Water is used as a sanctifier of mind and body. I have explored why and how water can perfrom such a function and the logic behind this tradition.An early mornig bath on the eve of Deepavali, a dip in holy rivers, a sprinkle of water or a sip of water are all considered ways to purify ourselves using water. Why is water considered a purifier? Let us explore.0:10 Gange cha Yamune chaiva0:45 Meaning of shloka1:08 Introduction1:30 Water and Sanatana Dharma1:56 Sanctifying water3:01 Intention (sankalpa)4:15 Holy water in Kumbha7:14 Kumbh Mela holy dip7:54 Ganga snanam- deepavali bath
I am honoured to have had this journey of explaining the Argala stotram in detail. I have learnt a lot during this journey and I thank the Mother for her infinite grace.Agala stotram is one of deep philosophical and devotional meanings. While I have explained some amount in detail, there are many more verses which could benefit from more explanation. But, having gone through he other verse explanations, I hop you as readers have got n idea of how symbolically many meanings are woven into our stotrams. In fact almost all important texts in all subjects have been written in peotical format in samskrtam. Even astronomy, maths and and all scientific etc used poetic form. So we need to learn the basics of each subject before understanding the meanings. Literal translations may seem like stories and imaginations, but our ancestors were very well versed in myriad subjects and therefore were able to compose poetry as means of encryption of information, making sure there is no distortion or misinterpretation. And being poetic it was easy to by heart complete texts. We are deeply indebted to them for handing down this amazing tradition.The story of Navaratri, the nine days of war between asuras and the Devi. The episode 7B was a symbolism of the process of evolution of the human mind. From the delusion of the world, the mind can be lead slowly towards clarity and the unveiling of Devi within each of us. This process is shown as a fight between the Devi and various Asuras, who are just the different stumbling blocks in our path to realisation. I have isolated each story and explained the symbolism within each verse.00: Introduction01:03 Rupam dehi 02:04 Jayam dehi03:08 Yasho dehi04:06 Dvishi jahi (internal enemies)09:01 Verse 809:49 Verse 910:35 Verse 1011:28 Verse 1112:18 Verse 1212:57 Verse 1313:56 Verse 1414:42 Verse 1515:27 Verse 1616:29 Verse 1717:19 Verse 1818:15 Verse 1918:56 Verse 2019:40 Verse 2120:20 Verse 2221:02 Verse 2321:40 Verse 2422:31 Verse 2523:16 Verse 2624:00 Verse 27About Argala Stotram:Dedicated to the Mother Goddess Durga, Argala Stotram is a powerful Chant. It praises the Devi Who defeats and destroys all the Asuras and Who, as the Protector, takes care of All Creation. Asuras are not just external forces, they are also representative of our own internal negative tendencies, which need to be defeated if we are to experience the beauty of our inner god.The internal enemies to be defeated are explained in this episode.The chant in script with meanings can be found here:https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/argala-stotram-the-chant/The meanings in detail can be found here:https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/argala-stotram-meanings-in-detail/The link to the complete chant is given here: https://youtu.be/tvp31sOnz8gThe podcast link to the complete chant is given here:https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/dncCwJ4BfNbReference links:The reference for detailed meaning has been taken from the discourse by this swamiji on the Pithrukam Channel : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZEjEHGtvcc ( meaning in Malayalam)https://devimahatmya.com/understanding-the-devi-mahatmyas-esoteric-hidden-meaning-knowing-chanda-and-munda/
We in Bharat have given personal hygiene prime importance since antiquity. Not only were we aware of the health benefits we also believed in Prana, life force energy and used the cleansing routine to harness all elemental energies optimally. Understanding this can give us an insight into living a better quality of life as well as in improving our health.This episode is meant to educate the new generations on these routines as in many a family modern influences have lead to the loss of such traditional knowledge. It is also ot encourage young parents to embrace healthier options in personal hygiene routines.0:00 Introduction0:27 Sense Organs2:45 Why cleanse in the morning?3:28 Sense organ Eye4:52 Method of cleanse-Eyes5:20 Element of Fire- Agni7:01 Sense organ Ear8:08 Method of cleanse-Ears8:47 Element of Space- Akasha9:34 Sense Organ Nose10:58 Method of cleanse- Nose12:06 Element of Earth- Prthvi12:41 Sense organ Mouth13:23 Neem twigs, tooth powders14:49 Method of cleanse- Teeth15:33 Method of cleanse- Gums15:52 Method of cleanse- Tongue17:51 Method of cleanse- Throat18:00 Element of Water- Aap/Jala18:46 4 Senses conclusion19:07 Sense Organ Skin21:24 Does skin absorb Oxygen?22:16 Purpose of a bath22:48 The traditional bath25:22 Element of Air- Vayu25:58 Conclusion
Power of Internal Worship-Shiva Manasa Puja explained.
Shiva Manasa Puja is a composition by Jagadguru Shri Adi Shankaracharya in the 7th century AD. It is a beautiful composition guiding us through the process of “Manasa Puja”. Mansa Puja means worship that is done within our mind.
Any thing done within the mind is thousands f times more powerful that that done externally. This is considered the optimal method of worship and reserved for advanced practitioners.
But, in this simple stotra, the esteemed Guru guides us through a short visualisation of the puja, thus creating a mental image and a simple method of internal puja.
I have therefore explained the meaning in detail for those interested in first understanding and then internalising the puja.
If you are a beginner and would like to know a simple puj ritual, do check out another video I had made for beginners.
Https://Youtu.be/xrouIqkLPIY?si=ud6gM7sDgzlD-9sy
Shiva Manasa Puja chant :
https://youtu.be/NvHGHXAuZ5w?si=fxPOf6BavGy4J8mV
0:20 Verse 1
0:58 Verse 2
1:34 Verse 3
2:11 Verse 4
2:57 Verse 5
3:45 Secret of Internal worship
This sanskrit stotram is ideal for everyone. Also called Apaduddharaka stotram, it is a prayer used to gain confidence and strength at the most challenging of times.It provides divine protection.
Lyrics are provided in English, Hindi and Tamil to help everyone follow and learn them.
Usage:
It is always beneficial to know the meaning of a stotram, it makes it easier to relate to and to gain more emotional connect to God. A brief meaning of the verses follows the chant. If you want a full explanation of the chant , you. May watch it her:
Https://youtu.be/itioJztlnKs?si=OxcPxrqyx5JnnB2n
learn the correct pronunciations of consonants for flawless chanting. I have covered the vargeeya vyanjanams- the first 25 consonants of the Sanskrit alphabet. If you are familiar with sanskrit this may help you perfect the sounds fro better pronunciation of chants. It will also be a clear guide to understand the logic behind the grouping of vargah. This could be a god teaching guide video for students of sanskrit.
If you do not know devanagari, then, this episode will clarify the sounds like the difference between Ba and Bha and the correct way to sound the nasal consonants.
0:0 Introduction
2:46 Classification of Vyanjanam
4:00 Consonant table
4:37 Sparshah/ stop sounds
5:37 Vargeeya Vyanjanani
6:50 Ka vargah
7:22 Cha vargah
8:15 Ta vargah
8:49 ta vargah
9:11 Pa vargah
9:44 vargeeya vyanjanaon full list
10:25 Aghosha vyanjanani
11:13 Karkasha vyanjanani
11:26 Saghosha vyanjanani
11:55 Mrdu vynajanani
12:12 Anunasika
12:26 summary of Vargiya vyanjanani
13:05 Alpa & maha Prana vyanjanani
16:16 Pronouncing maha prana vyanjanani
17:24 Anunasika
18:14 Pronouncing Anunasika nga
18:42 Pronouncing Anunasika nja
18:48 Pronouncing Anunasika Na
18:53 Pronouncing Anunasika na
18:58 Pronouncing Anunasika ma
19:21 Anunasika word examples
21:55 Summary of episode
Om is the most powerful mantra and it is also the most polar. But, not alll of us understand the significance of this one sound.
Why is it considered auspicious & powerful?
Why is it used in meditation?
What do the Vedas say about Om ?
How does Mandukya Upanishad compare it with the states of consciousness?
What are the states of consciousness?
All these topics pertaining to Om are clearly described in this episode.
If interested this 20 minutes will be worth your attention. If you are looking for a shorter view, maybe save it and watch it in bits, because this is information not easily understood by reading alone.
0:00 Introduction
0:14 What is Om?
1:09 Why is Om Auspicious ?
1:22 Dance of Shiva
2:21 Vedas on Om
3:49 Sound of Cosmos Om
5:18 Why is Om Shabda Bramhan ?
7:06 Om in Upanishad
7:50 3 states of consciousness
8:02 Jagrata Awastha
8:45 Swapna Awastha
10:12 SUshupti Aastha
11:25 Do we possess consciousness?
13:45 Knowledge of Deep sleep state
14:52 3 planes of existence
15:24 Bindu-4th state Turiya
16:45 Kala- Maya
18:09 Turiya by Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa
19:15 Conclusion
If you want clarity on the pronunciation of Om, please refer to this episode : Aum or Om?
Https://youtube.com/watch?v=EahiiWptL6c
Chant this stotram every sunday to ensure success in every endeavour and in uplifting your health. Students especially benefit from this stotra. Aditya Hrdaya stotra is a powerful chant in praise of Sri Surya Narayana- the Sun God. Seen as the closest representation of the Supreme Brahman visible to us, Surya Deva is the source of all life on Earth and the ruler of Health and Success in human life. Given to Sri Rama by the famous Hrshi Agastya, this stotra can be chanted by persons of all ages. You may get full transcript of the stotra in Devanagari, English and Tamizh on this page: https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/aditya-hrdaya-stotram/
The authorship of the Hanuman Chalisa is attributed to Tulsidas, a poet-saint who lived in the 16th century CE. He says in the last stanza of the Chalisa that whoever chants it with full devotion to Hanuman, will have Hanuman's grace. Tulsidas (1497/1532–1623) was a Hindu poet-saint, reformer and philosopher renowned for his devotion for the god Ram. A composer of several popular works, he is best known for being the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Ramayan in the vernacular Awadhi language. Tulsidas was acclaimed in his lifetime to be a reincarnation of Valmiki, the composer of the original Ramayan in Sanskrit. Tulsidas lived in the city of Varanasi until his death. The Tulsi Ghat in Varnasi is named after him. He founded the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple dedicated to Hanuman in Varanasi, believed to stand at the place where he had the sight of Hanuman. Tulsidas started the Ramlila plays, a folk-theatre adaption of the Ramayan. He has been acclaimed as one of the greatest poets in Hindi, Indian, and World literature.
Recitation or chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa is a common religious practice. The Hanuman Chalisa is the most popular hymn in praise of Hanuman, and is recited by millions of Hindus every day.
The work consists of forty-three verses – two introductory Dohas, forty Chaupais and one Doha in the end. The first introductory Doha begins with the word shrī, which refers to Sita, who is considered the Guru of Hanuman. The auspicious form, knowledge, virtues, powers and bravery of Hanuman are described in the first ten Chaupais. Chaupais eleven to twenty describe the acts of Hanuman in his service to Ram, with the eleventh to fifteenth Chaupais describing the role of Hanuman in bringing back Lakshman to consciousness. From the twenty-first Chaupai, Tulsidas describes the need of Hanuman's Kripa. At the end, Tulsidas hails Hanuman and requests him to reside in his heart and in the heart of Vaishnavs. The concluding Doha again requests Hanuman to reside in the heart, along with Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
Can we say Siva instead of Shiva ? Many say Om nama chivaya, or Siva Siva. Why? Is it correct?
Shiva is a God worshipped by all Hindus. Both North and South Indians lay claim to this deity. How old is His worship? Where did He belong? I have tried to answer this question by delving into the meaning of the word and the antiquity.
0:00 Intro
1:55 Method of Determination
2:44 Shivah meaning
4:59 Shivah Definition
5:45 Shivah etymology
7:54 Reference shooks
8:34 Shivah in Vedas
9:44 Summary Shivah
10:33 Siva in Ancient Tamizh
12:12 Names of ancient Siva
13:32 Siva Etymology
14:49 Shiva Rudra Siva
The story of Navaratri, the nine days of war between asuras and the Devi is reviewed ion this episode 7B as a symbolism of the process of evolution of the human mind. From the delusion of the world, the mind can be lead slowly towards clarity and the unveiling of Devi within each of us. This process is shown as a fight between the Devi and various Asuras, who are just the different stumbling blocks in our path to realisation. I have isolated each story and explained the symbolism within it. About Argala Stotram: Dedicated to the Mother Goddess Durga, Argala Stotram is a powerful Chant. It praises the Devi Who defeats and destroys all the Asuras and Who, as the Protector, takes care of All Creation. Asuras are not just external forces, they are also representative of our own internal negative tendencies, which need to be defeated if we are to experience the beauty of our inner god.
The chant in script with meanings can be found here: https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/argala-stotram-the-chant/ The meanings in detail can be found here: https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/argala-stotram-meanings-in-detail/ The link to the complete chant is given here: https://youtu.be/tvp31sOnz8g The podcast link to the complete chant is given here:https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/dncCwJ4BfNb Reference links: The reference for detailed meaning has been taken from the discourse by this swamiji on the Pithrukam Channel : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZEjEHGtvcc ( meaning in Malayalam) https://devimahatmya.com/understanding-the-devi-mahatmyas-esoteric-hidden-meaning-knowing-chanda-and-munda/ https://www.aghori.it/devi_mahatmya_eng.htm Pahadi painting of Kali decimating chanda-munda army - https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collection/RP-T-1993-318, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116751872 Bow string Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/samuelfrancisjohnson-1207793/?utm_source=linkhttps://pixabay.com/users/samuelfrancisjohnson-1207793/?utm_source=link https://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_208.html https://devimahatmya.com/understanding-the-devi-mahatmyas-esoteric-hidden-meaning-knowing-chanda-and-munda/#:~:text=chanda%20denotes%20'passionate%20pursuit'%20while,denotes%20sensitive%20'introverted%20withdrawal
The Roga Nivarana Stotram can be chanted to Invoke the Healing Powers of Shree Dhanvantari, a form of Shree Vishnu. In this period of pandemic and widespread fear, stotras such as this perform the work of medicines, healing the body, mind and intellect. While we do not have the capacity to say these stotras all day to cure illness, it will help us to chant them once or twice or altleast to listen to them in order to help heal the body faster. This compilation of shlokas is from the Apad-uddharaka stotram I have shared the first 6 shlokas in an earlier video : Apadamapahartaram: ShreeRama Stotram with complete meaning Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itioJztlnKs&t=3s These 13 shlokas in this compilation are the next few of that Stotram. While by themselves they perform the action of Roga Nivaranam- Curing of Ailments, these verses can be chanted as a continuation of the other 6 shlokas to get relief from any form of distress. You may find the detailed meaning for the chant explained in English here:
Roga Nivarana Stotram chant with meanings of VIshnu's names : S 5/ E 15
Roga Nivarana Stotram chant with meanings of all verses : S 5/ E 16
Om Namo Narayanaya !
The story of Navaratri, the nine days of war between asuras and the Devi is explained in sequence as seen in Devi Mahatmyam.
The Story of all the Asuras mentioned in earlier verses, Dhumralochana, Chanda Munda and Raktabeeja and their destruction by Chandika Devi followed by the main content of this verse, Shumbha and Nishumbha Vad is recounted. Being a long episode, the symbolism behind this apparently simple story will be seen in the next one 7B.
About Argala Stotram:
Dedicated to the Mother Goddess Durga, Argala Stotram is a powerful Chant. It praises the Devi Who defeats and destroys all the Asuras and Who as the Protector, takes care of All Creation. Asuras are not just external forces, they are also representative of our own internal negative tendencies, which need to be defeated if we are to experience the beauty of our inner god.
It is also a stotram which appeals to the Universal Mother to sustain and bestow us with all Her bounty; to grant us good health and form, wealth and success; and to guide us spiritually. It is a powerful stotram which can rid us of all negative influences from the outside worlds as well as rid us of the negative tendencies within us, while enhancing our virtues. It can also make us strong and fearless. This can be chanted by all, as it is a prayer to the Mother Goddess.
0:00 Introduction
0:Verse 7
1:46 Shumbha & Nishumbha
2:01 the Boon
2:29 Parvati Devi
3:47 Chanda sees Parvati Devi
4:24 Sugreeva meets Devi
5:29 Dhumralochana
6:00 Chanda & Munda
7:42 Shumbha’s army
8:27 Matrkas arrive
8:58 Shiva as doot
9:40 Raktabeeja
10:24 Shumbha Nishumbha
11:50 Victory
The link to the complete chant is given here:
https://youtu.be/tvp31sOnz8g
The chant in script with meanings can be found here:
https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/argala-stotram-the-chant/
The written text with detailed meanings are given here:
https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/argala-stotram-meanings-in-detail/
The podcast link to the complete chant is given here:
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/dncCwJ4BfNb
Reference links:
The reference for detailed meaning has been taken from the discourse by this swamiji on the Pithrukam Channel : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZEjEHGtvcc ( meaning in Malayalam)
Pahadi painting of Kali decimating chanda-munda army - https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collection/RP-T-1993-318, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116751872
Bow string Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/samuelfrancisjohnson-1207793/?utm_source=linkhttps://pixabay.com/users/samuelfrancisjohnson-1207793/?utm_source=link
https://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_208.html
https://devimahatmya.com/understanding-the-devi-mahatmyas-esoteric-hidden-meaning-knowing-chanda-and-munda/#:~:text=chanda%20denotes%20'passionate%20pursuit'%20while,denotes%20sensitive%20'introverted%20withdrawal
In depth explanation of verse 6 in English The Story of the Asuras Chanda Munda and Raktabeeja and their destruction by Chandika Devi is the main content of this verse. I have recounted the story and also explained the symbolism behind this apparently simple story. About Argala Stotram: Dedicated to the Mother Goddess Durga, Argala Stotram is a powerful Chant. It praises the Devi Who defeats and destroys all the Asuras and Who as the Protector, takes care of All Creation. It is also a stotram which appeals to the Universal Mother to sustain and bestow us with all Her bounty; to grant us good health and form, wealth and success; and to guide us spiritually. It is a powerful stotram which can rid us of all negative influences from the outside worlds as well as rid us of the negative tendencies within us, while enhancing our virtues. It can also make us strong and fearless. This can be chanted by all, as it is a prayer to the Mother Goddess.
The chant in script with meanings can be found here:
https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/argala-stotram-the-chant/
The written text with detailed meanings are given here:
https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/argala-stotram-meanings-in-detail/
The podcast link to the complete chant is given here:
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/dncCwJ4BfNb Argala Stotram: Powerful Chant on Devi which bestows both material and spiritual wealth E1 https://anchor.fm/vedikheritage/episodes/Argala-Stotram-Powerful-Chant-on-Devi-which-bestows-both-material-and-spiritual-wealth-e1d8gv7
A simple guide to the festival of Sri Ganesh and the significance behind this celebration. #Visarjan, #change, #origin, #tradition Link to the Ganesh Puja for beginners: https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/2023/09/17/ganesha-chaturti-puja-vidanam/
Today was celebrated as Guru Purnima by devotees of Hindu, Bhuddist, jain and Sikh faiths. Why do we celebrate this day as Vyasa Jayanti ? Why is Vyasa Maharshi important to us? Watch to learn abt about this great teacher.
Why do we celebrate Guru Purnima?
It is a public holiday in Bharat, but hardly anything is taught about it in schools. So, most of us just know that it is an extra day of holiday. Why should some ancient Hrshi's birthday be celebrated by us? Atleast Gandhi and Nehru were in our Independance sttruggle and their birthdays have some relevance to us. But, Veda Vyasa Jayanthi means nothing to the hindu of Bharat.
This is the reason, this day gained more traction as Buddha Purnima, even though we have very few Buddhists in India.
Among some others, the modern version of honouring all teachers as gurus has recently caught up. Like teacher's day, people believe this to be a Bharatiya version of teacher's day. While, honouring teachers is a very integral part of bring a Hindu, is this the original purpose of this day?
So, let us see why we celebrate Guru Purnima.
Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and Sikhs celebrate this festival, as a day dedicated to honouring their Gurus. Hindu Gurus like Shankaracharya, Madhavacharya, Sai Baba, Sri Krishna (because of Bhagavat Gita teaching) are also venerated on this day. Yet, among Hindus this is only known and followed by some persons following certain religious institutions like the Ashrams or Matts for the various Gurus. To the lay person, a Guru is either a teacher or a fake Sanyasi fooling people.
Guru Purnima has still not been understood. Let us clearly look at this day.
Shri Dharma Shasta or Ayyappa, is a very popular deity in the southern parts of India. While many shrines dot the Kerala state where He is the most favoured deity, Ayyappa temples have followed the Keralites into other southern states as well.
This 5 verse composition, the panchartanam, is in praise of this child-God Ayyappa/ Dharma Shasta.