DNA OF HINDUISM
  • Home
  • Core Principles
  • Philosophy
  • Symbols & Customs
  • Puja, Krriya & Bhakti
  • Deities, Philosophers & Bhakts
  • Travel & Teertha
  • Festivals
  • Ancient Wisdom Via Stories
  • Shri Krishna & Shrimad Bhagavad Gita
  • Sri Ram & RamCharitra Manas
  • About
  • Non-clickable Page

​PUJA, Kriya & Bhakti 

Sankalpa

8/22/2025

0 Comments

 
Sankalp means "a solemn vow or resolution" made before starting any Hindu ritual or puja. It is the spiritual commitment or intention behind performing a ritual — a way of declaring to the deity, the priest, and oneself why the ritual is being done and for whom.
 
Why Is Sankalpa Done?
  1. To Define Purpose - It sets a clear intention for the ritual — such as for health, peace, prosperity, thanksgiving, or fulfilment of a vow.
  2. To Personalize the Ritual - It includes your name, gotra (lineage), place, time, and the deity — making the puja specific to you.
  3. To Spiritually Commit - It is a verbal and mental offering to God, showing sincerity and devotion.
  4. To Begin the Ritual Formally - Sankalp is the first official step in most pujas, homas, and vratas. It signifies the start of the sacred act.
  5. To define the person, place, cosmic specifications & purpose
 
How Is Sankalpa Done?
  1. Sit Facing East or North – with clean hands and mind.
  2. Take water in the right hand (palm folded like a cup).
  3. Place kusa grass or flowers if available.
  4. The sankalpa is stated by keeping the hands in a specific mudra called the “sankalpa mudra”.  The left palm facing up is placed on the right thigh and it is covered by the right palm to represent the solemn vow.
  5. Mentally focus on the deity.
  6. Chant the Sankalpa Mantra (or say your intention in simple words).
  7. Release the water into a plate or at the base of the deity’s image — symbolizing offering the vow to the Divine.
 
Simple Sankalpa Statement in English:
“I, [your name], of [your gotra], residing at [your place], am performing this puja today, on [date], for the blessings of [deity name], with full devotion, for the fulfilment of [mention purpose, like peace, health, success].”
Sanskrit & Transliteration of Sankalpa Mantra –
Om Vishnurvishnurvishnuh। Shrimadbhagavato Mahapurushashya Vishnoragyaya Pravartamanasya Adyaitasya Brahmanohni Dwitiye Parardhe Shrishvetavarahakalpe Vaivasvatamanvantare Ashtavimshatitame Yuge Kaliyuge Kali Prathamacharane Bhurloke Bharatavarshe Jambudvipe Bharatakhande Aryavartantargatabrahmavartasya India
​
……………………. Kshetre NCT …………………………..Mandalantaragate New Delhi …………………………Namninagare (Grame Va) Shrigangayah ............ …….(Uttare/Dakshine) Digbhage
Devabrahmanam Sannidhau Shrimannripativiravikramadityasamayatah ............ Sankhya-Parimite Pravarttamanasamvatsare Prabhavadishashthi-Samvatsaranam Madhye Kalayukta Namasamvatsare, Uttarayana ……………………….Ayane, Grishma ……………..Ritau, Jyeshtha …………………………..Mase, Krishna Paksha …………………………Pakshe, Panchami …………………………..Tithau, Shaniwara ……………………………….Vasare, Purva Ashadha ……………………………………Nakshatre, Shubha Yoge, Kaulava Karane, Dhanu ……………………….Rashisthite Chandre, Vrishabha ………………………………..Rashisthite Shrisurye, Mithuna ……………………..Rashisthite Devagurau Shesheshu Graheshu Yathayatha Rashisthanastheshu Satsu Evam Grahagunavisheshanavishishtayam Shubhapunyatithau ............ Gotrotpannasya ............ Sharmanah (Varmanah, Guptasya Va)
Aham ............ Shruti-Smriti-Puranokta-Punya-Phalapraptyartham Mama Sakutumbasya Saparivarasya Kshemastairyayurarogyaishwaryabhi-Vriddhyarthamadhibhautikadhi-Daivikadhyatmikatrividhitapashamanartham Dharmarthakamamokshaphalapraptyartham Nityakalyanalabhaya Bhagavatprityartham 


ॐ विष्णुर्विष्णुर्विष्णुः। श्रीमद्भगवतो महापुरुषस्य विष्णोराज्ञया प्रवर्तमानस्य अद्यैतस्य ब्रह्मणोह्नि द्वितीये परार्धे श्रीश्वेतवाराहकल्पे वैवस्वतमन्वन्तरे अष्टाविंशतितमे युगे कलियुगे कलि प्रथमचरणे भूर्लोके भारतवर्षे जम्बूद्विपे भरतखण्डे आर्यावर्तान्तर्गतब्रह्मावर्तस्य भारत ………….क्षेत्रे राष्ट्रीय राजधानी………….. क्षेत्र मण्डलान्तरगते नई दिल्ली ……………………नाम्निनगरे (ग्रामे वा) श्रीगड़्गायाः ............ (उत्तरे/दक्षिणे) दिग्भागे
देवब्राह्मणानां सन्निधौ श्रीमन्नृपतिवीरविक्रमादित्यसमयतः ............ संख्या-परिमिते प्रवर्त्तमानसंवत्सरे प्रभवादिषष्ठि-संवत्सराणां मध्ये कालयुक्त नामसंवत्सरे, उत्तरायण …………..अयने, ग्रीष्म ………………ऋतौ, ज्येष्ठ……………… मासे, कृष्ण………………….पक्ष पक्षे, पञ्चमी ………………….तिथौ, शनिवार …………………….. वासरे, पूर्वाषाढा …………………………नक्षत्रे, शुभ योगे, कौलव ……………….करणे, धनु राशिस्थिते चन्द्रे, वृषभ ……………………राशिस्थितेश्रीसूर्ये, मिथुन राशिस्थिते देवगुरौ शेषेशु ग्रहेषु यथायथा राशिस्थानस्थितेषु सत्सु एवं ग्रहगुणविशेषणविशिष्टायां शुभपुण्यतिथौ ............ गोत्रोत्पन्नस्य ............ शर्मणः (वर्मणः, गुप्तस्य वा) सपरिवारस्य ममात्मनः
अहं ............ श्रुति-स्मृति-पुराणोक्त-पुण्य-फलप्राप्त्यर्थं मम सकुटुम्बस्य सपरिवारस्य क्षेमस्थैर्यायुरारोग्यैश्वर्याभिवृद्ध्यर्थमाधिभौतिकाधि-दैविकाध्यात्मिकत्रिविधतापशमनार्थं धर्मार्थकाममोक्षफलप्राप्त्यर्थं नित्यकल्याणलाभाय भगवत्प्रीत्यर्थं ............ देवस्य पूजनं करिष्ये।

0 Comments

Swasti Vachan

8/16/2025

0 Comments

 
Swasti Vachan (स्वस्तिवाचन) is a Sanskrit invocation of peace, blessings, and well-being, traditionally recited at the beginning of Hindu religious rituals and ceremonies. It sets a sacred and auspicious tone for the ritual that follows.
 
Why Is Swasti Vachan Recited?
  1. To Invoke Auspiciousness (Shubhta) - It calls upon divine forces and cosmic energies for blessings, protection, and prosperity.
  2. To Purify the Atmosphere - The sound vibrations of Vedic mantras purify the mind, space, and spiritual environment.
  3. To Seek Universal Peace- Swasti Vachan wishes well-being not only for the individual or the yajman (host) but for all living beings and the entire universe.
  4. To Begin with Divine Grace - It is a spiritual "greeting" that invokes blessings from deities like Indra (King of Gods), Pusha (Sun God), Tarkshya (Garuda), and Brihaspati (Guru of Gods).
 
How Is Swasti Vachan Recited?
  1. Recited at the start of pujas, yajnas, weddings, housewarming, or any Vedic ceremony. Also used at the end of some rituals for closing with peace.
  2. Usually chanted by a priest (purohit), but devotees can recite it too.
  3. Sit with focus and devotion - Face east or north if possible.
  4. Can be accompanied by ringing of bell, sprinkling of holy water, or burning of incense.
  5. Popular Swasti Vachan Verse -
  6. Swasti na Indro Vṛddhaśravāḥ (स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः)  
  7.  Swasti naḥ Pūṣā Viśvavedāḥ (स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः।) 
  8. Swasti naḥ Tārkṣyo Ariṣṭanemiḥ (स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः) 
  9. Swasti no Bṛhaspatir Dadhātu॥ (स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु॥)
Meaning:
  • May Indra, (the lord of strength), bless us with well-being.
  • May Pūṣan, (the all-knowing Sun God), protect us.
  • May Tārkṣya (Garuda), the divine eagle, guard us from harm.
  • May Bṛhaspati, (the teacher of the gods), bestow peace and wisdom.
 
Benefits of Swasti Vachan -
  1. Mental peace - Calms the mind before worship.
  2. Spiritual preparation - Prepares the devotee to connect with divine forces.
  3. Cosmic alignment - Invokes harmony between individual and universal forces.
  4. Blessings - Seeks grace for health, knowledge, and prosperity.
 
Rules for Swasti Vachan Mantra
  1. Swasti should be recited at the beginning of any puja.
  2. After recitation of Swasti, the water used in puja should sprinkled in all the ten directions.
  3. It is auspicious to recite Swasti while doing any important event such as entering new house, marriage & ceremonies.
 
Complete Swasti Vachan Mantra
Mantra 1
Om Aa No Bhadrah Kratavo Yantu Vishvatoadabdhaso Aparitasa Udbhidah।
Deva No Yatha Sadamidvridhe Asannaprayuvo Rakshitaro Dive-Dive॥ (1)
 
Meaning – May powers auspicious come to us from every side, never deceived, unhindered, and victorious. The Gods may ever be with us for our gain, our guardians day by day, unceasing in their care.
 
Mantra 2
Om Devanam Bhadra Sumatirrijuyatam Devanam Ratirabhi No Nivartatam।
Devanam Sakhyamupasedima Vayam Deva Na Ayuh Pratirantu Jivase॥ (2)
 
Meaning: May the auspicious favor of the Gods be ours. On us descends the bounty of the righteous Gods. We have devoutly sought the friendship of the Gods, so may the Gods extend our lives that we may live.
 
Mantra 3
Om Tan Purvaya Nivida Humahe Vayam Bhagam Mitramaditim Dakshamasridham।
Aryamanam Varunam Somamashvina Saraswati Nah Subhaga Mayaskarat॥ (3)
 
Meaning– We call them hither with a hymn of olden time, Bhaga, the friendly Daksha, Mitra, Aditi, Aryaman, Varuna, Soma, and the Ashvins. May Saraswati, auspicious, grant felicity.
 
Mantra 4
Om Tanno Vato Mayo Bhuvatu Bheshajam Tanmata Prithivi Tatpita Dyauh।
Tad Gravanah Somasuto Mayobhuvastadashvina Shrinutam Dhishnya Yuvam॥ (4)
 
Meaning – May Vayu waft to us the felicitous medicament, May Mother Earth, Father Heaven, bring it; May the felicitous Stones distilling Soma secure it. May ye Ashvins, with understanding, hearken to our prayers.
 
Mantra 5
Om Tamishanam Jagatastasthushaspatim Dhiyanjinvamavase Humahe Vayam।
Pusha No Yatha Vedasamasad Vridhe Rakshita Payuradabdhah Swastaye॥ (5)
 
Meaning – We worship Him, the Lord of the universe of the inanimate and animate creation, for He is the blesser of our intellect and our protector. He dispenses life and good among all. Him do we worship, for as He is our preserver and benefactor, so is He our way to bliss and happiness also.
 
Mantra 6
Om Swasti Na Indro Vriddhashravah Swasti Nah Pusha Vishwavedah।
Swasti Nastarkshyo Arishtanemih Swasti No Brihaspatirdadhatu॥ (6)
 
Meaning – May Indra, who is provided with great speed, do well to us; May Pushan, the knower of the world, do good to us, and May Tarkshya, who devastates enemies, do good to us! May Brihaspati, the Lord of the Vedic knowledge or speech, give us spiritual delight from the light of knowledge and wisdom.
 
Mantra 7
Om Prishadashva Marutah Prishnimatarah Shubham Yavano Vidatheshu Jagmayah।
Agnijihva Manavah Surachakshaso Vishve No Deva Avasa Gamanniha॥ (7)
 
Meaning – The Maruts, sons of Prishni, with spotted steeds, of happy gait, frequenters of sacrifices, the Gods whose tongue is Agni, knowers, radiant as the Sun, May all come hither for our protection.
 
Mantra 8
Om Bhadram Karnebhih Shrinuyama Devah Bhadram Pashyemakshabhiryajatrah।
Sthirairangaistushtuva Sastanubhirvyashema Devahitam Yadayuh॥ (8)
 
Meaning – Gods, May we with our ears listen to what is good, and with our eyes see what is good, ye Holy Ones. With firm limbs and bodies, May we extol you to attain the term of life appointed by the Gods.
 
Mantra 9
Om Shataminnu Sharado Anti Deva Yatra Nashchakrajarasam Tanunam।
Putraso Yatra Pitaro Bhavanti Mano Madhyaririshatayurgantoh॥ (9)
 
Meaning – A hundred autumns stand before us, O ye Gods, within whose space ye bring our bodies to decay; Within whose space our sons become fathers in turn. Break ye not in the midst our course of fleeting life.
 
Mantra 10
Om Aditirdyauraditirantarikshamaditirmata Sa Pita Sa Putrah।
Vishvedeva Aditih Pancha Jana Aditirjatamaditirjanitvam॥ (10)
 
Meaning: Aditi is Heaven; Aditi is mid-air; Aditi is the Mother, the Father, and the Son. She is all the Gods, she is the five-classed men, and Aditi is all that hath been born and shall be born.
 
Mantra 11
Prithivi Shantirantarikshagam Shantirdyaushshantirdishah
Shantiravantara Dishashshantir Agnishshantirvayuh
Shantiradityashshantish Chandramashshantir Nakshatrani
Shantirapashshantir Oshadhayashshantir Vanaspatayashshantirgauh
Shantiraja Shantirashvashshantih Purushashshantirbrahma
Shantirbrahmanashshantih Shantireva Shantishshantirme Astu Shantih। (11)
 
Meaning – May the Prithviloka be peaceful, may the Antarikshaloka be peaceful. May the Dyuloka be peaceful. May all directions be peaceful, and may fire and air be peaceful. May the Surya, Chandra, and the entire Nakshatra Mandala provide peace, and may water, medicines, and plants provide peace. Animals like cows, horses, etc., should be peaceful. Men should be peaceful. May Brahma, i.e., the great God, grant us peace. The knowledge given by Brahmins should give peace, and Vedas should give peace. The entire living world should be filled with peace; there should be peace everywhere. May I attain such peace, and may it always increase. The intention is that every particle of the universe should provide us with peace. The entire environment should be pleasant and peaceful.
0 Comments

Peace (Shanti) Mantras

7/25/2025

0 Comments

 
​Hinduism believes in total peace. Peace of mind, Peace in family and Peace in the universe. Peace is the core of ancient Hindu scriptures such as Vedas, Upanishads etc. The roots of peace (Shanti) mantras may be traced in the Vedas and Upanishads. These Shanti mantras are initiated with the chanting of “Om” which represent the three realms of the consciousness.

Shanti mantras are chanted in the beginning and end of any rituals and discourses especially Upanishads. The Shanti mantra bring peace and tranquility in mind of the reciter and environment. Shanti mantras are also believed to promote overall wellbeing by calming the mind, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of harmony. Shanti mantra can be of immense help in refreshing and recharging.

Recitation of “Peace” three times in the end of shanti mantras is to calm the three sources of obstacles. As per Vedic system, these obstacles are -
  1. Adhyatmika (internal obstacles), which arise from one's own body and mind (e.g., pain, sickness, laziness). 
  2. Adhidaivika (divine obstacles), which originate from the supernatural world (e.g., spirits, ghosts, deities). These may be storms, tsunamis, earthquakes, lightening etc. 
  3. Adhibhautika (physical obstacles), which stem from other beings and the external world (e.g., suffering caused by other people, animals).  
 
  1. From Taittiriya Upanishad –
  2. शं नो मित्रः शं वरुणः। शं नो भवत्वर्यमा। शं न इन्द्रो बृहस्पतिः। शं नो विष्णुरुरुक्रमः। नमो ब्रह्मणे। नमस्ते वायो। त्वमेव प्रत्यक्षं ब्रह्मासि। त्वामेव प्रत्यक्षम् ब्रह्म वदिष्यामि। ॠतं वदिष्यामि। सत्यं वदिष्यामि। तन्मामवतु। तद्वक्तारमवतु। अवतु माम्। अवतु वक्तारम्। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
 
Translation - Om May Mitra be blissful to us. May Varuna be blissful to us. May Aryaman be blissful to us. May Indra and Brihaspati be blissful to us. May Vishnu, of long strides, be blissful to us. Salutation to Brahman. Salutation to you, O Vayu. You, indeed, are the immediate Brahman. You alone I shall call the direct Brahman.  I shall call you righteousness. I shall call you truth. May He protect me. May He protect the reciter*. May He protect me. May He protect the reciter. Om, peace, peace, peace!
 
Purpose - This mantra is to invoke the Vedic deities & to pray them - Mitra is invoked for friendship, contracts, and the dawn; Varuna is invoked for the protectors of divine law & order and truth; Brhaspati is invoked for divine knowledge and wisdom; Aryaman is invoked for hospitality and the welfare of the family; Indra is invoked for overall success; Vayu is invoked for his power to move things and life force.
 
  1. From Taittiriya & Katha Upanishads -
 
  • सह नाववतु | सह नौ भुनक्तु | सह वीर्यं करवावहै | तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै॥
  • शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
 
Translation - Om! May God protect us both together; May God nourish us both together; May we work conjointly with great energy; May our study be vigorous and effective, and may we not mutually dispute (or may we not hate any); Om! Let there be peace in me! Let there be peace in my environment! Let there be peace in the forces that act on me!
 
Purpose - This mantra is insight for teaching methodology. Mantra is chanted by the teacher and student together to seek from God protection, nourishment, Prosperity & peace. Here learning is by discussion and done by teacher & student both together. Hence, both are gaining knowledge. Further, this knowledge should be effectively reflected in the daily life. Both can have different viewpoints and they can disagree with the context and concept.
 
  1. From Aitareya Upanishad -
 वाङ् मे मनसि प्रतिष्ठिता मनो मे वाचि प्रतिष्ठित-मावीरावीर्म एधि। वेदस्य म आणिस्थः श्रुतं मे मा प्रहासीरनेनाधीतेनाहोरात्रान् संदधाम्यृतम् वदिष्यामि सत्यं वदिष्यामि तन्मामवतु तद्वक्तारमवत्ववतु मामवतु वक्तारमवतु वक्तारम्। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥ Translation - Om! May my speech be based on (i.e. accord with) the mind; May my mind be based on speech. O Self-effulgent One, reveal Thyself to me. May you both (speech and mind) be the carriers of the Veda to me. May not all that I have heard depart from me. I shall join together (i.e. obliterate the difference of) day and night through this study. I shall utter what is verbally true; I shall utter what is mentally true. May that (Brahman) protect me; May That protect the speaker (i.e. the teacher), may That protect me; May that protect the speaker – may That protect the speaker. Om! Peace! Peace! Peace!
Purpose - In this Shanti Path, the disciple prays to Brahman to protect himself and his Acharya i.e. the preceptor.
  1. From Mundaka, Māndukya and Prashna Upanishads –
 भद्रं कर्णेभिः श्रृणुयाम देवाः। भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः स्थिरैरङ्गैस्तुष्टुवाग्ंसस्तनूभिः। व्यशेम देवहितम् यदायुः। स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः। स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः। स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो  अरिष्टनेमिः। स्वस्ति नौ बृहस्पतिर्दधातु॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥  Translation - Om! O gods, may we hear auspicious words with the ears; While engaged in yagnas, may we see auspicious things with the eyes; While praising the gods with steady limbs, may we enjoy a life that is beneficial to the gods. May Indra of ancient fame be auspicious to us; May the supremely rich (or all- knowing) Pusa (God of the earth) Be propitious to us; May Garuda, the destroyer of evil, be well disposed towards us; May Brihaspati ensure our welfare. Om! Peace! Peace! Peace!
Purpose - In this Shanti Mantra, the reciter prays to Pusa (God of wealth), Indra (God of Success), Garuda (Destroyer of evil) Brihaspati (God of wisdom) to ensure.
  1. From Yajurveda –
ॐ द्यौः शान्तिरन्तरिक्षं शान्तिः पृथिवी शान्तिरापः शान्तिरोषधयः शान्तिः । वनस्पतयः शान्तिर्विश्वेदेवाः शान्तिर्ब्रह्म शान्तिः सर्वं शान्तिः शान्तिरेव शान्तिः सा मा शान्तिरेधि ॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Translation – Om! May peace radiates there in the whole sky as well as in the vast ethereal space everywhere. May peace reign all over this earth, in water and in all herbs, trees and creepers. May peace flow over the whole universe. May peace be in the Whole Universe. And may there always exist in all peace and peace alone. Om peace, peace and peace to us and all beings!
Purpose - This shanti mantra is to bring peace to the five elements, nature, almighty, plants and whole world.
  1. From Brihadaranyaka Upanishad –
 असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । मृत्योर्माऽमृतं गमय ॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥ Translation - Not towards the unreal, lead us to the real Not towards darkness, lead us to light Not towards death, lead us to immortality Om peace, peace, peace!
Purpose - This is the mantra which help in re-conditioning the mind away from negativity, damaging thoughts, or emotions. It makes one feel better. It raises the consciousness and broadens your view on life.
  1. ॐ सर्वेषां स्वस्तिर्भवतु । सर्वेषां शान्तिर्भवतु ।सर्वेषां पूर्णंभवतु । सर्वेषां मङ्गलंभवतु । ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
 
Translation - May there be Well-Being in All, may there be Peace in All, may there be Fulfilment in All, may there be Auspiciousness in All, Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
Purpose - This mantra is asking for bountiful blessings of wellness, fulfilment and peace for the whole world.
  1. From Kena and Chandogya Upanishads –
ॐ आप्यायन्तु ममाङ्गानि वाक्प्राणश्चक्षुः श्रोत्रमथो बलमिन्द्रियाणि च सर्वाणि। सर्वम् ब्रह्मोपनिषदम् माऽहं ब्रह्म निराकुर्यां मा मा ब्रह्म निराकरोदनिराकरणमस्त्वनिराकरणम् मेऽस्तु। तदात्मनि निरते य उपनिषत्सु धर्मास्ते मयि सन्तु ते मयि सन्तु। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
Translation - Om! May my limbs, speech, vital air, eyes, ears, strength, and all the senses be fully developed. All that is revealed by the Upanishads is Brahman. May I never deny Brahman: May Brahman never disown me. Let there be no repudiation (from Brahman); Let there be no infidelity from my side. May all the Dharmas extolled by the Upanishads shine in me Who am intent on knowing the Self. May they shine in me! Om! Peace! Peace! Peace!
Purpose - This mantra invokes the almighty to protect the both (the preceptor and the disciple), bestow upon both the fruit of Knowledge and the energy to acquire Knowledge. Further, they cherish no ill feeling toward each other.
  1. From Rigveda –
स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः । स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः । स्वस्ति नस्ताक्षर्यो अरिष्टनेमिः । स्वस्ति नो वृहस्पतिर्दधातु ॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Translation - May Lord Indra of Great Fame increase our Well-Being and Prosperity, May Lord Pusha, who is All-Knowing, bless us with Well-Being and Prosperity, May Lord Taakssarya (Garuda), who is the Protector, bless us with Well-Being and Prosperity, May Lord Brihaspati also Bless us with Well-Being and Prosperity,Om Peace, Peace, Peace!
Purpose - This mantra is a part of Swastivachan, which aims to wish for well-being, prosperity and peace before the beginning of an auspicious task. This mantra addresses deities like Indra, Pusha, Tarkshya and Jupiter, so that they are all benevolent. After chanting mantras, splashes of invoked water are given in ten directions, which makes the atmosphere pure and positive.
  1. ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात्पुर्णमुदच्यते || पूर्णस्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते ॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ||
Om! This (universe) is endless, and limitless. From the limitless comes the infinite. Taking the immeasurable infinite universe, it stays as the limitless alone. Aum! Peace! Peace, peace, peace!
Purpose - This mantra is said in order to achieve world peace. One requests that the spiritual cosmic forces give peace to all entities in the cosmos, including the heavens, the ground, plants, and animals. This mantra is really beneficial for clearing one's mind and also works for the greater mass. If one chants this mantra with devotion, it is said that the mantra brings happy events in one's life.


0 Comments

Stages of Yoga

6/20/2025

0 Comments

 
Fifteen-fold Stages of Yoga
The seeker practise fifteen-fold yoga, until there will be the manifestation in his own Self of the inmost Brahman.
1.     Yama – Self-control of senses of perception & action
2.     Niyama – Right observance. Continuous application of consciousness to intrinsic categories and rejection by it of extrinsic categories.
3.     Tyga – Renunciation of the phenomenal world as a result of the introspection
4.     Mauna – Quiescence (calmness). Whence speech returns foiled along with the mind.
5.     Desha – Right place. Secluded
6.     Kala – Proper duration. Peerless immeasurable plenum of Bliss
7.     Asana – Correct posture for final attainment of Brahman i.e. Siddhasana.
8.     Mul-bandha – Fundamental check, root of all the world i.e. restraining of mind
9.     Dehashamya – Equilibrium of the gross, subtle and causal bodies; as would enable their dissolution in the well-poised Brahman.
10. Drk-sthiti – Stability of introspection, filling the vision with wisdom, the yogi should look upon the world as filled with Brahman.
11. Pranayama – Control of breath, suppression of all vital function
12. Pratyahara – Withholding of breath, pleasant experience of mind when it finds the Atman in the objects of desire.
13. Dharana – Suspension of breath, state of abstraction attained by the mind when it sees Brahman.
14. Dhyana – Meditation on the Atman, real devotion to the attitude – “I am only the Brahman”.
15. Samadhi – Complete forbearance, never alterable condition of mind which is of the form of the Brahman. The state of non-existence which results from the recurrence of vacant mindedness.

Fourfold stages of Yoga -
The fourfold stages of Yoga are – Arambha, Ghata, Paricaya and Nispatti.
  1. Giving up all external functioning brought about by the three Karanas (mind, speech and body), wherein the novice begins to function internally, that is known as Arambha.
  2. That is known by wise as the Ghata stage, wherein the vital air, after filing the body, through the nether (sushumna path) and piercing through the three Granthis, firmly takes its stand.
  3. That is known as the Paricaya stage, wherein the vital air, which (being endowed with vitality) is not dead and (owing to the absence of functioning) is not alive, stands motionless and firm in the ether of the Sahasrara of the body.
  4. That is known as the stage of Nispatti wherein the Yogi, after performing the functions of creation and dissolution (of the phenomena of waking, dreaming and sleeping), through the (Ishvara) Atman, reaches the stage of Jivamukti in the natural course and performs the Asamprajnata-yoga appropriate to such state, i.e., reaches the state of ecstasy of the unconscious variety.
Twenty-five stages of Yoga -
  1. The Siddhasana is fist posture and the second is the Kamalasana.
  2. The six chakras (centres of energy), sixteen Adharas or supports, the three Laksyas or views aimed at the five Pancakes (group of five), of Akasa or ethers.
  3. The first chakra is the Mula Adhara; the second is the Svadhisthana. Between the two is the seat of the genitals, known as Kamarupa. Shining like molten gold and throbbing like a streak of lightning, is the Trikona (Triangle), which is placed in front of fire and below the genitals. Sva is indicated Prana (vital force); Svadhisthana is the abode of the vital force.
  4. Above the genitals and below the naval, there is the Kanda-yoni (the place of origin of the Kanda) resembling the egg of a bird. There take their origin seventy-two thousand Nadis. Of the thousands of Nadis, seventy-two are specifically mentioned as important and as carrying vital air. of these again, ten are noteworthy – the Ida, the Pingala, the Susumna as the third, the Gamdhari, the Hastijihva, the Pusa, the Yashawini, the Alambusa, the Kuhu and the Sankhani as the tenth.
  5. The Ida stands on the left side; the Pingala stands on the right; the Susumna stands in the middle place; the Gamdhari in the left eye; the Hastijihva in the right eye; the Pusa in the right ear; the Yashasvini in the left ear; the Alambusa in the mouth; the Kuhu in the region of the genitals; and the Sankhani in the anus.
  6. The Ida, Pingala and Sushumna are placed in the pathway of the Prana (vital air); they always convey the Prana (vital air) and have as their presiding deities Soma, Surya and Agni.
  7. The vital airs are the Prana, the Apana, the Samana, the Vyana, the Udana, the Naga, the Kurma, the Krkara, the Devadatta and the Dhananjaya. The vital airs stand in the different regions say, Prana – in heart region; Apana – in anus region; Samana – in Naval region; Udana – in throat region; Vyana – in entire body. In belching the concerned vital air is called the Naga; the Kurma is in the opening of the eyelids; the Krkara causes sneezing; Devadatta is concerned in yawning; the Dhananjaya pervading the entire frame, does not leave it even when it is dead. These vital principles circulate through all the Nadis.
  8. The Jiva is at the control of the Prana and Apana and runs downwards and upwards and is not seen to prevail in the right and left paths, on account of frequent motion. Jiva bound to a state by the three Gunas, is dragged by the Prana and Apana. The Jiva subject to the control of the Prana and Apana, moves down and up.
  9. The Jiva utters as Japa always this Mantra as “Hamsa, Hamsa”. In course of a day and night twenty-one thousand six hundred times. By the mere resolve to utter this one stand released from all sin.
  10. The Kundalini Shakti is in the upper part of the knot of the naval and in the form of eight coils; and remains always covering with its face the Susumna Nadi.
  11. Encasing the palms of both hands together (in a line with the heart, in the attitude of prayer),then assuming more firmly (than hitherto force) the Padmasana posture, pressing the chin right against the chest as a preliminary to meditation, (including the Jalandhara bandha, by constricting the throat and also with the aid of the Mulabandha, constricting the anus), filling up the Apana vital air, the Yogin should force it up stage by stage, (till at last it becomes one with the Prana, vital air); thereafter by means of Kumbhaka) and in virtue of the power inherent in the Kundalini, giving up the functioning of Prana (in the Kundalini), and applying himself to the meditation (of the Brahman, by assuming the attitude, “I am the Brahman, unaffected by contact with the gross, subtle and causal bodies”) and thereby fully awakened to an unequalled extent (simultaneously with such awakening), the Yogi attains the Prana (the Paramatman). Yogi should take to diet, wherein milk predominates, giving up astringent, acid and salted dishes, and should be a celibate, temperate in food and intent on the achievement of Yoga as his final resort.
  12. Mulabandha is the receptacle of Liberation. In Mulbandha the genitals are pressed with the heel and firmly contracted the same, the yogi should draw the Apana vital air upwards.
  13. In the Khechari Mudra, the tongue moves backwards in a manner which is the reverse of the natural one, and the sight has penetrated between the eyebrows.  As long as the semen is conserved within the body, so long where is the fear of death? As long as the Khechari Mudra is assumed, so long the seminal fluid does not flow out.
  14. The Bindu is the moon and the Rajas is the Sun. it is only by the union of the two that the highest state is attained.
  15. The purification of the network of Nadis causing the Sun and the moon to move and the drying up of the malignant humours of the body – this is known as the Maha Mudra. Resting the chin on the chest, pressing the genitals for a fairly long period with left foot, holding with both hands the right leg stretched out, filling both the bellies with breath, holding it there, the yogi should gradually expel it – this destroyer of the ailments of human beings is known as the Maha Mudra. Practicing it well first with the lunar Nadi, one should practise it again with the solar Nadi. When the number of practices becomes equal, then should he give up the mudra. This Mahamudra is said to bring about great accomplishments to human beings.
  16. Pranava Japa.
  17. The transcendent Brahman is implied by the Pranava. From that was born (as it were) the Parashakti of the essence of the character of Pure radiant light. From the Atman (the cause of the Avakata-and the Mahat-Tattvas) was begotten Akasa or Ether. From Ether, Fire, Vayu or air. from Air, Agni or Fire. From Fire, Apah or the waters. From the Waters, Prithvi or the Earth. Of these five elements, Sadashiva, Ishvara, Rudra, Vishnu and Brahma are five lords.
  18. Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra have as their functions, creation, sustenance and dissolution. Brahma is characterized by Rajas or Mobility, Vishnu by Satva or Rhythm and Rudra by Tamas or Inertia. Of these, from Brahma, the fourteen worlds, the gods, the brute-kind and men (their denizens) and inanimate objects (their food and objects of enjoyment) take their origin. Of these, the body of men and the lower orders is a combination of the five elements. Gross elements (evolved from Pancikarana) consisting of the organs of perception and motor action, including their cognitional functions, the five vital airs, Prana and others, Manas (the seat of cognition), Buddhi (the seat of Intellect), Chitta (the seat of thoughts) and the Ahamkara (the seat of self-consciousness), is said to be the Sthula Prakriti (of a gross nature) delighting in the waking state Vishva. The Taijasa existing in the subtle body during the dreaming state, with the organs of perception and motor action, including their cognitional functions, the five vital airs Prana and others, Manas and Buddhi, that is known as Linga (the indestructible subtle original of the gross body made up of elements in a subtle state). There are four states of existence – waking, dreaming, sleeping and Turiya. These states are four in number thus – Vishva, Taijasa, Prajna and Atman. The Vishva enjoys the gross body; the Taijasa enjoys complete detachment; similarly, the prajna delights the bliss; as for the one beyond that, he is the All-Witness.
  19. The limbs of the Pranava are AUM i.e. Akara, Ukara and Makara – the three Varnas, the three Vedas, the three worlds, the three Gunas, the three letters. The Akara is in the waking state and in the eyes of all beings. The Ukara is in the throat in the dreaming state and the Makara is in the heart, in the state of the sleep. The A is said to be Rajasic (mobile), red in colour Brahma and sentient. The U is said to be Satvic (of Rhythm), white in colour, and Vishnu. The M is likewise said to be Tamasic (of Inertia), black in colour and Rudra.
  20. The Jiva is subjugated and held under bondage of the organs of sense, while the Atman is not so bound, as in the case of the former, there is scope for the springing up of the false conceptions of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ with reference to the body, while in the case of the latter it is no so.
  21. Bhur, Bhavar, Svar, these worlds have as their presiding deities, Soma, Surya and Agni. Aum is the transcendent radiance. Wherein the three Shakti – desire, action and knowledge, inhere, whose syllables take their stand in a threefold manner, as pertaining to Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra state, ‘AUM’ is the transcendent radiance.
  22. In Padmasana, he should fill the vital air through lunar Nadi, should hold it as long as he could and again expel it through the solar Nadi. Then through the Pingala drawing in the vital air and holding it, he should expel it through left Nadi.
  23. The Rechaka, Puraka and the Kumbhaka are the character of Pranava. According to this computation, the Pranayama is made up of twelve Matras. Yogi should alter the durations of Rechaka, Puraka and the Kumbhaka to thirty-Eight (12+16+10).
  24.  The Yogi kills disease by means of posture, sin by Pranayama, and gives up mental transformations by withdrawing the mind (Pratyahara). By Dharna (firmly fixing the mind), he attains mental fortitude and in Samadhi (absorption) acquires marvellous consciousness and renunciation of observances, auspiciousness and inauspiciousness, attains liberation. In Samadhi there is exquisite radiance, enless and pervading on all sides.
  25. When the vital air has reached the Avyakrta Gagan or Akasa of the heart, a great sound is produced, as of bells and other musical instruments. That is known as the accomplishment of the Nada.
0 Comments

Popular Mantra

6/13/2025

0 Comments

 
  1. Gayatri Mantra – For Wisdom & Enlightenment
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur vareṇyaṁ bhargo devasya dhīmahi dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt.
Meaning:
“We meditate on the divine light of the Supreme, who is the source of all worlds. May that divine light illuminate our intellect.”

2. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra – For Health, fear removal, longevity, spiritual strength.
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥
Om Tryambakaṁ yajāmahe Sugandhiṁ puṣṭivardhanam Urvārukam iva bandhanān
Mṛtyor mukṣīya mā'mṛtāt.
Meaning:
“We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who nourishes and sustains all beings. May He liberate us from the bondage of death, and grant us immortality.”

3. Ganesh Mantra – For Beginnings & Obstacle Removal
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः॥
Om Gaṁ Gaṇapataye Namaḥ
Meaning:
“I bow to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.”

4. Hare Krishna Maha Mantra – For Devotion & Liberation
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे। हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे॥
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Meaning:
A pure chant to invoke Lord Krishna and Rama, surrendering to divine love and devotion.

5. Shanti Mantra – For Universal Peace
ॐ सह नाववतु। सह नौ भुनक्तु। सह वीर्यं करवावहै। तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
Om saha nāvavatu Saha nau bhunaktu Saha vīryam karavāvahai Tejasvināvadhītamastu mā vidviṣāvahai Om śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ
Meaning:
“May we be protected and nourished together. May we work together with energy and vigor. May our learning be luminous and free from hatred.”
 
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Archives

    October 2025
    September 2025
    August 2025
    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    September 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    October 2023
    July 2023
    April 2023
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    March 2020
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    October 2017

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

© COPYRIGHT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Core Principles
  • Philosophy
  • Symbols & Customs
  • Puja, Krriya & Bhakti
  • Deities, Philosophers & Bhakts
  • Travel & Teertha
  • Festivals
  • Ancient Wisdom Via Stories
  • Shri Krishna & Shrimad Bhagavad Gita
  • Sri Ram & RamCharitra Manas
  • About
  • Non-clickable Page