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GANESH POOJA |
GANESH PUJA(Back To School Celebration For All Children) on Saturday, September 22, 200711:30 AM Swami Dheerananda of Chinmaya Mission will bless participating children Prasadam will be served after the Puja. All are welcome, but children are special guests.
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“Find God, That is the only purpose of life” -- Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
PROGRAM Masters of Ceremony Veda & Keertana Ganesh Puja Dialogue 2007 Veda: Good Morning! My name is Aneesh. Yay! Good job ! Now everyone can go munch and be happy! But before we actually present this, remember a few things: JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ
Steps of the Puja When we do puja we are treating God as a guest coming to our house. Whenever we invite guests, there are several things we do to make them feel welcome and at home. First, we think of our guest before inviting. This is called Dhyanam. Then we invite our guest. That’s called Avahanam. Then once he comes, we offer him a seat: Asanam. Once seated, we offer something to drink, give good food to eat. We do the same thing to God when we do puja. In fact there are sixteen different services we offer to the Lord to make Him feel welcome. This is called Shodashopachara Puja. That is what we will do for Ganesha today. While we perform this outer ritual, it is important for us to concentrate on the inner ritual as well. We are in fact inviting Ganesha into our most important home, our heart. Ganesha being a very important guest, we should keep our hearts clean and pure from evil thoughts, and focus our concentration on this puja. Also, just like we pay our attention when an important guest comes to our house, we have to fully concentrate on the Puja, and so during the Puja there must be complete silence and concentration on the puja. We request all people in the audience to participate in the puja mentally, that is perform Manasika Puja with us and observe complete silence. GANESH SLOKAS
AGAJAANANA PADMAARSamyukthaAM
GANESHA SMARANAM PARAMA PAAVANAM VIDHYAA DAAYAKA BUAnushaI PRADAAYAKA
MEANING of GANESHA PANCHARATNAMALA I pray to Lord Vinaayaka who holds modaka in His hand, who gives salvation, who wears the moon as a crown in His head and is the Lord of the Ganas. Om Sree Gurubhyo Namaha SRShikha MAHA GANESHA PANCHARATNAM
Mudaa Karaatta Modakam Sadaa Vimukti Saadhakam Nate Taraati Bheekaram Navodita Arka Bhaasvaram Samasta Loka Shankaram Nirasta Daitya Kunjaram Akinchanaartim Aarjanam Chirantanokti Bhaajanam Nitaanta Kaanti Danta Kaantam Antaka Antaka Atmajam Mahaaganesha Pancharatnam Aadarena Yonvaham Ganesha’s Birth
Once when Parvati (Shiva’s wife) wanted to take a bath, she found that there was nobody to guard the door. So she decided to create a boy of her own. She made a boy out of clay and gave him life. She then posted him near the door and told him not to let anyone inside. Because the boy had shown such valor during his fight with Shiva, Lord Shiva appointed him as the leader of his army. That is why He is called Ganesha. Parvati then mandated that Ganesha be worshipped at the beginning of any endeavor so all obstacles from its success be removed. That is why He is also called Vighneswara. Ganesha’s Mango Story
Once Narada muni went to Sivaloka to meet Siva and Parvathi. He presented a mango to Siva and asked him to give it to his favorite son. He said that in order to get the benefits of the mango, it has to be eaten in full and could not be shared. The problem was that Shiva loved both of his sons equally. What was he supposed to do? In order to give the mango away, Siva decided to have a competition. He told his sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, that whoever goes around the world three times and comes in first would get the mango. Karthikeya started off at once on his fast peacock zooming around the world but Ganesha just sat there. He was thinking how he would finish first on his small mouse. Then he had an idea. Meanwhile, at every corner, Karthikeya kept seeing Ganesha in front of him and raced faster and faster. When he arrived back exhausted, he saw his father giving the mango to Ganesha. Confused, he asked why Ganesha got the mango but not he. Parvati replied that since parents are the world and Ganesha went around them three times, he was able to make it faster than Karthikeya. Thus Ganesha used his brains over brawn, or strength, to win the race. Ganesha and the Moon Once on his birthday, Ganesha ate too many sweets and had difficulty moving due to his big belly. Looking at him, Moon laughed mockingly. Parvati who saw that got angry with Moon and cursed that who ever sees Moon will be blamed for things they did not do. All the Gods and humans were worried because every one sees the moon every night, They prayed to Parvati to modify her curse. Parvati relented and said that if people worship Ganesha on his birthday, fourth day of the rising moon in the month of Bhadrapada, and then sees the Moon, they will face no problems and instead receive good luck. The next story will tell us how Lord Krishna got into trouble because he saw Moon on Ganesha’s birthday without worshipping him. Krishna Himself Worships Vinayaka The story of the Syamantaka Mani shows how powerful the curse of Ganesha is. Satrajit of Dwaraka had a gem called Syamantaka Mani. It was dazzling and beautiful. If it was worshipped with devotion it used to give plenty of gold every day. Once, even Krishna asked to borrow it but Satrajit refused to lend it to anyone. Once Prasena, Satrajit's brother, went out hunting. He was wearing the Syamantaka Mani. A lion killed him and went to a cave, carrying the gem. A bear by name Jambavan killed the lion and gave the Syamantaka Mani to his cub to play with. This Jambavan was not an ordinary bear; he was the heroic follower of Shri Rama. When Prasena did not return to Dwaraka, Satrajit became worried. Satrajit then suspected that Krishna himself had killed him for the sake of the Syamantaka Mani. After all, he did want to borrow it. The rumor spread throughout the kingdom. Krishna had not done anything wrong. So when he heard about Satrajit's doubts, he was angry. To prove himself innocent, he went in search of Prasena. He found the corpse of Prasena. There were footprints of a lion nearby. Following these footprints, Krishna entered the cave of Jambavan. He fought with Jambavan for twenty-eight days. At last, Jambavan understood that Shri Krishna was Shri Rama himself in another form. He finally offered the Syamantaka Mani to Lord Krishna. Krishna gave the Syamantaka to Satrajit and put an end to the evil rumors. However, he was still surprised at what had happened. "How could such things be said of me even when I had not done anything wrong?” Narada Muni told him the story of Ganesha's curse and said, "You saw the Moon on the fourth day." Krishna then remembered how he saw the reflection of the moon in a bucket of milk. Then Krishna worshipped Ganesha. Siddhi-Vinayaka Vrata, the worship of Ganesha, is performed on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada. The devotees believe that those who see the Moon on that day will not suffer, if they listen to the story of the Syamantaka Mani. Meaning of Phala Shruti Phala shruti means understanding the benefit of the puja just performed. It says that by observing this Ganesh Puja mankind can attain their just and dharmik desires. Students who aspire good education, achieve excellence in education. Those who desire prosperity will attain prosperity. People who pray for children get children. Warriors become victorious, and seekers of true knowledge attain spiritual knowledge and through it liberation.
Sri Sankata Nasana Ganesha Sthotram (Phalasruthi) Narada Uvacha: Pranamya sirasaa devam, gouri putram vinayakam. Pradhamam vakratundam cha, eka dantam dvitiyakam. Lambodaram panchamam cha, sastam Vikatameva cha. Navamam phaalachandram cha, dasamam tu vinayakam. Dwadasaitaani namaani, tri sandhyam yah pathe narah. Vidyardhi labhate vidyaam, dhanaardi labhate dhanam. Japei ganapati stotram, shadbhir maasai phalam labhet. Astabhyo brahmanebhyas cha, likhitvaa yah samrpayet. ABOUT BALA VIKAS Bala Vikas of Fairfax is a Sunday school continuously in operation for over 29 years ever since Dr. G. V. V. Rao established it. Classes are held on Sunday mornings at the home of Dr. Rao. This is an opportunity for children to learn about Hinduism, philosophy and values, and Indian culture. Apart from our regular classes, Bala Vikas sponsors several events where any one interested can participate. One is this Ganesh Puja, at which we are glad that all of you could join. On July 16th we hosted Youth Competitions at Sri Siva Vishnu Temple. Children from all over the metro area ranging from pre-elementary to high school level participated in competitions in Coloring, Religious chanting, Story Telling, Recitation, Essay and Speech. Swami Dheerananda of Chinmaya mission blessed the participants and distributed certificates and gifts to ALL the participants. Winners also received trophies. By the way if any of the winners were not there at the closing ceremony they can collect their gifts and trophies from Dr. Rao’s residence during our regular class time on Sundays at 4 p.m. All winners lists are posted on our website www.balavikas.org. Please call Rao uncle or Srinivasan uncle to arrange. Thanks Samyuktha. Next we will be performing Saraswati Puja during Dusserah. The format will be similar to today’s puja, but we will perform it at our regular class venue, Rao uncle’s house. Around October 2, we participate in cooking and feeding about 3000 homeless people in DC in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday. In fact every month on the second Sunday we cook and feed the homeless at the Bailey’s Cross Roads County Homeless Shelter. On invitation, we participated and performed at various events such as Hanuman Chalisa recital, Nama Ramayanam, Venkateswara Suprabhatam etc., at various local temples including: Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Durga Temple, Rajdhani Mandir, India House of Worship and Sri Venkateswara Temple. We also participate in inter-faith activities including visits to churches, synagogues, mosques and gurdwaras. Any one interested in joining any of these events can contact Srinivasan uncle or Rao uncle.
Meaning of Mantra Pushpam Mantra Pushpam is the offering of sacred flowers to God. Today we will chant three parts of Manta Pushpam – Narayana Suktam, Mantra Pushpam and Deva Gayatris. Narayana Suktam essentially says that when we search for God everywhere including in the gross universe – in the skies, in the oceans and on earth, we finally realize that God is in fact in the subtle universe at the tip of our own heart which is as sharp as the tip of the needle of a rice stalk. This part end with a profound statement which means “ just like all the drops of water that fall from the skies go to the same ocean, all prayers said anywhere by anyone in any religion go to the same God”. This universal respect for all religions is what makes Hinduism unique. The second part – Manta Pushpam or offering of a sacred flower means: When we offer this flower, oh Lord, we are offering you the entire universe. This flower has originated from water just as every other element has including the sun, moon, wind, fire and even the concept of time. So by offering you this flower, oh Lord, we are offering you the entire universe. Please accept this offering. The last part Deva Gayathris mean that we recognize all forms of God are present here even though we worshipped God in the form of Ganesha today. Narayana Sooktam Dhata purastad yamudajahara sakra pravidvan pradisa satasrah Sahasra Seersham devam visvaksham visvasambhuvam Viswatah paramannityam viswam narayanagm harim Patim Viswasyaatmeswaragm Sasvatagm Sivamachyutam Narayana paro jyothir atma Narayanah parah Yachhakincha Jagathsarvam drusyate shruyate piva anantam avyayagm kavigm samudrentam viswasambhuvam Adhonishtya vithasthyante naabhyam uparithisthath Santatagm silabhistulam batyakosa sannibham Thasya madhye mahaanagnir vishvarchir vishvatho mukhah Neela toyada madhyasthad widullekhe vabhaswavara Tasya sikhayaa madhye paramatmaa vyavasthithah Ridhagum satyam param brahma purusham krishnapingalam Om Naraayanaya vidmahey vaasudevaya demahi
Om Raajathi Raajaaya prasahya sahiney Om thath brahma, Om thath vaayuhu, Om thathaatma, Om thath satyam Tvam yagnas tvam vashatkaras tvam Indras tvam Easaana sarva vigyanaam Akashat patitam toyam; Yada gakshathi sagaram MANTRA PUSHPAM Yo Pam Pushpam Veda, Pushpavan, Prajavan, Pashuman Bhavati. Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati. Agnirva Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati. Vayurva Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati Asovay Tapanapaa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati. Chandramava Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati. NakshatrAneva Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati. Parjanyova Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati. Samvatsarova Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati Ya Evam Veda, Yopsunavam Prathishtitam Veda, Prathye Vashishtathi.
Deva Gaayatris 2. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey mahaadevaaya dheemahi | 3. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Vakra thundaaya dheemahi | 4. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Chakra tundaaya dheemahi | 5. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Mahaa seynaaya dheemahi | 6. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Suvarna pakshaaya dheemahi | 7. Vedhathmanaaya vidhmahey Hiranya garbhaya dheemahi | 8. Naaraayanaaya vidhmahey Vaasu devaya dheemahi | 9. Vajranakhaya vidhmahey Thiksna dhagushtraya dheemahi | 10. Bhaaskaraaya vidhmahey Mahad dyutikaraaya dheemahi | 11. Vaish vaanaraya vidhmahey Lalilaya dheemahi | 12. Katyayanaya vidhmahey kanyakumari dheemahi | 13. Maha Devyai cha vidhmahey Vishnu pathnai cha dheemahi | 14. Thath purushaya vidhmahey Paramahamsaya deemahi |
OM SRI GURUBYO NAMAH Jaya Jagadeesha Hare Aarati
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare Swaami Jaya Jagadeesha hare Jo Dhyaave Phal Paave Dukha Vinse Man Ka Maatapitaa Tum Mere Sharana Kahoon Mein Kiskee Tum Poorana Paramaatma Tum Antarayaami Tum Karunaa Ke Saagar Tum Paalan Karta Tum Ho Eka Agochar Sab Ke Praana Pati Deena Bandhu Dukha Harataa Tum Takuru Mere Vishaya Vikaara Mittaao Paapa Haro Devaa Tan Man Dhan Sab Kuch Hai Teraa Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare Swaami Jaya Jagadeesha Hare |
