Your Inspirational World Die/s Every Minute You Dont Read This Article: ganesha
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Showing posts with label ganesha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ganesha. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 05, 2015

Top Key words in Hinduism ( Quizzes / Puzzels)

Wednesday, August 05, 2015 0
Top Key words in Hinduism ( Quizzes / Puzzels)

About Hinduism - Quiz Questions and Answers Excerpts ask


About Hinduism - Quiz Questions and Answers Excerpts ask

Top Key words in Hinduism ( Quizzes / Puzzels)

1. What Is the Never Ending Cycle of life and death Called?

A. Brahman

B. Samsara

C. Vedas

D. Vishnu

E. Shiva 

2. What Does 'Dharma' mean?

A. The duties of living.

B.  The Hindu holy river

C. The god of beauty

D. The god of destruction

E. The soul in everything

3. What is the story: 'Ramayan' about?

A. Brahman: the one supreme god

B. Ganesh: the elephant god

C. Ashrama: stage in life (Hindus believe there are four)

D. The river Ganges

E. Rama And Sita

4. What is 'karma'?

A. Sacred holy word

B. Non violence

C. The festival of light

D. Actions which affect rebirth

E. Its one of the four main group castes(priests)

5. Who is the god of preservation

A. Atman

B. Ahimsa

C. Karma

D. Vedas

E. Vishnu

6. What is the holy river called?

A. Moksha

B. Ganges

C. Aum

D. Dharma

E. Mandir

7. What is the Hindu temple called?

A. Samsara

B. Ganges

C. Puja

D. Mandir

E. Diwali

8. Who is 'Ganesh'?

A. The elephant God

B. The god of preservation

C. The soul in everything

D. The god of creation

E. The one supreme god

9. Who is the one supreme god?

A. Brahman

B. Ashrama

C. Moksha

D. Vedas

E. Brahma

10.  What is the Hindu holy book called?

A. Vedas

B. Brahma

C. Ganges

D. Mandir

E. Aum

11.  What do Hindus aim to achieve?

A. Vishnu

B. Shiva

C. Ashrama

D. Moksha

E. Ahisma

12.  Who is shiva?

A. The elephant God

B. The soul in everything

C. The god of destruction

D. The god of preservation

E. Brahmans' sister

13. What/who is Diwali.

A. The founder of Hinduism

B. A sacred Hindu holy word

C. The festival of the Gods

D. The god of Creation

E. The festival of light

14. What is the soul in everything called?

A. Atman

B. Brahma

C. Vedas

D. Vishnu

E. Puja

15. How many stages in life do Hindus believe there are?

A. 10

B.  5

C.  9

D.  4

E. 7

16. What is stage of life called?

A. Ashrama

B. Dharma

C. Ganesh

D. Ashramia

E. Ganesha

17.  Name one of the four main castes(priests).

A. Moksha

B. Brahmin

C.  Dharma

D. Ashrama

E.  Brahma

18.  What is a Hindu sacred word?

A.  Ahisma

B.  Aum

C.  Moksha

D.  Puja

E.  Brahma

19.  What is or does puja mean?

A.  Its a candle

B.  Its a tray With sacred Hindu things on.

C.  It means 'worship'

D. Non-violence

E.  The goodness of the angel

20.  What is the Hindu  word for non-violence?

A.  Ashrama

B. Atman

C. Samsara

D. Diwali

E. Ahisma

21.  Who is the god of creation?

A. Brahma

B. Ganesha

C.  Karma

D. Vishnu

E. Diwali

22. What is Moksha?

A.  The end of rebirth cycle

B.  Actions which affect rebirth

C.  The festival of light

D.  The soul in everything

E.  Stage in life

Monday, July 27, 2015

Hindu world divided by a 24-hour wonder

Monday, July 27, 2015 0
Hindu world divided by a 24-hour wonder

Hindu world divided by a 24-hour wonder

Miracle or mirage? From Calcutta to South all, the faithful came to see milk-drinking idols as skeptics talked of hallucination 

Miracle or mirage? From Calcutta to Southall, the faithful came to see milk-drinking idols as sceptics talked of hallucination

  New Delhi: Saturday 23 September 1995 

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Winning MANTRA from MAHABHARATA

Thursday, November 11, 2010 0
Winning MANTRA from MAHABHARATA

Winning MANTRA from MAHABHARATA

Winning MANTRA from MAHABHARATA

Trivia


Second Longest Epic of the World

“What’s not in Bharata, is not in Bharata”

“A Buffet of Ideologies.”

Written around 3000 BC.

“Harappan” Cultre. Urban Way of life.


Narrated thrice :


“Jaya” by Vyasa to Ganesha

“Bharata” by Vaishampayan to Janamejaya

“Mahabharata” by Suta/Sauti to the Rishis at Naimisharanya.

Has “mind boggling” revelations.

Astronomy: Existence of Uranus(Shweta) and Neptune(Ksharaka).

Geography. Lands as far as Cambodia(Kamboja), Kazakhistan and/or Scandinavia(Uttarakuru),

Mathemetics: Nos to the range of 10 raised to powers of 16 and -16.

Descriptions of Weapons which resemble modern day weaponry including Nuclear and/or Chemical Weapons.

Complex Millitary Formations and Strategies.

Philosphy, Psychology, Sociology, Spirituality, Religion, Politics.

Even Mangement Lessons.

Logistics



Kauravas :11 Akshouhini

Pandavas : 7 Akshouhini



1 Akshouhini = 21,870 chariots, 21,870 elephants, 65,610 horses and 109,350 foot-soldiers (in a ratio of 1:1:3:5).




Generals

Pandavas :

Arjuna

Bhima

Dhrshtadyumna

Abhimanyu

Ghatotkach

Shikhandi

Satyaki

Kauravas :

Bhishma

Drona

Karna

Shalya

Kripacharya

Ashwatthama

Duryodhan

Background


Pandavas :



Exiled for 13 years. Have no kingdom. Their main strength both in terms of political and financial power depends on their friends and relatives : The Pancalas, The Yadavas, The Magadhas and The Chedis.



Kauravas :



In power for 13 years. Duryodhan has been a benevolent king. Theres no guarantee that the Subjects really miss the Pandavas. Not only have they the wealth and power of Hastinapur, but also that of Indraprastha, the kingdom that the Pandvas had taken such labors to build and which had surpassed the Hastina of old in all degrees. Karna had gone on a nation-wide conquering on behalf of Duryodhana. They are the national sovereigns




Motivation



Kauravas :


“Without war, will concede not a needle-prick of earth.” - Duryodhna



Duryodhana was completely focused on the War.It was his moment of truth. He had usurped a kingdom, and he meant to keep it. He had resorted to any means, foul or fair to get the kingdom, which he believed to be rightfully his, and he was in no mood to give it up.



Pandavas :


“We fight over a Kingdom, as dogs over a piece of meat.”-Yudhisthira



The Pandavas had been humiliated, their wife insulted, their kingdom taken. But…still they wanted to avoid the War. The three elder Pandavas were against the War. They even went as far as making an offer that they will stop the War in exchange of 5 villages.




Result



War Lasted : 18 Days. 10 Days (Bhisma), 3 Days(Drona), 1½ Days (Karna) ½ Day (No General),1 Day (Shalya), 1 Night(Ashwatthama)


18th Night of the War :

Ashwatthama slaughtered the Pandava camp in sleep.



Before That :


Kauravas :

Bhishma, Drona, Karna and his sons, Shalya, Bhagadutta, Bhurisrava, Susharma, Jayadrath, Duhsasana and all of Duryodhana’s brothers, Shakuni and Ulooka.



Pandavas :


Drupad, Virat and his sons, Abhimanyu, Ghatotkach and Iravan.



SO HOW DID THE PANDAVAS WIN ?????


Preparation

Kauravas :

Karna went on a country-wide military mission, subdued the different kingdoms and acquired wealth. But it meant a loss in terms of both men and money and creation of new enemies.

Pandavas : Though in exile they turned their attention to improving over their weakness

Arjuna set out on a mission to acquires Divyastras.

Bhima met his brother Hanuman and got a blessing of enhanced strength.

Yudhisthira acquired teachings from the various wise rishis, and also learnt the Game of Dice from Gandharava Chtrasena, lest he was challenged to yet another dice game. Its said that he had become undefeatable in Dice.

Turn your weakness into your Strength.

Allies

Kauravas : Centralized power system. The greatest empire of the time. But not many powerful allies, except from old relations from far off places like Gandhara(Shakuni), Sindhu(Jayadrath) and Kambodia(Camboja - Bhagadutt)

Pandavas : No wealth. No power of their own. But powerful allies all over India.

Panchala through Marriage with Darupadi.

Dwarka through marriage with Arjuna and Subhadra.

Magadh through marriage of Shadeva and Vijaya.

Chedi through marriage of Nakula and Karenmayi.

Kasi through marriage of Bhima and Balandhara.

Kekaya through marriage of Yudhisthira and Devika.

Matsya through marriage of Abhimanyu and Uttara.

The Rakshasas through marriage of Bhima and Hidimba.

The Nagas through marriage of Arjuna and Uloopi.



Make Powerful Allies.


Leadership

Kauravas : Centralized leadership. One Head of Army at a time, who has supreme authority of 11 akshouhini of army. Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Shalya and Ashwatthama.

Pandavas : Distributed leadership. Seven commanders for the seven divisions.(1 man command 1 akshouhini each).

Virat (King of Matsya).

Drupad (King of Pancala).

Sahadeva(King of Magadha).

Dhrshtaketu (King of Chedi).

Satyaki (Only warrior from Dwarka).

Shikhandi (Prince of Pancala).

Dhrshtadymna – Commander in Chief.

Arjuna –Supreme Commander.

Krishna – Arjuna’s charioteer and counselor.

Share your responsibilities.

Team Spirit

Kauravas : No team spirit. They all fought their individual wars.

Bhishma : For his Vow to protect the throne Hastinapur.

Drona and Kripa : They owed allegiance to the throne.

Shalya : Simply cheated by Duryodhana to be there. Was originally a Pandava ally.

Karna : To prove his mantle against Arjuna. Friendship for Duryodhana.

They didn’t gel well with each other. Bhishma and Karna. Bhisma and Shakuni. Karna nd Shakuni. Karna and Shalya. Shalya and Bhishma. It was like a bees, hornets and mosquitoes put together in a jar.

Pandavas : One team. One Goal. As men, they all had huge respect for Krishna and Yudhisthira. While as warriors they were in complete awe of Bhima and Arjuna. Most of them were close relatives – cousins, brother-in-laws, father-in-laws. More than that they all were part of the decision-making process. It was their “common” war.



Teamwork succeeds where Individual effort fails.


Individual Motives

Kauravas : Except for Duryodhana nobody wanted the War. All the 4 main generals had strong ties with the Pandavas.

Bhishma(grandchildern) – Wont kill the panadavas. Will kill a thousand soldiers each day.

Drona (students) – Wont kill the Pandavas. Will capture them only.

Shalya (Nakula-Shadeva’s maternal uncle) : Loved the Pandavas and covertly helped them by humiliating Karna

Karna (brother to the Pandavas) : Promised not to kill any of the other Pandavas save Arjuna.

A Team of Traitors.

Pandavas : Common goal. But the individuals had their individual targets. Their own agenda, which just became one with the teams’ agenda.

Dhratsadyumna : Drona.

Shikhandi : Bhisma.

Satayaki – Bhurisravas.

Arjuna – Karna.

Bhima – Duryodhana and his brothers.

Sahadeva – Shakuni and his sons.

Nakula –Karna’s sons.

The Right team is made by selecting the Right Individuals. Get the right man for the right job.




Commitment



Kauravas : Already said the Big 4 had big emotional attachment with the 5 Pandavas. Looking further on their commitment.

Bhisma himself gave away the secret of killing him to the Pandavas.He prolonged the War by killing only inconsequential soldiers. He did not fight a warrior like Shikhandi because of his personal bias.

Drona too indirectly gave away his secret, by saying he was invulnerable as long as he held a weapon. Moreover he abandoned weapons as soon as he knew his son had died.

Karna did not kill Yudhisthira and BHima when he got the chance. He gave away his Kavac and Kundala prior to his War. Karna fled innumerous times from the War when he was hurt. He didn’t save Duhsasana when Bhima was killing him.

Shalya kept on insulting Karna while in Battle.

Pandavas :

Abhimanyu , a 16 year old kid. Ventured beyond enemy lines alone. This was suicide mission but he still went in and took a great part of the army down with him. It took the combined effort of 7 Maharathis to take him down.

Ghatotkach even in death, took with him almost half the army.

Yudhisthira, he knew he couldn’t face Karna in War, but still went in to set an example. Yudhitshira didn't hesitate to tell a lie or a twisted truth when faced with the decision of whether to stick to his personal integrity or welfare of the team.

Krishna took up arms twice and almost entered the War, inspite of his promise, only to be stopped by Arjuna.

The interests of the Individual should never exceed the Team interest.

The best man for a Job is not the one with the best capabilities but one with the greatest commitment.






Right Managers



Krishna : The Greatest Crisis Manager the world has seen.

Yudhisthira : Low-key strategist.

On the first day of the War, he played a Master game. Went over to the Enemy side to seek blessings from Elders. In reality he made a covert deal with them, wherein all of them agreed to help him and unfolded the secrets of defeating them.

While coming back, he took a calculated risk. He made an offer to all the assembled people to change sides if they wanted to. He knew well of the lack of cohesiveness among the Kauravas. Yuyutsu, son of Dhrtarashtra crossed over to the Pandavas. This exposed the weakness of the Kauravas for all to see.

Know your enemies weaknesses and exploit them.

Take Calculated risks.

Inspire, invigorate, counsel your own team in moments of need.

The Roots

Kauravas : Princes brought up in the comfort of the Royal Palace, matured on romanticized ideals of Power, Fame, Courage and Valor. No experience of ground reality.

Pandavas :

Spent the greater part of their lives in Poverty. Childhood in the Himalayan foothills among Rishis. One year exile among the poor people of Kuru-Panchala. 12 years of Vanvas and 1 year of Agyatvas.

Experinced with the ground reality. Contact with people from various strata of the society. Sannyasis (celibate monks), Acharyas(Householders, teachers), poor Brahmanas, lower-class Potter.

Different races of people. Rakshasas, Gandharavas, Apsaras, Nagas. People from different regions Uttarkuru, Bengal etc.

A Sense of Sharing. A sense of Brotherhood.

Know ground realities.

Know different ideologies.

Share.

Women Empowerment

Kauravas : Patriarchal structure. Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Dhratarashtra, Vidur, Shakuni, Duryodhana, Karna, Duhsasana. No women in the decision making process.

Gandhari retreated to the Inner Chambers. Nobody listened to her.

Pandavas : Matriarchal Structure.

Kunti was the authority supreme for the Pandavas.

“Whatever my mother says is Dharma to me” : Yudhisthira.

Draupadi was a companion in whatever the Pandavas did. She had a big role in all the decision making. Without her the Pandavas would have most probably reclined to the forests.

Even the younger Pandavas : Ghatotkach, Abhimnanyu and Iravan were brought up by their mothers. So the female influence was huge.

Women = Better Half. Any team which doesn't have women is unbalanced, for the Masculine traits of Aggression and Dominance should be balanced by the Feminine traits of Harmony and Sustenance.



Recap


  • Turn your weaknesses into strengths.

  • Turn enemies into allies.

  • Share your responsibilities.

  • Teamwork scores over Individual Effort.

  • Right Team = Right set of Individuals. The right man for the right job.

  • Commitment scores over Competence.

  • Team interests over Individual interests..

  • Know your enemy/challenges. Exploit its weaknesses. Take calculated risks.

  • The Right Managers : To inspire, invigorate, counsel in crisis .

  • Know Ground realities. Accept different ideologies. Cooperate.

Empower Women. The Gender Balance is required for stability and administration.


Happy Deepavali

Thursday, November 11, 2010 0
Happy Deepavali

Happy Deepavali

Happy Deepavali

Deepavali is celebrated throughout India on the 15th day of the month Kartik in the Hindu calendar, which in fact is a Lunisolar calendar (moon & sun). It falls on Amavasya (Ammavaasa), the new moon night, that ends the month of Ashwina and begins the month of Kartika. The 5 day festival begins on the 13th day in the dark half of Ashwin and ends on the 2nd day in the bright half of Kartika.' The essence of this light is Shri Lakshmi-arising, at the beginning of time, out of the waters at the churning of the Milky Ocean by gods and demons for a thousand years. Regarded as the goddess of love, beauty and prosperity, Lakshmi, the beloved consort of Vishnu, along with Sri Ganesha, is a presiding deity of the festival of lights. They are worshipped in every household so that the year may be full of prosperity.


O Light serene, dispel the darkness that shrouds the eye, mind and heart of your people so that as on this festive day we may joyously wish and share with those around, right through our life. May the brightness, newness and the prosperity desired and experienced today be permanent. May your light enlighten us, guide and lead us to the fulfillment of your designs for us- of abundance, prosperity and well being.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Slokas on Lord Ganesh - elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings

Sunday, June 08, 2008 0
Slokas on Lord Ganesh - elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings

Slokas on Lord Ganesh

Ganesha, also spelled Ganesh, also called Ganapati, elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings, who is traditionally worshipped before any major enterprise and is the patron of intellectuals, bankers, scribes, and authors. ... Like a rat and like an elephant, Ganesha is a remover of obstacles.

Slokas on Lord Ganesh

Shuklaambara Dharam Vishnum

Shashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam

Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet

Sarva Vighna Upashaanthaye



Meaning: We meditate on Lord Ganesha - who is clad in white (representing purity), who is all pervading (present everywhere), whose complexion is gray like that of ash (glowing with spiritual splendor), who has four arms, who has bright countenance (depicting inner calm and happiness) and who can destroy all obstacles (in our spiritual and worldly path).


Vakratunda Mahakaaya

Suryakoti Samaprabha

Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva

Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada



Meaning:The Lord with the curved trunk and a mighty body, who has the luster of a million suns, I pray to thee Oh Lord, to remove the obstacles from all the actions I intend to perform.


Agajaanana Padmaarkam

Gajaananam Aharnisham

Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam

Ekadantam Upaasmahey



Meaning:I worship day and night that elephant faced Lord Ganesha who is like sun to the lotus face of Mother Parvati. Giver of many boons, the single tusked Ganesh, I salute Thee to give e a boon.


Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam

Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam

Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam

Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam



Meaning: The Lord with the elephant face, served by all the Ganas, One who takes as His food, the essence of Kapitta and Jamboophala (these are two favorite fruits of Ganesh), son of Uma (Mother Parvati), destroyer of misery of the devotees, controller of obstacles, we worship Your Lotus Feet.


Ganaanaam Twam Ganapathi Gam Havaamahe

Kavim Kaveenaam Upamasra Vastamam

Jyeshta Raajam Brahmanaam Brahmanaspatha

Aanashrunvanna Oothibhi Seedha Saadanam



Meaning: We invite You, the Lord of spiritual faith (of Lord Shiva). You are the wisest among the wise, the best to be given as a standard of comparison. You are the senior Lord, Lord of the Vedic manthras, listening to our prayers. Please visit our home with prosperous things and be seated here.


GANESH GAYATHRI


Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe

Vakratundaaya Dheemahe

Tanno Danthihi Prachodayaat



Meaning: We meditate on that super power, we invoke the single tusked boon giver, Ganesh.


GANESHA PANCHARATNAM


1.

Mudakaraatha Modakam Sada Vimukti Saadhakam

Kalaadharaavatamsakam Vilasiloka Rakshakam

Anaaya Kaika Naayakam Vinasitebha Daityakam

Nataasubhasu Naashakam Namaami Tham Vinaayakam.



Meaning: I prostrate before Lord Vinaayaka who joyously holds modaka in His hand, who bestows salvation, who wears the moon as a crown in His head, who is the sole leader of those who lose themselves in the world. The leader of the leaderless who destroyed the elephant demon called Gajaasura and who quickly destroys the sins of those who bow down to Him, I worship such a Lord Ganesh.


2.

Natetaraati Bheekaram Navoditaarka Bhaasvaram

Namat Suraari Nirjanam Nataadhi Kaapa Duddharam

Suresvaram Nidheesvaram Gajesvaram Ganeshvaram

Mahesvaram Samaasraye Paraatparam Nirantaram.



Meaning: I meditate eternally on Him, the Lord of the Ganas, who is frightening to those not devoted, who shines like the morning sun, to whom all the Gods and demons bow, who removes the great distress of His devotees and who is the best among the best.


3.

Samasta Loka Samkaram Nirasta Daitya Kunjaram

Daredarodaram Varam Vare Bhavaktra Maksharam

Krupaakaram Kshamaakaram Mudaakaram Yasaskaram

Manaskaram Namaskrutaam Namaskaromi Bhaasvaram.



Meaning: I bow down with my whole mind to the shining Ganapati who brings happiness to all the worlds, who destroyed the demon Gajasura, who has a big belly, beautiful elephant face, who is immortal, who gives mercy, forgiveness and happiness to those who bow to Him and who bestows fame and a well disposed mind.


4.


Akimchanaarti Marjanam Chirantanokti Bhaajanam

Puraari Poorva Nandanam Suraari Garva Charvanam

Prapancha Naasha Bheeshanam Dhananjayaadi Bhushanam

Kapola Daana Vaaranam Bhajaey Puraana Vaaranam.



Meaning: I worship the ancient elephant God who destroys the pains of the poor, who is the abode of Aum, who is the first son of Lord Shiva (Shiva who is the destroyer of triple cities), who destroys the pride of the enemies of the Gods, who is frightening to look at during the time of world's destruction, who is fierce like an elephant in rut and who wears Dhananjaya and other serpents as his ornaments.


5.

Nitaantikaanta Dantakaanti Mantakaanta Kaatmajam

Achintya Rupa Mantaheena Mantaraaya Krintanam

Hrudantarey Nirantaram Vasantameva Yoginam

Tameka Danta Meva Tam Vichintayaami Santatam.



Meaning: I constantly reflect upon that single tusked God only, whose lustrous tusk is very beautiful, who is the son of Lord Shiva, (Shiva, the God of destruction), whose form is immortal and unknowable, who tears asunder all obstacles, and who dwells forever in the hearts of the Yogis.


6.


Mahaaganesa Pancharatnam Aadarena Yonvaham

Prajapati Prabhaatake Hrudi Smaran Ganesvaram

Arogatham Adoshataam Susaahitim Suputrataam

Samaahitaayu Rastabhootim Abhyupaiti Sochiraat.



Meaning: He who recites this every morning with devotion, these five gems about Lord Ganapati and who remembers in his heart the great Ganesha, will soon be endowed with a healthy life free of all blemishes, will attain learning, noble sons, a long life that is calm and pleasant and will be endowed with spiritual and material prosperity.


TWELVE NAMES OF GANESHA


1.

Pranamya Shirasa Devam

Gauriputram Vinaayakam

Bhakataavaasam Smare Nityam

Aayuh Kaamartha Siddhaye



Meaning:Every day, I bow down to that Lord, the son of Gowri, the Lord one who lives in the heart of the devotees, blessing them always with good health and prosperity.


2.

Prathamam Vakratundam Cha

Ekadantam Dviteeyakam

Thriteeyam Krishna Pingaaksham

Gajavaktram Chaturthakam



Meaning: Starting from here the twelve names of Ganesha are mentioned and he is worshipped in those different forms. The first as the Lord with the curved trunk; second, as the one with only one tusk, third, as the one with black (red/brown) eyes, fourth, as the one with giant structure.


3.

Lambodaram Panchamaam Cha

Shashtam Vikatameva Cha

Saptamam Vighnaraajendram

Dhoomravarnam Tathaashtamam



Meaning: Fifth, as the one with a big (long) stomach, six, as the one with a huge body Seven, as the remover of obstacles, eight, as the one with smoke gray color


4.

Navamam Phaalachandram Cha

Dasamam Tu Vinaayakam

Ekaadasam Ganapatim

Dvaadasam Tu Gajaananam



Meaning: Ninth, as the one with moon on the front of His head, tenth, as the foremost leader, eleventh, as the leader of the ganas, twelfth as the one with elephant face.


5.

Dvaadasaitaani Naamaani

Trisandhyam Yah Pathernnarah

Na Cha Vighna Bhayam Tasya

Sarva Siddhikaram Prabho



Meaning: Any person, who remembers these twelve names of Ganesha, three times in a day, will have all their obstacles and fear removed and will attain success. (This group of verses is said to be sage Narada's offering to Lord Ganesh.)


SIXTEEN NAMES OF GANESHA


1.

Sumukhascha Ekadanthascha

Kapilo Gajakarnakaha

Lambodarascha Vikato

Vighnaraajo Ganaadhipaa



Meaning: The various names and associated forms of God Ganesha are enumerated and need to be meditated upon here - the one with an auspicious face, the single tusked Lord, the one who is of red color, the one with the ears of an elephant, the one with a big stomach, the one with a jovial disposition, the controller of obstacles, the Lord of the Ganas.


2.

Dhoomaketur Ganaadhyashah

Phaalachandro Gajaanana

Vakratundo Shoorpakarno

Heyrambho Skandapoorvajaha



Meaning:The one of smoke gray color, the leader of the ganas, the one who has moon in the front of his forehead, the elephant faced one, the one with a curved trunk (or broken tusk), the one with big (basket like) ears, the one who is heroic like a buffalo, the elder brother of Skanda (Skanda is another name for Lord Subrahmanya)


3.


Shodashaitaani Namaani

Yah Pateth Srunuyaadapi

Vidyaarambhe Vivahe Cha

Praveshey Nirgamey Tatah

Sangraamey Sarva Kaaryeshu

Vighnas Tasya Na Jaayathe


Abheepsitaartha Siddhyartham

Poojitoya Surairapi

Sarva Vighna Chhido Tasmai

Sree Ganaadhipataye Namaha



Meaning:Whoever the one who recites and listens to these sixteen names at the beginning of studies, at the time of marriage, while entering or departing a place, or at the battle field, all their obstacles will be removed. Even the Gods worship Lord Ganesha to receive the fulfillment of their actions. Oh Lord Ganesh, the One who has this power of destroying all the obstacles in the way of the devotees, I prostrate before you.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Kotilingeshwara Temple - This temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1
Kotilingeshwara Temple - This temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas
Kotilingeshwara Temple - This temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas

Kotilingeshwara temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas and has the world's tallest ShivaLinga measuring 108 Ft height and Basava measuring 35 feet. It is surrounded by plush greenery amidst the Kammasandra village 5 km from Kolar Gold Fields.



TENS OF THOUSANDS The biggest linga in Kotilingeshwara is 108 ft tall

The adventurous foursome that we are, we set off to discover a few places we found in KSTDC pamphlets. With a load of hearsay and a couple of maps, we hit the road in a small family car to Chikka Tirupati via Whitefield. Most travelogues and guides flood you with dated info on popular tourist beeline ends, motorable beaten tracks and cushy spots to eat and sleep. For a change, we veered away from any such repeats and that is how we found our way to a Vaishnavaite temple in the middle of a handful of hamlets.

A homely but clean-on-the-inside mess nearby provided us with staple idlis, puris and avarekalu baath. We wended our way on routes frequented more by tractors than plush cars. We passed rose and marigold expanses, tomato, chilli, potato, cabbage, cauliflower, Bengal gram, mulberry plantations and mango and eucalyptus groves. Roses and tomatoes beckoned. We stopped to admire and even had a small chat with the locals.

Uniformly, they stand

On the way, Kotilingeshwara, we found, was one big park of lingas, lining pathways in all sizes amidst bilva and amla trees, but all in one single colour and shape, tens of thousands of them. The temple houses shrines for Manjunatha, Panduranga, Srinivasa, Panchmukha Ganesha, Panchamukha Hanuman, Rama-Sita-Lakshmana, Ayyappa, Annapoorneswari, Santhoshima and Kannika Parameswari, besides Navagraha and Raghavendra.

The biggest linga is 108 ft tall, matched by a huge figure of Nandi. Prasada lunch of anna, saru and majjige is served to all visitors between 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Then a short drive to Bangaru Tirupati. You can't miss the arch marking the entrance from the road to Mulbagal. The temple dates to Brigu Maharishi's days and is built on rocks. You reach the shrine after a climb of several hundred steps and see the deity through a chequered window. At a different level is the shrine for the consort Padmavathi, dating back to mid-19th Century.

Mulbagal lies just off the NH4. This taluk shows signs of rural progress. The well-known place here is the temple for Hanuman, said to be installed by Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, after the Mahabharata war. Sage Vasishta is believed to have installed the idols of the main deity Srinivasa, Padmavathi and Rama-Sita-Lakshmana.

Off the Srinivasapura road going north from Mulbagal, we reach Kurudumale. Two temples, within a hundred feet of each other, are now protected monuments. The Someshwara temple, where restoration work is under way, was built and dedicated to the locals by Raja Raja Chola. The priest patiently took us through the Chola king's times depicted on some of the pillar sculptures worked on by the king's sculptor, the legendary Jakanachari.

After military plunder some centuries later, just about 15 of the original 30-odd idols have been found and reinstated. The Ganesha temple has dates back to the Krta Yuga. The idol is said to have grown from a salagrama stone (originally from the Gandak river of Nepal) through the four yugas to attain its present size.

Legend has it that the Hindu trinity together installed the idol — hence the name Koodadri, now known as Koodumale or Kurudumale. The Vijayanagar king Krishnadevaraya built the temple around the idol at the request of the locals.

A recently built Prasanna Venkataramaswamy temple is located along a 1.5 km detour on the road back to Mulbagal. The place is called Doddaguruki/ Vedagiri.

Getting back to Mulbagal, it is a smooth turn into NH4 towards Bangalore. Five kilometres down the highway is a fairly huge Ayyappa Kshetram. Then Kamat group's Upachar, located after the Kolar bypass, is a good refreshment halt, 20 km short of Hoskote and is a standard stop for the KSTDC bus services. With an early start and a couple more hours in hand, it is possible to complete the day with a trip to Kaiwara, a forest department-maintained resort via Chintamani, travelling northwest from Mulbagal and get back on the highway near Hoskote.

How to get there

Chikka Tirupati (35 km from Bangalore): Turn right at Farm Cross, Whitefield; Kotilingeswara: On the right, three km short of Betamangala. Travel on Bangarpet-Betamangala- route via Malur, Tykal, Bangarpet; Bangaru Tirupati; Eight km from Kotilingeswara on the road towards Mulbagal. Entry marked by a stone arch; Kurudumale: Northeast from Mulbagal, off the Srinivasapura Road.

Surrounded by verdant greenery, Kammasandra is famous for its Kotilingeshwara temple. The temple houses 108 ft tall Shivling and 35 ft tall Basava. The shrine is surrounded by lakhs of small shivlings, which spread over an area of 15 acres. These icons are installed by the devotees to seek the blessings of the lord. The entrance from the highway to the central courtyard is majestic. Other major attractions here are ancient temples dedicated to Sri Manjunatheshwara, Trimurti, Ashta-Lakshmi, Subramanya, the Navagrahas and many other deities.


A three hour journey from Bangalore brings one to this place.


Formerly, Kolar was known variously as Kolahala, Kuvalala and Kolala. Kolar was called Kolahalapura during the middle ages, but later came to be known as Kolar. Kolahahapura in Kannada meant "violent city", as it was the battlefield for the warring kingdoms of Chalukyas in the north and Cholas to the south. It was the capital of the Gangas till 4th century AD when they shifted the capital to Talakad in Mysore. In 1004 A.D., the Cholas annexed Kolar till 1116 A.D,. Vishnuvardhana (1108-1142AD) freed Gangavadi from the Cholas, and in commemoration of his victory.

Gold was first mined in the area in the 2nd and 3rd century AD by the digging of small pits. During the Chola period in the 9th and 10th century AD the scale of the operation grew, but large-scale mining only came in the 1850s under the British with more manpower and sophisticated machinery. In 1873, M.F. Lavelle, a resident in Bangalore, applied to the Mysore Government for the exclusive privilege of mining in the Kolar district. His request was granted and he commenced operations by sinking a shaft near Urigam (Oorgaum) in 1875

There is a legend about why the Kolar Gold Fields are so full of gold. The story goes back to the Tretha Yuga, the time of Lord Rama. During his 14 years of vanavasa, Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana wandered through the dense forests of the present day Avani village, which is about 10 miles from the gold fields, where they set up their hut and lived. Surpanaka, sister of Ravana, one day happened to see Rama and asked him to marry her. He refused, as he was already married, so she approached Lakshmana.

People from many different places are settled in the Kolar Gold Fields today, with the majority of them being tamil speaking people from the north and south Arcot districts of Tamil Nadu. There are also Telugu speaking people from Kuppam, Ramakuppam, V-kota and other places in Andhra Pradesh. Given the mixture of population, many festivals are celebrated; the most famous and popular one being the Lakshmi Venkateshwara Jaatre.