Videos:
kali ma
chant of kali
kali dance
kali Aarti(Jai Kali Maa)
Images :
Showing posts with label Sati. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sati. Show all posts
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Goddess Kali - The Supreme Mother
The love between the Divine Mother and her human children is a unique relationship. Kali, the Dark Mother is one such deity with whom devotees have a very loving and intimate bond, in spite of her fearful appearance. In this relationship, the worshipper becomes a child and Kali assumes the form of the ever-caring mother.
"O Mother, even a dullard becomes a poet who meditates upon thee raimented with space, three-eyed, creatrix of the three worlds, whose waist is beautiful with a girdle made of numbers of dead men's arms..." (From a Karpuradistotra hymn, translated from Sanskrit by Sir John Woodroffe)
Who is Kali?
Kali is the fearful and ferocious form of the mother goddess. She assumed the form of a powerful goddess and became popular with the composition of the Devi Mahatmya, a text of the 5th - 6th century AD. Here she is depicted as having born from the brow of Goddess Durga during one of her battles with the evil forces. As the legend goes, in the battle, Kali was so much involved in the killing spree that she got carried away and began destroying everything in sight. To stop her, Lord Shiva threw himself under her feet.
Shocked at this sight, Kali stuck out her tongue in astonishment, and put an end to her homicidal rampage. Hence the common image of Kali shows her in her mêlée mood, standing with one foot on Shiva's chest, with her enormous tongue stuck out.
The Fearful Symmetry
Kali is represented with perhaps the fiercest features amongst all the world's deities. She has four arms, with a sword in one hand and the head of a demon in another. The other two hands bless her worshippers, and say, "fear not"! She has two dead heads for her earrings, a string of skulls as necklace, and a girdle made of human hands as her clothing. Her tongue protrudes from her mouth, her eyes are red, and her face and breasts are sullied with blood. She stands with one foot on the thigh, and another on the chest of her husband, Shiva.
Awesome Symbols!
Kali's fierce form is strewed with awesome symbols. Her black complexion symbolizes her all-embracing and transcendental nature. Says the Mahanirvana Tantra: "Just as all colors disappear in black, so all names and forms disappear in her". Her nudity is primeval, fundamental, and transparent like Nature — the earth, sea, and sky. Kali is free from the illusory covering, for she is beyond the all maya or "false consciousness." Kali's garland of fifty human heads that stands for the fifty letters in the Sanskrit alphabet, symbolizes infinite knowledge.Her girdle of severed human hands signifies work and liberation from the cycle of karma.
Her white teeth show her inner purity, and her red lolling tongue indicates her omnivorous nature — "her indiscriminate enjoyment of all the world's 'flavors'." Her sword is the destroyer of false consciousness and the eight bonds that bind us.Her three eyes represent past, present, and future, — the three modes of time — an attribute that lies in the very name Kali ('Kala' in Sanskrit means time). The eminent translator of Tantrik texts, Sir John Woodroffe in Garland of Letters, writes, "Kali is so called because She devours Kala (Time) and then resumes Her own dark formlessness."
Kali's proximity to cremation grounds where the five elements or "Pancha Mahabhuta" come together, and all worldly attachments are absolved, again point to the cycle of birth and death. The reclined Shiva lying prostrate under the feet of Kali suggests that without the power of Kali (Shakti), Shiva is inert.
Forms, Temples and Devotees
Kali's guises and names are diverse. Shyama, Adya Ma, Tara Ma and Dakshina Kalika, Chamundi are popular forms. Then there is Bhadra Kali, who is gentle, Shyamashana Kali, who lives only in the cremation ground, and so on. The most notable Kali temples are in Eastern India
— Dakshineshwar and Kalighat in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Kamakhya in Assam, a seat of tantrik practices. Ramakrishna Paramhamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Vamakhyapa, and Ramprasad are some of the legendary devotees of Kali. One thing was common to these saints — all of them loved the goddess as intimately as they loved their own mother.
"My child, you need not know much in order to please Me. Only Love Me dearly. Speak to me, as you would talk to your mother,if she had taken you in her arms."
Monday, March 23, 2009
Shree Saraswati Chalisa - pictures,videos,prayers
Saraswati Chalisa in English:-
II Doha II
Janak Janani Pad Kamal Raj, Nij Mastak Par Dhaari,
Bandau Maatu Saraswati, Buddhi Bal De Daataari.
Purn Jagat Mein Vyaapt Tav, Mahima Amit Anantu,
Ramsaagar Ke Paap Ko, Maatu Tuhi Ab Hantu.
Jay Shri Sakal Buddhi Balaraasi, Jay Sarvagya Amar Avinaasi.
Jay Jay Veenaakar Dhaari, Karati Sadaa Suhans Savaari.
Roop Chaturbhujadhaari Maata, Sakal Vishv Andar Vikhyaata.
Jag Mein Paap Buddhi Jab Hoti, Jabahi Dharm Ki Phiki Jyoti.
Tabahi Maatu Le Nij Avataara, Paap Heen Karati Mahi Taara.
Baalmiki Ji The Baham Gyaani, Tav Prasaad Janie Sansaara.
Raamaayan Jo Rache Banaai, Aadi Kavi Ki Padavi Paai.
Kalidaas Jo Bhaye Vikhyaata, Teri Kripaa Drishti Se Maata.
Tulasi Sur Aadi Vidvaana, Bhaye Aur Jo Gyaani Nana.
Tinhahi Na Aur Raheu Avalamba, Keval Kripa Aapaki Amba.
Karahu Kripa Soi Maatu Bhavaani, Dukhit Din Nij Daasahi Jaani.
Putra Karai Aparaadh Bahuta, Tehi Na dharai Chitt Sundar Maata.
Raakhu Laaj Janani Ab Meri, Vinay Karu Bahu Bhaanti Ghaneri.
Mein Anaath Teri Avalamba, Kripa Karau Jay Jay Jagadamba.
Madhu Kaitabh Jo Ati Balavaana, Baahuyuddh Vishnu Te Thaana.
Samar Hajaar Paanch Mein Ghora, Phir Bhi Mukh Unase Nahi Mora.
Maatu Sahaay Bhai Tehi Kaala, Buddhi Viparit Kari Khalahaala.
Tehi Mrityu Bhai Khal Keri, Purvahu Maatu Manorath Meri.
Chand Mund Jo The Vikhyaata, Chhan Mahu Sanhaareu Tehi Maata.
Raktabij Se Samarath Paapi, Sur-Muni Hriday Dhara Sab Kampi.
Kaateu Sir Jim Kadali Khamba, Baar Baar Binavau Jagadamba.
Jag Prasidhdh Jo Shumbh Nishumbha, Chhin Me Badhe Taahi Tu Amba.
Bharat-Maatu Budhi Phereu Jaai, Ramachandra Banvaas Karaai.
Ehi Vidhi Raavan Vadh Tum Kinha, Sur Nar Muni Sab Kahu Sukh Dinha.
Ko Samarath Tav Yash Gun Gaana, Nigam Anaadi Anant Bakhaana.
Vishnu Rudra Aj Sakahi Na Maari, Jinaki Ho Tum Rakshaakaari.
Rakt Dantika Aur Shataakshi, Naam Apaar Hai Daanav Bhakshi.
Durgam Kaaj Dhara Par Kinha, Durga Naam Sakal Jag Linha.
Durg Aadi Harani Tu Maata, Kripa Karahu Jab Jab Sukhadaata.
Nrip Kopit Jo Maaran Chaahei, Kaanan Mein Ghere Mrig Naahei.
Saagar Madhy Pot Ke Bhange, Ati Toofaan Nahi Kou Sange.
Bhoot Pret Baadha Yaa Dukh Mein, Ho Daridra Athava Sankat Mein.
Naam Jape Mangal Sab Koi, Sanshay Isame Karai Na Koi.
Putrahin Jo Aatur Bhaai, Sabei Chhaandi Puje Ehi Maai.
Karai Path Nit Yah Chaalisa, Hoy Putra Sundar Gun Isa.
Dhupaadik Naivedy Chadhavei, Sankat Rahit Avashy Ho Jaavei.
Bhakti Maatu Ki Karei Hamesha, Nikat Na Aavei Taahi Kalesha.
Bandi Path Kare Shat Baara, Bandi Paash Door Ho Saara.
Karahu Kripa Bhavamukti Bhavaani, Mo Kahn Daas Sadaa Nij Jaani.
II Doha II
Maata Sooraj Kaanti Tav, Andhakaar Mam Roop,
Dooban Te Raksha Karahu, Paru Na Mein Bhav-Koop.
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Sunahu Sarasvati Maatu,
Adham Ramasaagarahi Tum, Aashray Deu Punaatu.
Saraswati Chalisa in Hindi:-
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Marriage of Shiva and Shakti
The legend of marriage of Shiva and Shakti is one the most important legends related to the festival of Mahashivaratri. The story tells us how Lord Shiva got married a second time to Shakti, his divine consort. According to legend of Shiva and Shakti, the day Lord Shiva got married to Parvati is celebrated as Shivaratri - the Night of Lord Shiva.
The Legend
Legend goes that once Lord Shiva and his wife Sati or Shakti were returning from sage Agastya’s ashram after listening to Ram Katha or story of Ram. On their way through a forest, Shiva saw Lord Rama searching for his wife Sita who had been kidnapped by Ravana, the King of Lanka. Lord Shiva bowed his head in reverence to Lord Rama. Sati was surprised by Lord Shiva’s behavior and inquired why he was paying obeisance to a mere mortal. Shiva informed Sati that Rama was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Sati, however, was not satisfied with the reply and Lord asked her to go and verify the truth for herself.
Using her power to change forms, Sati took the form of Sita appeared before Rama. Lord Rama immediately recognized the true identity of the Goddess and asked, "Devi, why are you alone, where's Shiva?" At this, Sati realized the truth about Lord Ram. But, Sita was like a mother to Lord Shiva and since Sati took the form of Sita her status had changed. From that time, Shiva detached himself from her as a wife. Sati was sad with the change of attitude of Lord Shiva but she stayed on at Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.
Later, Sati’s father Daksha organised a yagna, but did not invite Sati or Shiva as he had an altercation with Shiva in the court of Brahma. But, Sati who wanted to attend the Yagna, went even though Lord Shiva did not appreciate the idea. To hre great anguish, Daksha ignored her presence and did not even offer Prasad for Shiva. Sati felt humiliated and was struck with profound grief. She jumped into the yagna fire and immolated herself.
Lord Shiva became extremely furious when he heard the news of Sati’s immolation. Carrying the body of Sati, Shiva began to perform Rudra Tandava or the dance of destruction and wiped out the kingdom of Daksha. Everybody was terrified as Shiva’s Tandava had the power to destroy the entire universe. In order to calm Lord Shiva, Vishnu severed Sati's body into 12 pieces and threw them on earth. It is said that wherever the pieces of Shakti’s body fell, there emerged a Shakti Peetha, including the Kamaroopa Kamakhya in Assam and the Vindhyavasini in UP.
Lord Siva was now alone undertook rigorous penance and retired to the Himalayas. Sati took a re-birth as Parvati in the family of God Himalaya. She performed penance to break Shiva’s meditation and win his attention. It is said that Parvati, who found it hard to break Shiva’s meditation seeked help of Kamadeva - the God of Love and Passion. Kaamadeva asked Parvati to dance in front of Shiva. When Parvati danced, Kaamadeva shot his arrow of passion at Shiva breaking his penance. Shiva became extremely infuriated and opening his third eye that reduced Kaamadeva to ashes. It was only after Kamadeva’s wife Rati’s pleading that Lord Shiva agreed to revive Kaamadeva.
Later, Parvati undertook severe penance to win over Shiva. Through her devotion and persuasion by sages devas, Parvati, also known as Uma, was finally able to lure Shiva into marriage and away from asceticism. Their marriage was solemnized a day before Amavasya in the month of Phalgun. This day of union of God Shiva and Parvati is celebrated as Mahashivratri every year.
Another Version of the Legend
According to another version of the legend, Goddess Parvati performed tapas and prayers on the auspicious moonless night of Shivaratri to ward off any evil that may befall her husband. Since then, womenfolk began the custom of praying for the well being of their husbands and sons on Shivaratri day. Unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal husband.
Legend of Shivratri
There are many legends associated with the festival as to why Maha Shivratri is celebrated -
According to one, during the samudra manthan, a pot of poison emerged from the ocean. This terrified the Gods and demons as the poison was capable of destroying the entire world, and they ran to Shiva for help. To protect the world from its evil effects, Shiva drank the deathly poison but held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. This made his throat turn blue, and he was given the name Neelakantha, the blue-throated one. Shivaratri is the celebration of this event by which Shiva saved the world.
According to another legend in the Shiva Purana, once the other two of the triads of Hindu Gods, Brahma and Vishnu, were fighting over who was the superior of the two. Horrified at the intensity of the battle, the other gods asked Shiva to intervene. To make them realize the futility of their fight, Shiva assumed the form of a huge column of fire in between Brahma and Vishnu. Awestruck by its magnitude, they decided to find one end each to establish supremacy over the other. Brahma assumed the form of a swan and went upwards and Vishnu as Varaha went into the earth. But light has no limit and though they searched for thousands of miles, neither could find the end. On his journey upwards, Brahma came across a Ketaki flower wafting down slowly. When asked where she had come from, the Ketaki replied that she had been placed at the top of the fiery column as an offering. Unable to find the uppermost limit, Brahma decided to end his search and take the flower as a witness.
At this, the angry Shiva revealed his true form. He punished Brahma for telling a lie, and cursed him that no one would ever pray to him. The Ketaki flower too was banned from being used as an offering for any worship, as she had testified falsely. Since it was on the 14th day in the dark half of the month of Phalguna that Shiva first manifested himself in the form of a Linga, the day is especially auspicious and is celebrated as Mahashivaratri. Worshipping Shiva on this day is believed to bestow one with happiness and prosperity.
A legend explains the all-night worship of Shiva on Shivratri. There was once a poor tribal man who was great devotee of Shiva. One day he went deep into the forest to collect firewood. However he lost his way and could not return home before nightfall. As darkness fell, he heard the growls of wild animals. Terrified, he climbed onto the nearest tree for shelter till day-break. Perched amongst the branches, he was afraid he would doze and fall off the tree. To stay awake, he decided to pluck a leaf at a time from the tree and drop it, while chanting the name of Shiva. At dawn, he realized that he had dropped a thousand leaves onto a Linga to keep himself awake, the tribal plucked one leaf at a time from the tree and dropped it below which he had not seen in the dark. The tree happened to be a wood apple or bel tree. This unwitting all-night worship pleased Shiva, by whose grace the tribal was rewarded with divine bliss. This story is also recited on Mahashivaratri by devotees on fast. After observing the all-night fast, devotees eat the Prasad offered to Shiva.
There is another possible reason for the origin of the all-night worship. Being a moonless night, people worshipped the god who wears the crescent moon as an adornment in his hair, Shiva. This was probably to ensure that the moon rose the next night.
Immediately after Mahashivaratri, almost like a miracle, the trees are full of flowers as if to announce that after winter, the fertility of the earth has been rejuvenated. And this perhaps is the reason why the Linga is worshipped throughout India as a symbol of fertility.
The festivities differ in various parts of India. In southern Karnataka, for example, children are allowed to get into all kinds of mischief and asking for punishment is the rule of the day, probably originating from the mythological incident of Shiva punishing Brahma for lying.
The Vishvanatha Temple at Kashi in Varanasi celebrates the Linga (symbolic of the pillar of light) and the manifestation of Shiva as the light of supreme wisdom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
