The Hindu God Hanuman (Anjaneya) - Monkey God and Hero of the Ramayana

Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, is one of the most celebrated and worshipped figures in Indian religion, but mention him outside of India and you are likely to be met with a blank stare.  So who is Hanuman and what does he represent to the Hindu faith?

As is the case for many of Mother India's gods, several stories are told explaining Hanuman's birth. In one interpretation Shiva and Parvati decide to transform themselves into monkeys and indulge in amorous games in the forest.  As a result Parvati becomes pregnant.  Shiva, conscious of his godly responsibilities and desiring to conform to the laws of nature, directs the wind god Vayu to carry the offspring from Parvati's womb to that of Anjana - an Apsara with the form of a monkey who has prayed to be granted a boy child. In another version of the story Hanuman is simply the offspring of Anjana and Vayu.  In yet another version of the story, he is the son of the King and Queen of the Monkeys.

Many stories are also told of Hanuman's childhood. As the son of Shiva and a young monkey to boot, Hanuman is variously described as spirited, restless, energetic and inquisitive.  One point they all agree on is his mischievous nature.  Hanuman often abused his powers to pester the saints and holy men living in the nearby forest, with tricks such as beard pulling and the dousing of sacred fires.  However, it is as an adult that the monkey god Hanuman comes into his own.

Hanuman's tale as told in the epic Ramayana is renowned for its ability to inspire its readers to face ordeals and conquer obstructions in their own lives. At the time of the Ramayana, Hanuman is sent as an advance spy to Lanka, the capital of the mighty demon Ravana's empire.  Ravana has provoked Lord Rama by carrying away his beloved wife Sita in order to start a war.  During the epic times that follow, Hanuman brings hope and secret messages to the captive Sita, leads Rama's monkey army in the Battle of Lanka and single-handedly kills many demons including Lankini, Champion of the demons.  During this time Hanuman is captured by the enemy, only to outwit them with the cunning use of his powers.  He returns to find Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana themselves captured by the enemy and about to be sacrificed to the goddess Kali by the sorcerer Mahiravana.  In a tale of great daring, Hanuman outsmarts the evil lord into becoming the sacrifice himself, thereby earning the eternal respect of Kali.  She appoints Hanuman as her doorkeeper and today many of her temples are seen to have a monkey guarding their doorways.

After the defeat of Ravana, Rama and Sita are crowned King and Queen of Ayodhya. Hanuman is offered a reward for his bravery and asks only to continue in service to him and to live for as long as men speak of Rama's deeds. He remains as Rama's favorite general to this day. 

 Because of his bravery, perseverance, strength and devoted service, Hanuman is regarded as a perfect symbol of selflessness and loyalty.  Worship of Hanuman helps the individual to counter the bad karma borne out of selfish action, and grants the believer fortitude and strength in his or her own trials during the journey of life.  Hanuman is also invoked in fights against sorcery and protective amulets depicting him are extremely popular among his devotees.

References and Further Reading

Why is the cow important to Hindus?

Millions of Hindus revere and worship cows. Hinduism is a religion that raises the status of Mother to the level of Goddess. Therefore, the cow is considered a sacred animal, as it provides us life sustaining milk. The cow is seen as a maternal figure, a care taker of her people. The cow is a symbol of the divine bounty of earth.

Lord Krishna, one of the most well known of the Hindu deities is often depicted playing his flute amongst cows and dancing Gopis (milkmaids). He grew up as a cow herder. Krishna also goes by the names Govinda and Gopala, which literally mean “friend and protector of cows.” It is considered highly auspicious for a true devotee to feed a cow, even before eating breakfast oneself.

Kamadhenu, the sacred cow which grants all wishes and desires, is an integral part of the entire Indian culture. This divine cow, which lives in swargalok (heaven), emerged from the ocean of milk (kshira-sagar) at the time of samudra-manthan (the great churning of the ocean by the gods (suras) and demons (asuras). It was presented to the seven sages by the Gods, and in course of time came into the possession of Sage Vasishta.

In Hinduism, the cow is revered as the source of food and symbol of life and may never be killed. However, many non-Hindus interpret these beliefs to mean that Hindus worship cows. This is not true. It is more accurate to say the cow is taboo in the Hindu religion, rather than sacred. This is just one example of the misunderstandings people have about the Hindu faith.

Furthermore, cows do not have an especially charmed life in India. Sometimes people around the world see images of India in print or on television, or they travel there, and see cows in public places, unfenced and unrestrained. From such scenes, they conclude that Indians consider cows gods, but this is a false idea and below you will find clarification on this subject.

History of the "Sacred" Cow

In ancient India, oxen and bulls were sacrificed to the gods and their meat was eaten. But even then the slaughter of milk-producing cows was prohibited. Verses of the Rigveda refer to the cow as Devi (goddess), identified with Aditi (mother of the gods) herself.

Even when meat-eating was permitted, the ancient Vedic scriptures encouraged vegetarianism. One scripture says, "There is no sin in eating meat... but abstention brings great rewards." (The Laws of Man, V/56). (Go here to learn about The Vedas.)

Later, in the spiritually fertile period that produced Jainism and Buddhism, Hindus stopped eating beef. This was mostly like for practical reasons as well as spiritual. It was expensive to slaughter an animal for religious rituals or for a guest, and the cow provided an abundance of important products, including milk, browned butter for lamps, and fuel from dried dung.

Some scholars believe the tradition came to Hinduism through the influence of strictly vegetarian Jainism. But the cow continued to be especially revered and protected among the animals of India.

By the early centuries AD, the cow was designated as the appropriate gift to the brahmans (high-caste priests) and it was soon said that to kill a cow is equal to killing a brahman. The importance of the pastoral element in the Krishna stories, particularly from the 10th century onward, further reinforced the sanctity of the cow.

Cow-Related Practices

The cow remains a protected animal in Hinduism today and Hindus do not eat beef. Most rural Indian families have at least one dairy cow, a gentle spirit who is often treated as a member of the family.

The five products (pancagavya) of the cow — milk, curds, ghee butter, urine and dung — are all used in puja (worship) as well as in rites of extreme penance. The milk of the family cow nourishes children as they grow up, and cow dung (gobar) is a major source of energy for households throughout India. Cow dung is sometimes among the materials used for a tilak - a ritual mark on the forehead. Most Indians do not share the western revulsion at cow excrement, but instead consider it an earthy and useful natural product.

Despite their sacred status, cows don't seem very appreciated in India. Visitors are often surprised to see them walking neglected around city streets, living on garbage from the gutters. But the cow is honored at least once a year, on Gopastami. On this "Cow Holiday," cows are washed and decorated in the temple and given offerings in the hope that her gifts of life will continue.

Sources

1.     John Bowker, ed., Oxford Concise Dictionary of World Religions (2000).

2.     "sanctity of the cow." Encyclopædia Britannica (2007). Encyclopædia Britannica Online.

3.     The Complete Idiot's Guide to Hinduism, p. 60.

4.     "Why is the Cow 'Sacred?'" by "Jane (USA)" at Indiayogi.com

 Top 10 Must Visit Temples in Bengaluru (Old name is Bangalore)

 Bengaluru has over 1,000 temples both old and new. In the heart of this modern IT city are temples that date back as early as the 10th century. Here is a look at 10 of the most famous temples in Bangalore city.

1. Chokkanathaswamy Temple

 Nestled in a place called Domlur near the Airport is Benagluru’s oldest temple. This temple was built in the 10th century by the Cholas and the presiding deity is Lord Vishnu. The temple which was once in shambles was renovated 20 years ago.

On the pillars of this temple we see Lord Vishnu’s Dashavathars. Another interesting feature is the pranic energy felt in the temple.

2. Bull Temple at Basavanagudi (Dodda Basavana Gudi)

This temple is situated in South Bangalore’s NR Colony. The temple was built in the year 1537 by the local ruler of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire. The granite structure of the statue of Nandi the Hindu demi-god shaped as a bull is said to be cut out of a single piece of rock.

This is supposed to be the biggest temple of Nandi in the world measuring 15ft in in height and 20 feet in length. The actual temple is small consisting only of the shrine.

There is also an idol of Lord Ganesha, nearby. Every year on the last Monday and Tuesday of the Hindu month of Karthika a groundnut fair is held in the temple premises and the nut is offered to the deity. This fair is known as Kadalekkayi Parishe.

3. Dodda Ganesha Temple at Basavanagudi

This monolithic Ganesha   is in the same temple complex as the Nandi statue. It stands about 18 ft. in height and 16 ft. in width.  This Ganapati is popularly known as Shakthi Ganapati or Satya Ganapati.

The idol is adorned with different decorations each day of the week. On one of the days this huge idol is covered in butter weighing over 100 kg’s.

People from different walks of life come here to seek blessings of Lord Ganesha.

4. Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple

This Cave Temple is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture. This 9th century temple is said to have been cut out of a single rock and is also famous for its stone discs in the forecourt. It is one amongst the few temples in Bangalore dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main idol being a Shivalinga. The front of the temple is adorned by a sculptor of Nandi.

The temple also has a rare sculpture of the fire god Agni, with his two heads, seven hands and three legs. This temple see’s the largest crowd on the festival of Shivaratri. Devotees gather here on Makara Sankaranti day when it is believed that at a particular moment in the evening the sun’s rays fall directly on the Shivalinga inside the cave.

Temple timings: 7.30 AM to 12.00 pm and again from 5 PM to 8.30 PM.

5. The ISKON

Sri Radha Krishna Chandra Temple- This temple is situated at Hare Krishna Hill at West Chord road. This Neo-Classical temple is attached to a cultural complex occupying a seven acre hillock.

It was built to commemorate the birth centennial of Sri Prabhupada the founder of ISKON. With its ornate temple arches, fountains and elaborated Rajagopuram this temple is a feast for the eyes.

The four temple Gopurams are attached by a glass canopy. The deities worshiped are Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Srinivasa Govinda and Sri Prahlada Narasimha.

There is also a Vedic Museum, an exhibition area, and a lecture hall. The ISKON Vedic Theatre where multimedia Vedic films are shown.

The Temple also has lodging facilities for devotees.

Temple timings: 4:15 AM to 5:00 AM; 7:15 AM to 1:00 PM; 4:00 PM to 8:20 PM

6. The Shiva Temple on Airport Road

It is impossible to miss the 65 foot high Statute of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position, on Airport Road. Built in the year 1995 this architectural wonder is a must visit place for all tourists. It has a grand look and a towering presence.  Over 400,000 devotees visit this statue on the day of festivals.

It has the backdrop of Mount Kailash the Lord’s heavenly abode and the river Ganga flowing from his matted locks as depicted in mythology.

Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

7. Banashankari Temple

Situated in the busy Kanakapura Road is the famous temple of Banashankari Amma .This temple was built in the year 1915 and the deity Banashankari Amma too was positioned there the same year. The Goddess Banashankari Amma is worshiped by many during the Rahukala to remove all obstacles and hardships.

Though the temple is open on all days of the week, devotees throng the temple from dawn to dusk on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays to offer special pujas to the goddess.

The main festivals celebrated are the Birthday of the deity on the 13th of September the, Dashera festival in October and the temple anniversary during Pushya Maasa which falls between the December and January.

Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

8. Venkataramanswamy Temple, Basavanagudi

This temple is situated at Visvesvarapuram at Basavanagudi. This temple was built over 300 years ago and is home to some very interesting and intricate carvings.  Though it is a relatively small temple the lion brackets and carvings of human and animal figures make it a unique example of Dravidian civilization.

The figures of the Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva adorn the walls. The idol in the sanctum sanitarium, is Lord Venkatarama. The people not only come to this temple to pray but also to marvel at the architecture.

Temple timings:  6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

9. Sugreeva Venkateshwara Temple

This temple Located in the Balepet area houses idols of Sugreeva and Venkateshwara. In the sanctum sanatorium placed on a pedestal is the temple i of Lord Venkateshwara.

The Sugreeva idol, standing six feet in high may be mistaken for Lord Hanuman. The long teeth on either side of the mouth are the only thing which helps one understands the difference.

Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

10. The Kanyakaparameshwari Temple

This temple is situated in in Kumara Park. The Goddess Kanyakaparameshwari is the main deity in this temple. The temple is also unique because of its Marble work as well as the Murals done on its walls.

The murals depict the scenes from the Bhagavad  Gita and Vasavi history. Murals of holy places as well as of ancient Rishi’s can also be seen.

The Darpana Mandira meaning mirror temple is also a main feature of this temple.

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 

  New Delhi: Saturday 23 September 1995 

Kedarnath temple miracle, Kedarnath Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river, Kedarnath is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India.

Call it a miracle but the Nandi statue and the other idols in the temple were intact even after the Kedarnath Tragedy last year. In fact, those pilgrims who were in the temple during the tragedy also survived. But the destruction all around the temple had been terrible as the real death toll in the floods and cloudburst was huge.

A year after the famous Kedarnath shrine witnessed high scale destruction due to cloud bursting and flash floods, the doors of the temple were re-opened on Sunday. The temple is an important part of the 'Char Dham' yatra. The annual pilgrimage had begun on Friday with the re-opening of the sacred portals of the Himalayan shrines of Gangotri and Yamunotri for devotees. Last year, massive flash floods in various parts of Uttarakhand had left hundreds of people dead and many others stranded for many days. The shrine of Shiva, visited by Hindu pilgrims from across the world, virtually submerged in mud and slush. The temple has now been restored by the authorities.

Inspiring Quotes and Proverbial Wisdom from India about Fortune, Pride and Dignity, Time and Mortality

We can't change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust the sails. -- Indian Proverb

They who give have all things; they who withhold have nothing.-- Indian Proverb

If you want to know what a tiger is like, look at a cat. -- Indian Proverb

The Three great mysteries: air to a bird, water to a fish, mankind to himself. -- India Proverb

There is nothing noble in being superior to some other man. The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self. -- India Proverb

Like the body that is made up of different limbs and organs, all moral creatures must depend on each other to exist. -- Hindu Proverb

When an elephant is in trouble even a frog will kick him. -- Hindu Proverb

Like the body that is made up of different limbs and organs, all moral creatures must depend on each other to exist. -- Hindu Proverb

To control the mind is like trying to control a drunken monkey that has been bitten by a scorpion. -- Hindu Proverb

Great minds discuss ideas, medium minds discuss events, and little minds discuss people. -- Hindu Proverb

A hundred divine epochs would not suffice to describe all the marvels of the Himalaya. -- India Proverb

They who give, have all things; they who withhold, have nothing. -- Indian Proverb

War is to men, childbirth is to women. -- India Proverb

A thief thinks everybody steals.-- India proverb

Under the mountains is silver and gold, But under the night sky, hunger and cold. -- Indian proverb

Drops join to make a stream; ears combine to make a crop. -- Indian proverb

I have lanced many boils, but none pained like my own. -- India proverb

Walking slowly, even the donkey will reach Lhasa. -- Indian proverb

You may look up for inspiration or look down in desperation but do not look sideways for information. -- Indian proverb

Clouds that thunder seldom rain.-- Indian proverb

If you live in the river you should make friends with the crocodile. -- Indian proverb

A fly, a harlot, a beggar, a rat, and gusty wind; the village-boss and the tax collector - these seven are always annoying to others. -- Indian proverb

Speak like a parrot; meditate like a swan; chew like a goat; and bathe like an elephant. -- Indian proverb

The weakest go to the wall. -- Indian proverb

A bandicoot is lovely to his parents; a mule is pretty to its mate. -- Indian proverb

It is better to sit down than to stand, it is better to lie down than to sit, but death is the best of all. -- Indian proverb

A person who misses a chance and the monkey who misses its branch can't be saved. -- Indian proverb

Those who hunt deer sometimes raise tigers. -- India proverb

What was hard to bear is sweet to remember. -- India proverb

Garlic is as good as ten mothers. -- India proverb

Don't bargain for fish which are still in the water. -- India proverb

The nose didn't smell the rotting head. -- India proverb

You can often find in rivers what you cannot find in oceans. -- Indian proverb

Keep five yards from a carriage, ten yards from a horse, and a hundred yards from an elephant; but the distance one should keep from a wicked man cannot be measured. -- Indian proverb

In my homeland I possess one hundred horses, yet if I go, I go on foot. -- Indian proverb

Blaming your faults on your nature does not change the nature of your faults. -- India proverb

If they don't exchange a few words, father and son will never know one another. -- Indian proverb

Justice is better than admiration. -- Indian proverb

Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun. -- Indian proverb

Do not blame God for having created the tiger, but thank him for not having given it wings. -- Indian proverb

An old patient is better than a new doctor. -- Indian proverb

Eat fire and your mouth burn ; live on credit and your pride will burn. -- Indian proverb

To the mediocre, mediocrity appears great. -- Indian proverb

Even a cat is a lion in her own lair. -- Indian proverb

It is better to be blind than to see things from only one point of view. -- Indian proverb

What are Proverbs and Where do the come from?

Proverbs and old sayings reveal many aspects about the cultural traditions of a society. Proverbs originated from indigenous humble folk who handed down these wise old sayings over the centuries, generation to generation. Many proverbs serve as advisory tales, wise counsel and occasionally chastisement.

Source: Inspiring Quotes

Curious to know what people were wondering about Hindus and Hinduism, I went to Google.com and entered some prompts. For example, I typed “Why do Hindus” and then paused to see what questions would come up. I’m going to be doing a series of answers for Google to help people get their most pressing questions answered. First up…

Why Do Hindus Pierce Their Nose?

Elaborate decoration of Hindu women (well, brides in particular) is a tradition from ancient times. Hindu women often have many beautiful pieces of jewelry. In ancient times and still through modern times for some people, a woman’s wedding jewelry was hers to keep while everything else became her husband’s. A woman’s family would provide her with expensive jewelry as a form of savings account. If times were hard, a woman always had valuable jewelry she could sell if she needed help.

A nose ring is also one of the several symbols of a married woman. In some regions a girl’s nose is pierced once she is “of marriageable age” and marks her as ready for a husband. (Not every region uses nose rings. There are plenty of Hindus who do not have that as a tradition).

There is another reason for the nose ring. As part of Ayurveda, ancient Indian medicine (which is still practiced today), it is believed that a hole in a woman’s left nostril relieves some of the pain in childbirth.

However, the side of the piercing (or if piercing both sides or the center) depends on region and community. I’m told that generally the left side is common in North India and the right side is common in South India.

I’ve often found it amusing that something like a nose piercing could be seen so very differently depending on the culture. In America piercing one’s nose is seen as an act of rebellion against one’s parents. It’s seen as improper and “wild.” In India, nose piercing is a deeply traditional choice and shows a respect to one’s heritage and family. I’ve heard young Hindu American friends talk about their grandmothers being very distraught that they had not pierced their noses. My family was less than thrilled when I pierced mine!

Though Hindus are more likely to have pierced noses, women of other religions can and pierce as well.

 108 Names of Lord Venkatesa 

1. Venkatesaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

2. Seshadhri Nilayaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

3. Vrushadhrug Gocharaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

4. Vishnave Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

5. Sadanjana Gireesaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

6. Vrushadhri Pathaye Nama Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

7. Meru Puthra Girisaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

8. Sarasswamy Tadee Jushe Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

9. Kumaara Kalpa Sevyaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

10. Vajridhrug Vishayaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

11. Suvarchalaa Suthanyastha Sainaapathya Bharaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namah

12. Raamaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

13. Padmanabhaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

14. Sadaa Vaayu Stutaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

15. Tyakta Vaikuntta Lokaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

16. Girikunja Vihaarine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

17. Harichandana Gothrendhra Swamine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

18. Sankha Raajanya Nethraabhja Vishayaaya Sri Venaktesaya Namaha

19. Vasoo Parichara Thraathre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

20. Krishnaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

21. Abdhi Kanyaa Parishvaktha Vakshase Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

22. Venkataya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

23. Sanakaadhi Mahaa Yogi Poojithaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

24. Devajith Pramukha Anantha Daitya Sangha Pranasasine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

25. Svetha Dhveepa Vasan Muktha Poojithaangri Yugaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

26. Sesha Parvatha Roopathva Prakaasana Paraaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

27. Saanu Staapita Taarkshyaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

28. Taarkshyachala Nivasine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

29. Maaya Gooda Vimana Venkatesaya Namaha

30. Garuda Skandha Vaasine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

31. Ananta Sirase Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

32. Ananthakshaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

33. Ananta Charanaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

34. Srisaila Nilayaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

35. Dhaamodaraya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

36. Neelamegha Nibhaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

37. Brahmmadhi Deva Durdarsa Visvaroopaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

38. Vaikunttaagatha Saddhema Vimaana Antargataaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

39. Agasthyabhyartitaa Sesha Jana Dhrug Gocharaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

40. Sri Vaasudevaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

41. Haraye Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

42. Theertha Panchaka Vaasine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

43. Vaamadeva Priyaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

44. Janakeshta Pradhaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

45. Maarkandeya Mahaa Theertha Jaatha Punya Pradhaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

46. Vaakpathi Brahmadhathre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

47. Chandra Laavanya Dhayine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

48. Naarayana Nagesaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

49. Brahma Klupthothsavaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

50. Sankha Chakra Varaanamra Lasath Karatalaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

51. Dravan Mriga Madhaasaktha Vigrahaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

52. Kesavaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

53. Nithya Youvana Moorthaye Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

54. Artithaarta Pradhathre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

55. Visva Teerttha Agha Haarine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

56. Theertaswamy Saras Snatha Janabhishta Pradhayine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

57. Kumara Dhaarikaa Vaasas Skandhabheeshta Pradhaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

58. Jaanu Dhagna Samudhbhutha Pothrine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

59. Koorma Moorthaye Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

60. Kinnara Dhvandhva Saapaanta Pradaathre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

61. Vibhave Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

62. Vaikhaanasa Muni Shreshtta Poojithaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

63. Simhachala Nivasaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

64. Sriman Naarayanaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

65. Sadhbhakta Neelakanttaarchya Nrusimhaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

66. Kumudhaksha Gana Sreshta Sainapatya Pradhaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

67. Durmedha Praanahartre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

68. Sridharaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

69. Kshatriyaantaka Raamaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

70. Mathsya Roopaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

71. Paandavaari Praharthre Sri Venkatesaya Nama

72. Srikaraaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

73. Upatyakta Pradesastha Shankara Dhyaata Moorthaye Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

74. Rukmaabja Saraseekoola Lakshmeekrita Tapasvine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

75. Lasalakshmi Karambhoja Dhattha Kalharaka Sraje Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

76. Saalagraama Nivaasaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

77. Sukha Dhrig Gocharaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

78. Naarayana Artitha Asesha Jana Dhrig Gocharaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

79. Mrigayaarasikaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

80. Vrishabhasura Haarine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

81. Anjanaa Gothra Pathaye Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

82. Vrishabhaachala Vaasine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

83. Anjanaa Suta Dhaathre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

84. Maadhaveeya Agha Haarine Sri Venkatesaya Nama Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

85. Priyangu Priya Bhakshyaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

86. Svetha Kola Varaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

87. Neela Dhenu Payo Dhaaraa Seka Dehotbhavaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

88. Sankara Priya Mithraaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

89. Chola Puthra Priyaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

90. Sudharminee Suchaitanya Pradhaathre Nama Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

91. Madhu Ghaatine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

92. Krishnaakhya Vipra Vedantha Desikathva Pradhaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

93. Varahachala Naataya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

94. Balabhadraaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

95. Thrivikramaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

96. Mahathe Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

97. Hrisheekesaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

98. Achyuthaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

99. Neeladhri Nilayaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

100. Ksheeraabdhi Naataaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

101. Vaikuntaachala Vaasine Sri Venkatesaya Namah

102. Mukundhaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

103. Ananthaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

104. Virinchaabhyartithaaneetha Soumya Roopaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

105. Suvarna Mukhari Snaatha Manuja Abheeshta Daayine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

106. Halaayudha Jagath Theerttha Samastha Phala Dhaayine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

107. Govindaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

108. Srinivaasaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Happy Deepavali

 Speacility with Number 7 

 

7 (Seven) In religions

Christianity

Seven Days of Creation - 1765 book

The number seven (7) in the seven days of Creation is typological and the number seven appears commonly elsewhere in the Bible. These include:

* Seven days of Creation (Genesis 1). God rested on and sanctified the seventh day (Sabbath)

* Seven years of plenty and seven years of famine in Pharaoh's dream (Genesis 41)

* Seven days of the feast of Passover (Exodus 13:3-10)

* Seven day week and the pattern concerning distribution and use of manna (Exodus 16)

* Seven year cycle around the years of Jubilee (Leviticus 25)

* The fall of the walls of Jericho on the seventh day after marching around the city seven times(Joshua 6)

* Seven things the LORD hates (Proverbs 6:16-19)

* Seven loaves multiplied into seven baskets of surplus (Matthew 15:32-37)

* The Seven last words (or seven last sayings) of Jesus on the cross.

* Seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom (Acts 6:3)

* Seven Spirits of God are mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

* Seven churches of Asia to which the "Book of Revelation" is addressed.

* Seven churches, seven stars, seven seals, seven last plagues, seven vials or bowls, seven thunders in the Revelation, the last book of the Bible.

Other sevens in Christian knowledge and practice include:

* The Seven Sacraments in the Catholic faith (though some traditions assign a different number).

* Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

* The Seven Joys of the Virgin Mary, of Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other traditions.

* The Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, of Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other traditions.

* The Seven Corporal Acts of Mercy and Seven Spiritual Acts of Mercy of Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other traditions.

* The Seven Virtues: chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, kindness, patience, and humility

* The Seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride.

* The seven terraces of Mount Purgatory (one per deadly sin).

* In the genealogy in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is 77th in a direct line.

* The number of heads of the three beasts (7 × 10 × 7 + 7 × 10 × 10 + 7 × 10 = 1260) of the Book of Revelation, and of some other monsters, like the hydra and the number of seals.

* In the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew 18:21, Jesus says to Peter to forgive seventy times seven times.[6]

* There are seven suicides mentioned in the Bible (OT and NT)[7]

Hinduism

* The Sanskrit word 'sapta' refers to number seven.

* The Indian Music has 'sapta swaras', means seven octats (sa re gan MA pa dha ni), which are basics of music, using which hundreds of Ragas are composed.

* Celestial group of seven stars are named as 'Sapta Rishi' based on the seven great saints.

* Seven Promises, Seven Rounds in Hindu Wedding and Seven Reincarnation

* As per Hindu mythology, there are seven worlds in the universe, seven seas in the world and seven Rishies (seven gurus) called sapta rishis.

* Seven hills at tirumala also known as ezhu malaiyan means Sevenhills god

* There are 7 Chakras.

Islam

* The number of ayat in surat al-Fatiha.

* The number of heavens in Islamic tradition.

* The number of levels of Earth in Islamic tradition.

* The number of circumambulations (Tawaf) that are made around the Kaaba

* The number of walks between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah mountains -that is travelling back and forth- seven times during the ritual pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah.

* The number of fires in hell. i.e the 7 fires of hell.

* The number of doors to hell is also seven.

Judaism

The Menorah is a 7-branched candelabrum

* A highly symbolic number in the Torah, alluding to the infusion of spirituality and Godliness into the creation. For example:

o God rested on and sanctified the seventh day (Shabbat). – Genesis 2:3. "Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars." – Proverbs of Solomon son of David King of Israel 9:1

o A seven-day purification period is required for one who has become tamei to become tahor.

o The Shmita (Sabbatical) year arrives every seventh year.

o The Jubilee (Yovel) year comes after 7 times 7 years.

o The Counting of the Omer leading up to the Giving of the Torah is expressed as "7 times 7 weeks."

o There are 7 days of Passover and Sukkot when celebrated in Israel.

o Shiv`a (another pronunciation of the Hebrew word for 7—(Hebrew: שבעה ; "seven")), is the number of days of mourning. Hence, one sits Shiva. As in Shiva (Judaism)

* The weekly Torah portion is divided into seven aliyahs, and seven Jewish men (or boys over the age of 13 who are considered men; Bar Mitzvah) are called up for the reading of these aliyahs during Shabbat morning services.

* Seven blessings are recited under the chuppah during a Jewish wedding ceremony.

* A Jewish bride and groom are feted with seven days of festive meals after their wedding, known as Sheva Berachot ("Seven Blessings").

* The number of Ushpizzin (also known as the "Seven Shepherds") who visit the sukkah during the holiday of Sukkot: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David.

* The number of nations God told the Israelites they would displace when they entered the land of Israel (Deut. 7:1): the Hittite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

* In Breslov tradition, the seven orifices of the face (2 eyes, 2 nostrils, 2 ears, and the mouth) are called "The Seven Candles."

* The Menorah (Hebrew: מנורה), is a seven-branched candelabrum lit by olive oil in the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. The menorah is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish people. It is said to symbolize the Burning bush as seen by Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25).

* The number of times Cain will be avenged by God if he is murdered (Gen 4:15).

* The Israelites circled Jericho for 7 days and then the wall tumbled down.