Paaram Nato-[A]ham”

Meaning: I bow to the supreme Lord who is the formless source of “OM” The Self of All, transcending all conditions and states. Beyond speech, He understands the sense perception. Awe-full, but gracious, the ruler of Kailash, Devourer of Death, the immortal abode of all virtues.

4c.

“Tussaara-Adri-Samkaasha-Gauram Gabhiram
Mano-Bhuuta-Kotti-Prabhaa-Shrii Shariiram
Sphuran-Mauli-Kallolinii Caaru-Ganggaa
Lasad-Bhaala-Baale[a-I]ndu Kanntthe Bhujanggaa”

Meaning: I offer salutations to Sri Rudra, Who is shining white resembling a mountain of snow; and He resides deep in the mind in Millions of Rays of Splendor, which expresses His Auspicious Body. Over whose Head, the Beautiful Ganga Throbs and Surges forth towards the Worlds. The newly risen moon shines in His forehead spreading its rays and His Neck adorns the beautiful Serpents.

4d.

“Calat-Kunnddalam Bhruu-Sunetram Vishaalam
Prasanna-[A]ananam Niila-Kannttham Dayaalam
Mrga-Adhiisha-Carma-Ambaram Munndda-Maalam
Priyam Shangkaram Sarva-Naatham Bhajaami”

Meaning: The beloved Lord of All, with shimmering pendants hanging from his ears, Beautiful eyebrows and large eyes, Full of Mercy with a cheerful countenance and a blue speck on his throat. I Worship Him Who is Beloved of His Devotees, Who is Shankara, the Lord of All.

4e.

“Pracannddam Prakrssttam Pragalbham Pare[a-Ii]sham
Akhannddam Ajam Bhaanu-Kotti-Prakaasham
Tryah-Shuula-Nirmuulanam Shuula-Paannim
Bhaje[a-A]ham Bhavaanii-Patim Bhaava-Gamyam”

Meaning: I worship Shankara, Bhavani’s husband. I owe to the fierce, exalted, luminous and the supreme Lord Shiva. Indivisible, unborn and radiant with the glory of a million suns; Who, holding a trident, tears out the root of the three-fold suffering, And who is reached only through Love.

4f.

“Kalaatiita-Kalyaanna Kalpa-Anta-Kaarii
Sadaa Sajjana-[A]ananda-Daataa Pura-Arii
Cid-Aananda-Samdoha Moha-Apahaarii
Prasiida Prasiida Prabho Manmatha-Arii”

Meaning: Salutations to Sri Rudra, Whose Auspicious Nature are Beyond the Elements of the gross material world, and He who Brings an end to the cycle of creation when all gross elements are dissolved. He is the one who always gives to the wise men and is the destroyer of Adharma. By Taking Away the Great Delusion, He plunges the prepared Soul in the Fullness of Cidananda (the Bliss of Brahman or Pure Consciousness). O, the signifying Destroyer of Manmatha; Please be Gracious to me; Please be Gracious to me, O Lord.

4g.

“Na Yaavad Umaa-Naatha-Paada-Aravindam
Bhajanti-Iha Loke Pare Vaa Naraannaam
Na Taavat-Sukham Shaanti Santaapa-Naasham
Prasiida Prabho Sarva-Bhuuta-Adhi-Vaasam”

Meaning: Oh Lord of Uma, so long as you are not worshiped, there is no happiness, peace or freedom from suffering in this world or the next. You who dwell in the hearts of all living beings, and in whom all beings have their existence, Have mercy on me, Lord.

4h.

“Na Jaanaami Yogam Japam Naiva Puujaam
Natoham Sadaa Sarvadaa Shambhu-Tubhyam
Jaraa-Janma-Duhkhau-[A]gha Taatapyamaanam
Prabho Paahi Aapanna-Maam-Iisha Shambho”

Meaning: O my lord, I do Not Know how to perform Yoga, Japa or Puja. I always at All Times only Bow down to You, O Shambhu. Please protect me from the Sorrows of Birth and Old Age, as well as from the sins which lead to Sufferings. Please protect me O Lord from Afflictions; protect me O My Lord Shambhu.

5a.

“Brahma Muraari Surarchita Lingam
Nirmala Bhaashita Sobhitha Lingam
Janmaja Dhukha Vinaasaha Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam”

Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Lingam, which is worshiped by Brahma, Vishnu and other Gods. It is pure and resplendent, and destroys sorrows arising out of birth and death.

5b.

“Devamuni Pravaraarchita Lingam
Kaama Dahana Karunaakara Lingam
Ravana Darpa Vinaasaha Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam”

Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Lingam, which is worshiped by great sages and devas (God). He is the destroyer of Kama, Linga, the compassionate, and which destroyed the pride of Ravana.

5c.

“Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam
Buddhi Vivaardhana Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vandhitha Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam”

Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Lingam, which is well anointed with all fragrances, leads to the growth of wisdom. It is worshiped by sages, devas and asuras (Demons).

5d.

“Kanaga Mahaamani Bhooshitha Lingam
Panipati Veshthitha Sobitha Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinaasana Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam”

Meaning: I salute that Eternal Shiva Lingam, Which is decorated with Gold and other Precious Gems, which is adorned with the Best of the Serpents Wrapped around it, and which destroyed the Grand Sacrifice of Daksha. I Salute that Eternal Shiva Lingam.

5e.

“Kunkuma Chandhana Lehpitha Lingam
Pankaja Haara Susobhitha Lingam
Devaganarchita sevita lingam bhavairbhaktirevacha lingam
Dinakarakoti prabhakara lingam tatpranamami sadasivalingam”

Meaning: I salute that Eternal Shiva Lingam Which is anointed with Saffron and Sandal Paste, which is Beautifully Decorated with Garlands of Lotuses, and which destroys the accumulated Sins. I Salute that Eternal Shiva Lingam.

5f.

“Astadalopari vestithalingam sarvasmudva karanalingam
Astadaridra vinasana lingam tatpranamami sadasivalingam
Suruguru suravara poojita lingam surapushpa sadarchita lingam
Paramapadam paramatmakalingam tatpranamami sadasivalingam”

Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Lingam, Which is enveloped with eight-fold petals, which is the cause of all creation, and which destroys eight types of poverty. I Salute that Eternal Shiva Lingam Which is Worshiped by the Preceptor of Gods and the Best of the Gods, which is Always Worshiped by the Flowers from the Celestial Garden, Which is Superior to the Best and which is the Greatest. I Salute that Eternal Shiva Linga.

5g.

“Lingastakam punyam ya pathecchivasanndhu
sivaloka mavapnoti sivena sahamodithe”

Whoever Recites this Lingasthakam near Shiva, Will Attain the Abode of Shiva and enjoy His Bliss.

View All Our Mantras to Hindu Gods
including English and Sanskrit translations

10 Kali Mantras	15 Saraswati Mantras	4 Ganesha Mantras
6 Murugan Mantras	8 Krishna Mantras	7 Hanuman Mantras
3 Lakshmi Mantras	8 Vishnu Mantras	5 Shiva Mantras

32 Forms of Lord Ganesha

Bronze set of the 32 forms of Ganesh — View our bronze set of the 32 forms of Ganesh

Lord Ganesha is invoked as Vighneswara in the launch of an event or business by majority of the Hindus as he is believed to be the obstacle remover. Lord Ganesha is also considered as the God of auspicious beginnings and bestower of fortune in abundance. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Hindu Goddess Parvati. The Ganesha Purana describes the 32 forms of Lord Ganesha and among them, Mahaganapathi is widely worshiped. The first 16 forms of Ganesha are known by the name “Shodasa Ganapati” and the later ones are known as “Ekavimsathi”. Here, let us have a look at all the 32 forms of Lord Ganesha.

1. Bala Ganapathi: It depicts the child like form of Ganesha and represents earth. The idol of Bala Ganapathi is elephant faced and has four hands holding the fruits of the Earth – Mango, Jackfruit, Banana and Sugarcane in his four hands. His trunk garners His favorite sweet; the modaka. He is believed to save the devotees from sin.

2. Bhakti Ganapati: It is the devotee form of Lord Ganesha. He is portrayed to have four arms holding coconut, Mango, Banana and sweet made of Jaggery (Cup of Payasam).

3. Dhundhi Ganapati: He is known as the sought after Ganapati as he helps his devotees to attain moksha through spiritual studies. He has four hands bearing the japa beads mala, broken tusk, a pot of precious gems and ax.

4. Durga Ganapati: He is the invincible Ganapati paying attribute to Mother Durga and is depicted with 8 arms holding a bow and arrow, goad and noose, prayer beads, a rose apple and his broken tusk.

5. Dvija Ganapati: The word “Dvija” means born twice. It reminds us the story of Lord Shiva beheading Ganesha and resurrecting Him with an elephant’s head. As per Upanayana, Dvija Ganapati is considered equivalent to Lord Brahma. He is represented with four heads and four hands holding palm-leaf inscription, a staff, meditation beads, water pot, noose and goad.

6. Dvimukha Ganapati: It is a unique form of Ganapati with two heads, sees in all directions and in His 4 arms the goad, noose, a pot of gems and his tusk. A jeweled crown graces his head.

7. Ekadanta Ganapati: As the name suggest “single tusked” Ganapati. This form is special as He is having a large belly than in any other form which signifies that all the manifestation of the universe is within him. His hands hold broken tusk, Ladu, japa beads mala, and an axe to cut the bond of ignorance.

8. Ekakshara Ganapati: In this form Ganapati identified with Single Syllable, third eye and crescent moon. The single syllable comes from the seed letter “Gam”, which is a pronominal sound of “OM”. He sits on yogic lotus posture on his vehicle Mooshika. With one hand he grants boons and the others hold pomegranate, elephant goad and noose.

9. Haridra Ganapati: The kumkuma coloured Ganapati and is seated on a posh royal throne with calm face. His tusk holds his favorite sweet modak, his hands wield the noose and goad.

10. Heramba Ganapati: He is the Mother’s beloved son and a rare form in which the Lord appears with five heads and ten hands. He is also known as magnificent Protector of the weak. The Abhya Mudra depicted in his right hand bestows blessing and the main left hand grants wishes. On the other hands holds a noose, japa beads mala (Rudrashaka), a battle axe, a battle hammer, his broken tusk as a weapon, garland, a fruit and his favorite sweet Modaka.

11. Kshipra Ganapati: He is also known as Ganapati who is easy to appease and gives quick reward to the devotees. He is depicted to have a broken tusk and four hands holding a noose, goad and a sprig of the kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling) tree. In His uplifted trunk He holds a tiny pot of precious jewels which is considered as a symbol of the prosperity he can bestow upon followers.

12. Kshipra Prasada Ganapati: As the name suggest Ganapati the quick rewarder. He sits on a Kusha grass throne and his big belly symbolizes the universe. His hands hold broken tusk, the twig of Kalpavriksha, noose, an elephant goad, pomegranate and a white lotus.

13. Lakshmi Ganapati: Commonly known as Ganapati the fortunate. He is depicted to have the Goddess Siddhi (Achievement) and Goddess Budhi (Wisdom) on both thighs. He has 8 hands, gesturing varada mudra, Abhya Mudra and other hands holds green Parrot, a Pomegranate, a sword, a noose, elephant goad, sprig of Kalpavriksha (Wish fulfilling tree) and water vessel. Both his consorts hold white lotus flowers.

14. Maha Ganapati: The great Ganapati is popularly worshipped and seated majestically with one of his shaktis on his knee. He is depicted with three eyes and a crescent moon on his head. He has 10 arms holding tusk, a pomegranate, a sugarcane bow, chakra, noose, a blue lily, a sprig of paddy, a lotus, a mace and ratnakumbha.

15. Nritya Ganapati: It is vibrant form of Ganapati the happy dancer. He has four arms and all the fingers have rings. His hands bear a tusk, goad, noose and modaka, His favorite sweet. It is believed that worshiping Nritya Ganapati will bring proficiency and success for the devotees in fine arts.

16. Rinamochana Ganapati: Ganapati the liberator from debts, grants moksha to His devotees. He has four arms and holds noose, a goad, his broken tusk and his favorite fruit – the rose apple.

17. Sankatahara Ganapati: He is the dispeller of sorrow . He is seated on a lotus and has four arms holding a bowl of pudding, a goad and a noose while gesturing the boon-granting varada mudra. He also has His consort with Him.

18. Shakti Ganapati: As the name suggest it is the powerful form of Lord Ganesha and is a Tantric worship form. He has 4 hands and embraces Shakti Devi seated on his left knee. His right hand is in Abhya Mudra bestows blessing to devotees and the rest hands hold garland, noose and goad.

19. Siddhi Ganapati: It is the accomplished form of Lord Ganesha, where He is in a relaxed form as he masters intellect. He bears in his four hands, a posy of flowers, a mango, a stalk of sugarcane plant with leaves and roots and the battle axe. His trunk curves around a sweet sesame ball.

20. Sinha Ganapati: He is known as the fearless Ganapati and has 8 arms. He is seated on a tiger and displays another lion, a twig from the kalpvriksh, the veena, a lotus flower, a floral bouquet and a pot of gems in his hands. This form symbolizes great courage and strength.

21. Srishti Ganapati: Ganapati in this form is the creator or as the Lord of happy manifestations. He has four hands bearing broken tusk, mango fruit, elephant goad, and noose. He is seated in his favorite Mooshika Vahana. It is believed that He will help his devotees to attain the power of discrimination.

22. Taruna Ganapati: It is the youthful form of Ganesha and is believed that he blesses his devotee with young and beautiful looks. He is depicted as bearing a goad and noose, green paddy, a sugarcane stalk, rose apple and wood apple in His eight hands, which symbolize fertility.

23. Trimukha Ganapati: The three faced Ganapati with 6 arms holding prayer beads, clasp a goad, noose and a pot of nectar. Posture depicts Abhaya mudra on His right hand and varada mudra on His left.

24. Tryakshara Ganapati: Also known as Lord of the three letters (A-U-M). Lord has 3 eyes and 4 hands. He has big floppy ears with fly whisks and hands carries the broken tusk, goad, noose and mango and His trunk often seen grasps modaka.

25. Ucchhishta Ganapati: It means “the lord of blessed offering and the lord of superiority”. The Lord is sitting posture with Shakti Devi on His left thigh. He has 6 hands and the tusk is not curled. His hands hold the veena, a blue lotus, pomegranate, meditation beads and a stalk of paddy.

26. Uddanda Ganapati: He is the enforcer of Dharma and has ten arms well equipped with weapons. His hands bear the blue lily, sugar cane stalk, lotus, mace, noose, paddy, a broken tusk and a garland. He has his consort Sakthi with him.

27. Urdhva Ganapati: It is the elevated Ganapati and is depicted in sitting posture with His consort and has six arms holding single holds sprig of paddy, a lotus, a blue lily, a sugar cane bow, arrow and a mace.

28. Varada Ganapati: Also known as the boon giver Ganapati with 3 eyes, crescent, crown and 4 arms. His hands hold the noose, goad and a pot of honey. He has Devi Shakthi on his side and encloses a pot of jewels in His trunk.

29. Vighna Ganapati: He is also known as the “Lord of Obstacles” as He is the one who removes all the obstacles from the life of His devotees. He has eight arms and His weaponry to fight impediments is the noose, goad, axe, discus and a sharp tusk and the rest of the arms hold flower-tipped arrow, sugarcane and a modak.

30. Vijaya Ganapati: Ganapati the victorious one. He is depicted with seated atop his divine vehicle, Mooshika, the mouse. His four arms bear a broken tusk, noose, goad and a ripe mango.

31. Vira Ganapati: It is the Valiant form of Lord Ganesha and has 16-arms. Lord Ganesh is depicted in the standing posture and strong with a authentic armory of weapons, which include goad, banner, bow and arrow, goblin, discus, sword, shield, large hammer, spear, sword, axe, trident, noose, mace and chakra.It is believed that Vira Ganapati vanquishes both ignorance and evil.

32. Yoga Ganapati: He is a yogic posture with his knees trapped and in complete meditation. His hands hold a stalk of sugar cane, a staff, prayer beads and a noose.

Lord Ganesha is one of the most worshiped deities by Hindus and they believe that he has taken 32 forms to save the devotees from the different issues that may arise in every stages of life. You can find Ganesha in almost all Hindu temples around the world and he is bestowing his devotees with blessings.

Hindu Goddess Brahmacharni, the 2nd of 9 Durgas

Navratri, Hindu Goddess Brahmacharni, durga — The Hindu Goddess Brahmacharni venerated on the 2nd day of the Navaratri prayers. Click on the picture above to view all our statues of the Hindu Goddess Durga.

Brahmacharni is the second phase of nine Durgas. She is venerated on the 2nd day of Navratri. Here “Brahma” means penance. So, Brahmacharini is one who practices penance.

Bramha refers to the meditative aspect of Brahmacharini and is always depicted as pious women or Sannyasin. She is also worshiped as goddess Tara and is associated with the pious form of Hindu Goddess Shakti. She is believed to be that aspect of Mother Goddess Devi, which was present in Sati and Goddess Parvati, when they both did intense austerities to get Lord Shiva as husband.

Brahmacharini is known for knowledge of scriptures, essence and penance. She is depicted with prayer beads in her right hand and Kamandal in left hand.

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