Hayagreeva Aaradhana /HayaGreeva Upasmahey!!

Shravana Pournami is known as Rakhi Pournami / Raksha Bandhan ,Goddess Lakshmi is prayed during this month and Lord HayaGreeva is also worshipped on this Shravana Pournami .

HAYAGREEVA STOTRA

Hayagriva haya means horse and greeva means neck. The horse faced form of Vishnu, is the God of Vidya or knowledge and prosperity according to scriptures. One who prays Hayagriva shall be blessed with all knowledge and wisdom. Legend has it that during the creation, the demons Madhu and Kaitabha stole the Vedas from Bhramha and Vishnu took the Hayagriva form to recover the Vedas from the demons. Another legend has it that during the creation, Vishnu compiled the Vedas in the Hayagriva form and that the Hayagriva Avatara precedes the Matsya Avatara wherein he recovered the stolen Vedas from the demons Madhu and Kaitabha.

Stotram 

Gyaanaanandamayam devam nirmalasphatikaakritimh

Aadhaaram sarvavidyaanaam hayagriivamupaasmahe 1

Svatassiddham shuddhasphatika manibhuubhritpratibhatam

Sudhaasadhriichiibhirdhutibhiravadaatatribhuvanamh 

Anantaistrayyantairanuvihita heshaahalahalam 

Hataasheshaavadyam hayavadanamiidiimahi mahah 2 

Samaahaarassaamnaam pratipadamrichaam dhaama yajushaam

Layah pratyuuhaanaam laharivitatirvedhajaladheh

Kathaadarpakshubhyatkathakakulakolaahalabhavam

Haratvantardhvaantam hayavadana heshaa halahalah 3

Praachii sandhyaa kaachidantarnishaayaah 

Pragyaadrishterajnjanashriirapuurvaa 

Vaktrii vedaanh bhaatu me vaajivaktraa 

Vaagiishaakhyaa vaasudevasya muurtih 4 

Vishuddha vigyaanaghana svaruupam

Vigyaana vishraanana baddhadiikshamh 

Dayaanidhim dehabhritaam sharanyam 

Devam hayagriivamaham prapadye 5 

Apaurusheyairapi vaakprapajnchaih 

Adyaapi te bhuutimadrishtapaaraamh 

Stuvannaham mugdha iti tvayaiva 

Kaarunyato naatha kataakshaniiyah 6 

Daakshinyaramyaa girishasya muurtih 

Devii sarojaasanadharmapatnii 

Vyaasaadayoapi vyapadeshyavaachah

Sphuranti sarve tava shaktileshaih 7

Mandoabhavishyanniyatam virijncho 

Vaachaam nidhe vajnchita bhaagadheyah

Daityaapaniitaanh dayayaiva bhuuyoapi 

Adhyaapayishyo nigamaanh na cheth tvaamh 8

Vitarkadolaam vyavadhuuya satve

Brihaspatim vartayase yatastvamh

Tenaiva deva tridasheshvaraanaamh 

Asprishta dolaayitamaadhiraajyamh 9

Agnou samiddhaarchishi saptatantoh

Aatasthivaanh mantramayam shariiramh

Akhanda saarairhavishaam pradaanaih

Aapyaayanam vyomasadaam vidhatse 10 

Yanmuulamiidrikh pratibhaati tatvam 

Yaa muulamaamnaaya mahaadrumaanaamh

Tatvena jaananti vishuddha satvaah

Tvaamaksharaamaksharamaatrikaam te 11

Avyaakritaadh vyaakrita vaanasi tvam 

Naamaani ruupaani cha yaani puurvamh 

Shamsanti teshaam charamaam pratishtaam

Vaagiishvara tvaam tvadupagyavaachah 12

Mugdhendu nishyanda vilobhaniiyaam

Muurtim tavaananda sudhaa prasuutimh

Vipashchitashchetasi bhaavayante

Velaamudaaraamiva dugdhasindhoh 13

Manogatam pashyati yah sadaa tvaam

Maniishinaam maanasa raajahamsamh

Svayam purobhaava vivaadabhaajah 

Kimkurvate tasya giro yathaarhamh 14 

Api kshanaardham kalayanti ye tvaam

Aaplaavayantam vishadairmayuukhaih

Vaachaam pravaahairanivaaritaiste

Saraswati Jayanti (or) Saraswati Pooja

Saraswati Puja 2012 Date is Saturday 28th of January. This festival is primarily celebrated in Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa.

Saraswati Puja is performed on Vasant Panchami every year. The festival celebration takes place on the fifth day of brighter fortnight of the month of Magha based on the Indian calendar. It is understood that Goddess Saraswati was born on this particular day. On this day the devotees offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati, who symbolizes knowledge as well as learning.

Who is Goddess Saraswati

Goddess Saraswati happens to be the consort of Lord Brahma and is known to be the Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom. She personifies knowledge, science, arts and crafts. She also represents Shakti, inspiration, creativity and presents herself at a time when Nature is in all its splendor and the weather is very pleasant. Her presence is indicative of inspiration as well as passion. In Buddhism Goddess Saraswati is considered as guardian deity that protects and assists Buddhist practitioners and upholds Gautama Buddha’s teachings.

Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. She is dressed in white, which represents purity and rides the white swan.

Legend of Saraswati Puja

Goddess Saraswati is considered to be the Goddess of learning as well as speech. She represents the union of power and intelligence from where organized creation emanates. She possess the knowledge of all the scriptures, Vedas, musical power, dances and poetry. She is the person who has revealed knowledge and learning to mankind.

Goddess Saraswati originates from the Vedic river that has disappeared. This link indicates her sense of fluidity in all walks of life. She is the embodiment of wisdom, intelligence, fortune, brilliance, nourishment, splendor, contentment as well devotion.

The belief held is that Goddess Saraswati endows people with powers of wisdom, speech and learning. She has four hands which represent four aspects of the personality of human beings in learning process, mind, learning, intellect, ego and alertness.

About Goddess Saraswati Picture

Saraswati is the Goddess of leaming, knowledge, and wisdom. The Sanskrit word sara means "essence" and swa means "self." Thus Saraswati means "the essence of the self." Saraswati is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswati symbolizes the creative power of Brahma. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped by all persons interested in knowledge, especially students, teachers, scholars, and scientists.

In Her popular images and pictures, Goddess Saraswati is generally depicted with four arms (some pictures may show only two arms), wearing a white sari and seated on a white lotus. She holds a book and a rosary in Her rear two hands, while the front two hands are engaged in the playing of a lute (veena). Her right leg is shown slightly pushing against Her left leg. She uses a swan as Her vehicle. There is a peacock by Her side gazing at Her. This symbolism illustrates the following spiritual ideas:

• The lotus is a symbol of the Supreme Reality, and a white lotus also denotes supreme knowledge. By sitting on a lotus, Saraswati signifies that She is Herself rooted in the Supreme Reality, and symbolizes supreme knowledge. The white color symbolizes purity and knowledge. The white sari that the Goddess is wearing denotes that She is the embodiment of pure knowledge.
• The four arms denote Her omnipresence and omnipotence. The two front amms indicate Her activity in the physical world and the two back arms signify Her presence in the spiritual world. The four hands represent the four elements of the inner personality. The mind (manas) is represented by the front right hand, the intellect (buddhi) by the front left hand, the conditioned consciousness (chitta) by the rear left hand, and the ego (ahankara) by the rear right hand.
• The left side of the body symbolizes the qualities of the heart and the right side symbolizes activities of the mind and intellect. A book in the rear left hand signifies that knowledge acquired must be used with love and kindness to promote prosperity of mankind.
• The rosary signifies concentration, meditation, and contemplation, leading to samadhi, or union with God. A rosary in the rear right hand representing ego conveys that true knowledge acquired with love and devotion melts the ego and results in liberation (moksha) of the seeker from the bondage to the physical world.
• The Goddess is shown playing a musical instrument that is held in Her front hands, which denote mind and intellect. This symbol conveys that the seeker must tune his mind and intellect in order to live in perfect harmony with the world. Such harmonious living enables the individual to utilize acquired knowledge for the welfare of all mankind.
• Two swans are depicted on the left side of the Goddess. A swan is said to have a sensitive beak that enables it to distinguish pure milk from a mixture of milk and water. A swan, therefore, symbolizes the power of discrimination, or the ability to discriminate between right and wrong or good and bad. Saraswati uses the swan as Her carrier. This indicates that one must acquire and apply knowledge with discrimination for the good of mankind. Knowledge that is dominated by ego can destroy the world.
• A peacock is sitting next to Saraswati and is anxiously waiting to serve as Her vehicle. A peacock depicts unpredictable behavior as its moods can be influenced by the changes in the weather. Saraswati is using a swan as a vehicle and not the peacock. This signifies that one should overcome fear, indecision, and fickleness in order to acquire true knowledge.

Celebration of Saraswati Puja

The arrival of springtime is celebrated. Nature decorates the tree and plants with new blossoms. Families dress up in bright yellow and gather around the idol of Goddess Saraswati and pray that they are blessed with knowledge.

Kites are flown high on this day, making the sky look colorful.

Mantra For Goddess Saraswati

yaa kundendu tushhaar haara dhavalaa
yaa shubhravastraavR^itaa .
yA vINaavarada.nDa ma.nDitakaraa
yaa shvetapadmaasanaa

 

Rituals of Saraswati Puja

Devotees dress up in yellow and gather around the idol to pray for knowledge. Flower as well as wild berries are offered to the Goddess. Students keep their books near her idol and seek her blessings. On that day the students do not do any writing or reading. Then puja is performed with sandalwood, joss sticks, ghee, and incense. Slokas are read and conch shells are blown and drums are beaten. Devotees eat only vegetarian food. Children are initiated into learning by writing the word “Om”.

Some people perform the pitri-tarpan( homage paid to dead ancestors).

Saraswati Puja is an auspicious occasion for those interested in enhancing their knowledge and learning. It is a day for the family to get-together and pray that they are a success in every walk of life.

Guru Paduka Stotram in English & Telugu

Happy Guru Purnima Wishes to all of You!!


On the eve of this great day, I am posting  you all the "Guru Paduka Stotram" below.

Hanuman Jayanthi

Hanumath  Jayanthi is a great day to celebrate  the birthday of Lord Hanuman and get his blessings.Hindu deity of Power and Energy.Lord Hanuman is also worshipped as Anjaneya  Swamy,Hanumanthudu,Maruti and Sri Rama dootha.

It is the day to be believed that Hanuman's Jananam taken place.Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the  birth of Hanuman,the Vanara god,widely venerated throughout India especially in North India.It is celebrated on 15th day of the Shukla Paksha,during the month of Chaitra (the Chaitra Pournimaa).

When is Sri Hanuman Jayanti Observed?

According to North Indian traditiuons,Sri Hanumath Jayanti is celebrated on the Full Moon day or Pournami in the Hindu Lunar month,Chaitra Masam.But some Hindu religious calendars (Panchangas) describe that Lord Hanumath Jayanti is on the Fourteenth day (Chaturdasi) of the Hindu Lunar Month,Ashwin (Aswayuja masam).

Hanuman Jayanthi 2011 date is april 18 (Chaitra Purnima).

In South India,devotees celebrate Lord Sri Hanuman Jayanthi in Vaishaka Masam.They beleive that Lord Hanuman was born on Vasishaka Bahula Dashami.

South Indians Celebrate Lord Hanuman Jayanti 2011 on May 27.

Hanuman is considered to be an avatar (incarnation) of Lord Shiva. Shri Hanuman, a great disciple of Sri Rama, is the symbol of devotion and dedication. Lord Hanumana is a provider of courage, hope, knowledge, intellect and devotion. Hanuman is in the form of Vaanar (monkey). He is usually pictured as a strong monkey holding a gada (mace) which is a sign of bravery and having a picture of Lord Rama on his chest which is a sign of his devotion to Lord Rama. 

Birth of Hanuman

Hanuman was born in the Treta Yuga, to Anjana, a female vanara and Kesari, a strong vanara .That is why he is known as "Kesari Nandan".This birth was planned by the Supreme lord with a perfect idea in the mind. The combination of Vanara and the celestial gave Hanuman strength, divinity and quick wits - his main characteristics. Being Anjana's son, Hanuman is also called Anjaneya, which plainly means "arising from Anjana". 

Hanuman- The Brahmachaari

Hanuman remained a Brahmachaari throughout his life, an unmarried, celibate god. He is especially popular with body-builders, who believe that like him, one need to be celibate in order to have a strong body. Hanuman always treated women in the form of Mother and Sister. There are many incidences in the great epic Ramayana where this fact is proved. 

Lord Hanuman - A Great Disciple

Hanuman has intense love for his Lord Rama which can be considered from this instance. Once Hanuman was asked by Sri Rama, "How do you consider me?". Hanuman said: "Oh Lord, while I identify myself with my body, I am Thy servant. When I consider myself an individual soul, I am Thy part. But when I look upon myself as the spirit, I am one with Thee. This is my firm conviction." 

Hanuman is also known as the Monkey God, who represents strength, valor, wisdom, intellect and sincere devotion. Hanuman is a powerful God who observed celibacy throughout his life.

Lord Anjaneya Swamy - The God of Energy and Determination:

Lord Hanuman is considered as the deity of tremendous power and energy.He crossed the sea and proved the energy of his devotion to his god,Lord Sri Ram to the world .He visited Lanka and made his intention clear by setting fire to whole Lanka.

Lord Hanuman is known for his great determination,as he led the army of Lord Sri Ram to success with utmost dedication.Maruti is the omnipotent God.

When demon Meghnath (Indrajeeth),Ravanasuras son aimed 'Brahmasthra ' (a divine weapon) on Hanuman,he protected himself with chanting "Ram Naam".It shows his utmost devotion.

Lord Maruti - The Symbol of Celebity:

Lord Maruti (Hanuman) is called as Aajanma Brahmachari (eternal celebate).Some religious texts describe that he has a wife called "Suvarchal".But every one remembers him as eternal Celebity.

Legends Of Hanuman

Hanuman ji is considered as the incarnation of Lord Shiva. Shri Hanuman is one of the popular gods of the Hindu religion and is worshipped all over the world. Life of Hanuman is a legend in itself, for his immeasurable love towards his Prabhu Ram. Here, are some stories of Sri Hanuman's life that shows his supreme devotion for Lord Rama.

Hanuman - A Great Disciple of Rama

Hanuman is a supreme devotee of Sri Rama. Many incidents of Hanuman's life acclaim this love. This is one interesting story which confirms the deep love of Hanuman for Lord Rama. Once when Sita ji (Consort of Lord Rama) was applying sindoora (vermillion) to her hair, Hanuman asked her the reason for doing so. She replied that by applying sindoora, she ensured a long life for her husband. The more sindoora she applied, the longer Rama's life would be. The devoted Hanuman then smeared his entire body with sindoora, in an effort to ensure Rama's immortality. 

Hanuman and His Love for Eating

Here is one more interesting story of Hanuman depicting the regard and dedication towards the Lord Rama. Once Sita ji invited Hanuman for a lunch and especially which was cooked by her. Sita ji made many delicacies for the lunch, which was to be attended by Hanuman. Hanuman ji came and started eating the food served to him. He ate the whole food which was made in the kitchen .Sita ji quickly made more delicacies in order to satisfy the hunger of Hanuman. Hanuman ate that too and asked for more. Again, Sita ji cooked some more food and again it got finished in seconds. 

The condition was that nothing was left in the kitchen to cook. Sita ji got tensed and thought to ask lord Rama about the situation. She conveyed the whole scene to Rama. Rama asked Sita ji to give a Tulsi-dal (a leaf of Tulsi) to Hanuman and her problem would be solved. Sita ji did the same and Hanuman's appetite got satisfied. This shows that the words of Lord Rama are inevitable for Hanuman.

Worship of Hanuman

Hanuman is worshipped for his strength, agility and valor. The worship of Hanuman, symbolizes the worship of the Supreme Lord, for acquiring knowledge, physical and mental strength, truthfulness, sincerity, self-sacrifice, modesty, loyalty, and profound devotion to the Lord. Sri Hanuman was blessed by Sri Rama with immortality (chiranjeevi). Every temple of Sri Rama contains an idol of Hanuman. Worship of Hanuman is considered mandatory to complete the worship of Lord Rama. 

Yatra yatra raghunatha kirtanam;

Tatra tatra kritha masthakanjalim;

Bhaspavaari paripurna lochanam;

Maarutim namata raakshasanthakam

On this holy day worship Sri Hanuman. Fast on this day. Read the Hanuman Chalisa. Spend the whole day in the Japa of Ram-Nam. Sri Hanuman will be highly pleased and will bless you with success in all your undertakings.

Mahaa Sampadhalichhu - Manidweepa Varnana - Geyamaalika

This is read by anyone to the Goddess Sri Lalitha .I got this content from my Mother-in-Law .This is actually in Telugu  & I typed it the same  in the English for convenience.

My Mother-in-Law read this and done the Pooja by offering 32 varieties of flowers containing 32 count for each variety of flower.After reading every 4lines ,we notice the number 1,2,........32.Then we should offer 1 flower ,turmeric,Kumkum ,sandal (gandham) & raw rice mixed with turmeric are placed in front of the goddess & continue this way  by reading 32 lines with the 32 varieties of flowers and offering pooja items .Naivedyam or Prasadam is offered only a Sweet Item.

You can do this and complete this way of Pooja in oneday or as you wish Like when you get 3 varieties of Flowers of 32 count for each variety;then do it oneday.Note the number of times you should read and the variety of flowers you need to done still in a book for your rememberance once completed.

Those who can't follow to read by doing the above process,they can simply read it at anytime of the day.My Mother-in-Law shared her book "Manidweepa Varnanamu " to me ,with her help and the Goddess grace I am able to type it in English and want to let to Know others.With this post I can help to those who are trying for the English,as I am the one who searched for this a lot of sites & unable to  get the information.

Hope you all may like it and  Post me if any mistakes found &; Let to know others if you know more anything about this.

Mahasakti Manidweepa Nivaasini

Mullokalaku moola Prakasini

Manidweepamulo Mantraroopini

Mana Manassulalo Koluvaiyundhi              || 1 ||

Sugandha Parimala Pushpaalennoo Velu

Anantha Sundara SuvarnaPoolu

Anchalanchalambagu Manosukhalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                   || 2 ||

Lakshala Lakshala Lavanyaalu

Akshara Lakshala Vaakh Sampadhalu

Lakshala Lakshala Lakshmipathulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                   || 3 ||

Paarijaatha Vana sougandhaalu

Suraadhinaadhula Sathsanghaalu

Gandharvadhula Gaana Swaraalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu

Bhuvaneswaree Samkalpamey Janiyinchey manidweepam

Devadeavula Nivaasamu Adhiyey Kaivalyam                                || 4 ||

Padma raagamulu Suvarnamanulu

Padhiaamadala Podavuna Galavu

Madhura Madhuramagu Chandana Sudhalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                      || 5 ||

Aruvadhinaalugu Kalaamathallulu

Varaalanosagey Padaaru Sakthulu

Parivaaramutho Panchabrahmalu

Manbidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                    || 6 ||

Astasiddhulu Navanava Nidhulu

Astadikkuloo Dikpaalakulu

Srusthikarthalu Suralokaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                    || 7 ||

Koti Sooryulu Prachandakaanthulu

Koti Chandrulu Challani velugulu

Koti Taarakala Velugu Jilugulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu               || Bhuvaneswari ||          || 8 ||

Kanchugodala Praakaaraalu

Raagigodala Chathurasraalu

Yedaamadala Ratnaraasulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                   || 9 ||

Panchaamruthamaya Sarovaraalu

Panchalohamaya Praakaaraalu

Prapanchameyley Prajadhipathulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                    || 10 ||

Indraneelamani Aabharanaalu

Vajrapu Kotalu Vaidooryaalu

Pushyaraagamani Praakaaraalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                     || 11 ||

Sapthakoti Ghana Mantravidhyalu

Sarvasubhaprada Itchhasakthulu

Sree Gayatree Gnanasakthulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu               || Bhuvaneswari ||            || 12 ||

Milamilalaadey Muthyapuraasulu

Tala Tala laadey Chandrakaanthamulu

Vidhyullathalu Marakathamanulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                      || 13 ||

Kubera Indra Varuna Devulu

Subhaalanosagey Agnivaayuvulu

Bhoomi Ganapathi Parivaaramulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                      || 14 ||

Bhakti Gnaana Vairaagya Siddhulu

Panchabhoothamulu Pancha sakthulu

Saptharushulu Navagrahaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                     || 15 ||

Kasthoori Mallika Kundhavanaalu

Soorya Kaanthi Sila mahagrahalu

Aaru Ruthuvulu Chathurvedaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu            || Bhuvaneswari ||               || 16 ||

Manthrinii Dandini Sakthiseynalu

Kaalikaraali Senaapathulu

Muppadhi rendu Mahaasakthulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                     || 17 ||

Suvarna rajitha Sundharagirulu

Ananthadevi Parichaarikalu

Gomeydhikamani Nirmitha Guhalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                     || 18 ||

Sapthasamudramu Lanantha Nidhulu

Yaksha Kinnera Kimpurushaadhulu

Naanaajagamulu Nadheenadhamulu  

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                       || 19 ||

Maanava Maadhava Deva Ganamulu

Kaamadhenuvu Kalpatharuvulu

Srushti SthithiLaya  Kaaranamoorthulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                        || Bhuvaneswari ||   || 20 ||

Koti Prakruthula Soundaryaalu

Sakala Vedamulu Upanishatthulu 

Padhaarurekula Padmasakthulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                     || 21 ||

Divya Phalamulu Divyaasthramulu

Divya Purushulu Dheeramaathalu

Divya Jagamulu Divya Sakthulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                     || 22 ||

Sree Vigneswara Kumaaraswaamulu

Jnanamukti Ekantha  Bhavanamulu

Mani Nirmithamagu Mandapaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                     || 23 ||

Pancha bhoothamulu Yajamaanyaalu

Pravaalasaalam Anekasakthulu

Santhaana Vruksha Samudaayaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                      || 24 ||

 Chinthaamanulu Navaratnaalu

Nooraamadala Vajrapuraasulu

Vasanthavanamulu Garudapachhalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                      || 25 ||

Dhukhamu Teliyani Devi Senalu

Natanaatyaalu sangeethaalu                                

Dhanakanakaalu Purushaardhaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                        || 26 ||

Padhunaalgu Lokaalannitipina

Sarvalokamanu Lokamu Galadhu

Sarvalokamey Ee Manidweepamu

Sarveswarikadi Saaswatha Sthaanam                                                  || 27 ||

Chinthaamanula Mandiramandhu

Panchabrahmala Manchamupina

Mahadevudu Bhuvaneswaritho 

Nivasisthaadu Manidweepamulo                ||Bhuvaneswari ||                || 28 ||

Manigana Kkhachitha Aabharanaalu

Chinthaamani Parameswari Daalchi

Soundaryaniki Soundaryamugaa

Agupaduthundi Manidweepamulo                                                        || 29 ||

Paradevathanu Nithyamu Kolichi

Manasarpimchi Arpimchinacho

Apaaradhanamu Sampadalichhi

Manidweepeswari Deevisthundi  || 2 ||                                                 || 30 ||

Noothana Gruhamulu kattinavaaru

Manidweepa Varnana Thommidisaarlu

Chadivina Chaalu Anthaa Subhamey

Astasampadhala Thulathoogeru          || 2 ||                                          || 31 ||

Sivakavitheswari Sree Chakreswari 

Manidweepa Varnana Chadivinachota

Thista Vesukoni Koorchonunantaa

Koti Subhaalanu Samakoorchakonutakye  || 2 ||                                  || 32 ||

 Bhuvaneswari Samkalpamey Janiyinchey Manidweepam

Devadevula Nivaasamu Adhiyey Kaivalyam                         || Bhuvaneswari ||

Phalasruthi :

"Manidweepam " ani Thalistey Chaalu dharidramu,daridaapunaku raadhani Saasthra pramaanam.Atuvanti Mahaasakthivantamaina Manidweepa Varnananu manasaara Chadivina,ledhaa gaanam chesina,etuvanti sathphalithaalu vasthaayo Swayamgaa anubhavinchi telusukovalasindhey gaani,Varninchutaku Veyipadagalugala  Aadhiseshunaku koodaa Sakthi Chaaladu.Lakshala Lakshala Brahmandamulanu kanureppapaatulo srustinchi layamu cheyagala muppadhirendu mahaa sakthulu parirakshanalo  Ee Samastha viswamulu vunduta valana Muppadhi rendu rakaala  (32 ) poolatho Manidweepavaasiniki archana chesi Pasupu,kumkuma,Gandhaakshathalatho yadhaasakthi Upachaaramulatho sevinchina amoghamayina subhaalanu pondhuthaaru.anthey gaaka Intillapaadhi kutumbasabhyulanthaa tarataraala varaku Asta sampadhalatho Bhakti ,Gnaana,vairaagya,Aayu,Raarogya,aiswaryaalatho tulatooguthoo yogulu,siddhulu,Gnaanulu,Mahaabhaktulu,ayinavaariinta janmalu dharimchi Anthyakaalamuna nivaasulai Mokshadhaamamunu Cheyrudhuru.

Note:

• Click for Telugu
• || Bhuvaneswari || indicates to read the below line

              Bhuvaneswari Samkalpamey Janiyinchey Manidweepam

              Devadevula Nivaasamu Adhiyey Kaivalyam

• || 2 || indicates to read those lines 2times.
• Do not repeat the same flower for offering .
• If you read 4times ,and offer the 4 varieties of flowers with 32 count for each variety;Naivedyam can be prepared 1 or 4 as your wish.
• Banthi Puvvu (Marigold) & Kanakaambaram  ( A saffron coloured Flower ) are avoided for this Pooja.
• If anyone want to buy this book in Telugu,you can get this from India some places like Vijayawada & Tirupati from any book shops near by temples or any other Devotional books selling shops.

Some of the Flower Varieties I came to known for this Pooja are the following.Please note that the same flower may contain different colors and Varieties.For Example;the flower Chamanthi ,in this we can get various colors.You need to search the Variety and it may have different colors.

Soon after coming back to India,I will do this Pooja at my home and I can give the more varieties of Flowers.

MalliPuvvu, Gulabi (Hybrid & ChittiGulabilu ),SannaJaaji,ViraJaaji,Sentu Malli,December Poolu,Chamanthulu,(Red ,White ,Yellow),Lilly

Naivedyams/Prasadams are any variety of sweet items.

 *****NOTE******

Hi Friends,I didn't performed pooja with 32 variety of flowers.So ,I am unable to post it clearly and I am getting mails that they done but friends you are not sharing it to know others.

Only thing I can say is what ever I knows,perform,only I am posting .Few mailed me asking Ashtotaramalika,I didn't found ,if you have let us know.

(RAM MANU)  Your Answer is Here:

Friends who performed this pooja they said me performed in the morning.We need any variety of Flower 32 count.Offer 1 flower after reading 4lines.Like this You finish 1variety flower of 32 count completes.
1flower is offered every sloka (example..virajajulu take plate containing 32,offer to Ammavaru after reading 4lines of sloka till the plate completes).

In this way you finish 1 variety of Flower .

My opinion is 32 variety flowers and we read 32 times if we are doing same day means!!

Hope Ram Manu ,You cleared.Prasadam varieties some people says hot/sweet is Ok.

Maha Shivaratri

Source adapted from Various Internet Resources

Image from Google

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated throughout the country; it is particularly popular in Uttar Pradesh. Maha Shivratri falls on the 14th day of the dark half of 'Margasirsa' (February-March). In 2011,the date is on March 2.The name means "the night of Shiva". The ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva and it is believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati.

On this festival people worship 'Shiva - the Destroyer'. This night marks the night when Lord Shiva danced the 'Tandav'. In Andhra Pradesh, pilgrims throng the Sri Kalahasteshwara Temple at Kalahasti and the Bharamarambha Malikarjunaswamy Temple at Srisailam.

About The Lord

Shiva - the word meaning auspicious - is one of the Hindu Trinity, comprising of Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu, the preserver and Lord Shiva or Mahesh, the Destroyer and Re-Producer of life. Shiva is known by many names like "Shankar", "Mahesh", "Bholenath", "Neelakanth", "Shambhu Kailasheshwar", "Umanath", "Nataraj" and others.

For few people, Shiva is "Paramatman", "Brahman", the Absolute, but many more prefer to see Shiva as a personal God given to compassion for his worshippers, and the dispenser of both spiritual and material blessings. Related to the Absolute concept is Shiva as "Yoganath" meaning the Lord of Yoga, wherein he becomes teacher, path and goal. As such he is the "Adi Guru" or the Highest Guru of 'Sannyasins' who have renounced the world to attain the Absolute.

He is the most sought-after deity amongst the Hindus and they pray to him as the god of immense large-heartedness who they believe grants all their wishes. Around him are weaved many interesting stories that reveal His magnanimous heart. Not only this, but these stories and legends also enrich the Indian culture and art.

Time is invisible and formless. Therefore Mahakal Shiva, as per the Vedas, manifested himself as "LINGUM" to make mankind aware of the presence of Eternal Time. That day when Shiva manifested himself in the form of "Lingum" was the fourth day of the dark night in the month of 'Magha' i.e. February-March. Maha Shivratri continues to be celebrated forever and ever.

The Story Of King Chitrabhanu

In the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, Bhishma, whilst resting on the bed of arrows and discoursing on Dharma, refers to the observance of Maha Shivaratri by King Chitrabhanu. The story goes as follows - Once upon a time King Chitrabhanu of the Ikshvaku dynasty, who ruled over the whole of Jambudvipa, was observing a fast with his wife, it being the day of Maha Shivaratri. The sage Ashtavakra came on a visit to the court of the king.

The sage asked the king the purpose of his observing the fast. King Chitrabhanu explained that he had the gift of remembering the incidents of his previous birth.

The king said to the sage that in his previous he was a hunter in Varanasi and his name was Suswara. His only livelihood was to kill and sell birds and animals. One day while roaming through forests in search of animals he was overtaken by the darkness of night. Unable to return home, he climbed a tree for shelter. It happened to be a Bael tree. He had shot a deer that day but had no time to take it home. So he bundled it up and tied it to a branch on the tree. As hunger and thirst tormented him, he was kept awake throughout the night. He shed profuse tears when he thought of his poor wife and children who were starving and anxiously waiting for his return. To pass away the time that night he engaged himself in plucking the Bael leaves and dropping them down onto the ground.

The next day he returned home and sold the deer and then bought some food for himself and his family. The moment he was about to break his fast a stranger came to him, begging for food. He served the food first to stranger and then had his own.

At the time of his death, he saw two messengers of Lord Shiva. They were sent down to conduct his soul to the abode of Lord Shiva. He learnt then for the first time of the great merit he had earned by the unconscious worship of Lord Shiva during the night of Shivaratri. The messengers told him that there was a Lingam at the bottom of the tree. The leaves I dropped fell on the Lingam. His tears, which had shed out of pure sorrow for his family, fell onto the Lingam and washed it and he had fasted all day and all night. Thus, he unconsciously worshiped the Lord.

As the conclusion of the tale the King said that he lived in the abode of the Lord and enjoyed divine bliss for long ages and now he has reborn as Chitrabhanu.

Legends of Mahashivaratri

There are various interesting legends related to the festival of Maha Shivaratri. According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Some believe that it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’, the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction. Another popular Shivratri legend stated in Linga Purana states that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Hence the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by Shiva devotees and they celebrate it as Mahashivaratri - the grand night of Shiva.

Legend of Shiva Linga

The legend of Shiva Linga or Lingodbhavamurthy is deeply related to Mahashivaratri. The legend narrates the story of vain search by Brahma and Vishnu to discover the Aadi (beginning) and the Antha (end) of Lord Shiva. The legend thus proves the supremacy of Lord Mahadeva over other Hindu Gods and explains why the lingam is believed to be one of the most potent emblems in Hindu ideals. The story is stated in the three of the puranas - the Kurma Purana, the Vayu Purana and Shiva Purana

The Legend

According to Puranas, once the other two of the triads of Hindu Gods, Brahma and Vishnu were fighting over each other’s prowess. Horrified at the intensity of the battle, the other gods asked Shiva to intervene. To make them realize the futility of their fight, Lord Shiva assumed the form of a flaming Linga in between Brahma and Vishnu and challenged both of them by asking them to measure the gigantic Linga (phallic symbol of Lord Shiva).

Awestruck by its magnitude, Brahma and Vishnu decided to find one end each to establish supremacy over the other. Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and went upwards while Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Varaha - a boar and went into the earth towards nether land. Both searched for thousands of miles but neither could find the end.

On his journey upward, Brahma came across Ketaki flower. Exhausted and bewildered with his search to find the uppermost limit of fiery column, Brahma made Ketaki assent to lie that he had seen the top of the column where the flower had previously resided. Accompanied by his accomplice, Brahma confronted Vishnu and asserted that he had indeed discovered the origin of the cosmic column.

At this point, the central part of the pillar split open and Shiva revealed himself in his full glory. Overawed, both Brahma and Vishnu bowed before him accepted lord Shiva’s supremacy. Lord Shiva also explained to Brahma and Vishnu that both of them were born out of him and that the three were then separated out into three different aspects of divinity.

However, Lord Shiva was angry with Brahma for making a false claim. The Lord cursed Brahma that no one would ever pray to him. (This legend explains why there is hardly any Brahma temple of significance in India.) Lord Shiva also punished the Ketaki flower for testifying falsely and banned her from being used as an offering for any worship.

Since it was on the 14th day in the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna that Shiva first manifested himself in the form of a Linga, the day is extremely auspicious and is celebrated as Mahashivaratri - the grand night of Shiva. To celebrate the occasion, devotees of Lord Shiva fast during the day and pray to the Lord throughout the night. It is said that worshipping of Lord Shiva on Shivaratri bestows one with happiness and prosperity.

Marriage of Shiva and Shakti

The legend of marriage of Shiva and Shakti is one the most important legends related to the festival of Mahashivaratri. The story tells us how Lord Shiva got married a second time to Shakti, his divine consort. According to legend of Shiva and Shakti, the day Lord Shiva got married to Parvati is celebrated as Shivaratri - the Night of Lord Shiva.

The Legend

Legend goes that once Lord Shiva and his wife Sati or Shakti were returning from sage Agastya’s ashram after listening to Ram Katha or story of Ram. On their way through a forest, Shiva saw Lord Rama searching for his wife Sita who had been kidnapped by Ravana, the King of Lanka. Lord Shiva bowed his head in reverence to Lord Rama. Sati was surprised by Lord Shiva’s behavior and inquired why he was paying obeisance to a mere mortal. Shiva informed Sati that Rama was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Sati, however, was not satisfied with the reply and Lord asked her to go and verify the truth for herself.

Using her power to change forms, Sati took the form of Sita appeared before Rama. Lord Rama immediately recognized the true identity of the Goddess and asked, "Devi, why are you alone, where's Shiva?" At this, Sati realized the truth about Lord Ram. But, Sita was like a mother to Lord Shiva and since Sati took the form of Sita her status had changed. From that time, Shiva detached himself from her as a wife. Sati was sad with the change of attitude of Lord Shiva but she stayed on at Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.

Later, Sati’s father Daksha organised a yagna, but did not invite Sati or Shiva as he had an altercation with Shiva in the court of Brahma. But, Sati who wanted to attend the Yagna, went even though Lord Shiva did not appreciate the idea. To hre great anguish, Daksha ignored her presence and did not even offer Prasad for Shiva. Sati felt humiliated and was struck with profound grief. She jumped into the yagna fire and immolated herself.

Lord Shiva became extremely furious when he heard the news of Sati’s immolation. Carrying the body of Sati, Shiva began to perform Rudra Tandava or the dance of destruction and wiped out the kingdom of Daksha. Everybody was terrified as Shiva’s Tandava had the power to destroy the entire universe. In order to calm Lord Shiva, Vishnu severed Sati's body into 12 pieces and threw them on earth. It is said that wherever the pieces of Shakti’s body fell, there emerged a Shakti Peetha, including the Kamaroopa Kamakhya in Assam and the Vindhyavasini in UP.

Lord Siva was now alone undertook rigorous penance and retired to the Himalayas. Sati took a re-birth as Parvati in the family of God Himalaya. She performed penance to break Shiva’s meditation and win his attention. It is said that Parvati, who found it hard to break Shiva’s meditation seeked help of Kamadeva - the God of Love and Passion. Kaamadeva asked Parvati to dance in front of Shiva. When Parvati danced, Kaamadeva shot his arrow of passion at Shiva breaking his penance. Shiva became extremely infuriated and opening his third eye that reduced Kaamadeva to ashes. It was only after Kamadeva’s wife Rati’s pleading that Lord Shiva agreed to revive Kaamadeva.

Later, Parvati undertook severe penance to win over Shiva. Through her devotion and persuasion by sages devas, Parvati, also known as Uma, was finally able to lure Shiva into marriage and away from asceticism. Their marriage was solemnized a day before Amavasya in the month of Phalgun. This day of union of God Shiva and Parvati is celebrated as Mahashivratri every year.

Another Version of the Legend

According to another version of the legend, Goddess Parvati performed tapas and prayers on the auspicious moonless night of Shivaratri to ward off any evil that may befall her husband. Since then, womenfolk began the custom of praying for the well being of their husbands and sons on Shivaratri day. Unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal husband.

Lord Shiva's Assurance

The legend of Lord Shiva’s assurance explains the popularity of Shivaratri festival amongst the devotees. Besides, it also tells us why we observe fast in the name of the Lord and perform ceremonial baths on a Shivaratri day.

The Legend

Story goes that after creation was complete, Lord Shiva began to live on top of the mount Kailash with his consort Parvati. One day, Goddess Parvati asked Shiva that his devotees perform many rituals to please the Lord, but which one pleases him most. To this, Lord Shiva replied that the 14th night of the new moon, during the month of Phalgun is his favorite day. The day is celebrated as Shivaratri. On this day, devotees observe strict spiritual discipline and worship Shiva in four different forms during each of the four successive three-hour periods of the night. Lord further said that the devotees offer him bel leaves on the day and that those leaves were precious to him than the precious jewels and flowers. Explaining the right way of worshipping to Shiva, the Lord said, devotees should bathe me in the milk during the first period, in curd at the second, in clarified butter in the third and in honey in the fourth and the last period. Lord Shiva further added that next morning devotees must feed the Brahmins first and, only after following the prescribed ritual must he break the fast. Shiva further told Parvati that rituals of Shivaratri could not be compared with any other.

Goddess Parvati became deeply impressed with Lord Shiva’s speech and she narrated it to her friends. Through them the word spread all over the creation. Hence, Shiva devotees began to celebrate Shivaratri by fasting and by performing the ceremonial baths and making an offering of bael leaves.

Shivaratri Rituals

Devotees of Lord Shiva observe the Shivaratri Festival by following the prescribed rituals with sincerity and devotion. All through the day, devotees abstain from eating food and break their fast only the next morning, after the nightlong worship. Ritual baths of Shivalinga in the numerous Shiva temples by Shiva worshipper, mainly women, is another significant feature of Shivratri customs and traditions. Devotees strongly believe that ritual worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri absolves them of past sins and they are blessed with Moksha.

Rituals Observed on a Shivaratri Morning

As a tradition devotees wake up early in the morning of the Mahashivratri day and take a ritual sunrise bath, preferably in the holy waters of river Ganga. They also offer prayers to the Sun God, Vishnu and Shiva as a part of a purification rite observed on all-important Hindu festivals. After wearing fresh new clothes devotees visit the nearest Shiva Temple to give the customary bath to the Shivalinga.

On a Shivratri day, Shiva temples are thronged by devotees, mainly women, who come to perform the traditional Shivalinga pooja and seek blessings from the god. At times there is so much rush in the temples that devotees have to wait for their turn to observe pooja. At their turn for worship, devotees circumambulate the Shivalinga, three or seven times, and then pour water over it. Some also pour milk. Sounds of bell and shouts of ‘Shankarji ki Jai’ or (Hail Shiva) reverberate in the temple premises.

Ritual Bath of Shivalinga

Following the rituals prescribed in the Shiva Purana, every three hours, Shivalingam is given a special bath with milk, yoghurt, honey, sandalwood paste and rose water. Puja, meditation and chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ accompany the ritual bath. Following the bath, vermilion paste is applied on the linga. Traditionally, leaves of a forest tree Aegle marmelos (bilwa, maredu, wood apple) are used for Shiva puja. Thereafter, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves, is kept on top of the Shivalinga. Ber or jujube fruit is a special offering to the god on this day. Beetle leaves are also offered by some. Some also offer bilwa leaves in the belief that the Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. Others believe it is offered for its cooling effects on the hot-tempered deity. Many devotees also decorate the linga with flowers and garlands and offer incense sticks and fruit.

Significance of Puja Items

• According to the Shiva Purana, there is a special significance of the six essential puja items used in the Shiva worship.
• Bathing of Shivalinga with water, milk and honey and wood apple or bel leaves added to it, represents purification of the soul.
• The vermilion paste applied on the linga after the ritual bath represents virtue.
• Offering of fruits symbolizes longevity and gratification of desires.
• Burning of incense sticks yields wealth.
• The lighting of the lamp symbolizes attainment of knowledge.
• Offering of betel leaves marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures.

All-Night Shiva Worship

Worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the night on Shivaratri Festival. Devotees stay awake all night and spend the night in Shiva temples in worship of Lord Shiva. Singing of hymns and verses in praise and devotion of Lord Shiva besides the intense chanting of Om Namah Shivay, the mantra that is said free people from all their sins, continue through the night on Shivaratri.

Special worship of Shiva by priests continues through the nightlong prayer vigil. During this ritual worship, Lord Shiva is offered special food made from the fruits of the season, root vegetables and coconuts. Those observing the Shivaratri Fast break their fast the next morning by consuming the prasad offered to Shiva.

Shivaratri Pooja

Shivaratri Pooja has been given tremendous significance in Hindu mythology. It is said that ritual worship of Lord Shiva on a Shivaratri day pleases Lord Shiva the most. Devotees further believe that by pleasing Lord Shankara on the auspicious Shivaratri day, a person is absolved of past sins and is blessed with Moksha or salvation.

Merits of Shivaratri Puja

According to Shiva Purana, sincere worship of Lord Shiva yields merits including spiritual growth for the devotees. It also provides extensive details on the right way to perform Shivratri Puja.

Shiva Purana further says that performing abhisheka of Shiva Linga with six different dravyas including milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water while chanting Sri Rudram, Chamakam and Dasa Shanthi pleases Lord Shiva the most. According to the mythology, each of these dravya used in the abhisheka blesses a unique quality:

• Milk is for the blessing of purity and piousness.
• Yogurt is for prosperity and progeny.
• Honey is for sweet speech.
• Ghee is for victory.
• Sugar is for happiness.
• Water is for purity.

Besides, worship of Lord Shiva on Shivratri is also considered to be extremely beneficial for women. While, married women pray to Shiva for the well being of their husbands and sons, unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal husband.

Getting Ready for Shivratri Puja

To perform the worship of Lord Shiva on Shivratri, devotees wake up early and take a ritual bath, preferably in the holy waters of river Ganga. This is followed by worship to Sun God, Vishnu and Shiva in accordance with the purification rite observed on all-important Hindu festivals. Devotees then wear fresh new clothes and pay a visit to the nearest Shiva temple. As a tradition, devotees observe a fast on a Shivaratri day. Some do not consume even a drop of water.

Performing Maha Shivaratri Pooja

Following the method prescribed in Shiva Purana, priests perform ritual puja of Shiva Linga every three hours all through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival. During this pooja, chants of Om Namah Shivaya and sounds of bells reverberate in the temple. Following the bath with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water that helps in the purification of the soul a vermilion paste is applied on the Linga as it represents virtue. These six items form an indispensable part of Shivaratri, be it a simple ceremony at home or grand temple worship

After this, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves, is kept on top of the Shivalinga to cool the hot-tempered deity. Ber or jujube fruit is also offered to Lord Shiva, as it is symbolic of longevity and gratification of desires. Some devotees also offer the auspicious betel leaves to Lord Shiva marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures. Garlanding of Linga with flowers and garlands is also a part of the ritual Shivaratri Puja. Devotees also burn incense sticks as is said to yield wealth. Many also light lamps to symbolize attainment of knowledge. It is said that by offering water, hugging the Linga, lighting the diya and incense and ringing the temple bells, devotees call into focus all their senses, making them acutely aware of themselves and the universe to which they belong.

This ritual worship of Lord Shiva continues through the day and night of Shivaratri. Devotees stay awake and spent the night in Shiva temples by chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and singing hymns and verses in praise of Lord Shankar. Devotees observing vrat on Shivaratri break it only the next morning by partaking prasad offered to Lord Shiva

Significance of Shivratri

Festival of Mahashivaratri is the most important festival for the millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. The festival has been accorded lot of significance in Hindu mythology. It says that a devotee who performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivratri is absolved of sins and attains moksha.

Significance of Shivaratri in Hinduism

Festival of Mahashivaratri has tremendous significance in Hinduism. According to sacred scriptures, ritual worship of Lord Shiva on Shivratri festival that falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun pleases Lord Shiva the most. This fact is said to have been declared by Lord Shiva himself, when his consort Parvati asked him as to which ritual performed by his devotees pleases him the most.

Even till date, devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of Shivratri with care and devotion. They observe day and nigh fast and give sacred bath to Shiva Linga with honey, milk, water etc. Hindus consider it extremely auspicious to worship Lord Shiva on a Shivaratri as it is believed that worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. The devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shanker and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains moksha or salvation.

Significance of Shivaratri for Women

Mahashivratri Festival is also considered to be an extremely significant festival by women. Married and unmarried women observe fast and perform Shiva Puja with sincerity to appease Goddess Parvati who is also regarded as ‘Gaura’ - one who bestows marital bliss and long and prosperous married life. Unmarried women also pray for a husband like Lord Shiva who is regarded as the ideal husband.

The Festivity

People observe a strict fast on this day. Some devotees do not even take a drop of water and they keep vigil all night. The Shiva Lingam is worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting of the Mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" continues. Offerings of Bael leaves are made to the Lingam as Bael leaves are considered very sacred and it is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in them.

Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, such as the "Shiva Mahimna Stotra" of Pushpadanta or Ravana's "Shiva Tandava Stotra" are sung with great fervour and devotion. People repeat the 'Panchakshara' Mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya". He, who utters the names of Shiva during Shivratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths. Many pilgrims flock to the places where there are Shiva temples.

Prabhalu

'Prabhalu' - a specially decorated arches with Lord Siva's replicas with bamboo sticks and new clothes wil be taken in huge procession.Before the Festival begins,people will being very busy in making these Prabhalu in different models,heights and special decorations.

The 'Prabhalu' fete is on the lines of the one held at Kotappakonda in Guntur district.People carry to this place from the near by villages.This is celebrated in a grandway with the participation of thousands of people from every nook and corner of the Village.The main attraction is the height of the Prabhalu .One should not miss to witness the way the procession is taken out.Lakhs of rupees worth crackers would be fired by the large number of devotees.Dance troops and songs are also held.

In the villages,Prabhalu is the main procession and they start by seeing the good periodwith all other prabhas together.We can also find electric Prabhalu too.A person sitting in the vehicle announces the name of the street to which the Prabha belongs.When the Prabhalu starts coming from the street crossing the houses .People & Women gets ready with the water & starts to pour a water contained in a metal vase of a large sized neck .After this they break the coconut & reverse the pot and light the camphor.Like this all the devotees will be doing.

During Prabhalu Uregimpu festival,Prabhalu crosses through agricultural fields,coconut fields.While crossing agricultural fields devotees bring prabhalu crossing the ditches,Thorn bunches (Mulla Kanchelu)etc.from different villages.Devotees don't care the heavy weight carrying prabhalu,people believe that all the persons would not get a chance to carry prabhalu,people shouild do punyam to carry those prabhalu.

While crossing the agricultural fields even the vilagers would not face any problem if their fields gets spoiled (While crossing the prabhalu).A part from that people believe that they would get Golden Crop (Bangaru Panta even if their fields gets spoiled).People with their families comes to se this Prabhalu festival by travelling in bullock carts (Goodu bandlu).

All the devotees reach the temple by carrying from villages and street on the whole night.The night is filled with Prabhalu procession.

Now-a-days ,people do fasting and break the fast in the evening by performing pooja and having little breakfast and vigil the night by seeing the Devotional Movies telecasted in the Television.

Note:

• Listen to the Shiva Mahimna Stotram Part -1 ,2 & 3
• Shiva Tandava Stotram
• Shiva Panchakshara Stotram

On this auspicious Occasion,I wish  you all of my followers ,Friends ,Family members ,Blog readers and each & every one with a "Happy Maha Shivaratri"