How to observe Vratam for Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

The Vratham or Vrata for visiting Sabarimala Ayyappa Sannidhanam or Swamy Ayyappa Temple starts on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrichikam (this year on 17th November 2010) and culminates on Mandala Pooja Day (27th December 2010) or Makara Sankranti day (14th January 2011). On observing this Sabarimala Vratham (austerities), the mind and soul get purified as the devotees undertake certain practices and cleanliness. Here are some of the customs and rules of the austerities. For those who cannot start vrata on the first day of Vrishchika can start on any other day.

Maladharanam – Wearing of Mudhra Mala

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Vratha is marked by the wearing of "Thulasi Mala" (garland) or "Rudraksha Mala”, bearing the locket of Lord Ayyappa of Sabarimala Temple. The temple priest or Guru Swami / Periya Swami instigates the Mudra Mala to the devotee (Maaladharanam), by chanting mantra or simply “Swamy Saranam”. Guru Swamy or Periya Swamy is an Ayyappan devotee who has completed 18 successive years of Sabarimala pilgrimage and he guides others for the pilgrimage. The garland is to be obtained after sanctification in a temple / pooja room. Devotees offer "Dakshina" to the concerned priest. Subsequent to this ritual, the devotee wearing the "Mala" is called as "Ayyappan" or "Swamy" and the female (aged between 1 and 9 OR above 50 years) devotees are called as "Malikapuram" (who is the Shakti of Lord Ayyappa).

Mantra for wearing Mudhra Mala Dharan can be found here

Below are the austerities and rules that are to be followed for taking the Ayyappa Sannidhanam pilgrimage

1) On the day before starting the vratham, the devotee has to shave, trim his nails and hair and make himself clean. The Thulasi Mala or Rudraksha Pendants should be cleaned and smeared with sandal paste and placed before the image of Lord Ayyappa. Only a new pair of colored (black, blue and saffron) dhoti and towel/shawl is to be used by the devotee. 

2) During the Sabarimala Vratam, the devotee should wake up early in the morning, offer prayers and perform pooja to the holy mala. Also, he should not apply oil to his hair and shall not make oil smeared over his body.

3) The devotee of Ayyappa Swami shall not take part in any of the social activities. He shall spend his time only by prayers, poojas, visiting temples and helping the poor/needy.

4) The devotee should consume only satvic foods (vegetarian diet) and abstain from non-vegetarian, alcoholic drinks or drugs, chewing betel leaves and from smoking.

5)  Taking bath twice/thrice daily and performing puja by chanting 108 Ayyappan Saranams form part of the austerity. Apart from Ayyappa Saranams, devotees can chant Ayyappa Gayatri Mantra, Ayyappa Ashtottara Stotram, Loka Veeram Mahapoojyam Ayyappa Namaskara Sloka or any other mantras and prayers of Lord Ayyappa.

6) He should not hurt anybody either verbally or physically, and consider all co-devotees as Lord Ayyappan himself.

7) The Swami should not feel proud for the respect he gets during his observance for the pilgrimage.

8) The devotee should not in any way cause trouble to his family members because of his vratham.

9) He should practice pure Brahmacharya (celibacy) in his deeds, words and thoughts, during the pilgrimage period. Only vegetarian food and fresh fruits are to be consumed. He should sleep only on the floor, avoiding pillows. Some devotees do not use footwear so as to make their feet adjusted to climb the Sabarimala hills barefooted.

10) The Swami shall avoid himself from the proximity of dead body. If he happens to see one, he shall not eat anything until he takes bath.

11) It is always better to carry a Thulasi leaf to prevent him from evil spirits and from impurities.

It should be remembered that the blessings of Lord Ayyappa would reflect on those who strictly follow these rules.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!!
Harihara sudhane Saranam Ayyappa!!

Simha Ganapati Form of Ganesha

Simha Ganapati is the 29th among the thirty-two forms of Lord Ganesha. In this form Lord Ganesh rides the fearless and powerful lion giving confidence and strength to the devotees. In Simha Ganapati form the lord appears in white color complexion with eight hands. His main right hand postures Varada Mudra rewarding wishes to his devotees and his main left hand postures Abhaya Mudra giving shelter to his devotees. On his other hands hold Veena (string flute instruments), sprig of Kalpavriksha (wish fulfilling tree), a lotus blossom, a flower bouquet, Ratna Kumbha (pot of jewels) and roaring lion.

Chadayam Nakshatra (Shatabhisha nakshatram) is related to Sinha Ganapati. Worshipping this form is believed to save his devotees from enemies and give them the strength to fight against the bad things. Simha Ganapathi idol can be worshipped in Pandharpur Temple near Solapur in Maharashtra.

Simha Ganapati Mantra Lyrics

Vinam Kalpalatamarim Cha Varada Dakshe Vidhatte Karai Vasametamarasam Cha
Ratnakalasham Sanmamjarim Abhayam Shamdadam Dalasanm Rugendravadanam
Shamkemdugaurashshubodivyaratnanibhamshuko Ganapatih Payadapayatsanah
Shvethavarnah

English Translation With Meaning

May Lord Simha Ganapati adorning Veena, one hand yielding creeper, sword and boon giving gesture in His right hands and jewel pot, flower bunch and protecting gesture in his left hands, lion faced with the trunk as fair as a conch and who shines like the soft moon and decked with effulgent jewels, protect us from all dangers and adversities

Kshipra Prasada Ganapati Form of Ganesha

Kshipra Prasada Ganapati is the 20th of Lord Ganesha’s 32 forms. In this form Lord Ganesh is considered quick rewarder of the wishes and instant punisher of the wrong. Kshipraprasada Ganapati appears in crimson red hue complexion with six hands. Also in this form he appears with third eye and with crescent moon on his crown like Lord Shiva. The lord is seated in Kusha grass throne, a sacred grass for Hindus. His big belly represents the manifestation of the universe. On his main right hand holds his broken tusk and on main left hand holds the twig of Kalpavriksha (Wish Fulfilling Tree). On the other hands Lord Ganapathi holds a noose, an elephant goad, pomegranate and a white lotus.

Chothi (Swati) Nakshatra is related to Kshipra Prasada Ganapati. Worshipping this form is believed to bestow devotees with peace and prosperity. Meditating every day removes the obstacles   in the path of self realisation. Kshipra Prasada Ganesha can be worshipped at Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu. Also temples in Chamarajanagar and Nanjangud in Mysore district in Karnataka has 32 forms of Ganapati sculptures.

Kshipra Prasada Ganapati Mantra 

Ghrita pashankusha Kalpalata Svadatascha Beejapoorayutah!
Shashikala Kalita Moulihi Trilochana Arunascha Gajvadanaha!!
Bhasurabhooshana Deeptah Brihaduaraha Padmavishatrollasitah!
Vighnapayodharapavanah Karadhrita Kamalah Sadaastu Me Bhootayai!!

Translation of Kshipra Prasada Ganapati Mantra

Ganapati bestowing quickly his mercy. He has six arms. He is red in colour. His hands hold the single tusk, the elephant goad, the lotus, the creeper of the votive tree (kalpalata), the noose and the lemon.

Navagraha - Nine Planets in Hindu Astrology

Navagraha or the Nine Planets has great importance in Hinduism and Hindu rituals. Navagrahas are considered to play a major role in deciding the destiny of man. The Navagrahas are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). It is believed that these nine planetary deities influence human lives and is responsible for all good or bad times, one faces in life.

Navagrahas – The Nine Planetary Deities in Hindu Astrology

The details of the nine planetary gods in Hindu religion are given below.

Lord Surya – The Sun God

Lord Surya or the Sun God occupies the central place amongst the navagrahas facing the east. Also known as Ravi, Surya is the Lord of ‘Simha Rashi’ or Leo sign in Zodiac. Surya’s  vahana is a chariot drawn by seven horses. The seven horses represent the seven colors of the white light and seven days of a week. He presides over ‘Raviwar’ or Sunday, his color is red and gemstone is ruby. The practice of doing Surya Namaskar is a good practice for a healthy life. Konark Sun Temple in Orissa and Suryanar Kovil near Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu are two famous temples of Lord Surya.

Lord Chandra – The Moon God

Chandra is a lunar deity and is also known as Soma. The Moon represents the mind, feminine nature, beauty and happiness. He is believed to ride his chariot across the sky every night, pulled by ten white horses or an antelope. He is also called ‘Nishadipati’ and ‘Kshuparaka’. Lord Chandra is also one of the Gods of Fertility. Chandra is the god of Karka rashi or cancer zodiac sign. The mental stability and well being of a person largely depends on the placement of the moon in his horoscope. As Soma he presides over ‘Somavar’ or Monday and gemstone is pearl. Thingaloor Kailasanathar Temple near Thanjavur in Tamilnadu is one of the main Lord Chandra Temples in India.

Mangala - Planet Mars

Mangala, also called Angaraka, is a ferocious god with four hands. He is considered to be the son of Prithvi or Bhumi. Mars is referred to as a ‘hot planet’ and protector of Dharma. He holds weapons in his two hands while the other two hands are held in abhaya and varada mudras. Mesha rashi (Medam) and Vrischika Rashi (Vrischigam) (Aries and Scorpio signs) are ruled by Mangala or planet Mars. He controls the muscular system of the body an also rules over nose, forehead and circulatory systems. His vehicle is Ram (a type of sheep) and his color is red. The day of Mangala or Mars is Tuesday and gemstone is coral. Pullirukkuvelur Vaitheeswaran Koil in near Sirkazhi in Tamilnadu is one of the famous temples of Mangala or Kujan.

Read about Remedies for Mangal Dosha .

Budha – Planet Mercury

Budha is generally represented with four hands, three of his hands holding a sword, a shield and a mace respectively while the fourth one is held in usual varada mudra. He rides a carpet or an eagle or a chariot drawn by lions. Mercury represents one’s intelligence and communication. The planet governs the nervous system. His color is green his day is Wednesday or ‘Budhwar’ and his gemstone is Emerald. Budha is the God of Mithuna Rashi and Kanya Rashi in Astrology. Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple near Sirkazhi in Tamilnadu is one of the main Lord Budha Temples in India.

Brihaspathi – Planet Jupiter

Brihaspati also known as Brahmanaspati is the guru of Devas and is praised in many hymns of Rig Veda. Brihaspati is described of yellow or golden color and holding a stick, a lotus and his beads. Jupiter symbolizes knowledge, love and spirituality. The planet rules the thighs, flesh, kidney, liver, fat and arterial system. The day of Jupiter is Thursday and gemstone is Sapphire. Dhanu Rashi and Meena Rashi are ruled by Brihaspati or planet Jupiter. One of the famous Brihaspati Temples in India is the Alangudi Abathsahayeswarar Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.

Shukra - Planet Venus

Lord Shukra or Planet Venus is the teacher of the demons and the author of Sukraniti. Sukra is of whit complexion, middle aged and is generally shown with four hands riding upon a golden or silver chariot drawn by eight horses. He holds a stick, beads and a lotus and sometimes a bow and arrow. Shukra Dasha actually remains for twenty years in a person’s horoscope and this planet is believed to give more wealth, fortune and luxury living, if positioned well in one’s horoscope. Venus symbolizes love and passion. The day of Venus is Friday and gemstone is diamond. Vrishaba Rashi (Edavam) and Tula Rashi (Thulam) are ruled by Lord Shukra or planet Venus. Kanjanoor Agneeswarar Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu is one famous Lord Shukra Temples in India.

Shani - Planet Saturn

Lord Shani is regarded as a troublesome god and is capable of breaking fortunes by his influence and position in the planetary system. Lord Sani is generally shown with four hands riding upon a chariot or a buffalo or a vulture. Shani is seen holding a sword, arrows and two daggers. Saturn is often referred to as ‘dark planet’ and symbolizes longevity, misery and grief. The day of Saturn is Saturday and gemstone is Blue Sapphire. Kumbha rashi and Makara rashi in zodiac signs are ruled by Lord Shani or planet Saturn. Shani Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra and Thirunallar Darbaranyeswarar Temple in Tamilnadu are two famous Lord Shani Temples in India.

Read about Remedies for Shani Dosha .

Rahu

In Hindu mythology, Lord Rahu is described as the head of a demonic snake that swallows the sun and moon, causing eclipses. Rahu is a shadowy planet and do not have any special day dedicated to him. He is depicted in art as a dragon with no body riding on a chariot drawn by eight black horses. When Rahu is affected one faces several miseries and obstacles in the way of success. The gemstone of Rahu is Gomedh or Honey Colored Hessonite. Tirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu is one of the famous Lord Rahu temples in India.

Kethu

In Sanskrit, Kethu (Dhuma Ketu) means comet. It is also a shadowy planet and is depicted as the tail of a demon snake. In the images he is usually shown with a poke marked body, riding upon a vulture and holding a mace. Lord Kethu is the representation of karmic collections both good and bad, spirituality and supernatural influences. The gemstone of Ketu is Cat’s Eye. Kethu Naganathaswamy Temple in Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu is a famous Lord Kethu temple in India.

Shani Dosha Remedies

Shani Dosha Parihara is the remedies of Shani Dosham in the horoscope of a person. Here are some successful Remedies for Shani Dosha for those who are passing through Shani Dasha period in their life. Shani Dasha is inevitable in every one’s life and the only way to reduce the ill effects of Lord Shani is to perform poojas and prayers as Shani dosha pariharas. The below mentioned remedies for Shani Dosha are for anyone who is going through the difficult period of 7.5 years of Shani Dosha. Below are some Shani Dosha (Sade Sati) remedies to appease Shani Dev or Planet Saturn. Read more about Lord Shani and impacts of Shani in Astrology here.

Fasting on Saturdays

Fasting is a form of Yagya. One can take a light fast on Saturday (the day of Lord Shani Deva) with only broth and sesame seeds.

Worship Lord Hanuman

Praying to Lord Hanuman will lead to freedom from an adverse Shani effects. Recite ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with a ghee lamp in front of his idol. Get lyrics of Hanuman Chalisa here.

Shani Mantra

Chanting short Shani mantra for 108 times every day or at least every Saturday.

“Om Sham Shaneeswaraya Namaha”

Shani Temple Darshan

Visiting Navagraha temples and doing Shani pooja on Saturday is also one of the remedial measures.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

If Shani dasha effect is very severe then to protect you from the fear of untimely accidents or diseases recite Mrityunjaya Mantra at least once before starting your day. Click here for Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Lyrics.

Navagraha Mantra

Chanting of ‘ Navagraha Stothram’ is also good to ward off adverse effects of grahas which are not in favorable position in the horoscope. You can find lyrics of Navagraha Stothram here.

Lord Ayyappa Temple Darsha

Visiting Lord Ayyappa Temples and performing Neeranjanam on Saturdays is also considered as one of the remedial measures of Shanidosha.

Donation (Daanam)

Donating black cloth, gingely oil, blanket, iron articles, black cow, buffalo, black gram to poor people or at the temple and also providing ‘Annadhanam’ (free food) on Saturday to orphanages or beggars.

Shiva Bhajan

Prayer to Lord Shiva whole heartedly can protect you from Shani dosha.

Other Remedies

Procuring an iron ring from the horse shoe of a black horse, wearing Blue Sapphire (Before wearing any gemstones make sure you consult your personal astrologer) in your middle finger, watering the peepal trees lighting lamps in sesame oil are also other remedial measures for Shani dosha.

Signifance of Ekadasi Fasting

Ekadasi or Ekadashi is a Sanskrit word derived from the words, Eka which means one and dasi, the womanly form of the word dasa (which means ten). Ekadashi, also known as Agyaars, falls on the eleventh day after the full moon and again eleventh day after the new moon of every month. Thus, Ekadasi occurs twice in a month one of the 11th day of shukla paksha and another one on the 11th day of krishna paksha (dark). Hence there are twenty four Ekadasis in a year. In Hindu religion, Ekadashi day is meant for fasting and people observe a complete fast on this day, to please Lord Maha Vishnu. Observing Ekadasi Vrat enhances spiritual development.

How to observe Ekadashi Fasting

As stated by the Vedic scripts, Ekadashi fast begins on the day before the Ekadasi, on the Dashami (the tenth phase of the Moon), continues on the day of Ekadasi and ends on the Dvadasi, the day after Ekadasi (the twelfth phase of the Moon). However, complete fast is observed only on the day of Ekadasi, irrespective of gender. One should avoid consuming grains, beans, cereals, certain vegetables and spices on the day. If this is not possible, one can consume a single non-grain meal once in the afternoon or in the evening. Alcohol and non-vegetarian food should be avoided. One should not shave the body, face or head; spread oils on one's body; do not lie; or participate in tough exercise or labor. The person should engage himself/herself in chanting, hearing and reading and discussing the stories/history of the Lord and involve in other spiritual services. The pious services carried out on this day are more effective.

Legend behind Ekadasi Fasting

Legend says that once Lord Vishnu was fighting with a demon named Mura. As the Lord felt tired, he decided to rest from the long battle. The demon planned to kill the Lord while he was sleeping. Unexpectedly, a young girl manifested from the body of the Lord and killed the demon. The gratified Lord gave her the name Ekadasi, as she emerged on the eleventh day of the declining moon. Ekadasi was granted a boon that if anyone who fasts on Ekadashi will be set free from sinful activities and reach His abode.

Sankashti Chaturthi

Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankashti Chaturti or Ganesh Sankatahara Chaturthi, is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesh, which falls every month in a Hindu calendar. Sankata literally means “problems or worries” and Hara means “removing or eliminating”, therefore Sankata Hara Chadurthi or Sankatahara Chadurthi is a day to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesh to remove all problems in life.

Chaturthi falls on the fourth day after new moon and fourth day after full moon in the Hindu calendar. Sankatahara Chaturthi is the fourth day of the waning lunar phase after the full moon. Sankashti means liberation during difficult times and therefore observing this fast is believed to reduce problems and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh. If Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, it is known as Angaraki Chaturthi or Angaraka Chaturthi. Angaraki is the other name of Mangal or Kuja or Chevaai or Bhauma (planet Mars).

How to perform Sankashti Chaturthi Puja and Vrat?

Devotees observe fast for the whole day and conclude it after moonrise. After taking a bath in the evening, Lord Ganesh is worshipped with Durva (a variety of very fine grass). Aarti is taken and the Naivedyam is offered to Lord Ganesha. Then Lord Moon is worshipped and the fast is broken by offering meal to Brahmin. Reciting prayers of Lord Ganesh form an important part of the Sankashti fast. Ganesh Gayatri, Ganesh Ashtothram Shatanamavali (108 Names), and Ganesh Atharvashirsha Avartan are the main mantras recited while observing Ganesha Sankatahara Chaturthi Vrata. Observing this fast brings happiness and fulfills one’s desires.

Worshipping Lord Chandra on Sankashti Chaturthi

On Sankashta Chaturthi, worship of Lord Chandra (Moon God) is considered auspicious. If you are not able to view the moon in the sky, an image of the moon can be drawn as a symbol. The moon is offered with sandalwood paste and flowers. Naivedya is also performed.