Bhaja Govindam

Bhaja Govindam

by Sri Shankaracharya

        Adi Shankaracharya is widely known for his teachings on Vedanta. Shankaracharya was born in the village of Kaladi, in South India, about 2500 years ago to his Brahmin parents, Sivaguru and Aryamba. He traveled throughout India during his life, preaching and establishing four important maths, or centers, and accepted numerous disciples. He had also composed a number of verses and hymns of his knowledge and insight. However, the Bhaja Govindam is perhaps his greatest. He is still today one of the greatest influences in the present-day understanding of Vedic philosophy, with numerous schools of thought throughout India still expounding his teachings. 

        He primarily taught the non-dual, or advaita, form of understanding, teaching that everything is ultimately one. Many of the commentaries on the Vedic texts, such as the Brahma-samhita, theUpanishads, and others, are written with commentaries by those who follow his advaitic principles. Thus, many such texts have the impersonalistic sway to them, leaving out the idea that everything comes from a personal or Supreme Creator. However, before he left this world, he composed the Bhaja Govindam prayers that evokes the mood of devotion to Lord Govinda, Krishna.

         It is in this prayer that he emphasizes above all else the importance  for developing devotion for Lord Krishna, which is the principle means for attaining the Grace for the Supreme, and the freedom from further rounds of reincarnating in material existence. It is this prayer that leaves us no doubt that his final instruction was to give up our egotistical differences and surrender to Lord Krishna. It also encapsulates the sum and substance of all Vedantic thought in whatever other works that he had written. 

        There is a story attached to the composition of this Hymn. It is said that  Shankara was walking along a street in Varanasi one day, accompanied by his disciples. He heard an old scholar teaching his grammatical rules. Taking pity on him, he went up and advised him not to waste his time on grammar at his age but to turn his mind to God in worship and adoration. The Hymn to Govinda was composed on this occasion. Besides the refrain of the song beginning with the words "Bhaja Govindam", Shankara is said to have sung twelve verses, hence the hymn bears the title "Dvadasamanjarika-Stotra" (A hymn which is a bunch of twelve verse-blossoms). The fourteen disciples who were with the Master then are believed to have added one verse each. These fourteen verses are together called "Chaturdasa-manjarika-Stotra" (A hymn which is a bunch of fourteen verse-blossoms).

TEXT 1

bhajagovindam bhajagovindam
govindam bhajamuudhamate
sampraapte sannihite kaale
nahi nahi rakshati dukrijnkarane

Worship Govinda, Worship Govinda, Worship Govinda. Oh fool! Rules of Grammar will not save you at the time of your death.

TEXT 2

mudha jahiihi dhanaagamatrishhnaam
kuru sadbuddhim manasi vitrishhnaam
yallabhase nijakarmopaattam
vittam tena vinodaya chittam

Oh fool! Give up your thirst to amass wealth, devote your mind to thoughts to the Real. Be content with what comes through actions already performed in the past.

TEXT 3

naariistanabhara naabhiidesham
drishhtvaa maagaamohaavesham
etanmaamsaavasaadi vikaaram
manasi vichintaya vaaram vaaram

Do not get drowned in delusion by going wild with passions and lust by seeing a woman's navel and chest. Bodies are flesh, fat and blood. Do not fail to remember this again and again in your mind.

TEXT 4

naliniidalagata jalamatitaralam
tadvajjiivitamatishayachapalam
viddhi vyaadhyabhimaanagrastam
lokam shokahatam cha samastam

Uncertain is the life of man as rain drops on a lotus leaf. Know that the whole world remains a prey to disease, ego and grief.

TEXT 5

yaavadvittopaarjana saktah
staavannija parivaaro raktah
pashchaajjiivati jarjara dehe
vaartaam koapi na prichchhati gehe

So long as a man is fit and able to support his family, see the affection all those around him show. But no one at home cares to even have a word with him when his body totters due to old age.

TEXT 6

yaavatpavano nivasati dehe
taavatprichchhati kushalam gehe
gatavati vaayau dehaapaaye
bhaaryaa bibhyati tasminkaaye

When one is alive, his family members enquire kindly about his welfare. But when the soul departs from the body, even his wife runs away in fear of the corpse.

TEXT 7

baalastaavatkriidaasaktah
tarunastaavattaruniisaktah
vriddhastaavachchintaasaktah
pare brahmani koapi na saktah

Childhood is lost in play. Youth is lost by attachment to woman. Old age passes away by thinking over many past things. Alas! Hardly is there anyone who yearns to be lost in Parabrahman.

TEXT 8

kaate kaantaa kaste putrah
samsaaro.ayamatiiva vichitrah
kasya tvam kah kuta aayaatah
tattvam chintaya tadiha bhraatah

Who is your wife? Who is your son? Strange is this samsara. Of whom are you? Where have you come from? Brother, ponder over these truths.

TEXT 9

satsangatve nissngatvam
nissangatve nirmohatvam
nirmohatve nishchalatattvam
nishcalatattve jiivanmuktih

From Satsanga comes non-attachment, from non-attachment comes freedom from delusion, which leads to self-settledness. From self-settledness comes Jivan Mukti (liberation).

TEXT 10

vayasigate kah kaamavikaarah
shushhke niire kah kaasaarah
kshiinevitte kah parivaarah
gyaate tattve kah samsaarah

What good is lust when youth has fled? What use is a lake which has no water? Where are the relatives when wealth is gone? Where is samsara (the continuaiton of birth and death) when the Truth is known?

TEXT 11

maa kuru dhana jana yauvana garvam
harati nimeshhaatkaalah sarvam
maayaamayamidamakhilaM hitvaa
brahmapadaM tvaM pravisha viditvaa

Do not boast of wealth, friends, and youth. Each one of these are destroyed within a minute. Free yourself from the illusion of the world of Maya and attain the timeless Truth.

TEXT 12

dinayaaminyau saayam praatah
shishiravasantau punaraayaatah
kaalah kriidati gachchhatyaayuh
tadapi na mujncatyaashaavaayuh

Daylight and darkness, dusk and dawn, winter and springtime come and go. Time plays and life ebbs away. But the storm of desire never leaves.

TEXT 13

dvaadashamajnjarikaabhirasheshhah
kathito vaiyaakaranasyaishhah
upadesho bhuudvidyaanipunaih
shriimachchhankarabhagavachchharanarih

This bouquet of twelve verses was imparted to a grammarian by the all-knowing Shankara, adored as the bhagavadpada.

TEXT 14

kaate kaantaa dhana gatachintaa
vaatula kim tava naasti niyantaa
trijagati sajjanasam gatiraikaa
bhavati bhavaarnavatarane naukaa

Oh mad man! Why this engrossment in thoughts of wealth? Is there no one to guide you? There is only one thing in three worlds that can save you from the ocean of samsara. Get into that boat of satsangha (knowledge of the Truth) quickly.

TEXT 15

jatilo mundii lujnchhitakeshah
kaashhaayaambarabahukritaveshhah
pashyannapi cana pashyati muudhah
udaranimittam bahukritaveshhah

There are many who go with matted locks, many who have clean shaven heads, many whose hairs have been plucked out; some are clothed in saffron, yet others in various colors --- all just for a livelihood. Seeing truth revealed before them, still the foolish ones see it not.

TEXT 16

angam galitam palitam mundam
dashanavihiinam jatam tundam
vriddho yaati grihiitvaa dandam
tadapi na mujncatyaashaapindam

Strength has left the old man's body; his head has become bald, his gums toothless and leaning on crutches. Even then the attachment is strong and he clings firmly to fruitless hope.

TEXT 17

agre vahnih prishhthebhaanuh
raatrau chubukasamarpitajaanuh
karatalabhikshastarutalavaasah
tadapi na mujncatyaashaapaashah

Behold there lies the man who sits warming up his body with the fire in front and the sun at the back; at night he curls up the body to keep out of the cold; he eats his beggar's food from the bowl of his hand and sleeps beneath the tree. Still in his heart, he is a wretched puppet at the hands of passions.

TEXT 18

kurute gangaasaagaragamanam
vrataparipaalanamathavaa daanam
gyaanavihinah sarvamatena
muktim na bhajati janmashatena

One may go to the Ganga, observe fasts, and give away riches in charity! Yet, devoid of jnana, nothing can give mukthi even at the end of a hundred births.

TEXT 19

sura mandira taru muula nivaasah
shayyaa bhuutala majinam vaasah
sarva parigraha bhoga tyaagah
kasya sukham na karoti viraagah

Take your residence in a temple or below a tree, wear the deerskin for the dress, and sleep with mother earth as your bed. Give up all attachments and renounce all comforts. Blessed with such vairagya, could any fail to be content?

TEXT 20

yogarato vaabhogaratovaa
sangarato vaa sangaviihinah
yasya brahmani ramate chittam
nandati nandati nandatyeva

One may take delight in yoga or bhoga, may have attachment or detachment. But only he whose mind steadily delights in Brahman enjoys bliss, no one else.

TEXT 21

bhagavad giitaa kijnchidadhiitaa
gangaa jalalava kanikaapiitaa
sakridapi yena muraari samarchaa
kriyate tasya yamena na charchaa

Let a man read but a little from the Bhagavad-Gita, drink just a drop of water from the Ganga, worship Murari (Krishna) just once. He then will have no altercation with Yama (the lord of death).

TEXT 22

punarapi jananam punarapi maranam
punarapi jananii jathare shayanam
iha samsaare bahudustaare
kripayaa apaare paahi muraare

Born again, death again, birth again to stay in the mother's womb! It is indeed hard to cross this boundless ocean of samsara. Oh Murari! Redeem me through Thy mercy.

TEXT 23

rathyaa charpata virachita kanthah
punyaapunya vivarjita panthah
yogii yoganiyojita chitto
ramate baalonmattavadeva

There is no shortage of clothing for a monk so long as there are rags cast off the road. Freed from vice and virtue, onward he wanders. One who lives in communion with God enjoys bliss, pure and uncontaminated, like a child and as someone intoxicated.

TEXT 24

kastvam ko.aham kuta aayaatah
kaa me jananii ko me taatah
iti paribhaavaya sarvamasaaram
vishvam tyaktvaa svapna vichaaram

Who are you? Who am I? From where do I come? Who is my mother, who is my father? Ponder thus, look at everything as essence-less and give up the world as an idle dream.

TEXT 25

tvayi mayi chaanyatraiko vishhnuh
vyartham kupyasi mayyasahishhnuh
bhava samachittah sarvatra tvam
vaajnchhasyachiraadyadi vishhnutvam

In me, in you and in everything, none but the same Vishnu dwells. Your anger and impatience is meaningless. If you wish to attain the quality of Vishnu soon, have Sama Bhaava always.

TEXT 26

shatrau mitre putre bandhau
maa kuru yatnam vigrahasandhau
sarvasminnapi pashyaatmaanam
sarvatrotsrija bhedaagyaanam

Do not waste your efforts to win the love of or to fight against friend and foe, children and relatives. See yourself in everyone and give up all feelings of duality completely.

TEXT 27

kaamam krodham lobham moham
tyaktvaa atmaanam bhaavaya ko aham
aatmagyaana vihiinaa muudhaah
te pachyante narakaniguudhaah

Give up lust, anger, infatuation, and greed. Ponder over your real nature. Fools are they who are blind to the Self. Cast into hell they suffer there endlessly.

TEXT 28

geyam giitaa naama sahasram
dhyeyam shriipati ruupamajasram
neyam sajjana sange chittam
deyam diinajanaaya cha vittam

Regularly recite from the Bhagavad-Gita, meditate on Vishnu in your heart, and chant His thousand glories. Take delight to be with the noble and the holy. Distribute your wealth in charity to the poor and the needy.

TEXT 29

sukhatah kriyate raamaabhogah
pashchaaddhanta shariire rogah
yadyapi loke maranam sharanam
tadapi na mujnchati paapaacharanam

He who yields to lust for pleasure leaves his body a prey to disease. Though death brings an end to everything, man does not give up the sinful path.

TEXT 30

arthamanartham bhaavaya nityam
naastitatah sukhaleshah satyam
putraadapi dhana bhaajaam bhiitih
sarvatraishhaa vihiaa riitih

Wealth is not welfare, truly there is no joy in it. Reflect thus at all times. A rich man fears even his own son. This is the way of wealth everywhere.

TEXT 31

praanaayaamam pratyaahaaram
nityaanitya vivekavichaaram
jaapyasameta samaadhividhaanam
kurvavadhaanam mahadavadhaanam

Regulate the pranas (life airs within), remain unaffected by external influences and discriminate between the real and the fleeting. Chant the holy name of God and silence the turbulent mind. Perform these with care, with extreme care.

TEXT 32

gurucharanaambuja nirbhara bhakatah
samsaaraadachiraadbhava muktah
sendriyamaanasa niyamaadevam
drakshyasi nija hridayastham devam

Oh devotee of the lotus feet of the Guru! May thou be soon free from Samsara. Through disciplined senses and controlled mind, thou shalt come to experience the indwelling Lord of your heart!

TEXT 33

muudhah kashchana vaiyaakarano
dukrijnkaranaadhyayana dhurinah
shriimachchhamkara bhagavachchhishhyai
bodhita aasichchhodhitakaranah

Thus was a silly grammarian lost in rules cleansed of his narrow vision and shown the Light by Shankara's apostles.

TEXT 34

bhajagovindam bhajagovindam
govindam bhajamuudhamate
naamasmaranaadanyamupaayam
nahi pashyaamo bhavatarane

Worship Govinda, worship Govinda, worship Govinda, Oh fool! Other than chanting the Lord's names, there is no other way to cross the life's ocean.

Sri Isha Upanishad

Sri Isha Upanishad

        The Isha Upanishad is part of the White Yajur-veda. It is short with a total of only 19 mantras or verses. Nonetheless, it contains a concentrated view of the essential Vedic philosophy. It is also considered quite auspicious to recite this Isha Upanishad, which produces not only insights into our spiritual position and identity, but also the proper energy from the sound vibrations to invoke purity in the atmosphere as well as realizations in our consciousness. It shows the way the Upanishads describe the nonmaterial aspects of the Supreme Being, as when it describes Him as One who walks but does not walk. It is a way of relating how the Lord has no material qualities, but has all spiritual qualities and characteristics. By understanding this, one can begin to perceive the spiritual truths of which the Upanishads speak.

The Invocation

om purnam adah purnam idam

purnat purnam udachyate

purnasya purnam adaya

purnam evavashishyate

The Personality of Godhead is perfect and complete. And because He is completely perfect, all emanations from Him, such as this phenomenal world, are perfectly equipped as a complete whole. Whatever is produced of the complete whole is also complete by itself. And because He is the Complete Whole, even though so many complete units emanate from Him, He remains the complete balance.

(1)

ishavasyam idam sarvam

yat kincha jagatyam jagat

tena tyaktena bhunjitha

ma gridhah kasya svid dhanam

Everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is controlled and owned by the Lord. One should therefore accept only those things necessary for himself, which are set aside as his quota, and one must not accept other things, knowing well to Whom they belong.

(2)

kurvann eveha karmani

jijivisec chatam samaha

evam tvayi nanyatheto 'sti

na karma lipyate nare

One may aspire to live for hundreds of years if he continuously goes on doing work in that way, because that sort of work will not bind him to the law of karma. And there is no alternative to this way for man.

(3)

asurya nama te loka

andhena tamasavritaha

tams te pretyabhigacchanti

ye ke chatma-hano janaha

The killer of the soul, whoever he may be, must enter into the planets known as the worlds of the faithless, full of darkness and ignorance.

(4)

anejad ekam manaso javiyo

nainad deva apnuvan purvan arshat

tad dhavato 'nyan atyeti tishthat

tasminn apo matarishva dadhati

The Personality of Godhead, although fixed in His abode, is more swift then the mind, and can overcome all others running. The powerful demigods cannot approach Him. Although in one place, He has control over those who supply the air and rain. He surpasses all in excellence.

(5)

tad ejati tan naijati

tad dure tad vantike

tad antarasya sarvasya

tad u sarvasyasya bahyataha

The Supreme Lord walks and does not walk. He is far away, but He is very near as well. He is within everything, and again He is outside of everything.

(6)

yas tu sarvani bhutany

atmany evanupashyati

sarva-bhuteshu chatmanam

tato na vijugupsate

A person who sees everything in relation to the supreme Lord, and sees all entities as His parts and parcels, and who sees the Supreme Lord within everything, never hates anything, nor any being.

(7)

yasmin sarvani bhutany

atmaivabhud vijanataha

tatra ko mohah kah shoka

ekatvam anupashyataha

One who always sees all living entities as spiritual sparks, in quality one with the Lord, becomes a true knower of things. What is there as illusion or anxiety for him?

(8)

sa paryagac chukram akayam avranam

asnaviram shuddham apapa-viddham

kavir manishi paribhuh svayambhur

yathatathyato 'rthan vyadadhac chashvatibhyah samabhyaha

Such a person must know in fact the Greatest of all, Who is unembodied, omniscient, beyond reproach, without veins, pure and uncontaminate, the self-sufficient Philosopher who is awarding everyone's desire since time immemorial.

(9)

andham tamah pravishanti

ye 'vidyam upasate

tato bhuya iva te tamo

ya u vidyayam rataha

Those who are engaged in the culture of nescient activities shall enter into the darkest region of ignorance. Worse still are those engaged in the so-called culture of knowledge.

(10)

anyad evahur vidyaya

anyad ahur avidyaya

iti shushruma dhiranam

ye nas tad vichachakshire

The wise have explained to us that one result is derived from the culture of knowledge, and it is said that a different result is obtained from the culture of nescience.

(11)

vidyam chavidyam cha yas

tad vedobhayam saha

avidyaya mrityum tirtva

vidyayamritam ashnute

Only one who can learn the process of nescience and that of transcendental knowledge side by side can transcend the influence of repeated birth and death, and enjoy the full blessings of immortality.

(12)

andham tamah pravishanti

ye 'sambhutim upasate

tato bhuya iva te tamo

ya u sambhutyam rataha

Those who are engaged in the worship of demigods enter into the darkest region of ignorance, and still more so do the worshipers of the impersonal [form of the] Absolute.

(13)

anyad evahuh sambhavad

anyad ahur asambhavat

iti shushruma dhiranam

ye nas tad vichachakshire

It is said that one result is obtained by worshiping the Supreme Cause of all causes, and that another is obtained by worshiping what is not supreme. All this was heard from the undisturbed authorities who clearly explained it.

(14)

sambhutim cha vinasham cha

yas tad vedobhayam saha

vinashena mrityum tirtva

sambhutyamritam ashnute

One should know perfectly well about the Personality of Godhead and His transcendental name, as well as the temporary material creation with its temporary demigods, men and animals. When one knows these, he surpasses death and the ephemeral cosmic manifestation with it, and in the eternal Kingdom of God he enjoys his eternal life of bliss and knowledge.

(15)

hiranmayena patrena

satyasyapihitam mukham

tat tvam pushann apavrinu

satya-dharmaya drishtaye

O my Lord, Sustainer of all that lives, Your real face is covered by Your dazzling effulgence. Kindly remove that covering and exhibit Yourself to Your pure devotee.

(16)

pushann ekarshe yama surya prajapatya

vyuha rashmin samuha tejaha

yat te rupam kalyanatamam tat te pashyami

yo 'sav asau purushah so 'hama smi

O my Lord, O primeval philosopher, maintainer of the universe, O regulating principle, destination of the pure devotees, well-wisher of the progenitors of mankind--please remove the effulgence of Your transcendental rays so that I can see Your form of bliss. You are the eternal Supreme Personality of Godhead, like unto the sun, as am I.

(17)

vayur anilam amritam

athedam bhasmantam shariram

om krato smara kritam smara

krato smara kritam smara

Let this temporary body be burned to ashes, and let the air of life be merged with the totality of air. Now, O my Lord, please remember all my sacrifices, and because You are the ultimate beneficiary, please remember all that I have done for You.

(18)

agne naya supatha raye asman

vishvani deva vayunani vidvan

yuyodhy asmaj juhuranam eno

bhuyistham te nama uktim vidhema

O my Lord, powerful as the fire, omnipotent one, now I do offer You all obeisances and fall at Your feet on the ground. O my Lord, please lead me on the right path to reach You, and since You know all that I have done in the past, please free me from the reactions to my past sins, so that there will be no hindrance to my progress.

The Purusha Sukta

The Purusha Sukta

        The Purusha Sukta is a most commonly used Vedic Sanskrit hymn. It is recited in almost all Vedic rituals and ceremonies. It is often used during the worship of the Deity of Vishnu or Narayana in the temple, installation and fire ceremonies, or during the daily recitation of Sanskrit literature or for one's meditation.

        The Purusha Sukta is an important part of the Rig-veda (10.7.90.1-16). It also appears in the Taittiriya Aranyaka (3.12,13), the Vajasaneyi Samhita (31.1-6), the Sama-veda Samhita (6.4), and the Atharva-veda Samhita (19.6). An explanation of parts of it can also be found in the Shatapatha Brahman, the Taittiriya Brahmana, and the Shvetashvatara Upanishad. TheMudgalopanishad gives a nice summary of the entire Purusha Sukta. The contents of the Sukta have also been reflected and elaborated in the Bhagavata Purana (2.5.35 to 2.6.1-29) and in theMahabharata (Mokshadharma Parva 351 and 352).

        The most commonly used portion of the Sukta contains 24 mantras or stanzas. The first 18 mantras are designated as the Purvanarayana, and the rest as the Uttaranarayana. Sometimes 6 more mantras are added. This part is called the Vaishnavanuvaka since it has been taken from another well known hymn called the Vishnusukta, a part of the Rig-veda Samhita. Though the mantras of the Uttaranarayana and the Vaishnavanuvaka do not seem to have any coherence with the 16 mantras of the Rig-veda Samhita, tradition has somehow tied them together.

        The Purusha Sukta is a rather difficult text to explain in a modern way. This is primarily because of the archaic language that cannot always lend itself to interpretations based on the classical Sanskrit, and that many of the words can be taken in several different ways, both literal and symbolic.

        Nonetheless, the Purusha Sukta gives us the essence of the philosophy of Vedanta, the Vedic tradition, as well as the Bhagavad-gita and Bhagavata Purana. It incorporates the principles of meditation (upasana), knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), and rituals and duties (dharma and karma). This is why it is highly regarded and extensively used today as much as thousands of years ago.

The Text

Peace Invocation

Om taccham yoravrini mahe

ghatun yajnaya

ghatun yajnapataye

daivi svastirastu naha

svastir manushebhyaha

urdhvam jigatu bheshajam

sham no astu dvipade

sham chatushpade

Om shantih shantih shantihi

We worship and pray to the Supreme Lord for the welfare of all beings. May all miseries and shortcomings leave us forever so that we may always sing for the Lord during the holy fire ceremonies. May all medicinal herbs grow in potency so that all diseases may be cured. May the gods rain peace on us. May all the two-legged creatures be happy, and may all the four-legged creatures also be happy. May there be peace in the hearts of all beings in all realms.

Text One

Om sahasra shirsha purushaha

sahasrakshas sahasrapat

sa bhumim vishvato vritva

atyatishthad dhashangulam

The Purusha (the Supreme Being) has a thousand heads, a thousand eyes and a thousand feet. He has enveloped this world from all sides and has (even) transcended it by ten angulas or inches.

Text Two

purusha evedagam sarvam

yadbhutam yaccha bhavyam

utamritatva syeshanaha

yadanne natirohati

All this is verily the Purusha. All that which existed in the past or will come into being in the future (is also the Purusha). Also, he is the Lord of immortality. That which grows profusely by food (is also the Purusha).

Text Three

etavanasya mahima

ato jyayagamshcha purushaha

padosya vishva bhutani

tripadasya mritam divi

So much is His greatness. However, the Purusha is greater than this. All the beings form only a quarter (part of) Him. The three-quarter part of His, which is eternal, is established in the spiritual domain.

Text Four

tripadurdhva udaitpurushaha

padosyeha bhavatpunaha

tato vishvajya kramat

sashana ashane abhi

The Purusha with the three-quarters (of His energy) ascended above (the spiritual energy). His one quarter of material energy becomes this creation again (and again). Then He pervades this universe comprising a variety of sentient beings and insentient objects.

Text Five

tasmad viradajayata

virajo adhi purushah

sa jato atyarichyata

pashchad bhumimatho puraha

From Him (the Adipurusha or original Supreme Being) was born the Virat (or Virat Purusha, the immense universal form). Making this Virat as the substratum (another) purusha (or being, Brahma) (was born). As soon as he was born, he multiplied himself. Later, he created this earth and then, the bodies (of the living beings).

Text Six

yatpurushena havisha

deva yajnam atanvata

vasanto asyasidajyam

grishma idhmash sharaddhavihi

When the devas (the demigods or beings of light) performed a yajna (or sacrificial ritual), using the Purusha as the havis (sacrificial material) for the yajna (ritual), the Vasanta (spring) became the ajya (ghee), the Grishma (summer) served as idhma (pieces of wood) and the sharad (autumn) filled the place of havis (oblatory material like the purodasha or rice-cake).

Text Seven

saptasyasan paridhayaha

trissapta samidhah kritaha

deva yadjajnam tanvanaha

abadhnan purusham pashum

For this (yajna or spiritual ceremony) there were seven paridhis (fuel pieces serving as borders). And, twenty-one items were made the samit or sacrificial fuel sticks. When the devas were performing this yajna or ceremony, they tied the purusha (himself) as the pashu (sacrificial animal).

Text Eight

tam yajnam barhishipraukshan

purusham jatamagrataha

tena deva ayajantaha

sadhya rishayashchaye

The devas, the sadhyas and the rishis performed the sacrifice by using that Purusha as the means of yajna, the Purusha who had been born in the beginning, after sprinkling him with water by the barhis (or sacrificial grass).

Text Nine

tasmad yajnat sarvahutaha

sambhritam vrishadajyam

pashugamstya gashchakre

vayavyan aranyan gramashcaye

From that yajna (or sacrificial ritual) wherein the Cosmic Being was Himself the oblation, was produced the prasajya (or curds mixed with ghee). Birds flying in the air, wild animals of the forest as also the domesticated animals of the villages were also produced.

Text Ten

tasmad yajnat sarvahutaha

richassamani jijignire

chandhagamsi jijignire tasmat

yajus tasmad ajayata

From that yajna (or sacrifice) wherein the Cosmic Being was Himself the oblation, were born the riks (the mantras of the Rig-veda) and the samans (the mantras of the Sama-veda). From that (yajna) the metres (like Gayatri) were born. From that (yajna again) the yujas (the Yajur-veda) was born.

Text Eleven

tasmadashva ajayata

ye ke cobhaya dataha

gavo ha jijignire tasmat

tasmad jnata ajavayaha

From that were born the horses, as also animals (like donkeys and mules) which have two rows of teeth. From that were born the cattle. From that (again) were born goats and sheep.

Text Twelve

yatpurusham vyadadhuhu

kadhita vyakalpayan

mukham kimasya kau bahu

kavuru padavuchayate

(Now some questions are raised by the sages:) When the gods decided to (mentally) sacrifice the Viratpurusha (and produce further creation), in how many ways did they do it? What became of his face or mouth? What became of his two arms? What became of His two thighs? What were (the products of) the two feet called?

Text Thirteen

brahmanosya mukhamasit

bahu rajanyah kritaha

uru tadasya yadvaishyaha

padhyagam shudro ajayata

From His face (or the mouth) came the brahmanas. From His two arms came the rajanya (the kshatriyas). From His two thighs came the vaishyas. From His two feet came the shudras.

Text Fourteen

chandrama manaso jataha

chakshoh suryo ajayata

mukhad indrash chagnishcha

pranadvayur ajayata

From His mind was born the moon. From His two eyes was born the sun. From His mouth were born Indra and Agni. From His breath was born the air.

Text Fifteen

nabhya asidanta riksham

shirshno dyauh samavartata

padhyam bhumirdishash shrotrat

tada lokagamm akalpayan

From (His) navel was produced the antariksha (the space between the earth and the heavens). Dyuloka (or heaven) came into existence from His head. The bhumi (the earth) evolved out of His feet, and deek (or spacial directions) from His ears. Similarly (the demigods) produced the worlds (too).

Text Sixteen

vedahametam purusham mahantam

adityavarnam tamasastu pare

sarvani rupani vichitya dhiraha

namani kritva abhivadan yadaste

"I know (through intuitive experience) this great Purusha (the Supreme Being), the wise one, who, having created the various forms and the nomenclatures (for those forms), deals with them by those names, and who is beyond darkness and is brilliant like the sun."

Text Seventeen

dhata purastadya mudajahara

shakrah pravidvan pradishashcha tasraha

tamevam vidvan amrita iha bhavati

nanyah pantha ayanaya vidyate

In the ancient days, Prajapati (Brahma) praised Him. Indra who knows all the four quarters also spoke about Him. Anyone who knows Him thus, will become immortal even in this life. For attaining liberation there is no other path (than knowledge of this Purusha, the Supreme Lord).

Text Eighteen

yajnena yajnam ayajanta devaha

tani dharmani pradhamanyasan

te ha nakam mahimanas sacante

yatra purve sadhyah santi devaha

The (demi)gods worshiped (the Supreme Creator in the form of) yajna through yajna (sacrifical ceremonies). Those very processes became the primary dharmas (laws guiding humanity). Those great ones attain that heaven where the ancient devas (demigods) and sadhyas live.

Text Nineteen

adbhyas sambhutah prithivyai rasacca

vishvakarmanas samavartatadhi

tasya tvashta vidadhad rupameti

tatpurushasya vishvamajanamagre

The Viratpurusha manifested Himself from out of (the all-pervading) water as also the essence of the element of earth. This Viratpurusha was born out of the greatness of the Paramapurusha, the Creator. The (Paramapurusha, known as) Tvashta engaged Himself in the act of creating (the fourteen planetary systems), (which form of the expanded) figure (of the Viratpurusha). (Thus) the entire creation (related to the Viratpurusha) came into existence in the very beginning of creation.

Text Twenty

vedahametam purusham mahantam

adityavarnam tamasah parastat

tamevam vidvan amrita iha bhavati

nanyah pantha vidyate'yanaya

"I have known that great Purusha (Supreme Being) who is brilliant like the sun and who is beyond all darkness. One who knows Him thus becomes immortal (even) here. There is no other path for liberation than this."

Text Twenty-one

prajapatishcharati garbhe antaha

ajayamano bahudha vijayate

tasya dhirah parijananti yonim

marichinam padamicchanti vedhasaha

Prajapati (the Supreme Creator) moves inside the cosmic womb. (Though) unborn He takes birth in a variety of ways. The wise ones know His (real nature) as the origin (of the universe). The (secondary) creators desire to attain the positions of Marichi and others.

Text Twenty-two

yo devebhya atapati

yo devanam purohitaha

purvo yo devebhyo jataha

namo ruchaya brahmaye

Obeisances to Him, the self-luminous Brahman, who shines for the (demi)gods, who is the leader of the rituals of the gods and who was born even before the gods.

Text Twenty-three

rucham brahmam janayantaha

deva agre tadabruvan

yastvaivam brahmano vidyat

tasya deva asanvashe

In the beginning of creation, the gods, manifesting the light of Brahman, addressed Brahman thus: "That brahmana who realizes (You) thus, all the gods will come under his control."

Twenty-four

hrishcha te lakshmishcha patnyau

ahoratre parshve

nakshatrani rupam

ashvinau vyattam

ishtam manishana

amun manishana

sarvam manishana

Om shanti shanti shantihi

O Purusha! The goddesses Hri (modesty) and Sri (Lakshmi, wealth) are Your consorts. Day and night are Your lateral limbs. The stars are Your form. The Ashvins are your widely opened (mouth). (O Purusha) fulfill our desire for self-knowledge as also our desire for the enjoyments of this world (like longevity, cows, and horses). Give us all that we need. Om, let there be peace, peace, peace.

Gayatris and Other Mantras for Assistance

Gayatris and Other Mantras for Assistance
 

             This includes prayers and gayatri mantras to Vishnu, Lakshmi, Narayana, Narasimha, Ganesh, Shiva, Durga, Brahma, Sarasvati, Kuvera, and others, the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, mantras for the well-being of society, mantras to the planets, and for each day of the week for benefits and welfare.

Gayatris to Lord Sri Krishna, for spiritual success:

Aum Devkinandanaye Vidmahe

Vasudavaye Dhi-mahi

Tanno Krishnah Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on Sri Krishna, beloved son of Devaki and Vasudeva. May that Lord Krishna of dark complexion, who steals the heart, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

Om Dhamodharaya Vidhmahe

Rukmani Vallabhay Dheemahe

Tanno Krishna Prachodayath

Translation: Om, Let me meditate on the God whose belly was tied by a rope, Oh, consort of Rukhmani, give me higher intellect, and let God Krishna illuminate my mind.

Om Govindaya Vidhmahe

Gopi Vallabhaya Dheemahe

Tanno Krishna Prachodayath

Also this one to offer obeisances to Lord Vasudeva, the Supreme Person, for requesting that He reveal the supreme spiritual truth to us:

Om namo bhagavate vasudeya

Translation: Om, Let me meditate on the god who takes care of all beings, Oh, darling of all gopis, give me higher intellect, and let God Krishna illuminate my mind.

To Radha, for increasing our devotion and divine love:

Aum Vrashbhanujaye Vidmahe

Krishnapriyaye Dhi-Mahi

Tanno Radha Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on Sri Radha, the beloved of Sri Krishna, the daughter of Vrishabhanu. May that Radha Devi inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

To Vishnu, for welfare:

Aum Narayanaye Vidmahe

Vasudavaye Dhimahi

Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on Sri Narayana, the Lord who dwells in all beings, and is known as the Sovereign of the world. May that Sri Vishnu inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

To Goddess Lakshmi, for increasing wealth, luxuries, promotion, status:

Aum Mahalakshmaye Vidmahe

Vishnupriyaye Dhimahi

Tanno Lakshmih Prachodayat

Similar Gayatris for Lakshmi are:

Om Mahalakshmyai cha vidmahe

Vishnu patnyai cha dhimahi

Tanno Lakshmihi prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on the Great Goddess Sri Lakshmi, the consort of Sri Maha Vishnu. May that effulgent Maha Lakshmi Devi inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

Om Mahadevyaicha Vidhmahe

Vishnu Pathniyaicha Dheemahe

Thanno Lakshmi Prachodayath

Translation: "Om, Let me meditate on the greatest goddess, Oh, wife of Lord Vishnu, give me higher intellect, And let Goddess Lakshmi illuminate my mind."

             Another to Goddess Lakshmi. This mantra is said to get siddha or perfection after chanting it 108 times a day for 11 days. This mantra is never failing for one who seeks success in business and financial prosperity, or who faces barriers in business growth, or other obstacles to prosperity. This mantra is very dear to Goddess Lakshmi, who told Vasistha that, "I am very pleased by this mantra and if any person recites this mantra even once, I will establish myself in his home." It is:

Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Shreem

Laxmirachagachha

Mama Mandire Tishtha-Tishtha Swaha

             Another mantra to Lakshmi. Shring is the seed. Japa is 100,000 times after which one gets the blessings of peace and prosperity:

Aum Shring Hring Kleeng Maha Lakshmaye Namaha, Aum.

The Shri Rig Veda Maha Lakshmi Devi Mantra is:

Om Shrim Hrim Shrim

Kamale Kamalalaye

Praseedha Praseedha

Shrim Hrim Shrim Om

Shri Mahalakshmi Devyai namaha

The Shri Soubagya Mahalakshmi Mantra is:

Om Shrim Hrim Klim Aim

Kamala Vasinyai Swaha

Another to Lakshmi is:

Sarva mangala mangalye

sive sarvardha sadhike

saranye trayambake devi

narayani namostute

Another traditional mantra to Lakshmi is:

Om sreem hreem kleem

kamale kamalalaye

prasida prasida

sreem hreem kleem

sri maha lakshmyi namaha

Translation: Underlying vibration of all creation, abundance please, cherishing your lotus feet, be pleased Great Lakshmi Goddess, I bow to You.

The Sri Mahalakshmi Mula Mantra:

Om srim hrim klim hrim srim

mahalakshmayai namaha

To Lord Rama, for security and status:

Aum Dasharathaye Vidmahe

Sita Ballabhaye Dhimahi

Tanno Ramah Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on the divine son of King Dasharatha. May that Sri Rama, beloved husband of Sita Devi, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

To Srimati Sita, for increasing power to work on oneself, penance, and tolerance:

Aum Janaknandiniye Vidmahe

Bhumijayai Dhimahi

Tanno Sita Prachodayat

To Lord Narayana, to increase administrative power:

Aum Narayanaya Vidmahe

Vasudevaya Dhimahi

Tanno Narayanah Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on the Great Lord Narayana who pervades all creation. May that glorious Maha Vishnu, who appeared on Earth as the adorable Sri Krishna, son of Vasudeva, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

Venkateswara Gayatri Mantra:

Nirnajanaya Vidmahe

Nirapasaya Dheemahe

Thanno Srinivasa Prachodayath

Translation: Om, Let me meditate on the god who is eternal truth, Oh, God who does not have attachments, give me higher intellect, and let God Srinivasa illuminate my mind.

To Lord Narasimha, to increase our ability to help others:

Aum Ugranarsinghaye Vidmahe

Vajranakhaye Dhi-Mahi

Tanno Narsingha Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on the fierce and terrible form of Lord Narasimha, the half-man and half-lion form. May that great God, with nails hard and strong as diamonds, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

A similar Narasimha Gayatri is:

Om Narasimhaya vidmahe

Vajra nakhaya dhimahi

Tanno Narasimha prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on Sri Narasimha, who incarnated as half-man and half-lion. May that Lord with adamantine claws inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

To Hamsa, for increasing power of discrimination:

Aum Paramhamsaye Vidmahe

Mahahamsaye Dhimahi

Tanno Hamsah Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on Sri Hamsa Deva, the glorious, pure white divine swan of supreme discrimination. May that great Lord in the form of a swan, who exemplifies paramahamsas, blissful self-realized souls, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

To Hayagriva, to increase courage and remove fear:

Aum Vanishwaraye Vidmahe

Hayagrivaye Dhimahi

Tanno Hayagrivah Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on the glorious Lord Hayagriva, who is the embodiment of Sri Maha Vishnu. May that great Vagishwara, the Lord of Speech, and consort of Vagishwari, Sarasvati Devi, the Goddess of Knowledge and Speech, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

To Lord Shiva, for easing problems, and giving peace & prosperity:

Aum Panchvaktraye Vidmahe

Mahadevaye Dhimahi

Tanno Rudra Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on the great Lord with five faces. May that fierce Rudra inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

Om Tat Purushaya Vidhmahe

Mahadevaya Dheemahe

Thanno Rudra Prachodayath

“Om. Let me meditate on the great Purusha, Oh, greatest God, give me higher intellect, and let God Rudra illuminate my mind.”

To Goddess Durga, for victory over obstacles, pains & enemies:

Aum Girijaye cha Vidmahe

Shiva Priyaye cha Dhimahi

Tanno Durga Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on Girija Devi, Daughter of the Mountain. May that beloved of Lord Shiva inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

Om Kathyayanaya Vidhmahe

Kanya Kumari cha Dheemahe

Thanno Durgaya Prachodayat

“Om. Let me meditate on the goddess who is daughter of Kathyayana, Oh, maiden Goddess, give me higher intellect, and let Goddess Durga illuminate my mind.”

To Ganesh, for removing obstacles:

Aum Eikdantaya vidmahe

Vakratunaye Dhimahi

Tanno Buddhih Pracodayat

Another Ganesh Gayatri similar to this is:

Aum Eka dantaya vidmahe

Vakra tundaya dhimahi

Tanno dantih prachodayat

Translation: "Om. Let us meditate on Sri Ganesh, the lord with one tusk. May that great lord with curved elephant trunk inspire and illumine our mind and understanding."

To Brahma, for increasing productivity:

Aum Parmeshwaraye Vidmahe

Paratattvaye Dhimahi

Tanno Brahma Prachodayat

Another similar Gayatri for Brahma is:

Aum chatur mukhaya vidmahe

Hamsarudhaya dhimahi

Tanno brahma prachodayat

Translation: “Let us meditate on the glorious lord with four divine faces, who is seated on a pure white swan. May that great Brahma, Creator of the Universe, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

Also to Brahma is:

Om Vedathmanaya vidmahe,

Hiranya Garbhaya Dheemahi,

Thanno Brahma prachodayath

“Om, Let me meditate on the God who is the soul of Vedas, Oh God, who holds the entire world within you, give me higher intellect, and let the Lord Brahma illuminate my mind.”

To Goddess Saraswati, for memory, wisdom, knowledge, and creativity:

Aum Saraswateye cha Vidmahe

Brahmaputriye cha Dhimahi

Tanno Saraswati Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on Sri Saraswati Devi. May that glorious consort of Lord Brahma inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

Om Vakdeviyai cha Vidhmahe

Virinji Pathniyai cha Dheemahe

Tanno Vani Prachodayath

“Om, Let me meditate on the goddess of speech, Oh, wife of Lord Brahma, give me higher intellect, and let Goddess Vani illuminate my mind.”

To Indra, for security in aggression or war:

Aum Sahasra-Netraye Vidmahe

Vajra hastraye Dhimahi

Tanno Indrah Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on Indira, the Lord with a thousand eyes. May that great God who holds the invincible thunderbolt in his hand inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

The Devendra (Indra) Gayatri:

Om Sahasra nethrayeVidhmahe

Vajra hasthaya Dheemahe

Tanno Indra Prachodayath

“Om, Let me meditate on the thousand eyed one, Oh, Lord with Vajra as weapon, give me higher intellect, And let Indra illuminate my mind.”

To Hanuman, for love of selfless service

Aum Anjaneyaye Vidmahe

Mahabalaye Dhimahi

Tanno Hanuman Prachodayat

Another similar Gayatri for Hanuman is:

Aum anjani sutaya cha vidmahe

Vayu putraya cha dhimahi

Tanno marutih prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on Sri Hanuman, whose mother is Anjani Devi. May that supremely brave and strong Maruti, son of the Wind god, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

To Yama the lord of death, for freedom from the fear of death:

Aum Surya-Putraye Vidmahe

Mahakalaye Dhimahi

Tanno Yamah Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on the great son of the sun god. May that Yama Deva, the lord of time, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

To Varuna, for increase of love between man & woman:

Aum Jalbimbaye Vidmahe

Nila Purushaye Dhimahi

Tanno Varunah Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on the great Lord Varuana. All the waters in the world are His reflection. May that glorious Varuna Deva, whose form is a beautiful luminous blue, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

To Agni the fire deity, to provide vitality and ojas to the body & mind:

Aum Mahajwalaye Vidmahe

Agnidevaye Dhimahi

Tanno Agnih Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on the great God of fire in the form of blazing flames. May that radiant Agni Deva inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

Two additional mantras to Agni:

Om angimile purohitamyyajnasya devamritvijam

Hotaram ratnadhatamam harih om harih om

“I glorify Agni, the high priest of the (agnihotra) sacrifice, the divine, the ministering priest, who offers oblations (to the gods), and is the possessor of great wealth. Om, glories to Hari.”

Agna ayahi vitaye

Grinano havyadataye

Nohota satsi barhishi

Harih om harih om

“Please come oh Agni, the luminous, pervading and giver of enjoyable objects. Thou art worthy of adoration, present in the world and our self, like a Hota (priest) in the ritual. Om, glories to Hari.”

The Subrahamanya Gayatri Mantra:

Om Tat Purushaya Vidhmahe

Maha Senaya Dheemahe

Tanno Shanmuga Prachodayath

“Om. Let me meditate on that great male, Oh, commander in chief, give me higher intellect, And let the six faced one illuminate my mind.”

To Prithvi, for stability, patience, cooperation:

Aum Prithvidevaye cha Vidmahe

Sahasramoortaye cha Dhimahi

Tanno Prithvi Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on Prithvi Devi, Mother Earth. May that Mother Prithvi of a thousand forms inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

To Kam, for increase in stamina, vitality, & sexual power:

Aum Kamdevaye Vidmahe

Pushpvanaye Dhimahi

Tanno Kamah Prachodayat

The Sri Tulasi Gayatri for clarity in our devotion and spirituality:

Aum tulasi devyai cha vidmahe

Vishnu priyayai cha dhimahi

Tanno brindah Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on Sri Tulasi Devi, who is very dear to the heart of Lord Maha Vishnu. May that glorious Devi, the divine embodiment of the sacred tulasi plant also known by the sweet name of Vrinda, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

The Devi Varahi Mantra:

(Mantra to the consort of Lord Varaha for ridding oneself of negativity)

Om shreem hreem kleem dhum

jwaalaa jwaalaa

shulini asya yajamaanasya

sarva shatroon samhara samhara

kshema laabham kuru kuru

dushta graham

hum phat svaha

The Garuda Gayatri Mantra:

Om Thathpurushaya Vidhmahe

Suvarna Pakshaya Dheemahe

Tanno Garuda Prachodayath

"Om. Let me meditate on that great living being, Oh, Bird with golden wings, give me higher intellect, And let the God Garuda illuminate my mind"

The Sudharshana Chakra Gayatri Mantra:

Om Sudharshanaya Vidmahe

Maha Jwalaya Dheemahe

Tanno Chakra Prachodayath

“Om. Let me meditate on the holy wheel of Sudharshana, Oh, Wheel which has great brilliance, give me higher intellect, And let the wheel illuminate my mind.”

The Gayatri Mantra for Nandi, Shiva’s Bull Carrier:

Om Thathpurushaya Vidhmahe

Chakrathundaya Dheemahe

Tanno Nandi Prachodayath

“Om. Let me meditate on that great living being, Oh, Lord of devas, give me higher intellect, And let the God Nandi illuminate my mind.”

The Famous Sri Gayatri Mantra

Om bhur bhuvaha svah

tat savitur varenyam

bhargo devasya dhimahi

dhiyo yo nah prachodayat

(Rig-veda 3.62.10)

This Sri Gayatri is a very important and well known Gayatri mantra, chanted silently in the mind, three times a day. It translates as: “Om, Let us meditate on that worshipable effulgence of the divine sun, Savitri, Creator of the Earth, Heaven and ether, and who enthuses our meditation.”

Word for word meaning of this mantra is:

             Om or aum - It is the chief and the most appropriate name for God. This word is made of the combination of 'a', 'u', and 'm': 'a' means creator of the universe, 'u' means sustainer of the universe, ‘m' means annihilation of the universe. Thus the word 'aum' imbibes in itself all the chief qualities of God.

             Bhur - The substratum of life; dearer than even life; the Giver and Sustainer of all life.

             Bhuvah - The destroyer of all kinds of miseries; the Remover of all sorrows.

             Svah - The form of pleasure and the bestower of pleasure/bliss.

             Tat - That God

             Savitur - The progenitor of the entire world; The Creator of the Universe; One who always inspires us.

             Varenayam - Worth acquiring, the superior most; You alone are worthy of worship.

             Bhargo - Of the pure form; You are the light that illuminates us, the Fire which burns away all our evil desires.

             Devasya - Of God; You are the Supreme Being.

             Dhimahi - Let us meditate upon.

             Dhiyo - intellect so we move forward, may be able to tell right from wrong and follow the right path.

             Yo - Who, i.e. the God referred to; You who have all these qualities.

             Nah - Of ours

             Prachodayat - May inspire (for good deeds).

Additional Mantras for Blessings

Invocation to Ganesh:

Gajananam Bhutganadisevitam

Kapittha Jamboo Phalcharu Bhakshanam

Umasutam Shokvinashkarakam

Namami Vighneshwar Padpankajam

Translation: "Oh Elephant-faced, worshiped by the existing beings, of all living beings, tasting the elephant apple (kaith) and jambolana (jamun), the Son of Uma, destroyer of grief, I bow to the lotus feet of Ganesh who is lord of all."

Ganesh Gayatri Mantras for increasing intellect:

Om Lambhodaraya vidmahe

Mahodaraya deemahi

Tanno danthi prachodayath

Om. Let me meditate on that god with broad paunch Oh, God with a big belly, give me higher intellect, And let the elephant faced one illuminate my mind.

Om Thatpurashaya vidhmahe

Vakrathundaya dheemahi

Tanno danthi prachodayath

“Om. Let me meditate on that great male, Oh, God with broken tusk, give me higher intellect, And let the elephant faced one illuminate my mind.”

To Ganesh for removing obstacles, a good way to start any projects, studies or rituals:

Ganapati Bappa Morya

Pudhachya Varshi Lovkar Yaa

             Use this to Ganesh prayer before beginning any new project so impediments may be removed and your endeavor may be crowned with success: Om gam ganapataye namaha.

The Ganesh Maha-mantra:

Om gam ganapataye namaha

The Ganesh Mula Mantra:

Om srim hrim klim glaum gam ganapataye svaha

Om shanti shanti shantihi

Also:

Om gam-gau-ganapataye

Bighna-binashi ne-svaha

For one who wants wealth and prosperity, meditate on the golden color of Ganesh and say this prayer:

Om Lakshmi Ganapataye namaha

Another to Ganesh, Japa is 5,000 times a day for 25 days:

Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha, Om

Also to Ganesh:

Om gam ganeshaya namaha

Om klim gam gam gam mahaganapataye namaha

To Ganesh for blessings for spiritual success:

Om gananam tva ganapatigm havamahe kavim kavinamupamashravastamam

Jyeshtharajam brahmanam brahmanaspata snah shrinvanutibhissida sadanam

Mahaganapataye namaha

Translation: Om. Oh lord of speech, we worship you, the lord of the gods, the wisest among the wise, the one having incomparable fame, the best among the praiseworthy, and the lord of the Vedic hymns. While listening to our praises, come with your protecting powers and be rested in our yajnashala (temple). Obeisances to Mahaganapati.

Agajananapadmarkam gajananamaharnisham

Anekadantam bhaktanamekadantamupasmahe

Translation: We meditate, day and night, on the one-tusked one (Ganesh) who is the sun for the lotus in the form of the face of Parvati, the one with the elephant face and the one who is the giver of plenty to his devotees.

Shanmukha Gayatri Mantra to Murugan:

Om Thatpurushaya Vidhmahe

Maha Senaya Dhimahi

Thannah Shanmukha Prachodhayath

Translation: Om, let us meditate that Supreme lord who is the Supreme General of the great Deva Army, Lord Shanmukha or Muruga. May He enlighten us and lead us to be one with him.

             The following mantra to Lord Kuvera, the treasurer of the demigods. The ancient books refer to this as the supreme mantra. Lord Shankara revealed its secret to the powerful Ravana. Through its use he could create his golden capital and could attain supreme financial accomplishments. This mantra has been found to be powerful enough to yield beneficial results very quickly. It becomes siddha after chanting it 108 times each day for 11 days. It is good for financial progress, removal of obstacles, material happiness, home ownership, reputation, victory, longevity, etc.

Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhana-Dhanyadi

Pataye Dhana Dhanyadi Samruddhim Me

Dehi Dapaya Swaha

Another to lord Kubera, the treasurer of the demigods, for financial assistance:

Om rajadhirajaya prasahyasahine

Namo vayan vaishravanaya kurmahe

Sa me kaman kamakamaya mahyam

Kameshvaro vaishravano dadatu

Kuberaya vaishravanaya maharajaya namaha

“We offer salutations unto Vaisravana (the son of Visrava, Kubera), the king of kings, whose nature is to help without any purpose of his own. May Vaisravana, the lord of deities, give me, the seeker of desires, what I desire. Salutations unto the great lord Kubera, the son of Visrava.”

             To Goddess Sarasvati, it is said that after japa of 500,000 times, one becomes enlightened and all knowledge is revealed. Aing is seed of this Sarasvati mantra:

Om Aim Saraswatye Namaha, Om.

Another to Sarasvati for clarity:

Om Aim Shreem Hreem

Saraswathi Devyai Namaha

A Sarasvati Bhija Mantra:

Om aim klim sarasvatyai namaha

The Shiva Panchakshari Mantra:

Om namah shivaya

Shiva Shakti Panchakshari Mantra:

Om hrim namah shivaya

To Shiva as Dakshinamurti:

Nidhaye sarvavidyanam bhishale bhavaroginam

Gurave sarvalokanam dkashinamurtaye namaha

Translation: “Salutations to Dakshinamurti, the storehouse of all learning, the healer of all those who suffer the diseases of samsara (cycles of birth and death), and the teacher of the whole world.”

Another popular mantra to Durga, japa is 500,000 times:

Om Aim Hrim Kleem Chamundaye Vichchey, Om.

Also: Om dum Durgaye Namaha, Om.

The Shri Durga Mantra is:

Om Hrim Dhum Durga Devyai namaha

A Durga Gayatri:

Om girijayai vidmahe

shiva priyayai dhimahi

tanno durga prachodayat

A mantra for Kali, Kring is the seed of the Kali mantra. Japa is 500,000 for mantra siddha:

Om Kring Kalikaye Namaha, Om.

Sri Mahakali Mantra:

Om hrim srim krim

paramesvari kalike

hrim srim krim svaha

The Shri Annapurna Mantra is:

Om Annapurnayai namaha

Om Sadapurnayai namaha

The Shri Chakra Mantra is:

Om Shri Chakravasinyai namaha

Om Shri Lalithambikayai namaha

 The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to Lord Shiva for removing ailments, ill health and fear:

Om Triyambakam Yajamahe

Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam

Urvarukamiva Bandhanat

Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat

Translation: “We worship the Three-eyed One (Lord Shiva) who is fragrant and who nourishes well all beings, and grants liberation just as the cucumber is severed from bondage to the creeper.”

A mantra to Lord Rama for invoking the healing energy:

Om apadamapa hataram

dataram sarva sampadam

loka bhi ramam shri ramam

bhuyo bhuyo namamyaham

Translation: Om. O most compassionate Lord Rama.Please send You healing energy here to the Earth, to the Earth. Obeisances to You.”

To Lord Dhanvanatari, the great avatara of Vishnu and physician of the gods, for healing any ailments:

Om shri dhanvatari namaha

“Om. Obeisances to Lord Dhanvantari.”

Prayers / Mantras for the welfare of everyone:

Om Sarvesham Svasti Bhavatu

Sarvesham Santir Bhavatu

Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu

Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu

“May everybody have prosperity. May everybody have peace. May everybody have perfection. May everybody have auspiciousness.”

Sarve Bhavantu Sukinah

Sarve Santu Nirmayaah

Sarve Bhadrani Pasyantu

Ma kaschid-Dukha-Bhag-Bhavet

“May all be happy. May all be free from disabilities. May all look for the good in others. May none suffer from sorrows.”

Om Asato Ma Sat Gamaya

Tamaso Ma Jyotir-Gamaya

Mrityor-Ma Maritam Gamaya

“Lead us from the unreal to the real. Lead us from darkness (ignorance) to light. Lead us from death to everlasting immortality.”

Mantras for the Planets

(Used when certain planets need to be strengthened in our astrological chart, or for benedictions.)

To the Sun:

Japa kusuma-sankarsham kashyapeyam maha-dyutim

tamo-rim sarva-papa-ghnam pranato ‘smi divakaram

“Let us chant the glories of the Sun god, whose beauty rivals that of a flower. I bow to him, the greatly effulgence son of Kashyapa, who is the enemy of darkness and destroyer of all sins.”

To Surya the sun deity, for freedom from disease:

Aum Bhaskaraye Vidmahe

Divakraraye Dhimahi

Tanno Suryah Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on the shining Sun god who gives light to the whole world. May that Divakara, the radiant lord who is the cause of day, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

Also these following mantras:

Om Suryaye Namah

Aum Bhaskaraye Vidmahe

Divakraraye Dheemahi

Tanno Suryah Prachodayat

Om Aswadwajaya Vidhmahe

Pasa Hasthaya Dheemahe

Thanno Surya Prachodayath

“Om, Let me meditate on the god who has a horse flag, Oh, God who holds the rope, give me higher intellect, and let Sun God illuminate my mind.”

To the Moon:

dadhi-shankha-tusharabham kshirodarnava-sambhavam

namami shashinam somam sambhor mukuta-bhushanam

“I offer my obeisances to the Moon god, whose complexion resembles curds, the whiteness of conch shells, and snow. He is the ruling deity of the soma-rasa born from the Ocean of Milk, and he serves as the ornament on top of the head of Lord Shambhu.”

To Chandra, the moon deity, for subduing anxiety and worries:

Aum Kshirputraye Vidmahe

Amrittattvaye Dhimahi

Tanno Chandrah Prachodayat

Translation: “Om. Let us meditate on the glorious son of milk, the glowing Moon. May that Chandra, the essence of nectar, inspire and illumine our mind and understanding.”

Om Padmadwajaya Vidhmahe

Hema roopaya Dheemahe

Thanno Chandra Prachodayath

“Om. Let me meditate on God who has lotus in his flag, Oh, God of golden color, give me higher intellect, And let moon God illuminate my mind.”

To Venus (Shukra) for creativity and success in such things as trading in the markets:

hima-kunda-mrnalabham

daityanam paramam gurum

sarva-shastra-pravaktaram

bhargavam pranamamy aham

“I offer my obeisances to the descendant of Bhrigu Muni (Venus), whose complexion is white like a pond covered with ice. He is the supreme spiritual master of the demoniac enemies of the demigods, and has spoken to them all the revered scriptures.”

Om aswadhwajaaya vidmahae

dhanur hastaaya dheemahi

tanno shukra prachodayaat

“Om. Let me meditate on him who has horse in his flag, Oh, He who has a bow in his hand, give me higher intellect, And let Shukra illuminate my mind.”

To Mars (Angaaraka):

dharani-garbha-sambhutim vidyut-kanti-samaprabha

kumaram shakti-hastam cha mangalam pranamamy aham

“I offer my obeisances to Sri Mangala, god of the planet Mars, who was born from the womb of the earth goddess. His brilliant effulgence is like that of lightening, and he appears as a youth carrying a spear in his hand.”

Om veeradhwajaaya vidmahae

vighna hastaaya dheemahi

tanno bhouma prachodayaat

“Om. Let me meditate on him who has hero in his flag, Oh, He who has power to solve problems, give me higher intellect, And let the son of earth God illuminate my mind.”

To Mercury (Budha):

priyangava-gulikashyam rupena pratimambadam

saumyam saumya-gunopetam tam budham pranamamy aham

“I bow down to Buddha, god of the planet Mercury, whose face is like a fragrant globe of the priyangu herb and whose beauty matches that of a lotus flower. He is most gentle, possessing all attractive qualities.”

Om gajadhwajaaya vidmahae

sukha hastaaya dheemahi

tanno budha prachodayaat

“Om. Let me meditate on him who has elephant in his flag, Oh, He who has power to grant pleasure, give me higher intellect, And let Budha illuminate my mind.”

To Jupiter (Guru):

devanam cha rishinam cha gurum kanchana-sannibham

buddhi-bhutam tri-lokesham tam namami brihaspatim

“I bow down to Brihaspati, god of the planet Jupiter. He is the spiritual master of all the demigods and sages. His complexion is golden, and he is full of intelligence. He is the controlling lord of all three worlds.”

Om vrishabadhwajaaya vidmahae

kruni hastaaya dheemahi

tanno guru prachodayaat

Om, Let me meditate on him who has bull in his flag, Oh, He who has power to get things done, give me higher intellect, And let Guru illuminate my mind.

To Saturn or Shani:

nilanjana-samabhasam ravi-putram yamagrajam

chaya-martanda-sambhutam tam namami shanaishcharan

“I bow down to slow moving Saturn, whose complexion is dark blue like nilanjana ointment. The elder brother of Lord Yamaraja, he is born from the Sun-god and his wife Chaya.”

The Shani Gayatri Mantra:

Om Sanaischaraya vidhmahe

Sooryaputraya dhimahi

tanno manda prachodayat

Sanishwara (Saturn) Gayatri Mantra:

Om kaakadhwajaaya vidmahae

khadga hastaaya dheemahi

tanno mandah prachodayaat

"Om, Let me meditate on him who has crow in his flag, Oh, He who has a sword in his hand, give me higher intellect, And let Saneeswara illuminate my mind."

Shani Dhyan Mantra:

Nilanjana samabhasam raviputram yamagrajam

chaya martanda sambhutam tam namami shaishcharam

"I bow to Lord Shani, who is black in colour and son of Sun and born to Chaya and brother of Yama , who moves very slowly."

To Rahu:

ardha-kayam mahim-viryam chandraditya-vimardanam

simhika-garbha-sambhutam tam rahum pranamamy aham

“I offer my obeisances to Rahu, born from the womb of Simhika, who was only half a body yet possesses great power, being able to subdue the Sun and Moon.”

Rahu Gayatri Mantra:

Om Sookdantaya Vidmahe,

Ugraroopaya Dhimahi,

Tanno Rahu Prachodayat

om naakadhwajaaya vidmahae

padma hastaaya dheemahi

tanno raahu prachodayaat

Om, Let me meditate on him who has snake in his flag, Oh, He who has a lotus in his hand, give me higher intellect, And let Rahu illuminate my mind.

To Ketu:

palasa-puspa-sankasam

taraka-graha-mastakam

raudram raudratmakam ghoram

tam ketum pranamamy aham

“I offer my obeisances to the violent and fearsome Ketu, who is endowed with the potency of Lord Shiva. Resembling in his complexion the flower of a palasa plant, he serves as the head of the stars and planets.”

om aswadhwajaaya vidmahae

soola hastaaya dheemahi

tanno ketu prachodayaat

Om, Let me meditate on him who has horse in his flag, Oh, He who has a trident in his hand, give me higher intellect, And let Kethu illuminate my mind.

The Navagraha Stotram

(One mantra for counteracting all ill effects from any of the planets and improve the positive energy by favorable planetary positions.)

Aarogyam pradadathuno Dinakara / Chandro yasho nirmalam

Bhoomim Bhoomisutha Sudhaamshu Thanaya / Prajyam Gurur gourava

Kavya komala Vagvila samathulam / Mandho mudam sarvada

Rahur bahu balam virodha shamanam / Kethur kulasonnayathim

After chanting this sloka for 1 0r 8 /16/64/108 times chant the following for 8 times:

Om Navagrahaya Namaha

Mantras for Each Day of the Week

For Sunday:

Om namo Narayanaya

Reverence to Narayana (Vishnu) brings love, prosperity, power, and glory.

For Monday:

Om namah Shivaya

Reverence to Shiva, destroys negative tendencies and effects. Gives freedom from attachments that bind one to material consciousness.

For Tuesday:

Om Sri Subramunyaya Namah

Reverence to Subramunya, Shiva's son, gives success, drives away evil influences, gives spiritual victory and in battle.

For Wednesday:

Om namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Reverence to Lord Krishna, the all-pervading Divine Lord. Gives success in all activities and offers divine love, and eases a troubled mind.

For Thursday:

Om namo Bhagavate Shivanandaya

Reverence to the guru who can give great power and bliss of enlightenment to you.

For Friday:

Om Sri Maha Lakshmiyai Namah

Reverence to Lakshmi, bestows prosperity, truthfulness, nonviolence, humility, spiritual understanding, and spiritual wisdom.

For Saturday:

Om Sri Hanumate Namah

Reverence to Hanuman, invokes unbounded love for Lord Rama, gives strength, success in devotional activities, reveals the power of the soul that can triumph over adversities for attaining highest realizations.

The highest spiritual mantra for all purposes:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.