Vedikheritage

What is the purpose of staying up or fasting during this festival? Is it possible for everyone to follow? Is it practical ? How can we start this if we have never done so before? Some of these questions are answered here.

Feb 15th is Mahashivratri in this year 2026.

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: 

1. To alleviate/cure any form of difficulties and obstacles in life
2. To confront challenges and win over enemies.
3. To travel with confidence even at night or when alone.
4. To feel safe and secure wherever you are.

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

This is the 2nd episode on Sanskrit alphabets. The basic consonant form is explained here using the often debated pronunciation of names between the North and South Indian population. While each language has it’s own manner od pronunciations, Samskrta must be pronounced as it was meant to be. 

Especially when we chant stotras and mantras, we cannot compromise on pronunciations because Sanskrit sounds are used to produce certain vibrations which impact both our bodies and our environment. The efficacy of mantras depend on the correct pronunciation of Sanskrit.00:00 Introduction

01:19 Consonants

02:13 Aghosha Vyanjana

02:54 Saghosha Vyanjana

03:29 Stop sounds

05:07 Derived Consonant Sounds

06:50 Ram or Rama

09:44 Problems while chanting

11:30 Summary

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.