Gayathri Mantra - Meaning & Significance

Attached documents provide the meaning and significance of Gayathri Mantra

1. Word by word meaning - http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=F.32406d70-c8dc-4a54-a48d-70371d5ab92a&hl=en

2. Meaning & Sginificance - http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=F.c514692e-eaa6-48f0-b61a-568dfe989d03&hl=en

3. Scientific view - http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=F.80077af2-8269-4f14-9aa8-14e2db159cfc&hl=en

Radhe Krishna.

Dasavatharam Stories

Link to Download Document
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=F.80077af2-8269-4f14-9aa8-14e2db159cfc&hl=en

Dasavathar

1 Matsya

2 Koorma
3 Varaha
4 Narasimha
5 Vamana
6 Parasurama
7 Rama
8 Balarama
9 Krishna
10Kalki (Avathar yet to come)


Matsya avathar
God's first incarnation was Matsya meaning: Fish.
This goes well with the concepts of evolution when the
earliest multi-cell living beings were aquatic.
Once upon a time a demon called Hayagriva with the face
of a horse stole all the Vedas and sasthras from Brahma
- the creator when there was the deluge.He took all those and hid
them deep in the sea. When Vishnu learnt about this he took the
Matsya avathar - incarnation as a fish which in time grew in size.
When the deluge ended Vishnu in the form of a huge fish like a
whale killed Hayagriva and retrieved the scriptures and returned
them to Brahma.
The end of deluge also marked the end of night for Brahma and
the beginning of the day. Millions of years of our reckoning form a
day and night for brahma and the Gods.
When the Vedas were returned and with the beginning of the day
Brahma resumed his task of creation.
Another reason given to explain why God incarnated in forms other
than human. All creatures were created by the same compassionate
God. His descent into the earth should be the same for humans
and sub-humans - other wise God becomes biased and parttial - an
idea that is not accepted. This why God is shown as having
incarnated as aquatic creatures and animals as also humans. Thus it
was that Vishnu took the first avathar as 'Matsya' ie fish. This is
the reason why god is shown as half-fish and half-god in the
illustrations of the 'dhasa-avathara'.


Koorma avathar
God's second incarnation was Koorma
koorma means turtle.
God wished to create another creature one that could live in
the water and on the land.The turtle can live in the water
and land.So the turtle was his second creation in this world.
This is the reason why god is shown as half-turtle and half-god.It is
called koorma Avatharam(means his second incarnation was as turtle)
Many years ago there was a war between the devas (gods) and the
daityas (demons) and the gods lost this war. They prayed to Vishnu
to rescue them from the oppression of the demons. Vishnu told
Brahma and the other gods that they should have a temporary truce
with the demons. The two sides should get together to churn the
ocean.
Vishnu would ensure that the devas benefited more from this
churning of the ocean than the daityas did. The truce was agreed
upon and the two sides got ready to churn the ocean. The mountain
Mandara was used as a churning rod and great sake Vasuki as the
rope for churning. The devas grasped Vasuki’s tail and the daityas
grasped Vasuki’s head. But as the churning began, the mountain
Mandara which had no base, started to get immersed in the ocean.
What was to be done? Lord Vishnu came to the rescue. He adopted
the form of a turtle and the peak was balanced on the turtle’s back.
As the churning continued, terrible poison named kalkuta emerged
from the depths of the ocean and was swallowed by Shiva. Shiva’s
throat became blue from this poison and he is therefore known as
Nilakantha, blue of throat. The goddess Varuni, the goddess of wine
(sura), came out next. The gods readily accepted her and thus they
came to be known as suras. But the demons rejected Varuni and
were therefore known as asuras. She was followed by the Parijata
tree, a beautiful tree that came to occupy the pride of place in
Indra’s garden. A jewel named koustubha emerged and was accepted
by Vishnu as his adornment. Three wonderful animals came out next
- the cow Kapila, the horse Ucchaishrava and the elephant Airavata.
They were followed by the apsaras, beautiful women who became the
dancers of heaven. They were known as apsaras because they
emerged from ap (water). The goddess Lakshmi or Shri came out
next and was united with Vishnu.
Finally,Dhanvantari emerged with a pot of amrita (the life - giving
drink) in his hands. Dhanvantari was the originator of medicine
(ayurveda). The daityas led by Jambha gave half of the amrita to
the devas and departed with the remaining half. But Vishnu quickly
adopted the form of a beautiful woman. So beautiful was the woman
that the demons were charmed. “Pretty lady,” they said. “ take the
amrita and serve it to us. Marry us.” Vishnu accepted the amrita,
but he had no intention of giving it to the demons. He served it to
the gods instead. There was only one demon who was somewhat
clever. His name was Rahu. He adopted the form of Chandra, the
moon-god, and succeeded in drinking some of the amrita. The sungod
and the moon-god noticed what was happening and reported it to
Vishnu. Vishnu thereupon cut off Rahu’s head with a sword. But Rahu
had drunk the amrita, so he could not die. He prayed to Vishnu and
Vishnu granted him a boon. The boon was that occasionally Rahu
would be permitted to swallow up the sun.You can see this happening
at the time of the solar and the lunar eclipses. People who give alms
during such eclipses are blessed. The gods obtained the amrita and
the demons did not. Thus, the gods became more powerful than the
demons. They defeated the demons and regained heaven.


Varaha Avathar
Vishnu’s next incarnation was in the form of a boar.
GOD decided to create a creature that could live on the
land alone. The boar lives on land only. This means in the
order of evolution land based animals evolved. It is called
Varaha Avatharam
The mythological story behind this avathar is as follows:
The sage Kashyapa and his wife Diti had a son named Hiranyaksha.
became the king of the asuras. Hiranyaksha’s meditation pleased
Brahma and Brahma granted him the boon that he would be
invincible in battle. Thus armed. Hiranyaksha went out to fight
with the devas. He comprehensively defeated the gods and
conquered heaven. He also defeated Varuna, the god of the ocean.
Thus, Hiranyaksha became the king of the heaven, the earth and
the underworld. But the asura was not particularly fond of the
earth. He himself had begun to live in Varuna’s palace under the
ocean. So he hurled the earth into the depths of the ocean. The
gods went to Vishnu and prayed that something might be done
about Hiranyaksha. They wished to be restored to heaven and they
wished that the earth might be brought back from the depths of
the ocean. In response to these prayers, Vishnu adopted the form
of a boar and entered the ocean. Who should he meet there but
Hiranyaksha himself? Hiranyaksha of course did not know that this
boar was none other than Vishnu. He thought that it was an
ordinary boar and attacked it. The two fought for many years.
But finally, Hiranyaksha was gored to death by the boar’s tusks.
The boar raised the earth up once again with its tusks. Vishnu
thus saved the gods and the principles of righteousness or dharma.


Narasimha Avathar
The Lords fourth incarnation was Nara-simham
This incarnation was demi-human- Half human and Half
animal(lion). Nara means human simham means lion.
There is an interesting story to explain how and why God
took this incarnation.
Once sage Doorwasa went to vishnu-lokha to worship Lord Vishnu.
But the guards at the gate - Jayan and Vijayan didn't allow the
saint inside to see the lord. The sage got very angry and cast a
curse that the two should leave the heavens and be born in the
earth as rakshasa- cruel and violent human beings and went away.
The two guards were very sad and worried. After thinking for a
long time they went inside and saw Lord Vishnu. They told him
about the curse cast by the sage Doorvasa. However even Lord
Vishnu could not reverse the curse. The guards should not have
stopped sage Doorvasa at the gate. Vishnu said You both should
not have stoped that sage and I can do nothing about the sage's
curse but I can give a new boon that is: you both can come back
to me as my enemy after 3 births or you can come back to me as
my devotee after 30 births. Take your choice. They said 'O lord
we don't want 30 births. Please we want to come back to you soon
in 3 births even though the three births would be as your
enemies'. Lord Vishnu agreed to this. So in that order their first
birth was as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasibu brothers. These
brothers were very cruel. Hiranyakasibu was the worst of the two.
Once he rolled the earth like a mat and went with it under the
sea. God got angry and incarnated as a boar. He dived into the
sea killed the devil and raised the world above the sea on his
snoot.
After his brothers death Hiranyaksibu became afraid for his life.
He wanted long life and power. One day he got the idea to go to
the forest and do penance to get more life and also ward off any
trouble with any animal or the Gods. So Hiranyaksha went to the
forest to do penance. After a severe and devoted penance for a
long time God appeared before him. He asked God for immortality.
But God said no. He said all men when born have to die some tim e
or the other and cannot live for ever. God said "ask something
else" Then Hiranyakasibu asked that he should not die either at
the hands of any human or killed by any animal - in the day or at
night. God gave him the boon asked for and disappeared.
Even though his wife was pregnant Hiranya-kasibu went to the
forest to do penance.In the meantime Indra thought "If
Hiranyakasibu gets the boon that he wants then we will all be in
deep trouble. Hence I should kidnap his wife and keep her in jail".
So when he returned after kidnaping Hiranyakasibu's wife Naradha
the sage came and stoped him. Naradha told Indra "you should not
do this kind of coward acts. Hiranya-kasibu is definitely going to
get the boon and nobody can stop him. leave the lady with me and
go to your 'lokha'. Indra left that lady with Sage Naradha and
went off. Naradha took that lady to his abode and told her good
moral stories.She would listen to him but sleep off. At that time
the Sage would start to tell the stories of God Vishnu and also
Prayers to God Narayana. The child in the womb of the lady
listened to all the stories about Narayana and also the prayers.
These got embedded firmly in the mind of the child-to-be born.
The child when born was named Prahalada and he grew up as an
ardent devotee of Lord narayana.
Hiranya-kasibu had ordered all his subjects and all around him to
pray to himself and not to any god.Hence was much annoyed by
the devotion of his son to lord Narayana whom to God Narayana
whom he considered as his enemy.
Prahalada was ill-treated and tortured to forget god Narayana but
could not get him to forget the Lord. Rakshasa Hiranya- kasibu
lost all his patience and one day in irritation asked prahalatha "Ok
my boy where is that god Narayana ? Can you show me"? "yes"
said Prahalada.He is everywhere and anywhere. The Rakshasa
asked his son " pointing to a pillar "is he in this pillar ?" "yes he is
in this pillar" said the son. Immediately the rakshasa took his huge
club and hit the pillar. The pillar broke in to two pieces and from
it appeared Narasimha neither a human nor an animal ie (half man
and half lion) and took the Rakshasa on his lap and killed him with
his claws. Thus came to end the evil called Hiranya-kasibu. God
took Narasimha avathar only to kill evil.
This was Lord's fifth incarnation to show people they should be
devoted to the God.


Vamana
Vamana was his fifth incarnation
Vamana means a Dwarf
There is an interesting story behind this avatharam.
Emperor Mahaballi ruled over the Pathala-loka. Instead of
being confined to his-loka he captured the other lokas and
was ruling over them. The Gods and others from other
lokas Implored to God to put Mahabali in his place.
Once Mahabali was performaing a big "yaga"( offering things in the
sacrificial fire) and at the end of the yaga was giving away gold
and other things in charity. Whoever went to the palace on that
day could ask whatever they wished and the king would certainly
oblige them.
God seized this opportunity and came to Mahabali's palace as a
dwarf-mendicant. The dwarf asked the King for just 3 footmeasure
of land for himself. The king was perplexed and wondering
why the dwarf was asking for only a 3 foot-measure of land when
he could ask for acres and acres of land.
However the king agred and asked the dwarf the measure the land
with his feet. ho! God assumed gigantic proportions his head
reaching up to the sky - the highest world above and his feet
down at Pathala-loka the lowest of the worlds below the earth.
God took one step and that covered all the worlds above the
second step covered all the worlds below and there was no place
left for his third foot measure. God asked king " Mahabali , I
have taken two steps and have covered all the lokas tell me where
to keep my foot for the third foot-measure."
Mahabali realising that the dwarf was no other than God himself
Bowed before the dwarf and said " Please my lord you may keep
your foot over my head as the third measure." Accordingly God put
his foot on Mahabali's head and pressed hard to push the King to
'Pathala'loka' and told him "O king! this is where you belong and
you should confine your self to this loka only." Mahabali realised
his folly and ruled long over Pathala-loka.
This is to show the people that they should live in their own places
and should not be so greedy to occupy the other lands.
This was the Lord's fourth incarnation - as a dwarf.


Parasurama
Parasurama was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu
Parasurama was the fourth son of sage Jamadhagni and
Vasugi. The sage was a highly learned person and used to
teach vedas and sasthras to a number of desciples. Those
days young princes and children of humble parents used to
stay together without any distinction with the master.
Parasurama was one of the disciples and was extremely obedient to
his father besides being a very diligent student. He learnt all the
sasthras taught by his father in earnestness.
Vasugi sage jamadhagni's wife was very devoted to her husband and
her children and looked after all the students with kindness and
great care. Everday she used to go to the river closed by very
early in the morning to bathe. After taking bath she would make an
earthern pot and fetch water for the family.
One day as she was making the pot a 'gandharva' ( celestial beings)
passed over-head in the sky. She saw the reflection of the
gandharva in the river water and was struck by the handsome
features just for a moment. That wavering of the mind was
considered being untrue to her husband. As a result that day
however much she tried she could not make the pot. It broke every
time she shaped it. Vasugi was unnerved by this and was afraid to
go home. Sage Jamadhagni sensed this through his mental powers
and became incensed that his wife admired the beauty of some one
other than her husband. Wanting to punish her he ordered
Parasurama to behead his mother. Being an obedient son he
immediately carried out his father's order.
However Parasurama was overcome with great grief and also felt
very angry towards his father. He developed a cruel nature though
he remained a sage all his life.


Sri Rama Avathar
Rama avathar is called Dharma Avathar.He not only
overcame 'adharma' (evil forces) but also taught mankind
how to lead a perfect life of truthfulness, kindness,
obeisance to parents etc.
Now we will go to the story.
In the north of the Ganga was the great kingdom called Kosala. Its
capital was Ayodhya. King Dasartha ruled over the Kingdom. The
people of Kosala were very happy contented and virtuous. The land
was protected by a mighty army and no enemy could come anywhere
near.
But the King Dhasartha was always very sad because he had no
children. King Dhasaradha wanted to perform asvamedha yaga in
which a Horse is sacrificed in the alter to beget a progeny and
consulted his religious teachers for their advice. They agreed that
performing asvamedha yaga would bless the king with a heir to his
throne. All arrangements were completed and the cermonies were set
in motion strictly as enjoined by the Shastras.
Out of the sacrificial fire came a goddess with a vessel of nectar
which King dasaratha gave to his queens.
In time Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and satrugun were born. The
king was over-joyed and brought them up with great care. They were
schooled in all arts, vedas and sasthras. They were so valorous that
when the boys were only about 16 years old sage Viswamithra came
to the king and complained that 'rakshasas' were obstructing the
sage from performing their yagas etc and requested the king to to
send Rama with him to kill the demons. Accordingly Rama set forth
with the sage and killed all the demons.
King Janaka 0f mithila kingdom was a very pious and righteous ruler.
He was long without and issue and prayed to Lord Vishnu for a child.
One day when the king was getting his land ploughed he found a
female child with a strong bow
At the time when Rama with Sage Viswamithra was in forests killing
all the demons the news came that King Janaka was conducting a
'swayam-vara'- ceremony to choose a bride-groom, for sita who was
by then grown up as an young maiden. The condition laid down by King
Janaka was who-ever broke the 'Shiva-dhanush' that was found
along with sita in the field that person would be chosen to marry
Sita.
Viswamithra took Rama and Lakshmana to the 'swayamvara' where
they were received with the respect due to the princes.
A number of princes tried their and in bending the bow but they
could not even lift it. However Rama effortlessly lifted the bow and
broke into two to the amazement of all present and the delight of
sita who was watching the proceedings from a balcony above the hall.
Rama married sita with great pomp and pageantry and went back to
Ayodhya with his bride and Lakshman and Viswamithra.
When it was time king Dasaratha wanted to crown Rama as the king
and retire to the forest to devote his time to penance renouncing all
pleasures of life. Called 'vana-prastha-asram this is considered the
last stage in a man's life.
Kaikeyi the third wife of dasaratha and a step-mother to Rama
however wanted her son Bharatha to be crowned the king
Long time earlier Kaikeyi saved the life of King dasaratha when his
chariot over turned. Pleased King Dasaratha Promised kaikeyi two
favours she would ask for. She however did not ask for anything at
that time but said that she would make her wish known at the
appropriate time later.
Now she invoked the promise that King dasaratha had made and
asked that Bharatha be crowned the King instead of Rama. Her
second wish was that Rama should be banished to the forest and live
there for 14 years as an ascetic before returning to the kingdom.
King dasaratha was distressed in the extreme as he had a soft
corner for Rama as his eldest son. But he was cornered.
When Rama heard about his step mother's wishes he voluntarily
steped down in favour of Bharatha and also agreed to go to the
forest for 14 years.King dasaratha was saved the unhappy task of
telling Rama to do these. But he was very sad at the thought of
Rama going to the forest and died broken hearted.
Rama was not shown the remains of his father but was hustled into
going to the forest. Lakshmana his brother and sita his wife insisted
on going with him and reluctantly Rama agreed. So the trio set forth
on their 'vana-vasam' (residence in the forest).
Bharatha the son of kaikeyi was however not happy to reign over the
kingdom as his mother wanted him to but went into the forest in
search of Rama to persuade him to return to ayodhya take the
crown.When Bharata did meet his brother Rama would not agree to
return to the kingdom but insisted that his step-mother's wishes
should be fulfilled. So Bharata took the pair of Rama's wooden
slippers with him to Ayodhya, kept those on the throne and ruled as
the Vice-roy of Rama.
Rama set up an 'ashram' in the forest and settled down there with
his brother and wife.One day Rama went for a hunt and left
Lakshmana behind as a guard for Sita.
The present day Srilanka was then ruled by the ten-headed demon
king Ravana. He was an ardent devotee of lord Shiva and had the
distinction of having sung the whole of 'Rig veda' in songs. He
attained great prowess doing penance to Lord shiva became powerdrunk
and mis-ruled over his kingdom leading a life of laxity.
Once Ravana's sister Soorpanagai was wandering around in the forest
and ran into Rama and Lakshmana and was struck by the handsome
features of the princes. She went up to Rama and spoke to him coyly
to entice him but Rama was so much devoted to Sita that he would
not countanence any other women in his life. He chasticed her and
drove her away. She next went to Lakshmana with similar intentions.
But Lakshmana did not like her obsene manners and to spite her he
cut off her nose with his sword. Soorpanaga vowed to take revenge
on both the brothers She ran to her brother Ravana and misrepresented
her encounter with Rama and Lakshmana. She also told
him about the rare beauty of Sita and kindled his desire to possess
Sita.
So he took the form of a deer and went near the ashram. Sita was
so struck by the beauty of the animal and wanted to keep it in the
ashram. She asked Rama to bring the deer to her. Rama went after
the animal which was running fast taking Rama away from the
ashram. At one point the deer gave out a cry "hey Lakshmana"
mimicrying the voice of Rama.
Sita was panic stricken and thought Rama was in deep trouble and
asked Lakshmana to immediately go and see what was wrong.
Lakshmana protested that his job was to guard Sita and nothing
would have happened to valorous Rama. On Sita's insistence
Lakshmana left the ashram to look for Rama. All the while Ravana
was watching and when Lakshmana was out of sight pounced upon Sita
and carried her away in his sky-chariot to Lanka as his kingdom was
called.
Rama was disconsolate when he returned and found sita missing. He
upbraided Lakshmana for leaving sita un-guarded. On regaining
composure they both set forth in search of sita. On their way they
saw the wounded jatayu the eagle who told them that he saw Ravana
the King of Lanka carrying away Sita south-ward. Jatayu was
wounded by Ravana when he tried to rescue sita.
So Rama and Lakshmana went south-ward towards Lanka in search of
Sita. On the way they met Hanuman who became most faithful and
devoted to Rama. Through Hanuman Rama got the following of
Sugriva and his army of monkeys. Sugriva and his brother Vali had
some family quarel and rama siding with Sugriva killed vali. This act
bound Sugriva to Rama.
Rama sent Hanuman to search for sita in the south-ward region and
scourging around Hanuman found sita in the asoka-vana in Lanka
disconsolate and sorrounded by evil-ladies. Hanuman met sita and
took from her a ring to show to rama that he had indeed found sita
and returned to Rama who was over-joyed that his sita was still
alive. Rama set forth with the army of monkeys to rescue sita.
Knowing the prowess of Ravana Rama prayed to lord for strength to
fight Ravana and his hordes. Shiva granted him the boon. Armed with
this Rama invaded Lanka. After an epic battle he vanquished Ravana
and his army and rescued Sita.
By this time the prescribed peiod of 'vana-vasa' was over. So Rama,
Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman the ever-faithful flew back to
Ayodhya in a 'pushpaka-wimana' (sky-chariot bedecked in flowers)
They were received by the people of Ayodhya with pomp and
pageantry. Rama was crowned the king of Kosala and commenced his
glorious rule.
This in short is the epic story of Rama the perfect.
Maha-vishnu took this incarnation to show to the world an example in
virtuous living. From another angle this marks the period when humans
evolved as a perfect being in the long process of evolution.


Balram Avathar
While all avathars are incarnations of Lord Vishnu it is
Adisesha the five hooded of snake on which Mahavishnu
reclines in his 'yoganidhra' that incarnates as Balarama.
Balarama was born to Vasudeva and his first wife Rohini. Thus he
becomes the elder brother of Lord Krishna.
There is not much significance in this avathar. From the
evolutionary angle this avathar marks the period when humans
started a settled way of life taking to agriculture- Balarama is
pictured as carrying a plough on his shoulders.
Being a contemporary of Krishna the spot light is more on Krishna
than on Balarama.


Sri Krishna Avathar
Sri Krishna avathar is compleately Divine.
In this avathar Lord Krishna gave Bhagavat Gita to mankind
- a compilation that is a religious classic with profound
phylosophical thoughts. Gita has taught many things to
mankind - to lead a life of love, affection,devotion,duty to
parents,duty to country etc.
God Sri Krishna says he liberates mankind from their sins when they
completely surrender to him and helps them attain perfection. He
also says in Gita "abandoning all rites and duties take refuge in me
alone. Do not grieve for I shall librate you from all sins.
Kamsa the king of Madhurapuri was a cruel ruler.He
imprisoned his father and took over the reign.
He got his sister Devaki whom he loved very much
married to Vasudeva and was bringing them home when
Yogamaya appeared in the sky and warned Kamsa that
the eighth child of Devaki born with the astrologoical star "Rohini"
would kill him.
Immediately kamsa was very restless and consulted his friend
Jarasanda and according to his advice imrpisoned both Devaki and
Vasudeva. When ever devaki gave birth to a child he would
immediately kill the baby. Devaki and Vasudeva were very sad and
prayed to God Vishnu. The God appeared before them and said "I
will be born as your 8th child and I will kill Kamsa Do not worry and
have peace of mind." So saying God disappeared.
Aside to the story of Krishna avathar: In the mean time Sri vishnu
ordered Aadhi-sesha his five-hooded snake to go into Devaki's
womb to be the seveth child. But He said this child would in time be
transfered to the womb of Rohini the first wife of Vasudeva and
would be born as Balarama - another avathar of the
God.
God again ordained that Yokamaya Shakthi would be born
as a girl child to Yasoda a lady in the yadava clan in
Gokulam at the same time when Sri vishnu would be born
as Lord Krishna to Devaki. When Devaki gave birth to
Lord Krishna God ordered Vasudeva to take the baby to
Gokulam leave it with Yasoda and bring the female child born to
Yasoda to the prison to be with Devaki.
By Gods will the jail gates unlocked by themselves, the guards fell
asleep to facilitate Vasudeva to take the child to Gakulam as
divinely ordained. Further the river Yamuna which was in spate
parted to open a path for vasudeva to pass with the child on his
head. It was raining also. By Gods instruction a five-hooded snake
opened its hood like an umbralla over the child to protect it from
the rain. He reached to gokulam and exchanged the children and he
came back to the jail with Yogamaya born as a female child. The
doors closed and locked itself automatically. All the gaurds woke up
from deep slumber.
As soon as he left the child with devaki Immediatly the child began
to cry. The guards immediately informed to Kamsa that a child was
born to Devaki. Kamsa immediately went to the jail and was
surprised and confused to find that the eighth child was a baby girl.
However he snached the baby and dashed it head against the jail
wall. The baby rose up and appeared as Devi Yokamaya and said "Ho
merciless king why are you trying to kill me ? The one to kill you is
already born and is growing up somewere. You cannot escape from
death." saying this Yogamaya disappeared.Kamsa was stunned and
went to his palace a worried person. He felt very restless.
In the mean time grand celebrations were going on in Gokulam over
the birth of Sri Krishna.
Kamsa heard about this and sent his men to Gokulam to find out how
many children were born with Rohini as their zodiac star. They went
to Gokulam and found that 25 such children were born and informed
Kamsa accordingly.They also told him that grand celebrations were
going on in one Nandan's house
Kamsa somehow felt very uncomfortable about the birth of Krishna
to Nandan and Yasoda and tried various means to kill the child but
did not succeed. In time Lord Krishna killed the cruel king.
Nandan sent young Krishna to a hermit for 'gurukula-vasam' for his
formal education. Krishna learnt all the sasthras and all the arts.
On finishing his education he shifted to Dwaraka from Madhura. He
distroyed all the evil forces and and established Dharma.
Krishna helped the 'Pancha-pandavas' the five brothers among whom
Arjuna was Krishna's very close friend.He helped them win the war
with 'Kowrawas' - the evil 100.During the war between the
'Kowravas" and the 'Pandavas' Lord Krishna gave the message of Sri
Bhagvat Gita to Arjuna and to the world.
The essance of Gita:
The Bhagavad-Gita describes to us how the aspirant to the heavens
avoids bodily excesses and indulgence and practices abstinence. He
goes to a quiet place, regulates his breathing focuses his mind on
one point and becomes harmonized with God and detaced from all
desire for the fruit of action. When one attains this unity of mind
he arrives at a perfect understanding with his fellow beings through
sympathy and love.
He is the supreme lord of spiritual experience who conveys
those moments of celestial glory when man gets beyond the
veil of the flesh and also indicates their true relation to
the problems of daily existence.
As a rule these qualities should be associated with Bhakti,
love, dovotion, mercy and tenderness,
Krishna's exhortation in Gita is enshrined in millions of hearts as
the words of God. It is acknowledged by all as one of the supreme
treasures of human literature. Its gospel of devotion to duty
without attachment or desire for reward, has shown the way of life
for all human rich or poor learned or ignorant - those who seek light
in the darkness of the problems of life.


Kalki bhagavan
(Avathar yet to come)
paritranaya saadunaam vinashayasa dushkrudham dharma
samsthaba narthaya sambavami yuge yuge
(meaning)
Whenever evil over-takes the good and the world is sinking with
sins at that time I will come to annihilate the evil and establish
righteousness.
quote by
Lord Sri Krishna from Bhagavat Geeta

Slokas for Kids 1

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http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhpg8z5f_8nrsf28ft&hl=en

Pdf format and Audio files
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Slokas for Kids

Om… Om… Om…

Shri Gurubhyo Namaha

Harihi Om.

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1. VINAYAGAR

1. Shuklam-bharadharam Vishnum shashivarnam chaturbhujam Prasanna vadanam dhyayet sarva vighnopa-shantaye

Meaning: We meditate on Lord Ganesha - who is clad in white (representing purity), who is all pervading (present everywhere), whose complexion is gray like that of ash (glowing with spiritual splendor), who has four arms, who has bright countenance (depicting inner calm and happiness) and who can destroy all obstacles (in our spiritual and worldly path).

2. Vakrathunda Mahaakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvignam Gurumaydeva Sarvakaryeshu Sarvada Meaning:
O Elephant headed large bodied Lord, radiant as a thousand Suns, I ask for your grace so that this task that I am starting may complete without any hindrances.

3. Gajaananam bhoodha ghanaathi sevithamkabhitha jamboo palasara pakshithamumaasutham sokha vinaasakaranamnamaami vigneswara paadha pankajam

Meaning:
He who has the face of an elephant, one who is worshipped by the Bhooda ganam, He who eats the essence of kabitha and Jumbu fruits, He who is the son of Uma Devi and He who alliuiates the ill fellings in us. O! Lord Vigneshwara who is an embodiment of all the above, we offer our Namaskarams at your Divine feet.

4. Mooshika vaahana modhaha hasthaChamara karna vilambitha suthraVamana rupa maheswara puthraVigna vinayaga deva Namaste

Meaning:
He who has the mouse as the vahana, He who always keeps Modhaham (a traditional sweet made from coconut jaggery and rice that is rolled into a ball) He who has ears that resemble a hand held fan. He who wears a chain-like ornament around his waist, He who is short statured, He who is the son of Lord Parameshwara. O! Lord Vinayaka who is all the above and he who always anulls all impediments, We worship you the Lord.

5. Agajaanana Padmaarkam Gajaananam Aharnisham
Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam Ekadantam Upaasmahey

Meaning:
I worship day and night that elephant faced Lord Ganesha who is like sun to the lotus face of Mother Parvati. Giver of many boons, the single tusked Ganesh, I salute Thee to give e a boon.

2. SARASWATHI

1. Sarasvatii namastubhyaM
varade kaamaruupiNi .
vidyaarambhaM karishhyaami siddhirbhavatu me sadaa .

Meaning:
O Goddess Saraswati, salutations to you, the giver of boons, the one who fulfills all desires. I begin my studies. May there always be accomplishments for me.

2. Yaa kundendu tushaarahaara dhavalaayaa shubhra vastraavritaayaa veenaa varadanda manditakaraayaa shveta padmaasanaayaa brahmaachyuta shankara prabhritibihidevaih sadaa pujitaa. saa maam pattu saravatee bhagavateenihshesha jaadyaapahaa.

Meaning:

Goddess Saraswati is all white like the kunda blossom, the moon, snow, and pearl. She is dressed in pure White. While two of Her hands play the veena, the two other hands are poised to give boons, and award punishments as needed. She is seated on a white lotus. She is ever worshipped by all the celestials including Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. May this Saraswati remove my obstacles and protect me.

3. GURU

1. Gurur brahmaa gurur vishnuhgurur devo maheshvarahgurur saakshaat parabrahmatasmai shree gurave namah.

Meaning:

Know the Guru to be Brahma himself. He is Vishnu. He is also Shiva. Know Him to be the Supreme Brahman, and offer thy adorations unto that peerless Guru.

2. Guravey sarva lokaanaam bishajey bhava rohinaam
Nidhaye sarva vidyanaam shree dakshinaa moorthaye namaha

Meaning:

Salutations to the Universal teacher, Shree Dakshinamoorthy, who is the repository of all knowledge and who cures the disease of Samsara.


3. Puujyaaya raaghavendraaya satya dharma rataaya cha
Bhajataam kalpa vrukshaaya namataaM kaama dhenave

Meaning:
Salutations to the respected Shri Raghavendra Swamy, who treads always in the path of truth and righteousness, who is like the divine wish-full-filling tree(kalpavruksha) for one who worships him, who is like the divine wish-full-filling cow(kamadhenu) for one who bows to him.

4. Manthas mita mukam bhojam, Mahaneya gunarnavam,

Mathura bhashinam santham, Sarva bhoota dhayaparam,
Bhakta vatsalya jalathim, paramananda vigraham,
Gnananandam prapannosmi nirmala gnana sidhaye.





5. Gnananandam priyam sishyam radha krishna stavapriyam
namamridha prathatharam haridasa sathgurum bhaje.





4. MURUGAN

1. ARIRU THADANTHOZH VAZHGA

ARUMUGAM VAZHGA

VEPPAIKOORU SEI THANIVEL VAZHGA

KUKKUDUM VAZHGA

SEVVELYERIYA MAGNAI VAZHGA

AANAI THUN ANANGU VAZHGA

MAARILA VALLI VAZHGA

VAZHGA SEER ADIYAR YELLAM

Meaning:

O Lord Muruga, We salute your 12 strong shoulders that protect us from our enemies, we salute your six faces, we salute your powerful weapon - the sacred VEL - which tore the mountain KROUNJA to bring out the asura who took refuge inside it, we also salute the sacred bird - cock - that decorates your symbol in the flag, we salute the peacock on which you go around the world , we salute your consort Devyani who was brought up by the white elephant Airavadam, we salute blemishless Valli, your other consort and last but not the least we salute all your bakthas who worship you, as a respectful prayer.

2. Uruvai aruvai uladhai iladhai

maruvai malarai maniyai oliyai

karuvai uyirai gadhiyai vidhiyai

guruvai varuvai arulvai guhaney

Meaning:

O! Lord Muruga you are the one with the form, you are also one without a form. You are the one who has it all, and you are the one who does not have it all, you are present in the smallest, in the flower, in the ring of the bell, and in the Light. You are the embryo, you are the life, you are the destiny, and you are the fate. Please come upon us as our Guru and bestow your blessings.

3. Shadaananam Kunkuma Rakthavarnam
Mahamathim Divya Mayoora Vaahanam
Rudrasya Soonum Sura Sainya Naatham
Guham Sadhaham Charanam Prapadye

Meaning:
I always take refuge in Lord Guha, who is six faced, who's body is colored as kunkuma, Who has a great intelect, who has the divine peacock as his vehicle, who is the son of Lord Shiva and who is the leader of the army of the Devas.

5. SIVAN

1. Aum Trayambakam YajaamaheySugandhim Pusti VardhanamUrvaarukamiva BandhanaathMrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat

Meaning:
We worship the three eyed One (Lord Shiva) who is fragrant and who nourishes all beings; may He liberate me from death, for the sake of immortality, even as cucumber is severed from its bondage of the vine.

2. Brahma Muraari Suraarchita Lingam

Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam

Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka Lingam

Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam

Meaning:
I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga, which is adored by Brahma, Vishnu and other Gods, which is praised by pure and holy speeches and which destroys the cycle of births and deaths.

6. AMBAL

1. Matha Maragatha Shyama Mathangi Madha Shalini
Kuryath Kataksham Kalayani Kathamba Vanavasini
Jaya Mathanga Thanaye Jaya Neeloth Balathuthey
Jaya Sangeetha Rasikey Jaya Leela Shugapriye

Meaning:
O! Mother Mathangi who shines like the emerald gem, O! Auspicious one who reside in the Kadamba forest, Please cast thy compassionate looks on me. Hail to the daughter of Sage Mathanga !. Hail to thee who radiate like a blue lotus!. Hail to thee who enjoys music!. Hail to thee with a pet a Parrot.

2. Annapoorney Sadhapoorney Shankara Praana Vallabhey
Gnaana Vairagya Sidhyartham Bikshandehicha Paarvati

Meaning:
Oh!Lordess Annapurani,You are always a wholesome entity;you are the most intimate consort of the Lord of Good Deeds(i.e.Lord Shiva). I seek your grace to attain wisdom and determination to voluntarily abstain from satiating worldly desires.

3. Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvaartha Sadhikey Sharanye Trayambakey Gowri Narayani Namostutey

Meaning:

I salute the three-eyed Divine Mother Narayani, who brings auspiciousness and who fulfils all the desires of the devotee (both spiritual and material).

7. VISHNU

1. Shaantaakaaram bhujagashayanampadmanaabham sureshamvishvaadhaaram gaganasadrishammeghavarnam shubhaangamlakshmeekaantam kamalanayanamyogihriddhyaanagamyamvande vishnum bhavabhayaharamsarvalokaikanaatham.

Meaning:
I bow down before Vishnu, the Lord of all worlds and the remover of all causes of fear. He is of blissful form. he lies on a serpent bed. He sports a lotus on His navel. The Lord of the celestials. He supports the whole cosmos.His limbs are exquisite and His complexion is blue like that of the sky and the rain cloud. The consort of Lakshmi. He has eyes rivalling the lotus. The yogis meditate on Him in their innermost heart.

2. Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam
Devaki Paramanandham Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum.

Meaning:

I bow to you O Krishna, the Supreme Guru, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, the remover of Kamsa and Chanur

3. Gnaana nanda mayam devam nirmala spatikakrithim
Aadhaaram sarva vidhyaa naam hayagrivam upaasmahey

Meaning:
We meditate upon Lord Hayagriva, who is the personification of knowldge and bliss, whose form is like a flawless crystal and who is the basis of all branches of learning

4. Raamaaya ramabadraaya ramachandraaya vaydasey
Raghunaadaaya naadaaya seethaaya pathaye namo namah

Meaning:
My salutations to Bhagawan Sri Rama, the protector of all, one who knows all, the descendant of the Raghu dynasty, the husband of Sita and the Bhagawan of the entire universe.

8. MAHALAKSHMI

1. Vande padmakaram prasanna vadanam soubhagyadam bhagyadam

Hasthabyam abyapradam maniganair nanavidhair bhooshitham

Bakthashbishta palapradham hari hara brahmadibihi sevitham

Parsve pangaja sanga padma nidhibir yuktham satha shakthibihi

2. Sarasija nayane saroja haste dhavalatharam suka gandhamalya shobe

bhagavathi hari vallabe manogye thribhuvanakari bhoothikari praseeda mahyam.

9. AYYAPPAN

1. Bhoothanatha, sadananda, Sarva bhootha daya para,
Raksha raksha maha baho, Sasthre thubham namo nama.

Meaning:
Salutations and salutations to that Sastha, Who is the lord of all beings, Who is perennially ever happy, Who shows mercy towards all beings, And I pray, Protect me great hero

2. Mattha mathanga gamanam karunyamrutha pooritham
Sarva vigna haram devam sastharam pranamamyaham

Meaning:
I salute Lord Ayyapa, destroyer of obstacles, who has a gait of an elephant and who is full of compassion

10. HANUMAN

1. Anjaneya Madhi Paatalaananam ; Kanjanaadri Kamaneeya Vigraham;
Paarijatha Tharu Moola Vaasinam; Bhaavayami Bhava mana Nandanam

Meaning:
I bow before the darling son of the god of wind, Who is the son of Anjana, Who is great among killers of ogres, Who is like a golden mountain, Who is handsome looking, And who lives near the roots of Parijatha tree

2. Anjana nandanam veeram janaki soka naasanam,
Kapeesa maksha hantharam , vandhe lanka bhayankaram

Meaning:
Salutations to the terror of Lanka, Who is heroic the son of Anjana, Who brought to an end all sorrows of Sita, Who is the king of Monkeys, and Who killed Aksha, the son of Ravana

3. Mano javam , maruda thulya vegam,
Jithendriyam buddhi matham varishtam,
Vatha atmajam vanara yudha mukhyam,
Sree rama dootham sirasa namami

Meaning:
I bow my head and salute the emissary of Rama, Who has won over his mind, Who has similar speed as wind, Who has mastery over his organs, Who is the greatest among knowledgeable, Who is the son of God of wind, And who is the chief in the army of monkeys.

11. SHANTHI SLOKAS

1. Asato maa sat gamaya
tamaso maa jyotir gamaya
mrityor maa amritam gamaya
om shanthi shanthi shanthi hari om

Meaning:
Om, Lead me from unreal to Real, from darkness to Light, from mortality to Immortality

2. Om Saha Naavavatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu Saha Viryam Karavaavahai Tejasvina Avadhita Mastu Maa Vidvishaavahai Om Shanthis, Shanthis, Shanthihi !

Meaning:
Om. May that protect us both, teacher and pupil. May that cause both to enjoy the bliss of liberation. May we both exert to find out the true meaning of the scriptures. May our learning be brilliant. May we never quarrel with each other. Om. Peace, peace, peace.

12. Slokas for Daily Activities

1. Wake up
Karaagre vasathe Lakshmi
Karamadhye Saraswathi
Karamoolethu Govinda
Prabhathey Karadarshanam.

Meaning:
The front part of the hands (the finger tips) are ascribed to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, the middle part (the palm proper) to Goddess Saraswati - the Goddess of learning and the root (the part of hand near the wrist) to Govinda (God). Therefore, every morning, one should have a respectful look at one's hand which symbolizes honest labor.

2. Bath Time
Gangeycha Yamunechaiva
Godavari Saraswathi
Narmade Sindhu Kaveri,
Jalesmin Sannithim Kuru

Meaning:
In this water, I invoke the presence of holy waters from rivers ganga, yamuna, sindhu, godhavari, narmada and kaveri.

3. Food Time
brahmaarpaNaM brahma haviH
brahmaagnau brahmaNaa hutam.h .brahmaiva tena gantavyaM
brahmakarmasamaadhinaa.

Meaning:
A process of offering is Brahman, the oblation is Brahman, the instrument of offering is Brahman, the fire to which the offering is made is also Brahman. For such a one who abides in Brahman, by him alone Brahman is reached.

4. Bed Time
Ramaskandam Hanumantam Vainnadeyam Rikodaram Sayaneya Smarenityam Dursoppanam Tasya nasyati.

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Kayena vacha manasendriyairva

Budhyath manovat Prakrithe swabhavat
Karomi yat yat sakalam parasmai
Shriman Narayano yathi samarpayami.

Harihi om.

Shri Gurubyonamaha

Harihi Om.

Gnananandam, Gnananandam, Gnananandam.

Radhe Krishna.....