Vedikheritage

1. Why do we need to ask for forgiveness of mistakes or sins every night? 

2. What is the role of introspection?

3. Why are we approaching Lord Shiva for forgiveness?

This episode introduces the concept of a night-time prayer which is about praying to Lord Shiva, asking for forgiveness. 

This stotram was composed by the great JagadGuru Shree Adi Shankaracharya, the saint who revived sanatana dharma (the ancient hindu thought and way of life) during one of the times it was in danger of being lost.

This sanskrit night time prayer, is a very important exercise for every individual. Each word of this shloka is important, and when it is understood in essence, the effectiveness of the prayer is achieved.

Understanding the meaning of prayers, help us in reaping benefits. While prayers may work even if we do not know their meaning, the learned ones say that they are much more effective when chanted with understanding and commitment. Join me as I unravel for you, the meaning of this beautiful stotram, which when chanted daily will transform you in myriad ways.

Learning the pattern of the mind and the way it functions, goes a long way in refining one's character. It is also important to understand whom to approach and what is the result one expects from the exercise. Yes, this sounds like psychology, but isn 't spirituality  all about refining one's self ?  Therefore, we need to understand and analyse our actions in a logical fashion if we are to grow and mature into wisdom. 

All this is discussed here in detail in order to understand the ways in which we live life mostly unaware of our faults. And how we can become aware of them and correct them through an ongoing process of prayer and contemplation.

Tags: Heritage, tradition, night, prayer, effective, hindu, sanskrit, shiva, aparadha, forgiveness, cleanse, sins, daily, kshama, 

Listen to this chant on this auspicious day of Vaikasi Visakam, the birth day of Sri Murugan. 

You can also easily learn these 5 verses in praise of Sri Muruga to chant regularly. Meanings are provided for comprehension of the verses. When one chants any shloka, the effect is multiplied when we understand the meaning of the verses. Sri Karthikey is not just the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, but also the Guru of Sri Shiva Himself. Muruga is the enlightened one (Subrahmanya), none other than Brahman Himself.

For complete lyrics and detailed meanings please check out the blog page:

https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/guha-pancharatnam/

Sanskrit Consultants:

Janaki Ramaswamy

Rama Jayaramachandran

Ref links:

https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_subrahmanya/guhapancharatnam.html

https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/guha-pancha-rathnam

https://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2017/07/guha-panchakam-lyrics-meaning.html

These are shlokas commonly chanted before meals in traditional Hindu households. They differ in meaning from the thanks giving prayers of other faiths. While every hindu is taught to be thankful for everything received in life, including food, these shlokas in fact point to a higher truth and spiritual goals through food. Listen on for more information. 

If you are interested in learning the shlokas, they are chanted separately in a different episode in this series.

You may find the content in text form here: https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/mealtime-prayers/

Sanskrit Consultants:

Ms. Janaki Ramaswamy

Ms. Rama Jayaramachandran

Reference:

Annapurna Stotram: greenmes.org

Hindi Translation: https://www.sanskritschool.in/mantra/bhojan-mantra-in-sanskrit/

Bhagavat Gita  (commentary By Swami Parthasarathy)

Gita Supersite (hindi translation by Swami Tejomayananda &

Swami Ramsukhadas )

Images Courtesy:

Food Thali & Pickle Images: Uma Raghuraman@masterchefmom

Photo by Kevin  Malik: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-shopping-in-the-supermarket-9016541/

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-harvesting-2131784/

 Hindu follow a way of life which is based on the teachings of the vedas. SO, many of us are unaware of the reason behind our practices, rituals and beliefs. In this episode, I have addressed the belief of actual divinity as addressed in the Vedas. I have also explained the role of Symbolism in the practices. Hopefully, the episode answers the questions you always have about why we worship so many Gods.

Puranas and Symbolism: Many gods are seen vanquishing various asuras. These stories tell us the nature f God in symbolic ways. Examples of this type of symbolsim are seen in every purana. Below I have sahred a list of puranic stories told in the argala stotram.The link for the episodes of Argala stotram which explain the stories of Goddess defeating various asuras:

1. Argala Stotram Meanings 1: In depth explanation in English of the 2 Introductory shlokas and the 3 Dhyana Shlokas.

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/QQAzyUUZczb

2. Meaning of Argala Stotra 2: Verses 1 & 2 of this powerful chant.

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/sxhOja9Zczb

3. Argala Stotram Meaning 3 : Story of Asura Madhu and Kaitabha and an in-Depth explanation of verse 3 of this Powerful Chant.

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/QSsW26b0czb

4. Argala Stotram Meaning 4: Story of Mahishasura and it's Symbolism, in depth explanation of Verse 4 in English

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/5ITVftg0czb

5. Argala Stotram Meaning : Story of Dhumralochana and it's Symbolism. In depth explanation of verse 5 in English

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/aeWVOtj0czb

Hindu chants are widely used in prayers towards the fulfilment of specific wishes. Sri Vishnu is the Lord of Sustenance of the Universe. The chant implores Sri VIshnu to ensure the well being of the worshipper. It is a benevolent Stotra which can be chanted at all occasions, whether to cure a specific illness or just as a regular prayer to ward off any ailments. Interestingly, each nama/ name invoked of the Lord bears a meaning appropriate to the verse. I have explained all the meanings in detail.

Vedikheritage channel is available on Youtube and Instagram too as videos.

Learn some simple shlokas to chant in praise of Lord Surya or the Sun God. It can be chanted everyday or only on Sundays, which is the day specific to Sun worship, or during festivals when the sun is worshipped. More information is aailble in the video. Clear explaination word wise of the shlokas can be seen in the blog post:Two more shlokas in the praise of Goddess Adiparashakti or Ma Durga are also featured as Sunday is special for the worship of the Mother.Shlokas on Sri Surya /Sun God 1. Japakusuma2. Namah suryaya 3. Namah SavitreShlokas on Mother Goddess- Devi Ma( from Durga Saptashloki)1. Shranagata deenartam2. SarvasvarupeBenefits of Sunday WorshipSurya is believed to be a generous God. He is the giver of life to all creatures of the world. Surya is usually remembered for the brilliance and light in one’s life. Worshipping Surya Deva:boosts energy and gives strength bestows healthbestows confidence and assured success in all endeavoursbestows respect inn societybestows intelligence and scholarly skills, improves communication improves physical and mental endurance to help overcome conflict. removes ego, anger, greed, desire and evil thoughts from a person's mind.Bestows positivityBestows courage and destroys fear brings peace and harmony into one’s life showers prosperity, one will never face scarcity in lifeVedikheritage is also available on Spotify, apple and Google podcasts.Spotify: https://anchor.fm/vedikheritage

Episode has meaning of Shlokas and commentary in English. Shlokas are repeated in order to learn from easily. Each day in the week is dedicated to one or more of the Gods or Goddesses in the Hindu pantheon. This video has shlokas to chant on Saturday or Shanivara, which is dedicated to the Mother Goddess KaliMa, Lord and Lord Venkateshvara . Shanivara takes its name from Shani – the Hindu name for the planet Saturn, who is known to provide challenges in health, wealth and status at certain times in life. Praying to Sahnishvara, the planet Lord and to other deities like Hanuman and Lord Ganesha is told to be helpful in negotiating these difficult times. Benefits of Saturday worhip is also shared at the end of the video.Sri Vigneshvara: GajavaktramSri Venkateshvara: kamalakucha Sri Kali Ma: GaladraktaSri Kali Ma: Jayantee mangalaSri Kali Ma: Kali KaliSri Hanuman: Buddhir balamSri Hanuman: Yatr yatra Shani Deva/ Shaneeshvara: NeelanjanaBenefits of Saturday WorshipShaneeshvara Worship:Helps to Reduce Distress during Periods of Saturn’s InfluenceGanesha Worship:Achieve Strength of Mind and Wisdom to Tackle ChallengesDestroys Obstacles in Our PathHanuman WorshipGives Strength and Courage to Face All challengesAttain Peace of MindDestroys Any Negative InfluencesLord Venkateshvara Worship:Grants Fulfillment of All WishesGives Happy Family Life & Welfare of ChildrenGenerates ProsperityMother Goddess / Ma Kali Worship: This Cosmic Mother figure rises fiercely to protect Her Children. Destroyer of Evil and bestower of Auspiciousness, Worshipping Her:Gives Protection from All AdversitiesProvides Relief From DifficultiesDispels FearBrings Happiness and Well-BeingFulfils Wordly AspirationsHelps Transformation Of ConsciousnessFor more detailed information and explanations, refer to my blog:https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/prayers-for-days-of-the-week/saturday-chants/

Each day in the week is dedicated to one or more of the Gods or Goddesses in the Hindu pantheon. This video has shlokas to chant on Friday or Shukravara, which is dedicated to the Mother Goddess in all Her forms. Shukravara takes its name from Shukra – the Hindu name for the planet Venus, who is known to provide joy and material wealth. Today we look at some simple shlokas to recite on Fridays for: Ma Durga - Goddess of Strength, Valour and Protection; Annapoorna Devi- Provider of All sustenance and Wisdom; Lakshmi Devi – Goddess of wealth and prosperity; Saravati- Goddess of Knowledge, arts and wisdom and Sharada devi- Goddess of Knowledge and spiritual growth.I have recited each shloka thrice. Anything repeated thrice establishes well in memory and this is one of the auspicious numbers for repetition of any shloka.Sri Durga Devi : Sarva svarupe No Daevi Durgae Daevee Namoestu Tae ||Sri Annapoorna Devi: Annapurne sadpurneSri Lakshmi Devi: Lakshmeem ksheeraSri Sarasvati Devi: Sarasvati mahabhageSri Sharada Devi: Namste sharada deviBenefits of Friday Worship:Worship of Mother Goddess/ Devi/Shakti as Durga, Mahalakshmi, Santhosi Ma, Annapuraneshwari, Kali and other forms on Friday, is considered highly auspicious. Shakti temples in India attract large number of devotees on this day. Benefits of Durga Devi Worship:• Removes fear of enemies and evil spirits• Removes mental afflictions• Bestows Strength and Health• Fulfils Desires both Material and Spiritual• Brings auspiciousness, peace and prosperity into the homesBenefits of Annapoorna Devi & Worship• Relieves Poverty and Misery• Brings peace, contentment and charity into our life• Leads towards wisdom and detachment from worldly desiresBenefits of Lakshmi Devi Worship• Bestows Wealth and Prosperity both Material and Spiritual• Bestows Beauty, Youth ,Grace and PeaceBenefits of Sarasvati / Sharada Devi Worship• Bestows Knowledge and Wisdom• Bestows excellence in Education, Arts and Skills • Brings Peace and Meditation into our minds• Gods to Worship: Mother Goddess/Devi in all forms: Durga , Annapoorna, Kali, Lakshmi, Santoshi mata, Sarasvati, Sharada etc.• Planet of the day: Venus • Qualities of the day : Strength, Valour, Luxury, Beauty, Wealth, Knowledge, Arts, Spiritual Liberation, Wife• Colour for the day : Red, Pink, White

More details and lyrics in blog page:https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/prayers-for-days-of-the-week/friday-worship/

orship and prayer. This giant auspicious planet plays a great role in the life of a person. It makes people rich, commanding, wise, spiritual, educated, cultured, liberal and generous. Jupiter also represents the energy of the Supreme ParaBrahman as the Guru- the Jagadguru (teacher of the world), bestower of Wisdom, who incarnates from time to time in order to restore Dharma. In the role of the Jagadguru, the Supreme One is the Lord Vishnu or his avataras Lord Hayagreeva, Krishna etc; or it is Lord Shiva in the form of Dakshinamurthy; or Lord Dattatreya, the combined avatara of all the 3 deities Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma; and as the symbol of Knowledge, it is Goddess Sarasvati in Bengal. All are worshipped on this day in various parts of India. Pujas are conducted using milk and ghee. Yellow is the color of the day. While the only guru is the Supreme teacher who leads us towards spiritual enlightenment, we are able to access this knowledge only through a human guru. A guru by definition, is one who leads us from ignorance into knowledge. Guru is one who, having realised the self himself, is now able to guide us towards spiritual enlightenment. Therefore, it is a popular tradition to worship spiritual teachers or acharyas too on this day, like Shree Adishankaracharya, Sai baba or Swami Raghavendra. Shlokas for the deities of the day: 1. Guru Stotram : Akhandamandalakaram2. Guru Stotram : Gurur brahma3. Sri Dakshina murthy: Gurave sarva lokanam4. Ishvaro guru (Manasollasa 1.30) 5.Sri Hayagreeva murthy: Jnyanananda mayam6. Sri Vishnu Stuti :Vanamali gadee7. Sri Dattatreya : Anasuyatri sambhootah8. Sri Dattatreya : Jatadharam9. Sarasvati Devi: Manikya veenam
For more information and lyrics, please refer to the blog page below:https://vedikheritageblog.wordpress.com/prayers-for-days-of-the-week/thursday-worship/