PIN/PIN2/PUK/PUK2 CODES

Your phone is equipped with one or more codes to protect it against unauthorized use.

The PIN and PUK codes actually protect the SIM card. The SIM card is the small card inside your phone that establishes the network connection. In almost all cases, your operator or service provider is the best source of assistance with PIN and PUK codes.

* The most common code is the PIN code, which you set yourself and can activate and inactivate by following the instructions in your user guide.

* The PIN2 code is a PIN code that acts as a second layer of protection for certain features of your phone. It functions in the same way as the PIN code.

* If the PIN code is entered incorrectly multiple times, your phone may request a PUK (Personal Unblocking Key) code. The PUK code is an 8-digit code provided by your operator or service provider.

* If the PIN2 code is entered incorrectly multiple times, your phone may request a PUK2 code.

Please contact your operator or service provider for assistance with your PIN and/or PUK codes. If you have already contacted your service provider and the code provided did not work, you will have to obtain a new SIM card from your operator or service provider.

RUNA VIMOCHANA NRUSIMHA STHOTHRAM

Runa Vimochana Sri Nrusimha Stothram - An Astro Remedy (ఋణవిమోచన శ్రీ నృసింహస్తోత్రమ్)
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!



(Nava Naarasimha at Ahobilam)

Vaisakha sukla Chaturdasi is the day Lord Sri Maha Vishnu got manifested as Lord Narasimha during Pradosha time in the constellation of Swathi in Krutha Yuga and killed the demon Hiranyakasipa. This day is celebrated as Sri Nrusimha Jayanthi. Worshipping Lord Narasimha is considered to be an effective remedy for astrological related problems especially Mars and Saturn related. Mars is considered to be the Paramatma Amsa of Nrusimhaavathara. For those born under the constellation of Mrigasira, Chitta and Dhanista whose star Lord is Mars, and Swathi whose star Lord is Rahu, regular worship of Lord Narasimha will be very useful. In general for Navagraha Doshas, Apamrityu dosha, sufferings from ill health, debts, enemies, problems of evil spirits, accidents, sudden aberrations and obstacles in life etc. worship of Lord Narasimha is a suggested remedy. It will also be very useful and effective while undergoing the periods of Sade Sath, Astama Sani, and Ardhastama Sani (all related to Saturn) in the Gochaara.

Some of the very effective prayers of Lord Narasimha are Sri Narasimha Nakha Stuthi composed by the great Saint, Philosopher and founder of Dvaita Philosophy, Sri Madhvacharya himself and Runa Vimochana Sri Nrusimha Stothram an extract from Sri Nrusimha Purana. Others in the list are Nrusimha Mantra Rajam, Nava Narasimha Mantram, Prahlada Virachita Narasimha Kavacham, Sri Nrusimha Panchamrutha Sthothram (by Lord Sri Rama), Sri Mantrarajapada Sthothram (by Lord Shiva), Sri Narasimha Sthuthi (by Sri Narayana Panditacharya), Sanaischara Virachita Sri Nrusimha Kavacham, Sri Nrusimha Karavalamba Sthothram composed by Sri Aadi Sankaracharya etc.



Runa Vimochana Sri Nrusimha Stothram

Devata karya sidhyartham sabhasthambha samudbhavam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye!!

Lakshmyaalingitha vamangam bhakthanaam varadayakam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye!!

Aantramaladharam, sankhachakrabjaaayudha dhaarinam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Smaranath sarvapapagnam khadruja vishanasanam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Simhanadena mahatha digdhanthi bhayanasanam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Prahlada varadam Srisam daithyeswaravidharanam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Krooragrahaih peedithanam bhakthanamabhaya pradham!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Vedavedanthayajnesam BrahmaRudradhivandhitham!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Ya idham patathe nithyam runamochana samjnitham
Anruni jaayathe sadhyo, dhanam seegramavapnuyath


ಋಣ ವಿಮೋಚನ ಶ್ರೀ ನೃಸಿಂಹ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಮ್

ದೇವತಾ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಸಿಧ್ಯರ್ಥಂ ಸಭಾಸ್ಥಂಭ ಸಮುಧ್ಭವಂ
ಶ್ರೀ ನೃಸಿಂಹಂ ಮಹಾವೀರಂ ನಮಾಮಿ ಋಣಮುಕ್ತಯೇ - ೧

ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮ್ಯಾಲಿಂಗಿತ ವಾಮಾಂಗಂ ಭಕ್ತಾನಾಂ ವರದಾಯಕಂ
ಶ್ರೀ ನೃಸಿಂಹಂ ಮಹಾವೀರಂ ನಮಾಮಿ ಋಣಮುಕ್ತಯೇ - ೨

ಆಂತ್ರಮಾಲಾಧರಂ ಶಂಖಚಕ್ರಾಬ್ಜಾಯುಧ ಧಾರಿಣಂ
ಶ್ರೀ ನೃಸಿಂಹಂ ಮಹಾವೀರಂ ನಮಾಮಿ ಋಣಮುಕ್ತಯೇ -೩

ಸ್ಮರಣಾತ್ ಸರ್ವಪಾಪಘ್ನಮ್ ಕದ್ರೂಜವಿಷನಾಶನಮ್
ಶ್ರೀ ನೃಸಿಂಹಂ ಮಹಾವೀರಂ ನಮಾಮಿ ಋಣಮುಕ್ತಯೇ- ೪

ಸಿಂಹನಾದೇನ ಮಹತಾ ದಿಗ್ದನ್ತಿ ಭಯನಾಶನಂ
ಶ್ರೀ ನೃಸಿಂಹಂ ಮಹಾವೀರಂ ನಮಾಮಿ ಋಣಮುಕ್ತಯೇ- ೫

ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದ ವರದಂ ಶ್ರೀಶಂ ದೈತ್ಯೇಶ್ವರವಿದಾರಿಣಮ್
ಶ್ರೀ ನೃಸಿಂಹಂ ಮಹಾವೀರಂ ನಮಾಮಿ ಋಣಮುಕ್ತಯೇ- ೬

ಕ್ರೂರಗ್ರಹೈ: ಪೀಡಿತಾನಾಮ್ ಭಕ್ತಾನಾಮ್ ಅಭಯಪ್ರದಂ
ಶ್ರೀ ನೃಸಿಂಹಂ ಮಹಾವೀರಂ ನಮಾಮಿ ಋಣಮುಕ್ತಯೇ- ೭

ವೇದವೇದಾಂತ ಯಜ್ಞೆಶಮ್ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮರುದ್ರಾದಿವಂದಿತಮ್
ಶ್ರೀ ನೃಸಿಂಹಂ ಮಹಾವೀರಂ ನಮಾಮಿ ಋಣಮುಕ್ತಯೇ- ೮

ಯ ಇದಂ ಪಠತೇ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಋಣಮೋಚನ ಸಂಜ್ಞಿತಮ್
ಅನೃಣೀ ಜಾಯತೇ ಸದ್ಯೊಧನಂ ಶೀಘ್ರಮವಾಪ್ನುಯತ್ - ೯

ಇತಿ ಶ್ರೀ ನೃಸಿಂಹಪುರಾಣೋಕ್ತಮ್
ಋಣಮೋಚನಸ್ತೊತ್ರಮ್ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣಮ್

ಶ್ರೀಕೃಷ್ಣಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು

It is believed that Runa Vimochana Sri Nrusimha Stothram is a very powerful prayer that is said to give speedy relief from debts and other financial crisis. This prayer will be very effective when it is chanted during Pradosha time. It is a time tested remedy and will work as an antidote for all types of sufferings as mentioned above. Irrespective of the caste and creed people strongly believe and have faith in Lord Narasimha as a source of instant remedy for many day to day problems. Lord Narasimha bestows health, education, wealth, prosperity, and relieves his devotees from all types of debts (Rinas). One only should have faith in Lord Narasimha and surrender to Him totally, who protects His devotes from internal as well as external enemies and also to overcome the weakness of ignorance.

VINAAYAKA CHAVITHI

Sri Ganesha Chaturthi - Vinayaka Vratha Kalpam (Checklist)
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!


Use Eco-friendly idols

Sri Ganesha Chaturthi
(Vinayaka Vratha Kalpam – Checklist)
Bhadrapada Sukla Chaturthi (4th day of the bright fortnight) that generally occurs in the month of August-September is celebrated as Sri Ganesha Chaturthi festival. On this day people from all walks of life in Hindu religion specially worship Lord Ganesha. Following sequence is generally followed while performing Sri Ganesha Pooja on the day of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi. It may vary as per one’s sampradaya and changes may be made in sequence, addition or deletion wherever applicable. Details of this schedule are generally available from the market in the form of books or CD/Cassettes. Just for ready reference the process flow is being provided.


SLOKAS ON LORD GANESHA
Ganaanaam Tva GanapathiGam Havaamahe
Kavim KaveenaamUpamasraVastamam
JyeshtaRaajam Brahmanaam Brahmanaspatha
Aanah shrunvannoothibhih Seeda Saadanam

ShuklaambaraDharam Vishnum
ShashiVarnam ChaturBhujam
PrasannaVadanam Dhyaayet
Sarva Vighnopashaanthaye

Vakratunda Mahakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam KuruMey Deva SarvaKaaryeshu Sarvada

Agajaanana Padmaarkam GajaananaMaharnisham
Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam EkadantamUpaasmahey

Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam
Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam
Umaasutam Shoka VinaashaKaaranam
Namaami Vighneswara PaadaPankajam

Ganesha Shodasa Nama Sthothram

Sumukhaschai Ekadanthascha Kapilo Gajakarnakah
Lambodarascha Vikato Vighnaraajo Ganaadhipah
DhoomaketurGanaadhyakshah Phaalachandro Gajaananah
Vakratunda Soorpakarno Heyrambha Skandapoorvajah
Shodashaitaani Naamaani Yah PatethSrunuyaadapi
Vidyaarambhe Vivahe Cha Praveshey Nirgamey Tatah
Sangraamey Sarva Kaaryeshu VighnasTasya Na Jaayathe

Ganesha Gayathri

Tatpurushaaya Vidmahee
Vakratundaaya Dheemahe
Tanno Dantih Prachodayaat

Ekadantaaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaaya Dheemahee
Tannoh Dantih Prachodayaat\
Sri Ganesha Chaturthi - Customs and Traditions
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

Customs and traditions of
Sri Ganesha Chaturthi festival
Before performing pooja to the idol, pooja is performed to Haridra Ganapathi (made from turmeric powder)

The idol (pratima) of Ganapathi brought for pooja should preferably be made with natural clay and should not be defective with cracks and should have all the features.

Main idol for pooja is installed on an elevated structure (mantapa) or on a wooden platform by drawing a Swastik or Ashtadala Padma symbol with rice.

Ekavimshati Pathra pooja with 21 different varieties of plant leaves and Garike (Durva Grass) is unique in Ganesha pooja.

On the previous day of Ganesha Chaturthi festival, people perform Swarna Gouri Vratha worshipping Goddess Parvathi Devi the Divine mother of Lord Ganesha. Some times both the festivals fall on the same day. Gowri Devi’s idol is also kept by the side of Lord Ganesha during the festival. This we observe generally in Maharastra and Karnataka states.

Succeeding day of Ganesha Chaturthi is known as Rishi Panchami (Bhadrapada Sukla Panchami) a Vratha (austerity) exclusively meant to be observed by women who worship Saptha Rishis on this day.

Towards offerings (Naivedya) we find people presenting Lord Ganesha with unique sweet dishes viz. Modaka (prepared from wheat flour and jaggery) that generally is fried in oil or steam cooked. Apart from this an item called Undraallu (small sweet balls) is also offered. These items are offered in 21 numbers. Fruits like Wood Apple, Guava fruit, Custard Apple, Pomegranate, Bananas etc. are offered to Lord Ganesha on this day.

Generally Tulasi leaves are not used in the worship of Lord Ganesha. But, as an exception it is offered on the day of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi festival.

At Sri Ganesha temples across the country special pooja and rituals are held on the day of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi. At some places Ganesha Homa is also performed on this day.

We find people performing sit ups with crossed hands holding their ears (known as Gunjillu in Telugu) while performing Namaskara as a mark of obeisance to Lord Ganesha.

On the day of Ganesha Chaturthi people avoid looking at the Moon.

There is a tradition to perform the festival for nine days known as Ganesha Navarathri and on the 10th day the idol is taken out in big procession and immersed in water.

The tradition of celebrating Sri Ganesha festival in public was started by Late Sri Bala Gangadhara Thilak in 1893.

Nowadays we find people performing Sri Ganesha Chaturthi festival on a mass scale by forming local committees and install large sized Ganesha idols in different shapes and forms at different place in the city/town.

These large sized idols are generally made up of Plaster of Paris and chemical paints that have an impact on environmental pollution .

Ganesha festival is celebrated across the country with big fan fare and religious gaiety more so in the states of Maharastra, Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Cultural programs are arranged on this occasion for ten days with varieties of entertainment.

It is a very big festival in cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad. At Hyderabad every year the Ganesha idol installed in public place at Khairatabad is considered to be the tallest idol in the country.

After performing pooja as prescribed Ganesha nimajjana (immersing the idol in water) is made as far as possible on the same day if not on the next day. We find people performing Ganesha nimajjana in tanks, rivers or sea wherever available. In some families there is a tradition to keep the Ganesha idol for 3/5/7 days before being immersed. Ganesha idols installed in public places are generally immersed on the 10th day.

At some places the Ganesha idols are retained till completion of Devi Navarathri (Durga Pooja) and immerse the same along with Devi Durga idols on completion of Navarathri festival.

Ganesha Nimajjana is a very big event in cities like Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai and this will last for more than a day where all the Ganesha idols kept in public places are taken out in procession for immersing in water. It becomes a hectic task for the local administration to control the proceedings and also the water in the tanks or rivers becomes polluted having environmental impact.

Celebrations of Ganesha Chaturthi festival are held not only India but also abroad in countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and South East Asiatic countries.
Significance of Lord Sri Maha Ganapathi
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!


Sri Maha Ganapathi
(The remover of obstacles)
In Hindu religion and philosophy Lord Ganesha has acquired a unique and significant prominence and is considered as the most potent God. Also known as Maha Ganapathi (Ganesha), the elephant headed God is the best known and the most revered God in Hindu religion who is offered prayers first before any other God. He is known as Vinayaka (Vigathanayaka). That means the one who has no master over him. He is totally an independent Deity, has no overlord and is the one who leads. He is popularly known as Ganapathi (Gana + Pathi) the Lord of all the Ganas (divine Groups or spiritual entities). The word Ganapathi also signifies, Ga means Buddhi (intellect), Na means Vignana (wisdom) and Pathi means the Lord. Ganapathi means the one who is the Lord of intellect and wisdom. He is considered as the Lord of learning and patron of letters.

He is also referred to by other names like Vighneshwara the Lord of Vignas (obstacles), Gajaanana the one who has the face of an Elephant, Ekadantha the one who has only one tusk etc. Looked upon as a Brahmachari people also believe Siddhi and Buddhi as his consorts but in fact they are his two energies, wisdom and success. Lord Ganesha is the bestower of intelligence and discriminative knowledge (Buddhi) and success (Siddhi). He is the one who has shown to the world the significance of parents by taking a circumambulation around his parents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi that bestowed him the position of Ganaadhipathya, the Lordship over the Ganas. Sri Ganapathi is not only the Lord of learning, intellect and wisdom but also the controller of obstacles and destroyer of miseries of his devotees.

Vedic & Pouranic reference

While several scripts are said to have made reference to Lord Ganesha, specific scripts viz. Sri Ganesha Purana, Mudgala Purana (both Upa Puranas) and Sri Ganesha Atharvaseersham considered as Ganesha Upanishad are exclusively dedicated to Lord Ganapathi. These scripts have eulogized the glory and significance of Lord Sri Ganesha.

We find a reference to Lord Ganapathi from the popular Vedic sloka Ganaanaam Twaam Ganapathi Gam Havaamahey… that is said to be from Rig-Veda. He is eulogized as Jyesta Rajam, that means He is the greatest among the greats and an elderly God. Lord Sri Ganapathi is said to be an embodiment and personification of Omkaram (Pranava Swaroopam) which is primordial to all the Veda Manthras. There is also a separate Gayathri for Lord Ganesha who also has Sahasranama sthothram. Popular sloka Suklaambaradharam Vishnum… that is compulsorily recited before commencement of any Vedic ritual assume Lord Ganesha as a form of Lord Vishnu who is omnipresent. Sankata Nashana Ganapathi Sthothram from Narada Purana said to have been composed by Sage Narada is a very popular prayer dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Lord Ganapathi is not only worshipped by human beings but also by all the Deities including the Trinal Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Lord Vishnu is said to have worshipped Lord Ganesha and obtained Siddhi during the course of killing the demons Madhu and Khaitabha. In the process, He (Lord Vishnu) is said to have performed penance and consecrated a Salagrama idol of Lord Ganesha at a place currently known as Siddhatek near Pune in Maharastra on the banks of holy river Bheema. This place is known as Siddhi Vinayaka Kshethra where, a famous Ashta Vinayaka temple has come up attracting thousands of pilgrims through out the year. Like this, the legends behind these eight temples of Lord Ganesha (Ashta Vinayaka temples) are standing as testimony to the glory and significance of Lord Maha Ganapathi since yore.

Lord Ganesha is also said to have played a significant role behind the origin of famous temple of Lord Shiva at Gokarna (Aatma Linga Kshetra) and that of Lord Sri Ranganatha Swamy at Sri Rangam (Anthya Ranga Kshethra) near Trichy. Though the famous epic Sri Maha Bharatha was composed by Lord Veda Vyasa, it is said that He had invoked the help of Lord Ganesha in scripting the same who did it with one of his tusks. Like this, reference to several legends of Lord Vinayaka are said to be available in other Pouranic scripts like Shiva Purana, Skhanda Purana, Brahma Vaivartha Purana apart from Sri Ganesha Purana and Mudgala Purana.

Origin of Lord Ganapathi

There are several legends attached to the origin of Lord Ganapathi. Though as per the popular legend Lord Ganesha is said to be the creation of Goddess Parvathi Devi (Aadi Shakti) the presence of Lord Ganapathi is felt in all the Yugas since time immemorial. He is known by different names in different Yugas. Lord Ganapathi has taken four different forms in four Yugas. In Krita Yuga he was known as Mahotkata Ganapathi having 10 arms riding on a Lion. In Treta Yuga he was white-coloured, eight-armed and was known as Mayura Ganapathi riding on Peacock. In Dwapara Yuga he was red-coloured, manifested from the clay on the body of Goddess Parvathi riding on a mouse (Mooshika vahana) and chaturbhuja with four arms known as Gajaanana Ganapathi. In Kali Yuga he is known as Dhoomrakethu Ganapathi.

Symbolism of Lord Ganesha

Generally, we find Lord Ganesha depicted as a dwarf and fatty figure with pot belly, elephant head, large ears, small eyes, long nose and mouse as vehicle. From an artistic angle this figure is most enchanting and blissful. But behind this artistic symbolism, hidden is a philosophy, a moral, a management principle and a lesson for every body to learn in life.

Ganesha Worship

Like Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakthi, Lord Ganesha also has a sect of followers in Hindu religion who are known as Ganapathyas who worship Lord Ganapathi as the Supreme God. They follow a unique sampradaya in the worship of Lord Ganesha. While daily worship of Lord Ganesha is prescribed and prevalent in Hindu philosophy, He is exclusively worshipped on two specific days in the Hindu Lunar calendar. They are, on the fourth day of the dark fortnight (Chaturthi) known as Sankasta Chaturthi that occurs in every lunar month and on the fourth day of the bright fortnight in the lunar month of Bhadrapada Masam that is known as Sri Ganesha Chaturthi. Apart from this, worship of Lord Ganesha in the form of prayer, pooja or homa is done before commencement of any religious functions like Marriage or Gruha Pravesam etc. Worship of Lord Ganesha is prevalent in Hindu religion as a popular astro remedy for various astrological problems. Tuesday is considered as the favourite day for worshiping Lord Ganesha or for performing Ganapathi Homam.

Ganesha worship is simple with multiple merits. He is fond of Garike (Dhoorva Grass) in his worship. It is said and believed that worship of Lord Ganapathi without Garike is useless. Lord Ganesha is known as Naivedya Priya having penchant for devotees’ offerings. In Naivedya (offerings) Lord Ganesha is fond of a sweet dish known as Modaka. He is known as Kshipra Ganapathi the one who grants wishes of his devotees very quickly. Swastik mark is considered as the auspicious symbol of Lord Ganesha that we find exhibited in houses, shops and establishments. People also exhibit the image or photo of Subha Drishti Ganapathi in front of their houses or shops and establishments to ward off any evil influences.

Significance of Ganesha Chaturthi

Chaturthi is the fourth day in lunar calendar that occurs twice in a lunar month and Lord Ganesha is fond of this day (Chaturthee Poojana Preethaha) and is the presiding Deity of Chaturthi thithi. But every Chaturthi is not celebrated as Ganesha Chaturthi. It is only the Chaturthi day falling in the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada masam that is observed as Ganesha Chaturthi. Availability of Chaturthi thithi spread beyond noon is prevailed upon for observance of the festival. Lord Ganesha is specially worshipped on this day by observing a vrata known as Siddhi Vinayaka Vratham. There are several legends behind this Sri Vinayaka Vratham like, the story of Gajasura, Mooshikaasura, Goddess Parvathi Devi, Lord Subramanya, Chandra the Moon God and the story of Syamanthaka Mani etc. It is believed and said as per scripts that, it was on this day the incarnation of Lord Ganesha took place. It was on this day Goddess Parvathi Devi (consort of Lord Shiva) created a doll from the paste on her body while taking bath and offered life to it that got manifested into Sri Vinayaka. It is said that the incarnation of Lord Ganesha took place in the constellation of Hastha. Irrespective of the caste and creed people from all walks of life in Hindu religion worship Lord Ganesha on this day. This day is celebrated as the birth day of Lord Ganesha.

Ganesha Chaturthi & Syamanthakhopaakhyanam

On one of the occasions of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi, Chandra the Moon God’s behavior with Lord Sri Ganesha was unbecoming that led to the annoyance of Goddess Parvathi Devi who cursed Moon. The impact of the curse was that whoever looks at the Moon will earn ill-repute. This has resulted in whoever looking at the Moon started facing false allegations and ill-repute. Subsequently the curse was relaxed to not looking at the Moon only on the day of Bhadrapada Sukla Chaturthi that is on the day of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi.

Incidentally it so happened that during Dwapara Yuga, Lord Sri Krishna had to face false allegations of having stolen the precious jewel named Syamanthaka Mani owned by Sathrajit. In order to wipe out the false allegations made against Him, Lord Sri Krishna himself had to personally search for the precious jewel. During the course of his hunt for the jewel Lord Sri Krishna had to fight with Jaambavantha and finally retrieved the jewel from him and handed over the same to Sathrajit. Thus, Lord Sri Krishna got rid of the false allegations made against Him. In the process He also married Jambavathi Devi and also Sathyabhama Devi.

This story of Syamanthaka Mani known as Syamanthakhopaakhyanam is from the 10th canto of Sri Madbhagavatham. It is compulsorily read on the day of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi festival by every one. It is believed that, if any one accidentally looks at the Moon on the day of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi festival will get freed from the curse, if he reads or listens to the story of Syamanthakhopaakhyanam and will also be blessed by Lord Sri Ganesha.

Ganesha is a household name among the Hindu families and we find parents naming their children with the names of Lord Ganesha viz. Vinayaka, Ganapathi, Ganesha, etc. Without His invocation no religious or non-religious function begins, without His homa/ritual no remedy is complete, without singing or playing His keerthana no music concert begins, without His prayer a child is not inducted into education. One should understand properly the significance of Lord Ganapathi and his form and worship him for a hassle free life and achievement of success in endeavors.

For more information on the following topics of Lord Ganapathi

Temples of Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha - An Astro Remedy
Ganesha Chaturthi (Significance of Ekavimshati Pathra Pooja)
Incarnations and Forms of Lord Ganesha
Ganesha – Symbolism
Ganesha Chaturthi (Slokas on Lord Ganesha)
Sankata Nashana Sri Ganesha Sthothram

GANESHA SLOKAMS

Ganesha (Vinayaka) Chaturthi - Divine Slokas (Telugu Script)
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!



ఓం గణానా''మ్ త్వా గణపపతి గ్ం హవామహే
కవిం కవీనా ముపమశ్రవస్తమం
జ్యేష్ఠ రాజం బ్రహ్మణాం బ్రహ్మణస్పత
ఆన: శ్రుణ్వన్-న్నూతిభి స్సీద సాధనమ్

శుక్లాంభరధరం విష్ణుం శశివర్ణం చతుర్భుజం
ప్రసన్నవదనం ధ్యాయేత్ సర్వ విఘ్నౌపశాంతాయే

వక్రతుండ మహాకాయ సూర్యకోటి సమప్రభ
నిర్విఘ్నం కురు మే దేవ సర్వకార్యేషు సర్వదా

అగజానన పద్మార్కం గజానన మహర్నిశం
అనేక దంతం భక్తానాం ఏకదంత ముపాస్మహే

ఏకదంతం శూర్పకర్ణం గజవక్త్రమ్ చతుర్భుజమ్
పాశాంకుశధరం దేవం ధ్యాయేత్ సిద్దివినాయకం

మూషిక వాహన మోదక హస్తా చామరకర్ణ విలంబిత సూత్ర
వామన రూప మహేశ్వర పుత్ర విఘ్న వినాయక పాద నమస్తే

గజాననం భూతగణాధి సేవితం కపిత్ధ జంబూ ఫలసార భక్షిణం
ఉమాసుతం శోకవినాశకారణం నమామి విఘ్నేశ్వర పాదపంకజం

శ్రీ గణేశాష్టకమ్

ఏకదంతం మహాకాయం తప్తకాంచనసన్నిభమ్ |
లంబోదరం విశాలాక్షం వందేహం గణనాయకమ్ || ౧ ||

మౌంజీ కృష్ణాజినధరం నాగయజ్ఞోపవీతినమ్ |
బాలేందుశకలం మౌళౌ వందేహం గణనాయకమ్ || ౨ ||

చిత్రరత్న విచిత్రాంగం చిత్రమాలావిభూషితమ్ |
కామరూపధరం దేవం వందేహం గణనాయకమ్ || ౩ ||

గజవక్త్రం సురశ్రేష్ఠం కర్ణచామరభూషితమ్ |
పాశాంకుశధరం దేవం వందేహం గణనాయకమ్ || ౪ ||

మూషకోత్తమ మారుహ్య దేవాసుర మహాహవే |
యోద్ధుకామం మహావీర్యం వందేహం గణనాయకమ్ || ౫ ||

యక్షకిన్నర గంధర్వ సిద్ధ విద్యాధరై స్సదా |
స్తూయమానం మహాబాహుం వందేహం గణనాయకమ్ || ౬ ||

అంబికాహృదయానందం మాతృభిఃపరివేష్టితం |
భక్తప్రియం మదోన్మత్తం వందేహం గణనాయకమ్ || ౭ ||

సర్వవిఘ్నహరం దేవం సర్వవిఘ్నవివర్జితమ్ |
సర్వసిద్ధిప్రదాతారం వందేహం గణనాయకమ్ || ౮ ||

గణాష్టకమిదం పుణ్యం యః పఠేత్సతతం నరః |
సిద్ధ్యంతి సర్వకార్యాణి విద్యావాన్ ధనవాన్ భవేత్ || ౯ ||

సంకటనాశన గణేశ స్తోత్రం

నారద ఉవాచ -

ప్రణమ్య శిరసా దేవం గౌరీపుత్రం వినాయకమ్ |
భక్తావాసం స్మరేనిత్యం ఆయుష్కామార్థసిద్ధయే || ౧ ||

ప్రథమం వక్రతుండం చ ఏకదంతం ద్వితీయకమ్ |
తృతీయం కృష్ణపింగాక్షం గజవక్త్రం చతుర్థకమ్ || ౨ ||

లంబోదరం పంచమం చ షష్ఠం వికటమేవ చ |
సప్తమం విఘ్నరాజేంద్రం ధూమ్రవర్ణం తథాష్టమమ్ || ౩ ||

నవమం భాలచంద్రం చ దశమం తు వినాయకమ్ |
ఏకాదశం గణపతిం ద్వాదశం తు గజాననమ్ || ౪ ||

ద్వాదశైతాని నామాని త్రిసంధ్యం యః పఠేన్నరః |
న చ విఘ్నభయం తస్య సర్వసిద్ధికరః ప్రభుః || ౫ ||

విద్యార్థీ లభతే విద్యాం ధనార్థీ లభతే ధనమ్ |
పుత్రార్థీ లభతే పుత్రాన్మోక్షార్థీ లభతే గతిమ్ || ౬ ||

జపేద్గణపతిస్తోత్రం షడ్భిర్మాసైః ఫలం లభేత్ |
సంవత్సరేణ సిద్ధిం చ లభతే నాత్ర సంశయః || ౭ ||

అష్టేభ్యో బ్రాహ్మణేభ్యశ్చ లిఖిత్వా యః సమర్పయేత్ |
తస్య విద్యా భవేత్సర్వా గణేశస్య ప్రసాదతః || ౮ ||

శ్రీ వరసిద్ధి వినాయక అష్టోత్తర శతనామావళి
ఓం వినాయకాయ నమః ఓం విఘ్నరాజాయ నమః ఓం గౌరీపుత్రాయ నమః
ఓం గణేశ్వరాయ నమః ఓం స్కందాగ్రజాయ నమః ఓం అవ్యయాయ నమః
ఓం పూతాయ నమః ఓం దక్షాయ నమః ఓం అధ్యక్షాయ నమః
ఓం ద్విజప్రియాయ నమః ఓం ఇంద్రశ్రీప్రదాయ నమః ఓం వాణీప్రదాయ నమః
ఓం అవ్యయాయ నమః ఓం సర్వసిద్ధిప్రదాయ నమః ఓం శర్వతనయాయ నమః
ఓం శర్వరీప్రియయ నమః ఓం సర్వాత్మకాయ నమః ఓం సృష్టికర్త్రే నమః
ఓం దేవాయ నమః ఓం అనేకార్చితాయ నమః ఓం శివాయ నమః
ఓం శుద్ధాయ నమః ఓం బుద్దిప్రదాయ నమః ఓం శాంతాయ నమః
ఓం బ్రహ్మచారిణే నమః ఓం గజాననాయ నమః ఓం ద్వైమాత్రేయాయ నమః
ఓం మునిస్తుత్యాయ నమః ఓం భక్తవిఘ్నవినాశనాయ నమః
ఓం ఏకదంతాయ నమః
ఓం చతుర్భాహవే నమః ఓం చతురాయ నమః ఓం శక్తిసంయుతాయ నమః
ఓం లంబోదరాయ నమః ఓం శూర్పకర్ణాయ నమః ఓం హరయే నమః
ఓం బ్రహ్మవిదుత్తమాయ నమః ఓం కాలాయ నమః ఓం గ్రహపతయే నమః
ఓం కామినే నమః ఓం సోమసూర్యాగ్నిలోచనాయ నమః
ఓం పాశాంకుశధరాయ నమః
ఓం చండాయ నమః ఓం గుణాతీతాయ నమః ఓం నిరంజనాయ నమః
ఓం అకల్మషాయ నమః ఓం స్వయంసిద్దాయ నమః
ఓం సిద్దార్చితపదాంబుజాయ నమః
ఓం బీజపూరఫలాసక్తాయ నమ: ఓం వరదాయ నమః ఓం శాశ్వతాయ నమః
ఓం కృతినే నమః ఓం ద్విజప్రియాయ నమః ఓం వీతభయాయ నమః
ఓం గదినే నమః ఓం చక్రినే నమః ఓం ఇక్షుచాపధృతే నమః ఓం శ్రీదాయ నమః
ఓం అజాయ నమః ఓం ఉత్పలకరాయ నమః ఓం శ్రీపతయే నమః
ఓం స్తుతిహర్షితాయ నమః ఓం కులాద్రిభేత్త్రే నమః ఓం జటిలాయ నమః
ఓం కలికల్మషనాశనాయ నమః ఓం చంద్రచూడామణయే నమః
ఓం కాంతాయ నమః
ఓం పాపహారిణే నమః ఓం సమాహితాయ నమః ఓం ఆశ్రితాయ నమః
ఓం శ్రీకరాయ నమః ఓం సౌమ్యాయ నమః ఓం భక్తావాంఛితదాయకాయ నమః
ఓం శాంతాయ నమః ఓం కైవల్యసుఖదాయ నమః
ఓం సచ్చిదానందవిగ్రహాయ నమః
ఓం జ్ఞానినే నమః ఓం దయాయుతాయ నమః ఓం దాంతాయ నమః
ఓం బ్రహ్మద్వేషవివర్జితాయ నమః ఓం ప్రమత్తదైత్యభయదాయ నమః
ఓం శ్రీకంఠాయ నమః
ఓం విభూధేశ్వరాయ నమ: ఓం రమార్చితాయ నమః ఓం నిధయే నమ:
ఓం నాగరాజయజ్ఞోపవీతయే నమః ఓం స్థూలకంఠాయ నమః
ఓం స్వయంకర్త్రే నమః
ఓం సామఘోషప్రియాయ నమః ఓం పరస్మై నమః
ఓం స్తూలతుండాయ నమః
ఓం అగ్రణ్యే నమః ఓం ధీరాయ నమః ఓం వాగీశాయ నమః
ఓం సిద్ధిదాయకాయ నమః ఓం దూర్వబిల్వప్రియాయ నమః
ఓం అవ్యక్తమూర్తయే నమః
ఓం అద్భుతమూర్తిమతే నమ:
ఓం శైలేంద్రతనుజోత్సంగ ఖేలనోత్సుకమానసాయ నమః
ఓం స్వలావణ్యసుధాసార జితమన్మథవిగ్రహాయ నమః
ఓం సమస్తజగదాధారాయ నమః
ఓం మాయినే నమః ఓం మూషికవాహనాయ నమః ఓం హ్రుష్టాయ నమః
ఓం తుష్టాయ నమః ఓం ప్రసన్నాత్మనే నమః
ఓం సర్వస్సిద్ధిప్రదాయకాయ నమః
ఓం శ్రీ విఘ్నేశ్వరాయ నమ:
ఇతి శ్రీ వరసిద్ధి వినాయక అష్టోత్తర శతనామావళి:



శ్రీ కృష్ణార్పణమస్తు

GANESHA TEMPLES

TEMPLES OF LORD GANESHA
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

TEMPLES OF LORD GANESHA
Lord Ganesha is one of the best known and most widely worshipped Deities of Hindu Religion. All walks of people worship him regardless of affiliations. We find temples of Lord Ganesha in almost all places across the country. In some places we find an exclusive temple while in some other places we find Lord Ganesha along with other main Deities. In this regard please find below a list of some of the famous temples exclusively dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Ashta Vinayaka Temples & their locations

Among the temples of Lord Ganesha some of them are said to be more powerful & important. Eight among such important temples which are called as Ashta Vinayaka temples are located in the state of Maharastra within a radius of about 100 km from Pune. Lot of significance is given to these temples in Hindu religion. They are all ancient temples where the idols of Lord Ganesha got manifested in different cosmic ages. Each one is an incarnation of Lord Ganesha associated with mythological legends behind them. List of these Ashta Vinayaka Temples are as follows:
Mayureshwara Temple, Moregaon
Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, Siddhatek
Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
Varada Vinayak Temple, Mahad
Chintamani Temple, Theur
Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri
Vignahar Temple, Ozar
Maha Ganapathi Temple, Ranjangaon
Apart from the above other important and famous temples of Lord Ganesha are,

Siddhi Vinayaka Temple at Mumbai
Chintamani Ganesh Temple at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh
Dhundi Ganapathi Temple at Varanasi (Kasi)
Uchi Pillaiyar Temple (Rock Fort Temple) at Trichy in Tamil Nadu
Karpaga Vinayakar Temple (Near Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu)
Saatchinathaswamy Temple (Near Kumbhakonam)
Vinayaki Temple (Female form of Lord Ganesha) at Suchindram (Near Kanyakumari)
Madhur Ganapathi Temple at Kasargod in Kerala
Gokarna Ganapathi Temple at Gokarna (Karnataka State)
Idagunji Ganapathi Temple near Murudeshwar (Karnataka state)
Anegudda Ganapathi Temple at Kumbhasi (near Kundapura in Karnataka State)
Sharavu Ganapathi Temple at Mangalore
Sasivekalu and Kadalekalu Ganapathi Temples at Hampi (Karnataka State)
Dodda Ganesha Temple at Bangalore
Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple at Kanipakam (Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh)
Paathala Ganapathi Temple at Sri Kalahasthi (Near Tirupathi)
Saakshi Ganapathi Temple at Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh)
While the above list is not exhaustive, there are several other important temples of Lord Ganesha in the states of Orissa, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim and Madhya Pradesh.

MAASAMULU

Chaithra Maasam - The Madhu Maasam (Merits & Significance)

Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaaya Namaha!

Chaithra maasam also known as Madhu maasam marks the beginning of spring season known as Vasantha Ruthu first among the Hindu seasons. Madhu means honey and Chaithra maasam is as sweet as honey. In Bhagawadgeeta, Vibhoothi Yoga (canto#10 sloka#35) Lord Sri Krishna says that He is the Vasantha Ruthu among the seasons “Ruthunaam Kusumaakarah” All pervading supreme Lord, Kaala Purusha, Lord Vishnu is the presiding Deity (Maasa Niyaamaka) of Chaithra maasam and hence this month is also known as Vishnu maasam.

It is so auspicious that it is the month when Lord Brahma had commenced the creation and to commemorate that day we celebrate Ugaadi festival. Chaithra maasam is the sacred month in which Maryaada Purushottama; Lord Sri Raama was born on the 9th day of bright fortnight that is celebrated as Sri Raama Navami. It is the most sacred and auspicious month in which highly meritorious and powerful Thaaraka manthra RAMA took birth. It is the sacred month in which Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsyaavathara (Giant Fish) the very first among the Dasaavatharas and restored the lost Vedas that day is celebrated as Matsya Jayanthi on Chaithra sukla Trutheeya. It is said as per scripts that it was the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Chaithra Maasam that Lord Sri Krishna’s Niryaana took place that is marked as the beginning of Kaliyuga.

It is the sacred month when Sun God transits into first house of the zodiac viz. Aries (Mesha Raasi) where Sun gets exalted. That day known as Mesha Sankramana is celebrated as Vishu festival in some parts of South India. Chaithra maasam is the sacred month in which the mighty God, Lord Hanuman was born that is celebrated as Hanuma Jayanthi on the full Moon day. It is the sacred month in which the sixty year cycle of Hindu Calendar Samvatsara had begun, starting from Prabhava and ending with Akshaya.

Full Moon day during Chaithra maasam known as Chittraa Poornima or Maha Chaithri is the day when Moon will be at or nearer to the constellation of Chitta and hence the name Chaithra maasam. Mars (Kuja) is the star Lord of Chitta constellation and star Deity is Lord Subramanya. Third day of the bright fortnight in the lunar month of Chaithra maasam is known as Gouri Trutheeya when Goddess Gouri and Lord Shiva are specially worshipped. Starting from this day for a period of one month Goddess Gouri & Lord Shiva and Lord Sri Rama along with other Deities are offered with special pooja ritual known as Dolotsava (Aandolini Vratha). While Chaithra Sukla Trutheeya and Pournami are Manvaadi days the days Manvanthara had begun, Chaithra sukla Panchami is known as Kalpaadi the day Kalpa had commenced.

Like we celebrate Devi Navarathri during Aaswayuja maasam known as Sharannavarathri which falls in Dakshinaayana, a nine day festival known as Vasantha Navarathri is also celebrated during Chaithra maasam starting from Ugaadi day during Uttaraayana. During this nine day period Goddess Durga is worshiped in some parts of the country while in some other parts, it is known as Sri Raama Navarathri worshiping Lord Sri Raama. During this period sacred texts like Ramayana, Sundarakaanda, and Devi Bhaagavatham are read.

With so much of significance attributed to Chaithra maasam, almost all the Deities are worshiped during the bright fortnight of this month apart from Lord Sri Rama, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva and Goddess Gouri. On the first day (Paadyami) Lord Brahma, second day (Dwiteeya) Lord Shiva and Goddess Gouri, on the fourth day (Chaturthi) Lord Ganesha, on the fifth day (Panchami) Naaga Devathas, on the sixth day (Shasti) Lord Subramanya, on the 7th day (Sapthami) Sun God, on the ninth day (Navami) Goddess Durga and on the 15th day (Full Moon day) all the Deities are worshipped.

Chaithra is a Sanskrit word meaning a temple or a memorial. It is the month to commemorate so many auspicious and sacred events including the commencement of creation (Srushti). It is also a sacred month for commencement for Vedic learning. That’s why it is one of the auspicious and sacred months for performing Upanayana that marks the formal eligibility to commence the study of Vedas and Upanishads.

Prapadaanam (chalivendram)

Donating water during Chaithra maasam starting from Ugaadi day for 4 months (summer months) is said to be very auspicious and sacred.

Prapeyam SarvaSamanya Bhoothebhya: prathipaditha
PradanathPitharasarve Thrupyanthucha Pithamaha
Anivaarya Mithodeyam Jalammaasa Chathustayam

We would have observed in many towns voluntary organizations erecting the spots called Chalivendram where passersby are served with water stored in earthen pots covered with cloth during summer months. It is said that by doing this activity all the fore fathers gets pleased.

Udakakumbha daana

Udaka means water, Kumbha means pot. Giving charity of water stored in a pot made up of Copper, Silver, or at least earthen pot (made up of mud) covered with a new cloth to a Brahmin during this period is said to be very sacred and highly meritorious.

Yesha DharmaGhato Dhattoh Brahma Vishnu Sivathmaka
Asya Pradhanathsakalam mamasanthu manoratha

Meaning: This water pot called Dharma Ghata signifying the trinal lords (Brahma, Vishnu and Siva) bring unto me fulfillment of all desires.

Taking bath in sacred rivers, arranging of water and shelter to the travelers and people walking in the Sun, Anna Daana (food) to the hungry and needy are some of the maasa dharma prescribed during Chaithra maasam.

Important days to remember in Chaithra maasam

Ugaadi (Chaithra Sukla Paadyami)
Gouri Trutheeya (Chaithra Sukla Trutheeya)
Sri Raama Navami (Chaithra Sukla Navami)
Kalpaadi (Chaithra Sukla Panchami)
Manvaadi (Chaithra Sukla Trutheeya & Pournami)
Hanuma Jayanthi (Chaithra Sukla Pournami)
Mesha Sankramana (Transit of Sun into Mesha Raasi)

It is said as per Bhavishyottara Purana that, Kartheeka maasam is more meritorious than Vaisakha maasam, Maagha maasam is more significant and meritorious than Kaartheeka maasam, and Chaithra maasam is much more auspicious than Maagha maasam. First and the best among the Hindu lunar months, Chaithra maasam has acquired lot of merits and significance in Hindu philosophy and is regarded as the mother of all the months.

Sraavana Maasam - The Nabho Maasam
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

The month in which full moon day coincides with Sravana star, that month is denoted as Sraavana Masam. Sravana star is considered as Sri Hari (Vishnu) Nakshathra. While Moon is the star lord, Sri Maha Vishnu is the Star Deity of Sravana nakshathra. It is said that Lord Brahma had darshan of Sri Maha Vishnu for the first time at the beginning of the creation in Sravana constellation. Sri Maha Vishnu’s Vaamana avathara had taken place in the constellation of Sravana. It is also believed that Lord Sri Maha Vishnu (Lord Srinivasa) stepped His foot on the Tirumala hills in search of his consort Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi in Sravana constellation. At Tirumala temple, the nine day festival Brahmotsavam concludes every year on the day coinciding with Sravana Star.

Astrologically Sravana star is regarded as an auspicious star which falls in the zodiac sign of Makara Raasi (Capricorn) ruled by Saturn. It is said that when Sun during his transit in Makara Raasi comes opposite to Sravana star the doors of Vaikuntam (Moksha Dwara) gets opened. When Sun enters into Makara Raasi, Uttarayana begins. Sravana is considered as a star of learning and Sraavana masam is the auspicious month to begin learning. That is why the sacred ritual Upakarma takes place in the sacred month Sraavana masam that marks the beginning of study of Vedas in olden days. Sravana star forms the basis for performing Upakarma for Rug-Vedis in Sraavana masam. Literally Sravana means to listen. Without good listening one cannot be a good learner. Listening is an art and a good listener is a good decision maker.

In Vedic terminology Sraavana masam is referred to as Nabho-Masam. Nabho is a Sanskrit word meaning Aakasa (Sky) that refers to the celestial nature of Sraavana masam and the Sravana star. Sanskrit dictionary also connects the word Nabhasa to Sraavana masam meaning the rainy season and Nabhas means celestial or heavenly. During Sraavana masam Sun transits into Simha Raasi (Leo sign) that is known as Simha Sankramana. Sraavana masam marks the beginning of Varsha Ruthu when the monsoon will be active. Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in the name of Sridhara is the Presiding Deity (Maasa Niyamaka) governing Sraavana Masam. We find a reference to the word Sridhara in sloka # 65 of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram. Sri means Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi and Dhara means bearing. Sridhara means the One who always bears on His chest Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi. In 24 Kesava Naamaas also we find the word Sridhara as the ninth one.

Fifth in the line of Hindu lunar months, Sraavana masam is a highly auspicious month in Hindu philosophy flooded with festivals and austerities. Out of the seven week days that we have, four days viz. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday have acquired lot of significance in Sraavana masam. Mondays for worshipping Lord Shiva, Tuesdays for Goddess Gouri, Fridays for Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi and Saturdays for Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in the form of Lord Venkateshwara. In Hinduism, we have a tradition of worshiping Snakes (Naagaaraadhana) since time immemorial and Sravana masam is the sacred month that is identified for Snake worship. Fourth and fifth day of the bright fortnight in Sraavana masam is exclusively earmarked for Snake worship that is known as Naaga Chaturthi and Naga Panchami. The festival of Garuda Panchami that occurs on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in Sravana Masam is dedicated to Lord Garuda.

Full Moon day in Sraavana masam (Sraavana Pournami) has lot of religious and spiritual significance as that day is celebrated as Upakarma, a Vedic ritual. Starting from this day in olden days people used to resort to study of Vedas by symbolically changing the Yagnopaveetham. Traditionally Sraavana Pournami is celebrated as Raakhi or Raksha Bandhan that symbolizes the unmatched bondage of love, care and respect between a brother and a sister. Sankasta Chaturthi associated with Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha) occurring during Sraavana masam is considered as highly sacred day to begin the Sankasta Chaturthi vratha. Observing this Vratha on this day is said to yield merits equivalent to observing the same for the whole year.

Pouranically, Sraavana Pournami is the day Lord Sri Maha Vishnu incarnated as Hayagreeva (Horse headed) that is commemorated as Sri Hayagreeva Jayanthi. Lord Hayagreeva is the presiding Deity and Supreme God of learning, knowledge, and wisdom. Sraavana masam is the most sacred and celestial month that has given birth to Lord Sri Krishna the Paripoorna Avathara of Lord SriManNarayana. Lord Sri Krishna was born on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight of Sravana masam that is celebrated across the country as Sri Krishna Janmaashtami.

At Tirumala temple a sacred ritual known as Pavithrotsavam will be held for three days during Sraavana masam starting from Sukla Dasami which is more or less a purificatory ceremony.

Aaraadhana of great Saint and Madhva philosopher, Guru Saarvabhouma Sri Raghavendra Swamy (Rayaru) of Mantralayam takes place during Sraavana masam. It was on the second day (Vidiya) of dark fortnight in Sravana masam Sri Raghavendra Swamy made Sajeeva Brundavana Pravesa that is commemorated as Sri Rayara Aaraadhana.

Checklist of Festivals and Austerities during Sraavana masam

Sukla Paksha

Chaturthi: Naaga Chaturthi

Panchami: Naaga Panchami &
Garuda Panchami

Shasti: Siriyaala Shasti

Ekaadasi: Puthrada Ekaadasi

Dwaadasi: Dadhi Vratha

Pournami: Upakarma, Raakhi,
Hayagreeva Jayanthi

Krishna Paksha

Vidiya: Sri Raghavendra Swamy Aaradhana

Chaturthi: Sankasta Chaturthi


Ashtami: Sri Krishna Janmaashtami

Ekaadasi: Aja Ekaadasi

Vrathas:

Tuesdays: Mangala Gouri Vratha (by newly married women)

Fridays: Sampatt Sukra Vaara Vratha (By all married women) and Sri Vara Maha Lakshmi Vratha on Friday falling before the full moon day.

During Sraavana masam, austerities like Eka Bhuktha (taking one time meals), Naktha Vratha (fasting during day time and taking meals at night) are prescribed. Saaka-daana (Vegetables) is prescribed on Sravana sukla Dwadasi day. Worshipping Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva during Sraavana masam is highly meritorious. By observing the prescribed austerities and worshipping Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi and Goddess Gouri during Sraavana masam one will be bestowed with good health, longevity, and prosperity.
Aashaada - The Soonya Masam
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

Aashaada - The Soonya Masam

Fourth month in traditional Hindu Lunar calendar, Aashaada masam marks the beginning of Dakshinayana when, the Sun takes a southward turn in the zodiac. During the month of Aashada, Sun transits into Karkataka Raasi known as Karkataka Sankramana that generally occurs in the calendar month of July, exactly six months after the beginning of Uttarayana. The month in which the full moon day coincides with Poorva/Uttara-Aashaada constellation, that month is denoted as Aashaada masam. Astrologically we find the stars Poorvaashaada in the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (Dhanus) and Uttaraashaada partly in Sagittarius and partly in Makara (Capricorn) raasi. While Venus is the star Lord of Poorvaashaada, Sun is the star lord of Uttaraashaada. Both the star lords Sun & Venus are inimical to each other.

Apart from the beginning of Dakshinayana, Aashada masam also marks the beginning of the marathon period of austerities known as Chaturmasam. Hari Sayani Ekadasi, the day Lord SriManNarayana is believed to enter into Yoganidra (divine slumber) falls in Aashaada masam. The sacred act of getting the divine symbols stamped on one’s body known as Taptamudradhaarana is conducted during Aashaada masam on the day of Sayani Ekadasi. Lot of spiritual significance is attributed to the concept of Taptamudradhaarana.

Full Moon day in Aashaada masam known as Guru Pournima is celebrated across the country, symbolically honouring the Gurus and teachers who have taught us the Vidya. This day is also popularly referred to as Vyaasa Poornima associated with Lord Veda Vyaasa, the Divine Literary incarnation of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. It is believed that Sri Veda Vyasa was born on this day of Pournami in the Lunar month of Aashaada. It is also said that it is the day on which Sri Veda Vyasa commenced his work on Brahma Sutras. Though Chaturmasam starts from Sayani Ekadasi for general public, traditionally, Ascetics start their Chaturmasa Deeksha from this day of Guru Pournima in Aashaada masam.

Aashaada Bahula Panchami, fifth day during the dark fortnight of the month is celebrated as Sri Jayatheerthara Aaradhana. Popularly known as Sri Teekarayaru, it was the day on which Sri Jayatheertharu, an advocate and great exponent of Dvaita philosophy, entered into Brindavana at Malakheda in Karnataka state during 13th century.

World famous car festival of Sri Jagannatha temple at Puri (Orissa) known as Jagannatha Ratha Yatra or Gundicha Yatra is held during Aashaada masam starting on the second day of the month during sukla paksha. The festival is witnessed by lakhs of devotees from across the world. Aashaada sukla Dasami and Pournami (10th & 15th day of the month) are regarded as Manvaadi days. Pada Raksha (Chappals), Chatthra (Umbrella), Lavana (Salt) and Amla (Amalaki) are prescribed as charity to be given during Aashaada masam.

Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in the name of Sri Vaamana is the presiding Deity (Masa Niyamaka) governing the month of Aashada masam. We find a reference to Vaamana in Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram in sloka # 17 and 56 who is also described as Upendra and Trivikramah. He was known as Vamana because he was dwarf in form at the beginning. While suppressing the pride and vanity of King Bali, He was known as Trivikrama when, He grew to a gigantic size and conquered the three worlds, Earth, Upper worlds and Nether worlds with just three paces of his foot. Born to Sage Kashyapa and Aditi, He was also referred as Upendra the younger brother of Indra. We find all the three names Trivikrama, Vamana and Upendra while reciting 24 Kesava Namas. An exclusive Purana named after Lord Vamana called Sri Vamana Purana scripted by Lord and Sage Veda Vyasa forms part of 18 great Puranas called Ashtadasa Puranas.

Traditionally, Aashaada masam is considered as Soonya masam. Soonya means nothing, empty, or null and void. Numerically Soonya means zero that has philosophical and spiritual significance. As per the texts of Electional Astrology, Chaithra masam, when the Sun is transiting in Meena raasi, Aashaada masam when the Sun is transiting in Mithuna raasi, Bhaadrapada masam when the Sun is transiting in Kanya raasi and Pushya masam when the Sun is transiting in Dhanus raasi, these four months are considered as Soonya Masams.

May be due to the spiritual significance affixed to these months, auspicious functions like Upanayanam, Marriage and Gruha Pravesam etc. are not generally undertaken during Soonya Masams. We find this tradition being followed even today in South India especially in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. There is also a convention among the traditional families in South India, of not allowing the newly married couple to stay together during Aashaada masam. It is more of a pragmatic approach and safeguard that was followed in olden days which is slowly getting vanished and not being followed in these modern days.

While Aashaada masam is considered as inauspicious for mundane activities, it is considered as sacred month for performing spiritual activities. Aashada, Kartheeka, Maagha and Vaisakha are regarded as spiritually important months in the Hindu lunar calendar. Aashada masam is the month when the rains (monsoon) will start afresh and a number of creatures (living beings) will sprout on the earth. This month is said to be the appropriate period for sprouting of spiritual knowledge in the minds of human beings.

Phalguna Masam - The meritorious month (Significance & Merits)
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

Phalguna - The meritorious month
(Significance & Merits)

Last but not the least, Phalguna masam is the 12th month as per traditional Hindu Lunar calendar that generally occurs during English calendar months of February-March. The season is known as Sisira-Ruthu when we find still cool but pleasant climate, change in the colour of the leaves as they start withering. When the season ends we find new leaves start springing up that marks the beginning of spring season and the temperature slowly gets warmer. During this month Sun transit takes place from Kumbha raasi (Aquarius) to Meena Raasi (Pisces). Sisira is one of the thousands of names of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu that we find in sloka number 97 of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram.

Araudrah kundali chakri vikramyurjita-shasanah
Shabdatigah shabdasahah sisirah sarvari-karah

Sisira is a Sanskrit word meaning cool. Lord Vishnu is very cool in his disposition and Who is a solution to those who are suffering from worldly burning passions.

As per Hindu lunar calendar, the month in which full moon day coincides with Poorva/Uttara Phalguni star that month is denoted as Phalguna masam. Astrologically we find the stars Poorva Phalguni in the zodiac sign of Leo (Simha raasi) and Uttara Phalguni partly in Leo and partly in Virgo (Kanya raasi). While Venus is the ruling planet of Poorva Phalguni star, Sun is the ruling planet of Uttara Phalguni star.

Phalgu is the name of a holy river on the banks of which the sacred Gaya Kshethra is located in Bihar. Two streams Lilajan (Niranjara) and Mohana originating from a hill called Korambe Pahar about 75km south of Gaya meet together to form the river Phalgu at Gaya. It is a tributary of river Ganges and most of the time it remains dry due to a curse given by Goddess Sita Devi. The river is also referred to as Gupta Ganga because most of the year its bed usually appears dry but if you scoop with your hand you will at once come to clear water. It is said that as per Vayu Purana the river Phalgu is considered to be superior to river Ganges since it is the liquid form of Lord Vishnu whereas Ganges has originated from the foot of Lord Vishnu. As per Agni Purana it is said that Phalgu means highest power of piousness added with merit. Phala means merit and Gau means wish fulfilling cow (Kamadhenu).

Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in the name of Sri Govinda is the presiding Deity (Masa Niyamaka) governing the month of Phalguna masam. Govinda is a very popular name of Lord Sri Vishnu which we find commonly being chanted by one and all. In 24 Kesava Namas we find Govindaya Namaha as the fourth one which we recite while performing Aachamanam and also we recite Sri Govinda, Govinda while performing Sankalpa. The name Govinda also popularly figures in Sri Vishnu, Naamathraya Japam viz. Achyutaya Namaha, Ananthaaya Namaha and Govindaaya Namaha. We find a reference to the word Govinda in Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram in sloka number 20 & 58 as follows

Maheshvaso mahibharta shrinivasah satam gatih
Aniruddhah suranando govindo govidam patih

Mahavaraho govindah sushenah kanakangadi
Guhyo gabhiro gahano guptas chakra-gadadharah

Govinda means the One who is the Lord of Cows, protector of Cows, the one who has lifted the hill called Goverdhanagiri with His little finger to save and protect the Cows and Cowherds, also the one who is the protector of Earth. Go also means Vedas. One who is the protector of Vedas and who is eulogized by Vedas. Go means Cow and Vinda means one who helps to survive or surmount. Go+Vinda = Govinda means the One who helps us to survive and surmount the earthly existence and reach Supreme realization of the Self. Lord Sri Krishna is popularly known and called as Govinda and who is also called as Gopala the protector of cows. We also find Lord Sri Venkateshwara popularly being referred to as Govinda and devotees chanting Govinda-Govinda when they visit Tirumala Kshetra.

Payo-Vratha (in brief)

When King Bali (Bali Chakravarthi) and his followers invaded Swarga Loka, dethroned Indra and other Demi-Gods and captured all their wealth, Aditi the Divine Mother of Demi-Gods and wife of Sage Kashyapa got highly distressed with the plight of her sons. Aggrieved with her sons’ condition she prayed to her husband Sage Kashyapa to suggest the way to make her sons reoccupy their respective positions in the Heaven. Moved by the Aditi’s request, Sage Kashyapa suggested her to worship Lord Sri ManNarayana by performing an austerity known as Payo Vratha and explained its rules and regulations.

According to its principles one has to perform with proper sankalpa this austerity for twelve days, starting from Sukla Paadyami and ending with Dwadasi. During this period one should perform Sri Vishnu Aaradhana by worshiping Him daily with shodasa upachaara pooja and feeding poor and Brahmins as much as possible and subsisting only on Milk. One is required to perform this austerity with total faith and devotion towards Lord Vishnu, strictly observing celibacy, taking bath thrice a day, sleeping on floor etc. At the end of the vratha one should perform a homa/yagna, feed Brahmins, and give charity. Since this Vratha is ought to yield far reaching results and fulfills all desires it is also known as Sarva Yagna.

Aditi then performed Payovratha strictly adhering to its rules resulting in Lord Sri ManNarayana appearing before her and assuring her that her wish would get fulfilled and that He would take birth as her son. Accordingly, Lord Sri Maha Vishnu took the incarnation of Lord Vaamana and fulfilled Aditi’s desires. We find reference to this Payovratha in Ashtama Skhanda (8th Canto) of SriMad Bhagavatham in the episode of Sri Vaamana Avathara. This Vratha is performed during Phalguna masam. This austerity is suggested as one of the Divine remedies for lack of progeny.

In Mahabharatha epic, we find Arjuna being referred to by several names and one such name is Phalguna. It is said that Arjuna was born in Phalguna masam and in the constellation of Uttara Phalguni. Great Madhva Saint and Philosopher, Guru Saarvabhouma, Sri Raghavendra Swamy of Mantralayam was born during Phalguna masam on the seventh day Suddha Sapthami that is celebrated as Guru Saarvabhoumara Jayanthi. In fact Sri Rayaru took his Sanyasa Deeksha in the month of Phalguna masam only. We also find during Phalguna masam Aaradhana of other Great Madhva Saints viz. Sri Sudheendra Theertharu (Vidya Guru of Sri Raghavendra Swamy), Sri Vaadiraaja Theertharu (Sodhe) and Sri Vyasarajaru (Anegondi).

Full Moon day in Phalguna masam is celebrated as Holi festival. If that day is associated with Uttara Phalguni star it is said to be highly meritorious for worshiping Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi. Holi is also known as colour festival which is celebrated with great fanfare by Hindus as well as Sikhs sprinkling colours/colour water on each other. In South India it is known as Kama-Dahana. We find people lighting a bonfire in commemoration of Manmatha (Kamadeva) the Lord of passion, getting burnt to the furious gaze of Lord Shiva when He was disturbed from His meditation. This tradition of lighting a bonfire carries a message to mark the burning of our Arishadvargas (Negative passions). This festival of colours has socio-cultural and religious significance which is participated by one and all irrespective of their caste and creed.

Famous Boat festival or Float festival known as Teppotsavam is held at Tirumala Sri Swamy Pushkarini Theertham during Phalguna masam. This is held for five days during Sukla paksha starting from Dasami and ending with Pournami thithi. During the five day festival, first two days Lord Sri Rama and Lord Sri Krishna along with their consorts are taken out in procession on a decorated boat in Swamy Pushkarini theertham. Last three days Lord Malayappa Swamy (Lord Venkateshwara) is taken out in procession along with His consorts. This float festival attracts thousands of devotees coming from across the country.

Ekadasi thithi falling in sukla paksha of Phalguna masam is called as Amalaki Ekadasi. It is said that fasting on this day of Amalaki Ekadasi is more meritorious than giving one thousand cows in charity. One who observes fast on this day and worship Lord Sri Maha Vishnu with total faith and devotion would get freed from all kinds of sins and attain liberation. Ekadasi falling in Krishna Paksha is known as Papa-Vimochani which is self explicit.

During Phalguna masam, Go-dhana (giving Cow as charity) along with its maintenance, Vasthra dana are prescribed. Phala + Guna = Phalguna. Phala means merits and Guna means qualities and Phalguna masam is a highly auspicious month that is full of meritorious qualities.


Maagha Maasam - Merits & Significance
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

Maagha Maasam – Merits & Significance
Significance
As per Hindu lunar calendar the month in which full moon day coincides with Makhah (Maghah) star, that month is denoted as Maagha masam which occur during the calendar months of January-February. Makhah also means Yagna and Lord Vishnu is referred to as MahaMakhah (Sri Vishnu Sahasranama sthothram sloka # 47) the presiding Deity of Yagna. The Lord is also worshipped through the medium of Yagna. Maagham is a Sanskrit word Ma+Agham. Ma means not present and Agham means sin, evil, malefic, annoyance, suffering, grief and Maagha masam is the month which is highly meritorious, auspicious and free from any sin or suffering.
Lord Maha Vishnu in the name of Maadhava is the presiding deity (Masa Niyamaka) who governs the month Maagha Masam and to be worshipped. We find a reference to the words Madhava in sloka #8, 18 and 78 of Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram. Madhava means one who is the consort of Goddess Lakshmi Devi, one who is the bestower and Lord of superior knowledge. Astrologically, Kethu the Mokshakaraka is regarded as the ruling planet of Magha star and Pithru Devathas as the presiding Deities. Maagha masam, the eleventh month as per Hindu lunar calendar is considered as an auspicious month for performing marriages, upanayanam, Gruha Pravesam, Aksharabhyasam etc.

Significant days of Maagha masam

During Maagha masam we find several significant and sacred days to be celebrated. To begin with,
Maagha sukla Panchami the fifth day of Maagha masam in the bright fortnight is celebrated as Vasantha Panchami also known as Sri Panchami. Goddess Saraswathi, the presiding deity of Akshara Gyana, the female Divine energy of Learning, Knowledge and Wisdom is said to have born on this auspicious day of Sri Panchami. Dedicated to Vaakk Devi (Goddess Saraswathi) this day is considered to be highly auspicious day especially for Aksharabhyasa (inducting a child into education). Goddess Saraswathi is to be worshipped on this day to get rid of our sluggishness, lethargy and ignorance.

Ratha sapthami also known as Magha Sapthami or Maha Sapthami is a very popular Hindu festival dedicated to Sun God, Sri Surya Narayana. It occurs on the seventh day (Sapthami) of Magha Masam during sukla paksha. It is celebrated as Surya Jayanthi the day on which Sun God was born to Sage Kashyapa & Aditi and considered as an incarnation of Lord Sri ManNarayana. Special celebrations are held at all Vaishnavite temples especially at Tirumala and Srirangam apart from Arasavelli and Konark. It is an age old custom and tradition that people on this day take special bath with seven Arka leaves.
Bheeshmaastami is associated with Bheeshma Pitamaha, the most revered and grandiose character of the great Epic, Mahabharata. It was on this day Bheeshma had his last breath and this day is commemorated as the day of his Niryana. Bheeshmaastami occurs on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the bright fortnight (Sukla Paksha) in Magha Masam, the day after Ratha Sapthami.

Sri Madhwa Navami falling on the 9th day of Lunar month of Magha Masam during the bright fortnight is associated with Sri Madhwacharya one of the greatest Hindu Saints and Philosophers who was the founder and exponent of Dvaita Philosophy. It is said that it was on this day in the year 1317 AD, Sri Madhvacharya while teaching his disciples at Udupi Sri Anantheshwara Temple, suddenly a heap of flowers were showered on him and he disappeared from that heap of flowers not to be seen later. It is considered as the day He entered the Badarikasrama.

Maagha Pournami the full moon day in Maagha masam is celebrated as Maha Maaghi. This day marks the end of Maagha Snana vratham. It is said and believed that any Divine worship, prayer, charity or rites performed on this day are highly meritorious that gives significant results. Thilapaathra Danam is prescribed to be given to a Brahmin on this day of Mahamaaghi. Taking bath in a sea on this day is considered as highly meritorious.

Maha Shivarathri a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva occurs on the 13th /14th day of dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in Magha Masam coinciding with Chaturdasi thithi. Worshipping Lord Shiva on this day of Maha Shivarathri is considered as highly meritorious and sin remover. Special celebrations are held on the eve of Maha Shivarathri at all the holy Shiva Kshetras where lakhs of people gather to offer their obeisance and salutations to Lord Shiva the great destroyer of sins and the most benevolent God.
Sunday associated with Amaavaasya + Sravana Nakshatra + Vyatheepatha Yoga + in the lunar month of Pushya or Maagha is referred to as Ardhodhaya which is considered to be a very sacred day, a parvakala that occurs very rarely that is more meritorious than an eclipse. Maagha Bahula Amaavasya associated with Satabhisha star is considered as highly sacred and meritorious. According to Dharmasindhu by performing Pithru Shraaddha on this day, Pithrus (ancestors) gets pleased for ten thousand years.

Charities during Maagha masam

During Maagha masam following charities are prescribed to be given which is considered as highly sacred and meritorious.

Veni Danam at Prayaga, Thila-Paathra Danam (Black/white sesame seeds along with a copper or a bronze vessel), Salagrama Dana, Anna Dana (Food), Gold or gold items, Hiranya danam, Thila (Sesame) + Sugar in the ratio of 3:1, Kooshmaanda Danam (Pumpkin). Apart from the above Thila homa and Thila bhakshana are also prescribed during Maagha masam.

Maagha Snanam
While Kartheeka masam is given lot of significance for lighting of lamps, Maagha masam is given special significance for taking bath that is known as Maagha Snanam. It generally starts from Pushya sukla Pournami and ends with Magha sukla Pournami or it can also be from Makara Sankramana to Kumbha Sankramana as per Solar/Luni-Solar calendar. For followers of lunar calendar it starts from Pushya Bahula Amaavaasya and ends with Maagha Bahula Amaavaasya. During this period it is prescribed to take bath early in the morning before Sunrise preferably during Arunodaya kala. This sacred bath is preferred to be taken in any river, lake or theertha or at least at home. Apart from the daily routine (Nithya Karma) special arghya is to be given to Lord Madhava and Sun God after Maagha Snanam.

Merits of Maagha Snanam
Taking a bath (Snana) which is refreshing, not only cleanses our external body, but also has been given lot of significance from the religious and spiritual point of view in the daily routine of an individual. In Hindu philosophy daily routine generally begins with a bath before worshiping God, a discipline that is inculcated with a sense of cleanliness in our actions. When it is during an auspicious period like Maagha masam, its spiritual merits are in multiple. It is said that Maagha Snana can purify a person even from ghastly and dreadful sins committed. Taking bath in Maagha masam, early in the morning as said above is highly sacred, spiritual and meritorious. Sacred texts like Vayu Purana, Brahmanda Purana are said to have made a reference to the merits and significance of Maagha Snanam. Its merits get increased depending on the place where the bath is taken as given below.

At home with hot water – Merits equivalent to Six years of such Snana phala
From the waters of a well –12 years of such Snana phala
In a lake –24 years of such Snana phala
In any river – 96 years of such Snana phala
In any sacred river – 9600 years of such Snana phala
At the confluence (Sangam) of sacred rivers–38400 years of such Snana
In Ganges River – Merits equivalent to 38400000 years of such Snana phala
At Triveni Sangam (Prayaga) – 100 times of Ganga Snana phala
Maagha Snana in a sea (Samudra) is considered as more meritorious than all the above.

Wherever bath is taken, one should always remember to recollect Prayaga and also pray Maasa Niyamaka Sri Maadhava (Lord Vishnu) silently. Those who cannot take bath as said above for the entire month should at least take it for the last three days which is known as Anthya Pushkarini. Maagha Snanam is prescribed for all ages of men and women.
ಗಂಗಾಸಿಂಧು ಸರಸ್ವತೀ ಚ ಯಮುನಾ ಗೋದಾವರೀ ನರ್ಮದಾ
ಕೃಷ್ಣಾ ಭೀಮರತೀ ಚ ಫಲ್ಘುಸರಯೂ ಶ್ರೀಗಂಡಕೀ ಗೋಮತೀ
ಕಾವೇರೀ ಕಪಿಲಾಪ್ರಯಾಗವಿನುತಾ ನೇತ್ರಾವತೀತ್ಯಾದಯೋ
ನದ್ಯ: ಶ್ರೀ ಹರಿಪಾದಪಂಕಜಭವಾ: ಕುರ್ವಂತು ನೋ ಮಂಗಳಂ

maagha snaana manthra

GARUDA PURAANAM

Garuda Purana - Glory & Significance

Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!




While Vedas are the sacred scripts of Hindu dharma, Puranas are the backbone of Hindu philosophy which contains the essence of Hindu religion, civilization and culture. Sage Sri Veda Vyasa, the Divine literary incarnation of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu has played a significant role in the field of Vedic and spiritual literature, whose works have become guiding principles of Hindu religion, philosophy and culture. He compiled 18 great puranas known as Ashtadasa Maha Puranas, a great treasure gifted to the mankind. He compiled these puranas to draw the attention of the reader or its listener towards the ultimate goal of Dharma and the Supreme Being Lord Sri ManNarayana. All may not have the right to learn Vedas. It is believed that Sage Veda Vyasa composed these puranas for the sake of those who have no access to the Vedas to enlighten them on the spiritual path.
What is Garuda Purana?
Garuda Purana is one of those Ashtaadasa Maha-Puranas composed by Sage Sri Vedavyasa. It is called as Garuda Purana because it was Garuda the Divine King of Birds who first heard it from Lord Sri Maha Vishnu which was in the form of a dialogue between the two. Later Garuda recited the same to Sage Kashyapa that percolated down the line. It contains about 19000 slokas and classified as a Saattvika Purana. Others in the list are Sri Vishnu Purana, Sri Narada Purana, Sri Padma Purana, Sri Varaha Purana, and Srimad Bhagavatha Purana.
It is difficult to date the Purana as several revisions would have taken place and the latest revision must have taken place during Sri Krishnaavathara when, Sage Veda Vyasa would have edited and revised all the Puranas. Since it was Garuda (Divine Charioteer of Lord Vishnu), who first heard it from the Primordial Person, Lord Sri ManNarayana thence forth the sacred script came to be named after Garuda that is referred to as Garuda Purana.

What it deals with?

Like any other Vishnu related Puranas, Garuda Purana also deals with the Incarnations of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, Geographical description and origin of the Universe, Creation, Procreation, Genealogy of Gods, Sages and great Kings, Time element, Brief about Ramayana, Mahabharatha and Lord Sri Krishna, about the history of Solar and Lunar dynasties etc..

Apart from the above, Garuda Purana also talks about the origin and propagation of Garuda, Description of Shodasa Samskaaras, Varnaashrama Dharma, Different kinds of Austerities, methods of worship, Praayaschitta (atoning for sins), Divine Sacred Manthras, Study of Gems and Jewels (Navarathnas), Rare Gems, Various types and characteristics of Salagrama, Navagrahas, Astrology related topics like electional astrology, Saamudrika Shaastra (the science of Physiognomy) - Predictions based on the physical traits, Vaasthu Shaasthra related to Temples and Houses, Prominent places of Pilgrimage, Various types of Charities and their significance, About Go-daana (donating a cow), Medicine and remedies etc..

What is its uniqueness?

Uniqueness of Garuda Purana lies in the fact that it is the only sacred text that talks about the life after death, the journey of the soul, death and its aftermath, rebirth or reincarnation. Even the modern science could not break the mystery of death and after, whereas Garuda Purana has spelled out these realities ages before. Among the Shodasa Samskaaras prescribed as per the Hindu Dharma for a human being, last one is Anthyeshti samskara or Apara Karma, matters relating to funeral rites and other ceremonies. This Apara Karma is exclusively and exhaustively covered in Garuda Purana.

It further describes about the Nether worlds, description of Yama-Loka, Various kinds of Naraka Lokas (Hell), Experiences of the Soul when it leaves the body, Cycle of countless births the Soul takes, Law of Karma, Fruits of Karma (action) and various types of punishments for sins committed, about Moksha (Salvation), a detailed description of the Funeral rites to be performed and its procedure including the rituals, followed by the ceremonies starting from death till completion of one year including the Sapindikarana Shraaddha, Asoucha Nirnaya, Shraaddha Vidhi, Significance of Kusa Grass (Dharbha), Sesame seeds (Thila) Lavana Daana, and Significance of Pinda daana, Gaya Shraaddha etc.

Merits of Garuda Purana

As a custom we find in traditional Hindu families, parayana (reading) of Garuda Purana whenever there is a death in the family till the completion of the 13th day ceremony – Vaikunta Samaraadhana. Great Punya is acquired from reading or listening to Sri Garuda Purana.

Those who narrate and the one who listen to this sacred Garuda Purana within ten days or even after the death of a person will get absolved from sins and is assured of happiness in this world as well as in the next world.

One who listens to this Garuda Purana on the occasion of his Parents death, such parents would attain Mukthi and he will be blessed with good progeny.

Listening to Garuda Purana, one will get rid of sorrow and suffering and will be blessed with peace and prosperity.

By listening to Garuda Purana, a Brahmin will be bestowed with Vidya, a Kshatriya with Land, a Vysya with wealth and a Sudra will get refined.

Lord Sri Maha Vishnu would get pleased if the narrator of Garuda Purana is worshipped and it is as good as worshipping Lord Sri Hari. Giving charity of any of the Shodasa Daanas to a Brahmin is prescribed after listening or parayana of Garuda Purana.

Listening or Parayana (reading) of Garuda Purana during Mahalaya Pithru Paksham is highly meritorious that pleases the Pithru Devathas (Forefathers)

Donating the sacred book of Garuda Purana to a Brahmin is also meritorious.

By reading Garuda Purana one will get an opportunity to refine him-self and move on the righteous path.

Myth about Garuda Purana

There is an apprehension among the people that, the text of Garuda Purana is inauspicious and hence can not be read or the book be kept at home or should be read only on the occasion of death at home. People hesitate to keep this sacred text at their homes or read it because of its fearful subject matter. It is only a misconception due to the contents of Garuda Purana. Reading Garuda Purana will definitely change the mindset of an evil-doer or a sinner. Just because it deals with the death and its aftermath, it is incorrect to tag it as inauspicious.

In Bhagawad-Geeta sloka # 27 Chapter 2 (Saankhya Yoga), Lord Sri Krishna says that Jaatasya hi dhruvo mrutyu…. (Indeed certain is death for the born and it is inevitable). In fact death is a reality though we hesitate to accept because of lack of its knowledge. Death grins only at those who have no understanding and that it has no pain for those who understand its implications and working. Death can no more be a threat to a wise man. Death is a major learning experience.

In fact the entire epic of Garuda Purana is in the form of a glorious dialogue between Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and his Divine mount Lord Garuda. When it was explained or narrated by Lord Sri Maha Vishnu Himself, how can it be inauspicious? Even in Bhagawadgeeta also Lord Sri Krishna makes a reference to the law of Karma, death and its realities, reincarnation etc. But we don’t consider Bhagawadgeeta as inauspicious, in fact we adore it. A script that mentions about the significance of Thulasi, Cow, Thila, Kusa (Dharbha) is always auspicious and we find all these in Garuda Purana.

One need not get scared with the contents of Garuda Purana either to read or to listen. It can be treated as learning and enhancement of one’s spiritual knowledge to discipline him-self and to follow the righteous path. Garuda Purana acts as a speed breaker for a person who is driving his life rashly. It can be treated as a caution for wrongdoers and acts as a direction to avoid committing sins. Is it not good to read it and understand its contents and implications when one is alive?

I suggest that every one should read the sacred text of Garuda Purana at least once in their life time and there is nothing inauspicious about it and it is only an illusion.

Na vasudevabhaktaanaam-ashubham vidyate kvachit
Janma-mrutyu-jaraa-vyaadhi-bhayam naivopajaayate

No ill-fate befalls on the devotees of Lord Vasudeva (Lord Sri Maha Vishnu) and they will never have fear from birth, death, old age and diseases

Vanamaali Gadee Shaarngi Shankee Chakree Cha Nandakee
SrimanNaaraayano Vishnur -Vaasudevoabhirakshathu

AMAAVASYA-PITHRU THITHI

AMAAVAASYA - The Pithru Thithi
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!
AMAAVAASYA
(The Pithru Thithi)

As per the Hindu Lunar Calendar there are 16 thithis out of which 14 gets repeated twice in a cycle of 30 days starting from Prathipad (Paadyami) and ending with Chaturdasi. The other two thithis that occur once in a month are Pournima and Amavasya. Thus, there are 15 thithis in each fortnight one ending with Pournima called as Sukla Paksham (Bright fortnight) and the other ending with Amavasya called as Krishna Paksham (Dark fortnight). Amavasya is also called as Darsa thithi. Amavasya falling on Chaturdasi thithi is called as Sinivali and if it is falling on Prathipad it is called as Kuhu. In a Lunar Calendar year Amavasya occurs 12 times and of all the thithis Amavasya is given lot of significance in Hindu religion.

Significance of Amavasya

Amavasya is the darkest day of the month. On this day Moon will not be visible and it is called as New Moon day or no Moon day. On the day of Amavasya both the Sun and the Moon will conjoin together. Solar Eclipse occurs on Amavasya Day.

Pithru Devathas are the presiding deities of Amavasya Thithi. Amavasya is the name given to Achhoda, Manasa Puthrika (Mind born daughter) of Pithru Devathas. Amavasya is the most favourite day for worshipping Pithru Devathas. Sacred rituals (Tharpana) are performed for forefathers on the day of Amavasya. We find people observing fast on Amavasya day.

We find people specially worshipping Goddess Durga, Lord Narasimha, Lord Hanuman and Lord Saturn on Amavasya day to ward off the problem of evil spirits and other mundane problems. It is said that Lord Sri Krishna’s Niryana took place on Amavasya day.
While in general Amavasya is considered as inauspicious for starting any venture, as an exception we find people in Tamil Nadu considering Amavasya as auspicious. We find people performing Tantric remedies on Amavasya Day especially on the Amavasya days coinciding with Sunday and Tuesday.

Legend behind Amavasya Thithi

There are seven Groups of Pithru Devathas viz. Vyrajas, Agnishwatthas, Barhishadas, Sukalas, Angirasas, Suswadhas and Somapas. Achhoda is the Manasa Puthrika (Mind born daughter) of Pithru Devathas who had great devotion and respect for them. Once upon a time she performed a great penance targeting Pithru Devathas. Pleased with her prayers they appeared before her to give her a boon. When they appeared before her, Achhoda got fascinated towards one of the Pithru Devathas by name Mavasa. Due to this sudden reaction of hers, Achhoda was referred as Mavasya. As Mavasa did not show any counter reaction Achhoda was later referred as Amavasya. Because of this sudden passionate reaction in Achhoda she lost her Divinity.

Sympathized with her condition and pleased with her penance Pithru Devathas gave her a boon that thence forth she will become popular as Amavasya Thithi that will be a favorite day for Pithru Devathas. Also said that, whoever performs Pithru Karya on Amavasya day, Pithru Devathas will get immensely pleased and bestow them with multiple benefits.

It was a Divine Sankalpa that Achhoda took birth on the Earth in the 28th Dwapara Yuga in the womb of a fish and was brought up by a fisherman called Vasu. She was called as Mastya Gandha and later as Sathyavathi who gave birth to Lord Veda Vyasa in a divine meeting with Sage Parasara. Later she married King Shanthanu of the great epic Mahabharatha. This legend is said to be from Mastya Purana.

Unique days of Amavasya

While Amavasya occurs in every Lunar month, certain days of Amavasya are unique and have attained lot of spiritual and special significance. They are as follows:

Somavathi Amavasya
Amavasya occurring on a Monday is called as Somavathi Amavasya. It is said that the significance and importance of Somavathi Amavasya was explained to Yudhistira (Dharmaraja) by Bheeshma Pithamaha in Mahabharatha. It is also said that who ever takes a dip in the holy rivers on this day would get freed from grief and sorrow. People also observe fasting on this day. It is dedicated to worshipping of Lord Shiva on this day. Women observe this as a Vratha for the longevity and happiness in their married life.

Mouni Amavasya
Mouni Amavasya occurs on the Amavasya day in the month of Magha Masam (January-February). It is derived from the word Muni, literally means an ascetic who practices silence. Fasting is observed on this day. The devotees do not talk to each other during the observance. It is considered highly meritorious to bath in Brahma Sarovar at Kurukshetra, Ganges, Prayaga, Haridwar and Sethu (Indian Ocean) on this day. If it is coinciding with Monday it is considered to be of special significance.

Shani Amavasya
Amavasya occurring on a Saturday is known as Shani Amavasya. Worshipping Lord Saturn on this day with Thila Thailabhishekam and giving Black Sesame (Thil) seeds as charity is highly beneficial especially for those who are under the grip of Sade Sath, Astama Shani, and Ardhaastama Shani in Gochara or for those who are under the phase of Saturn’s Maha Dasa. If it is coinciding with Chaitra Masam it is considered to be still more sacred for worshipping Lord Saturn.

Mahalaya Amavasya
It occurs on the last day of Pithru Paksham in Bhadrapada Masam. Mahalaya Amavasya is considered as the Mother of all Amavasyas as it is the favourite day for performing sacred rites to forefathers.

Deepavali Amavasya
This occurs on the festival day of Deepavali on the last day of Lunar month Aaswayuja. It is considered as the most auspicious day to worship Goddess Maha Lakshmi on Deepavali night.

Solar Eclipse & Amavasya
Solar Eclipse invariably occurs on an Amavasya Day. Any Eclipse time is said to be very sacred and celestial and entire period of Eclipse is called as Parva Kala (most sacred time). Any sacred rituals/rites performed during a parva kala will derive more merits than the one performed during ordinary times. Eclipse is the most opportune time to perform Snana (sacred bath), Prayer, Punascharana of Upadesa Manthra, Pitru Tharpana, and Charity. Chanting of Vedic manthras/sacred Sthothram during Eclipse will ward off the negative energy that gets activated during eclipse and protects one from all negativity. Sarva Pithru Tarpana should be performed with proper sankalpa during eclipse time (by those who have lost their parents) with black Thil (sesame) seeds.

Bheemana Amavasya
New Moon day (Amavasya) occurring in the month of Aashada is observed as Bheemana Amavasya. On this day Women observe Vratha called Pathi Sanjeevani Vratha and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi for the welfare of all the male members of the family in general and their husbands and brothers in particular. It is said that Skhanda Purana makes a reference of this Vratha and its significance.

Amavasya falling on Tuesday is called as Bhouma Amavasya and on Sunday is called as Bhanu Amavasya. Similarly Jyesta Bahula Amavasya is celebrated as Mannetthina Amavasya when Bullocks made up of mud are worshipped in households.

Thus Amavasya thithi has attained lot of spiritual significance in Hindu religion and is popularly known as Pithru Thithi.
Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

CONCEPT-HINDU TIME ELEMENT

Concept & Significance of Hindu Time Element
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

Kalpa - The Concept of Hindu Time Element

Having understood the concept of Ugadi (Yuga + Aadi) as a time element let us now try to understand the arithmetic of Hindu time element and certain related terminologies that will help us in understanding the time element called Kalpa Para that refers to the life span of the Universe and Lord Brahma. Reference to Hindu time element is said to have been scripted in many Vishnu related puranas like Maha Bhagavatha, Matsya Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Mahabharatha and Bhagavath Geetha.

Hindu sages describe time as cyclic and an endless process of creation, preservation and dissolution. The Universe is cyclically created and destroyed. Hindu religion and philosophy which strongly believes in Vedas has clearly spelled out the time element of the universe at different levels. Understanding of time element in Hinduism is as old as the Hinduism itself. Several pouranic texts have mentioned about the time element in Hinduism.

It is said that before commencement of Creation (Srushti) there was only water every where and Lord SriManNarayana the primordial person (Aadi Purusha) only was present in deep meditation. Desired (Sankalpa) to start the creation, He first created the Universe and Omkara from where the Vedas got originated. It is also said that Vedas are (swayambhu) Lord SriManNarayana himself. He then created Lord Brahma from his navel to take further the process of Creation.

A Kalpa is a Sanskrit word meaning an aeon (immeasurably long period of time) in Hindu cosmology. In Hindu philosophy a Kalpa is equal to 432 crores of years. It is a day in the life of Lord Brahma. It is equal to 1000 Mahayugas measuring the duration of the world. Each Kalpa is divided into 14 Manvantharas each one lasting 306,720,000 years. Two kalpas constitute a day and night of Lord Brahma.

A Kalpa is also called as Vedanga, the hand of VedaPurusha. Kalpa is also referred to as the Sasthra that involves one to carry out the injunctions of Kalpa. Various kinds of spiritual rituals to be performed come under the province of Kalpa. Kalpa is one of the six disciplines of Vedanga.

YUGA
Yuga is a period or an Era in which we live. As per Kalpa Pramana there are four Yugas viz. Krita Yuga known as Sathya Yuga which is also called as the Golden age an era of total virtue, Thretha Yuga called as the Silver age an era of 3/4th virtue, Dwapara Yuga called as bronze age with half virtue and half sin in its era, and Kali Yuga called as iron age (Black age) with 1/4th virtue and 3/4th sin in its era. Life span of these Yugas will not be equal. The Yugas get progressively worse from morality point of view as one proceeds from one Yuga to another. As a result each Yuga is of shorter duration than its previous one. It is as follows,
Krita Yuga (Sathya Yuga) 1728000 years
Thretha Yuga 1296000 years
Dwapara Yuga 864000 years
Kali Yuga 432000 years
MAHA YUGA
One cycle of four Yugas (Krita, Thretha, Dwapara and Kali) is called as Maha Yuga (Chatur Yuga); its life span will be 43,20,000 years. It is also called as a Divine Yuga.

MANVANTHARA
During every Kalpa Lord Brahma creates 14 Manus one after the other, who in turn manifest and regulate the world. Manvanthara is Manu’s cycle the one who gives birth and govern the human race. Manvanthara is reckoned with the age or period of Manu. The period of each Manvanthara consists of 71 Mahayugas (Chaturyugas) that is 71 x 4320000 = 306,720,000 human years. After each Manvanthara there follows Sandhi Kala of the duration of Krita Yuga years. (1728000). It is said that at the end of each Manvanthara it is followed by a Pralaya during the Sandhikala.

There are 14 generations of Manus they are, Swayambhuva, Swarochisha, Outtama, Tamasa, Raivatha, Chakshuva, Vaivaswatha, Savarni, Daksha Savarni, Brahma Savarni, Dharma Savarni, Rudra Savarni, Deva Savarni, and Indra Savarni. At end of the 14th Manu, the cycle repeats again and Brahma creates fourteen additional Manus. Each Manvanthara will have a set of seven sages called Saptha Rishis who will live through out the Manvanthara period.

KALPA
A Kalpa is a day (12 hours) in the life of Lord Brahma. Each Kalpa is ruled by a succession of 14 Manus and the period of their reign is called a Manvanthara. A Kalpa (day period of Brahma) consists of a period of 17,28,000 years called Aadi Sandhi followed by 14 Manvantharas and Sandhi kalas that will be equal to 1000 Maha Yugas.

One day (Kalpa) of Brahma is also divided into 10000 parts called charanas equivalent to 1000 Maha Yugas of 10 charanas each. Each Maha Yuga consists of 10 charanas (Krita Yuga 4, Thretha Yuga 3, Dwapara Yuga 2 and Kali Yuga 1 charana).

A day of Brahma is equal to 14 (Manvantharas) x 71 (Maha Yugas) = 994 Maha Yugas + Sandhi kalas (equal to 6 Maha Yugas) = 1000 Maha Yugas. Sandhi kala is arrived at as follows; For 14 Manvanthara 14 sandhikala periods equal to the age of 14 Krita Yugas = 1728000 x 14 = 24192000 + 1728000 (Aadi Sandhi period) = 2,59,20,000 /43,20,000 years = 6 Maha Yugas. In terms of number of years, a Kalpa will be of 1000 Maha Yugas x 4320000 = 432 crores of years.

A night of Brahma is of equal duration of another 1000 Maha Yugas = 432 crores years. Thus a full day (day + night) of Brahma is the period of Two Kalpas equal to 2000 Maha Yugas (864 crores years)

At the end of Brahma’s day time there will be a deluge (Pralaya) when the Universe will temporarily get dissolved by way of a Naimittika Pralaya. Then that will be the night time of Lord Brahma which will be equal to another Kalpa. During this time Lord Maha Vishnu reclines into meditative pose (Yoganidra) before Brahma starts recreation in the new Kalpa that will be the beginning of a new day for Lord Brahma. Thus in a full day’s cycle of Lord Brahma there will be creation during day time and destruction during night time.

There are 30 Kalpas as per Matsya Purana which gets repeated cyclically. They are Swetha, Neelalohita, Vamadeva, Rathanthara, Rourava, Deva, Bruhath, Kandarpa, Sadhya, Eesana, Tamah, Saraswatha, Udaana, Garuda, Kaurma, Narasimha, Samana, Agneya, Soma, Maanava, Tathpuman, Vaikunta, Lakshmi, Savithri, Aghora, Vaaraah, Vairaja, Gouri, Maheswara, and Pithru Kalpa. It is said that Vayu Purana gives a different list of Kalpas which are 28 in number.

Reckoning of time for Lord Brahma

In Bhagawad Geetha a day of Lord Brahma has been defined as 1000 Maha Yugas (Sahasra Yuga paryantham ahar-yad brahmano vidhuh meaning a day of Brahma is of 1000 Mahayugas)

According to Mahabharatha 12 months of Brahma is equal to 360 days that constitute his year and 100 such years is his life time and that is the life cycle of the Universe. Fifty years of Brahma are supposed to have been elapsed and we are now in the 51st year of Lord Brahma in Swetha Varaha Kalpa. At the end of the Kalpa, Brahma rests for one night that is equal to the day during which time the world is annihilated (destroyed) that is called as Pralaya.

As per Vedamana the life of Lord Brahma is said to be 100 years called as Brahma Kalpa. Though Brahma Kalpa had started from the day of his origin, first half of his life (50 years) was spent in knowing and understanding the tatva of Lord SriManNarayana. As per the directions of supreme Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, Brahma started creation in his 51st year that is the current year in the life of Lord Brahma. It is reckoned as follows in terms of human years,
1000 Maha Yugas = 1 Kalpa = 1 day (12 hours) of Lord Brahma = 432 crores of years

2000 Maha Yugas = 2 Kalpas = 1 day (24 hours) of Lord Brahma = 864 crores of years

30 such days of Brahma = 30 x 864 crores of years = 259.2 billions years = 60 Kalpas

12 such months (one year or 360 days) of Brahma = 12 x 259.2 billions years = 3.1104 trillions years = 720 (360+360) Kalpas

50 such years = 1 Paraarddha = 50 x 3.1104 trillion years = 155.52 trillions years = 36000 Kalpas (a Paraardha is half of Brahma's life)

2 such Paraardhas = 100 years of Brahma = 311.04 trillions years = 72000 Kalpas
As per the above arithmetic life span of Lord Brahma will be 311.04 trillions years.

Reckoning for the Current Date:
(The time elapsed since the current Brahma has taken over the task of creation)

Some of the words in Sankalpa sloka that we recite daily during Sandhyavandana or before commencement of any divine prayer or ritual contain the time element viz. Aaadhya Brahmana, Dwiteeya Parardhe, Swetha Varaha Kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manwanthare, Kaliyuge, Prathama Pade, Salivahana Sakhe. In these words there is reckoning of the current date as per Vedamana since the birth of Lord Brahma.

Aaadhya Brahmana Dwiteeya Parardhe
That means first half of the life time of Lord Brahma is over and we are in the 2nd half called Dwiteeya Parardhe in the 51st year of Lord Brahma (50 years of Lord Brahma is equal to 155.52 trillions human years)

Swetha Varaha Kalpe: That means we are in the first day (only day) called Swetha Varaha Kalpa in the 51st year of Lord Brahma.

Vaivaswatha Manvanthare:
In Swetha Varaha Kalpa (first day of Lord Brahma) after passing through 6 Manvantharas out of 14 we are currently in the 7th Manvanthara called Vaivaswatha Manvanthara. In terms of number of years after taking into account the sandhi kalas we have passed through 185.2416 crores human years (4320000 x 71 x 6) + (17,28,000 x 7) during the previous six Manvantharas.

And in the current Manvanthara (Vaivasvatha) we have passed through 27 Maha Yugas out of 71 and we are currently in the 28th Maha Yuga. That means in this Manvanthara we have passed through 11.6644 crores human years during the last 27 Maha Yugas.

Kali Yuge:
In the 28th Maha Yuga after passing through the three periods viz. Krita, Thretha, and Dwapara Yugas comprising of 38,88,000 human years we are currently in the 4th Yuga that is Kali Yuga, in which we have already passed through 5110 human years. As per scripts it is said that Kali Yuga had begun 3102 years BC. Counting from the beginning of the Kalpa it is (185.24 + 11.67 + 0.39 + 0.005) =197.30 crores human years since commencement of creation by Lord Brahma.

Salivahana Sakhe
Further reckoning down based on the concept of Sakha, after passing through the Yudhistira and Vikrama Sakhas we are currently in the Salivahana Sakha 1931 years since its beginning in 78 AD.

Tabulating the above it is reckoned as (taking the year 2009 as the base)
311.04 Trillions human years is the life span of current Brahma

155.52 Trillions human years since the origin of current Brahma

197.30 Crores years since the beginning of the Swetha Varaha Kalpa (time since creation started)

12.06 Crores years since the beginning of Vaivaswatha Manvanthara

38.88 lakhs years since the beginning of this Maha Yuga (28th Maha yuga)

5110 years since the beginning of the present Kali Yuga

1931 years since the beginning of Salivahana Sakha
(For the purpose of above arithmetic a year has been assumed as equal to 360 days)

It is said that after the life span of Lord Brahma it will take another 100 Brahma years before a new Brahma is born. It is also said and believed that Lord Hanuman is going to be the future Brahma after the expiry of the life span of the current Brahma.

We would have heard or come across statements or news items like the world is coming to an end, Pralaya is coming, it is going to be a dooms day, soon the world is going to disintegrate etc., Latest of such statements is that the year 2012 is going to be an end of the world. Behind all its realities, such statements are definitely going to create lot of panic, confusion, chaos, scare, anxiety among the world population. While most of the non Hindu cultures base their cosmologies on familiar units such as few hundreds or thousands of years, Hindu concept of time element based on Vedic scripts believes immeasurable period of time lasting billions and trillions of years.

Universal repositioning do takes place whenever celestial splendors like Eclipses occur. Astronomically lot of changes do takes place in the universe and all such may not and need not lead to a dooms day. Above arithmetic shows that still 18.61 crores human years have to pass through before end of the present Manvanthara when it is expected to be a deluge (Pralaya). Therefore as per this study one can be assured that cyclical end of the Universe is far away and it is a long way to go for a dooms day.

One should always remember the fact that nothing is permanent in this world even the Universe, or even Lord Brahma (Creator). The only permanent entity is the Primordial Person Lord SriManNarayana the creator of Brahma. In Phalastuthi of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothram, Lord Brahma describes Lord Maha Vishnu as,

Namostvananthaya Sahasramuurthaye
SahasraPaadaakshi Sirorubaahave
Sahasranaamne Purushaya Saswathe
SahasraKoti Yugadhaarine Namah

Salutations to the Infinite, one who has manifested as innumerable number of forms, who has innumerable feet, eyes, heads, arms, one who has innumerable number of names, who is an eternal person, and who holds thousands of crores of Yugas which are uncountable.

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

NB
One billion = 1000 million = 100 crores
One trillion = 1000 billion = 100000 crores

Annexure


Sakha Karthas of Kali Yuga

The legends says that in Kali Yuga six Kings will create new eras (Sakhas) which will be named after them. They are,

Yudhistira Sakha (Dharmaraja): His calendar started in the year 3102 BC continued for 3044 years.

Vikrama Sakha: His calendar started in 57 BC continued for 135 years

Salivahana Sakha (current period): His calendar started in 78 AD and will continue for 18000 years.

Vijayabhinandana Sakha (future coming): His calendar will start in 18078 AD and will continue for 10000 years.

Nagarjuna Sakha (future coming): His calendar will start in 28078 AD and will continue for 4, 00,000 years.

Kalki Sakha (future coming): His calendar will start at the end of Kali Yuga 4, 28,078 AD and will run for 821 years when the Kali Yuga will come to an end.
Time Element for other Entities

For Devathas:
One day for Devathas = One human year comprising of two half years
Brighter half of the day is called as Uttarayana
Darker half of the day is called as Dakshinayana

For Pithrus (Ancestors)
1 day of Pitru = One human month (comprising of two fortnights)
Brighter fortnight (sukla paksha) = day time for Pitrus
Darker fortnight (Krishna paksha) = night time for Pitrus