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Dhairya lakshmi / Veera lakshmi – Ashta Lakshmi

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Ritu

In Hindu religion and mythology, Goddess Lakshmi has great importance. She has eight forms and called Ashta Lakshmi. Lakshmi,the hindu goddess of beauty, wealth and fertility has eight iconic manifestations. Know about Dhairya Lakshmi here which symbolizes perseverance and courage.

Dhairya or Veera Lakshmi

Dhairya means Courage and perseverance. This form of mother Lakshmi grants the boon of infinite courage and strength. She is Bestower of valour in battles and courage and strength for overcoming difficulties in life. If one has infinite inner courage , he is bound to be victorious.

Dhairya Lakshmi – perseverance or courage

In this form, Mother is Eight-armed carrying chakra, shankh, bow, arrow, trishul (or sword), gold bar or book , other two hands depicting abhaya mudra and varada mudra, she wears red sari. She symbolizes the brave aspect of a human being, which is sometimes required for success.

Ashta Lakshmi

There are eight forms of goddess, which symbolizes various aspects of human behaviour and fortune. Remembering them removes all obstacles from ones path and guides a human being towards well being. These forms are:

1. Aadi – (The Primeval Goddess) or Maha Lakshmi (The Great Goddess)
2. Dhana or Aishwarya (The Goddess of Prosperity and Wealth)
3. Dhaanya (Goddess of Food grains)
4. Gaja (The Elephant Goddess)
5. Santana (The Goddess of Progeny)
6. Veera/ Dhairya (The Goddess of Valor and Courage)
7. Vidya(The Goddess of Knowledge)
8. Vijaya/ Jaya (The Goddess of Victory)

Gaja Lakshmi – A form of Ashta Lakshmi

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Ritu

Gaja Lakshmi

Gaja Lakshmi or Elephant Lakshmi is the giver of power and royal splendor. It is believed that Gaja-Lakshmi helped Lord Indra regain his lost wealth from the depth of the ocean. She is the bestower and protector of wealth, prosperity, grace, abundance and royalty. She emerged during churning of ocean along with elephants. Elephants sprayed water on her like the ritual of consecration or ‘abhishek’. This act depicted the divine acknowledgement of Lakshmi’s powers and capacity to make the world rich and vibrant.

Gaja Lakshmi – The provider of wealth and prosperity

In this form Mother is depicted seated on a lotus, flanked on both side by an elephant (gaja). She is shown as seated in padmasanayogic posture, and has four arms. In each of her upper pair of arms, she carries a lotus, and the lower hands are generally shown in abhay and varada mudra.

Importance of Gaja Lakshmi

Lakshmi’s association with elephants symbolize her royal or sovereign powers. Elephants are liked by Goddess Lakshmi since they have a royal, graceful presence and immense strength. They do not harbor enmity with other animals in the jungle and always have access to abundant food. Their sheer size keeps any potential enemies at bay. They walk with pomp,grandeur, and are naturally beautiful.

The King of Gods ‘Indra’ rides his royal and divine elephant ‘Airavata’. Indra is also the rain bearing God and his elephant symbolizes the rain bearing clouds. Together they nourish the crops on earth and depict fertility. Elephants are therefore, associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of beauty and fertility.

Gaja Lakshmi prayer song

Jaya, Jaya, Dhurgathi, Naashini, Kaamini Sarva Phalapradha, Shaastramaye, Rathagajathuraga Padhaathi Samaavrutha Parijanamanditha Lokamathe, Hariharabhrahma Supoojitha Sevitha Thaapanivaarini, Paadhayute, Jaya Jaya He, Madhusoodhana Kaamini Shri Gajalakshmi, Paalayamaam ||

Ashta Lakshmi

Vijaya lakshmi – A form of Ashta Lakshmi

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Ritu

Vijaya lakshmi

Vijaya means victory. This form of goddess is provider of victory, not only in battles but also in conquering hurdles in our daily life to beget success. She is also known as ‘Jaya’ Lakshmi, she is shown as having eight arms sitting on a lotus wearing a red sari, and carrying a a discus, a conch, a sword, a shield, a noose, and a lotus, other two hands being in abhaya and varada mudra.

Vijaya Lakshmi – Who makes us victorious

Vijaya Lakshmi Prayer Song

Jaya, Kamalaasani, Sadhguthi Dhaayini

Jnaanavikaasini, Gaanamaye, Anudhina

Marchitha Kunkuma Dhoosara Bhooshitha

Vaasitha, Vadhyanuthe,

Kanakadhaaraasthuthi Vaibhava Vandhitha

Shankara Dheshika Maanyapadhe,

Jaya Jaya He, Madhusoodhana Kaamini

Vijayalakshmi, Paalayamaam ||

Ashta Lakshmi

Dhanya Lakshmi : Eight forms of Lakshmi (Ashta lakshmi)

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Ritu

In Hindu religion and mythology, Goddess Lakshmi has great importance. She has eight forms and called Ashta Lakshmi. Details about Dhanya Lakshmi is here.

Dhanya Lakshmi

As Goddess Lakshmi has eight forms to preside over eight types of wealth. Dhanya Lakshmi is an important aspect of this wealth. It is said that, in this form, She helped Pandavas when they were in exile. Draupadi had akshaypatra and it is said that this was possible by the blessings of Goddess.

She is Goddess of Grains and provider of agricultural wealth. She is the one who eliminates hunger. Mother ensures that there is enough food for not only the members but also for the visitors just like Annapurna.

Ashta Lakshmi – Dhanya Lakshmi

She is worshiped as Goddess of the harvest and the Devi blesses with abundance and success in harvest. This symbolizes the inner harvest, that, with patience and persistence, we obtain the abundance of inner joy we obtain the blessing of Dhaanya Lakshmi.

In this form, the Mother has Eight-armes,in which she carries two lotuses, gadaa (mace), paddy crop, sugarcane bananas, other two hands depicting abhaya mudra and varada mudra.she is always shown wearing green sari.

Ashta Lakshmi

Dhana Lakshmi or Aishwarya Lakshmi – Ashta Lakshmi

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Ritu

In Hindu religion and mythology, Goddess Lakshmi has great importance. She has eight forms and called Ashta Lakshmi. Lakshmi,the hindu goddess of beauty, wealth and fertility has eight iconic manifestations. Know about Dhana Lakshmi here who symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

Dhana Lakshmi

This form of the goddess is one who showers wealth. In this form the Mother is six-armed, in red garments, carries chakra (discus), shankha (conch),kalasha (water pitcher with mango leaves and a coconut on it) or Amrita kumbha (a pitcher containing Amrita – elixir of life), bow-arrow, and a lotus and one hand depicting abhaya mudra with gold coins falling from it.

Dhana is wealth. But as per Rigved’s Purush Sukta, Dhana is not only a wealth in coins and currency, Wealth comes in many forms: Nature, Love, Peace, Health, Prosperity, Luck, Virtues, Family, Food, Land, Water, Will Power, Intellect, and Character etc. With the grace of mother Dhana Lakshmi we will get all these in abundance.

Dhana Lakshmi _ The provider of wealth and prosperity

Ashta Lakshmi

Seven Unknown facts about religious rituals

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Ritu

Unknown, untold facts about religious rituals

There are many things which we do without questioning, why? Because we have seen others doing it. This becomes a practice or rather a rule. Probably, we are scared that if these things are not performed as it is always done we may face something wrong or we do not care at all. Every little act though done as a practice has a special significance and it has a purpose, although we are unaware of this. Here, I would like to share about the significance of few rituals which are practiced on daily basis without knowing its importance.

1. What is the significance in blowing the conch shell ?

Conch shell is often blown during puja, aarti or in mandir. This is done basically to drown all other disturbances and thought and to elevate the mind to a prayerful mood. In ancient times it was blown before a battle field began or to proclaim victory in war. Lord Vishnu always holds conch in one of his four hands, symbolizing dharma or righteousness.

2. Why mala (garland of beads) is used for chanting Gods name ?

We often use mala to do japa. Mala is generally made of tulsi, rudraksha, and bilva. A mala has 108 beads with a large bead called sumeru at its centre. Mala is placed on the second finger of the right hand and beads are turned in clockwise direction with the thumb. While chanting one should not cross the sumeru but reverse the direction to resume chanting.

Mala is used to allow one to focus one’s thought on God. The Practice of chanting God’s name is Sadhna which calms and purifies the mind from agitation and worldly thoughts.

3. Why holy ash is applied on forehead ?

Holy ash or bhasma is the ash of wood , ghee, grains and herbs offered in Yajna(sacred fire). It is applied on forehead as a round mark (chandraka) or tripundra (three horizontal lines) and some rub it all over their body. This is done to purify the body and protect from ill health. It is believed that this helps to destroy evil,consolidate one’s spirit of renunciation,and inspire mental awareness of God.

4. why is Kalash worshipped in puja rituals?

Kalash is considered auspicious. It is generally a brass, bronze or copper pot filled with water some mango leaves or aam pallava (leaves of Mango tree) are placed in the pot then a coconut is placed on the top. A red and white thread is tied on the neck.

Such kalash is placed on all important occasions before the image of God. During Churning of Ocean Lord Dhanvantaritw appeared with a kalash of amruta. The Kalash symbolizes immortality and divinity.

Also, through chanting of mantras the water of all holy rivers , the knowledge of all vedas and the blessings of all deities are invoked in kalash, and thereafter the holy water is used for performing rituals and sprinkling upon devotees.

5. Why is bell rung in mandir (temples) and also during worship rituals ?

Ringing a bell produces an auspicious sound. By doing so before darshan of a deity, it makes the mind and heart auspicious and holy. Also, during aarti the bell, drum and conch are sounded to drown other worldly disturbances, calm one’s thought and to facilitate one’s senses and mind to focus on God.

6. Why we offer food to deity before eating ?

God is supreme, the creator and sustain-er of all life. Whichever seed we sow, cultivate and finally harvest are because of his blessing and grace. So, out of gratitude and devotion to God’s we offer a vegetarian meal to him twice daily, once in the morning and then another in the evening. After the food is graced by him it becomes prasada. The prasada when eaten with gratitude purifies the mind and senses.

7. After saying a prayer, why is shanti chanted thrice ?

Shanti means peace. Generally after saying prayer one says Om Shantihi, Shantihi,Shantihi. Shanti is said thrice to express an intense desire for peace and to be liberated from misery and obstacles.

The devotee pray to God to free from such problems or obstacles in their daily work or special task. The word Shanti is chanted thrice, The first addresses the unseen forces of devas, the second Shantihi is chanted softer and derected towards man and the surrounding circumstances. The final Shantihi is chanted the most softly as it is addressed directly to one’s own mind.

Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga – Lord Shiva’s temple

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Ritu

The Jyotirlinga of Mallikarjun : Lord Shiva Temple at Srisailam

Mallikarjun at Srisailam is one among the twelve Jyotirlinga, situated at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. Mallikarjuna is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva that is architecturally and sculpturally rich.

Srisailam Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna swamy temple

Story behind Mallikarjun Temple

Once, Shiva and Parvati decided to find suitable brides for their sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. They argued as to who is to get wedded first. Lord Shiva said that the one who goes round the world in Pradakshinam could get married first. By the time Lord Kartikeya could go round the world on his vahana peacock, Lord Ganesha went round his parents 7 times. Lord Siva got Buddhi(intellect), Siddhi (spiritual power), and Riddhi (prosperity) married to Lord Ganesha. Lord Kartikeya on his return was enraged and went away to stay alone on Mount Krouncha in the name of Kumarabrahmachari.

Lord Shiva and Kartikeya

On seeing his father coming over to pacify him, he tried to move to another place, but on the request of the Devas, stayed close by. The place where Lord Shiva and Parvati stayed came to be known as Shrisailam. Lord Shiva visits Lord Kartikeya on Amavasya day & Parvati Devi on Poornima.

Another story

Once, a princess named Chandravati decided to go to the Jungles to do penance and meditation. She chose Kadali Vana for this purpose. One day, she witnessed a miracle. A Kapila cow was standing under a Bilwa tree and milk was flowing from all of its four udders, sinking into the ground. The cow kept doing this as a routine chore everyday. Chandravati dug up that area and was dumb founded at what she saw. There was a self-raising Swyambhu SivaLinga. It was bright and shining like the sun rays, and looked like it was burning, throwing flames in all directions. Chandravati prayed to Siva in this JyotirLinga. She built a huge Shiva Temple there. Lord Shankara was very pleased with her. Chandravati went to Kailash wind borne. She received salvation and Mukti. On one of the stone-inscriptions of the temple, Chandravati’s story can be seen carved out.

Mallikarjun as a Shakti peeth

Srisailam or Mallikarjun is one among the Maha shakti peeth. It is believed that Sati Devi’s upper lip has fallen here. It is a place where Shakti peetha and Jyotirlinga are together.

Visiting this JyotirLinga not only blesses one with innumerable wealth, but also name and fame and fulfils all the desires. Mahashivratri is the main festival celebrated at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy temple.

Jyotirlinga : Somnath ( Temple of Lord Shiva )

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Ritu

Somnath : Foremost of the twelve Jyotirlinga

First among the twelve jyotirlinga, located at Prabhas Patan in Saurashtra – Gujrat. Somnath means, ‘The protector of Moon God’. Somnath temple was destroyed many times by Islamic kings and rulers and recently was rebuilt in November 1947, by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patael.

Somnath Mandir at Night

Legend :

According to Skanda Puran, Moon God (Chandra) was married to 27 (stars) of Daksha. Moon was more affectionate to his wife Rohini, and didn’t show any interest in rest of his wives. This arouse anger and feeling of insult among them. Dissappointed with the behaviour for their husband one they went to their father Daksha and complained his about Moon. Daksha was very sad to see his daughter’s suffering so he decided to convince Moon but all in vain. Out of anger he cursed Moon that he would be decreasing in size.

Somnath Temple

Devas were very sad at Chandra’s plight, and went to Brahama for help. Lord Brahma, the Creator advised them to pray to Lord Shiva. Chandra went for a penance for six months after which Lord Shiva appeared and granted him a boon.

Lord Shiva said, that in every month for 15 days he would grow in size and in another 15 days, he would be loosing 1 kala per day and decrease in size. That is why this place is also known as Somnath, Protector of Moon ( Moon is also known as Som). Lord Shiva is known as Someshwar. Devas have established a Someshwar kund and it is believed that taking a holy dip in kund, a person is relieved from all sins.

Chandra or Moon looks bright here hence, this place is also known as Prabhashpattana.

Chandra was first one to receive benefit so he built the temple in gold. Later, it was rebuilt by Ravana, in silver; then by Krishna in wood and by Bhimdev in stone.

Somnath temple was subjected to series of attacks, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times. In 725, an Arab governor of Sindh, Junayad, destroyed the temple, in 815 it was reconstructed in red sand stone. In 1024, Muslim invader, Ghazini again destroyed the temple and looted the treasure. Once again n 1292, temple was destroyed by Allaudin Khilji’s army.

Somnath_temple_in_1869

In 1701, temple was totally destroyed, plundered and looted in a horrible way, many people were killed and lots of money were stolen.

In 1783, the temple was rebuilt at a site adjacent to the ruined temple by Sadhvi Alalya Devi, Holar.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, renovated the temple on the advice of Kakasaheb Gadgil of Maharashtra. Jyotirlinga was reinstated on friday 1951 by Dr. Rajendra prasad(President).

Inspite of destruction, the faith of devotees was never destroyed, and Somnath revived its grandeur.

The story of Goddess Lakshmi

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Ritu

The story of Goddess Lakshmi

Lakshmi, The Hindu Goddess is Goddess of wealth, beauty and fertility. Her four hands represents the four goal of human life , dharma, kama, artha and moksha. She is also called Sri or Thirumagal because she is endowed with six auspicious and divine qualities and also because she is source of strength even to Vishnu.

She is consort of Lord Vishnu. When Vishnu incarnated on earth as Ram and Krishna, she also took incarnation as Sita, Radha, Rukmini and Satyabhama.

Like Goddess Durga’s nine manifestations, She too has eight iconic manifestations. The eight fold form of goddess is known as Ashta Lakshmi. It is believed that these eight fold forms fulfill human necessities and desire through their individual nature and manifestations.

Eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi

The eight forms of Lakshmi or Ashta lakshmi comprises of :

1. Aadi Lakshmi is ancient form of Goddess.

2. Dhana Lakshmi provider of money and gold.

3.. Dhanya lakshmi provider of agricultural wealth.

4. Gaja Lakshmi provider of animal wealth like cattle and elephant.

5. Santana Lakshmi bestower of offsprings.

6. Veer Lakshmi bestower of valor in battles and courage and strength for overcoming difficulties in life.

7. Vidya Lakshmi the bestower of knowledge of arts and sciences.

8. Vijaya Lakshmi bestower of victory, not only in battles but also in conquering hurdles in order to beget success.

Legends

Gods (sura) and demons (asura) were mortal at one time. Amrit, the divine nectar that grant immortality can be obtained by churning the kshirsagar (ocean of milk). The churning commenced with devas on one side and asura on the other side. Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, the tortoise, and a mountain was placed on the turtle as a churning pole. Vasuki, king of serpent was wrapped around the mountain to churn the ocean. According to Vishnu puran, Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean bearing lotus along with divine cow Kamdhenu, Varuni, the tree Parijat, the Apsaras, the Chandra and Dhanvantari with Amrita. When she appeared she was given the option to go to devas or asura , she chose devas side and among all the deities she chose to be with Lord Vishnu.

According to Garuda purana, Linga purana and Padma purana, she is considered to be daughter of sage Bhrigu and his wife Khayati, and was named Bhargavi.

Celebrations

Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Diwali, the festival of light. This festival is considered as most important and joyous festival of the year. Sharad purnima is another occasion when Lakshmi is worshiped in Bengal and Odisha.

In Japan :

Goddess kishijoten, of Japan,is Goddess of beauty, fortune and prosperity, corresponds to Goddess Lakshmi.

In Tibet and Nepal:

Goddess Vasudha is closely analogous to Goddess Lakshmi.

The pronunciation is Lux-me like luxury not lacks-me, like something lacking. Though often depicted standing on lotus, pictures of Lakshmi, kept on altars depict her seated comfortably because you want her to stay for a while.

Recommended Reading:

Seven unknown facts about Karna

Unknown fact about Draupadi – Why she had five husbands

When incarnation of Lord Vishnu could not defeat his bhakta

Seven unknown facts of Lord Rama

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Ritu

Seven unknown and untold facts about Lord Rama

Happy new year 2015. Freeflow presents seven facts about Lord Rama to you to start your year. Have a great time ahead.

Lord Rama is one of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. His incarnation was to end the life of Ravana, who had a boon which made him invincible. This incarnation of Lord Vishnu was in human form as Ravana did not have immunity against humans and monkeys and Lord Hanumana suitably assisted Lord Rama.

1. According to some belief, Rama Avatar is not considered to be a purna avatar. His incarnation was having 14 kalas and only Shri Krishna avatar has all 16 kalas. This was done on purpose because Ravana had a boon and he was not immune against humans. If Rama avatar had been the purna avatar, he would not have classified as a human. He is also called as Purna Purusha. The two missing kalas were Paripurna & Swarupavasthitha. This explains why he had to take help from monkeys and he cried as a normal human when Sita was abducted.

2. Rama acknowledged the wisdom of Ravana. While Ravana was dying, Lord Ram asked Laxmana to go up to him to learn all that Ravan had to offer. At his behest, Ravana rendered a discourse in politics and dharma to Laxmana.

3. According to Vishnu Sahasranama, a list of thousand names of Lord Vishnu, Rama is the 394th name of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Rama with his brothers, Sita and Hanumana

4. This is really an eye opener. Lord Rama also had an elder sister, Shanta, daughter of Dasharatha and Kaushalya.

5. Ayodhya was ruled by Lord Rama for eleven thousand years. This golden period was adjudged as Ram Rajya.

6. Rama intended to use Brahma astra a couple of times. Once, on Jayanta and second time on Sagara, the god of sea.

7. He always admired his bhaktas. Once during the building of bridge to Lanka, Lord Hanumana was hefting huge mountain tops into the sea to build the bridge to Lanka. He noticed a tiny spider brushing small particles of dust into the water with its legs to assist Lord Rama. He was about to brush the spider out of the way of his own serious work, when Ramachandra admonished him, saying, “Give up your pride! This spider’s devotional service is just as satisfying to me as yours. You are serving me according to your capacity, and he is serving me according to his capacity.”

Dhairya or Veera Lakshmi

Ashta Lakshmi

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Gaja Lakshmi

Importance of Gaja Lakshmi

Gaja Lakshmi prayer song

Ashta Lakshmi

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Vijaya lakshmi

Vijaya Lakshmi Prayer Song

Ashta Lakshmi

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Dhanya Lakshmi

Ashta Lakshmi

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Dhana Lakshmi

Ashta Lakshmi

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Unknown, untold facts about religious rituals

1. What is the significance in blowing the conch shell ?

2. Why mala (garland of beads) is used for chanting Gods name ?

3. Why holy ash is applied on forehead ?

4. why is Kalash worshipped in puja rituals?

5. Why is bell rung in mandir (temples) and also during worship rituals ?

6. Why we offer food to deity before eating ?

7. After saying a prayer, why is shanti chanted thrice ?

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The Jyotirlinga of Mallikarjun : Lord Shiva Temple at Srisailam

Story behind Mallikarjun Temple

Another story

Mallikarjun as a Shakti peeth

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Somnath : Foremost of the twelve Jyotirlinga

Legend :

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The story of Goddess Lakshmi

Eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi

Legends

Celebrations

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Seven unknown and untold facts about Lord Rama

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