Saraswati Puja dialogue
PRATHYUSH: Good Morning! My name is PRATHYUSH.
NAVYA: Namaste! I am NAVYA.
Both: Welcome to Saraswati Puja, sponsored by the Bala Vikas of Fairfax.
PRATHYUSH: We are glad to see all of you here today, and we welcome all children to join us. All interested children, please come forward and collect a plate from one of the volunteers.
But before we begin, NAVYA, can you tell us why we do Saraswati Puja?
NAVYA: Sure, PRATHYUSH. Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge. During Dusserah, that is the first ten days of the Hindu month of Ashwij, traditionally Devi, or Goddess is worshipped in her various forms. For example in Bengal, Orissa and Eastern India it is celebrated as Durga Puja. In the South Goddess Saraswati is worshipped. Actually in many parts of India, during this period people worship the tools of their trade. For example, they decorate railway engines, machine tools in workshops etc and worship them. As students, our tools are books, so we worship Goddess Saraswati in the form of books, praying Her to guide our education in this school year.
PRATHYUSH: Oh, that makes sense. We all could use Saraswati’s blessings this year, especially as students. But NAVYA, what is puja? I mean, what do we do when we do puja?
NAVYA: Why don’t we ask Keertana to explain that for us?
(Keertana’s explanation)
NAVYA: It’s always important to understand what you are doing when you do puja. Otherwise it seems useless, doesn’t it?
PRATHYUSH: Yes, it seems useless to do anything that you don’t understand.
NAVYA: That’s for sure. (pause) What now, PRATHYUSH?
PRATHYUSH: Hmm….why don’t we sing a few Saraswati slokas? We have many friends that know Saraswati slokas, don’t we?
NAVYA: You’re right! That’s a great idea! Let’s all sing some Saraswati slokas.
(Slokas by all children.)
NAVYA: That was wonderful, wasn’t it PRATHYUSH. Now, we will be singing the Devi Stuthi. Before we begin, Aneesh will explain the meaning.
(Aneesh)
PRATHYUSH: Now shall we request Srinivasan uncle to conduct the Puja?
(Puja, Vara Veena, Mahishasura Mardani stotram songs during puja)
PRATHYUSH: Now we’ll invite Netra to tell us the story connected with Saraswati Puja.
(Netra)
NAVYA: Now we shall recite Mantra Pushpam. But before we do that, Bhavana can you tell the meaning of Mantra Pushpam.
Everyone sings Mantrapushpam and Aarati).
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 she comes, we offer her a seat: Asanam. Once seated, we offer something to drink, give good food to eat. We do the same thing to Goddess when we do puja. In fact there are sixteen different services we offer to the Goddess to make Her feel welcome. This is called Shodashopachara Puja. That is what we will do for Goddess Saraswathi 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 Saraswathi into our most important home, our heart. As students, Saraswathi is a very important guest for us and hence we should keep our hearts clean and pure from evil thoughts, and focus our concentration on this puja.
Also, just like we pay full 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.
Slokas for Saraswathi Puja
Shuklaambara Dharam Vishnum
Shashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet
Sarva Vighna Upashaanthaye
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).
Saraswathi Namastubhyam
Varade Kaamaroopini
Vidyaarambham Karishyaami
Siddhir Bhavatu Mey Sada
Meaning:O Goddess Sarasvathi, salutations to Thee. You are the Giver of boons and You grant all our desires. As I begin my studies, please help me make it fruitful and make me successful in all my efforts.
Ya Kundendu Tushaara Haara Dhavalaa
Ya Shubhra Vastraavrita
Ya Veena Vara Danda Manditakara
Ya Shveta Padmaasana
Ya Brahma Achyutaha Shankara Prabrithibhih
Devai Sadaa Poojitha
Saa Maam Paatu Sarasvathi Bhagavati
Nishyesha Jyaadyaapaha
Oh Goddess Sarasvathi, who is fair as a jasmine flower, the moon or a snow flake, who is dressed in white and whose hands are adorned by veena, who is seated in a white lotus, to whom Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara pray, please protect us.
Meaning of Devi Stuthi
In this prayer, we consider all aspects of Mother. Mother is praised as Vishnu Maya and is worshipped in various other forms such as intelligence, energy etc. Mother is also praised for her patience, forgiving aspect, modesty and several such wonderful features. We should think of this sloka every morning and worship our mother before beginning the day’s activities.
DEVI STUTHI
1. Yaa Devi Sarva
Bhooteshu Vishnu Maayethi Sabdita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the name of maya of Vishnu
2. Yaa Devi Sarva
Bhooteshu Buddhi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of intelligence.
3. Yaa Devi Sarva
Bhooteshu Shakthi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of Shakthi (creative power).
4. Yaa Devi Sarva
Bhooteshu Kshaanthi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of forgiveness.
5. Yaa Devi Sarva
Bhooteshu Lajjaa Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of modesty.
6. Yaa Devi Sarva
Bhooteshu Shaanthi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of Shaanthi (absolute peace).
7. Yaa Devi Sarva
Bhooteshu Shradhaa Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of Shraddha (unshakable faith).
8. Yaa Devi Sarva
Bhooteshu Kaanthi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of Kaanthi (beauty or brilliance).
9. Yaa Devi Sarva
Bhooteshu Lakshmi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of prosperity.
10. Yaa Devi
Sarva Bhooteshu Dayaa Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of Dayaa (mercy or compassion).
11. Yaa Devi
Sarva Bhooteshu Matru Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of Mother.
Once there was a king called Suketu. His wife’s name was Suvedi. They were very popular as they treated their subjects as their own children and were always just and kind.
Unfortunately, some other king invaded their kingdom and defeated Suketu in a war. Suketu started running away. Suvedi who saw that decided that it is best if she followed her husband rather than stay back at the palace and remain exposed to molestation by the enemies. After walking for a long time, Suketu was very tired. They rested under a tree. Suvedi started crying. Just then, Angirasa muni that was passing by stopped and inquired why Suvedi was crying. Suvedi explained what happened to them. Angirasa muni invited them to stay at his Ashram. There Suvedi started worshipping at a temple dedicated to Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Due to their grace, eventually they had a boy. The boy was named Surya Pratap. Under Angirasa Muni’s direction, Surya Pratap learned all the sastras, and became a well-accomplished warrior. He challenged his father’s enemies and won back the kingdom. Then they all returned back to the kingdom and Suketu resumed his reign as a just and popular king again.
Ever since, it became a tradition to worship Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati during Sarat Navaratri, which we also call Dusserah. In Eastern and Southern India traditionally people worship the tools of their trade during this period. It is called Ayudha Puja. Since books are the tools of students we worship books on Vijaya Dasami day, culminating the observance of Sarat Navarathri.
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 Saraswathi today.
Narayana Sooktam
Dhata purastad yamudajahara sakra pravidvan pradisa satasrah
Tamevam vidvanamruta iha bhavati naanyah pantah ayanaya vidyate
Sahasra Seersham devam visvaksham visvasambhuvam
visvam narayanam devamaksharam paramam padam
Viswatah paramannityam viswam narayanagm harim
viswame vedam purashastad viswamupajeevathi
Patim Viswasyaatmeswaragm Sasvatagm Sivamachyutam
Narayanam mahajneyam visvaatmaanam parayanam
Narayana paro jyothir atma Narayanah parah
Narayana param brahma tatvam Narayanah parah
Narayana parodhyataa dhyanam Narayanah parah
Yachhakincha Jagathsarvam drusyate shruyate piva
Anatarbhahischa tatsarvam vyapya Narayanasthitah
anantam avyayagm kavigm samudrentam viswasambhuvam
padmakosa prateekasagum hridam chapya adhomukham
Adhonishtya vithasthyante naabhyam uparithisthath
Jwaalamalaakulam bhathi viswasya yatanam mahat
Santatagm silabhistulam batyakosa sannibham
tastyante sushiragm sookshmam tasmin tatsarvam prathisthitam
Thasya madhye mahaanagnir vishvarchir
vishvatho mukhah
Sograbhugvibhaja nisshta annahara mujarah kavih
Thirya goordhva madhshhaee rasmaya sthanya
santhatha
santhapayati svam deham aapada talamastakah
Thasya madhye vahni sikha aneeyorthva vyavastistah
Neela toyada madhyasthad widullekhe
vabhaswavara
Neevari sooka vattanvi peethaa bhasvathvanupama
Tasya sikhayaa madhye paramatmaa
vyavasthithah
Sabrahma sasivah saharih say indra say aksharah paramassarat
Ridhagum satyam param brahma purusham krishnapingalam
Urthvaretham virupaksham viswa rupaya vai namo namaha
Om Naraayanaya vidmahey vaasudevaya demahi
Thanno Vishnu prachothayathu
Om Raajathi Raajaaya prasahya sahiney
Namo vayam vai shravanaaya kurmahey
Sa may kaamaan kama kamaaya mahyam
Kameshwarovai sravano dhadhathu
Kuberayavai shravanaaya
Mahaa Rajaaya namaha
Om thath brahma, Om thath vaayuhu, Om thathaatma, Om thath satyam
Om thath sarvam, Om thath purornamaha
Anthas charathi bhuthesu guhayam viswa murthisu
Tvam yagnas tvam vashatkaras tvam Indras tvam
Rudras tvam Vishnu tvam Brahmas tvam Prajapathihi
Tvam Tadaapa Aapo Jyotee Rasomrtam
Brahma Bhoor Bhu vas su va Rom
Easaana sarva vigyanaam
Easwara sarva bhootanaam
Brahmathipatir, Brahmanothipatir, Brahma Shivomay asthu Sadha sivom
Akashat patitam toyam; Yada gakshathi sagaram
Sarva deva namaskaraha; Keshavam Prathi gakshathi
MANTRA PUSHPAM
Yo Pam Pushpam Veda, Pushpavan, Prajavan, Pashuman Bhavati.
Chandra mava Apam Pushpam, Pushpavan, Prajavan, Pashuman Bhavati
Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.
Agnirva Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Yognerayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Apova Agne rayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.
Vayurva Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Yo Vayorayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Apovai Vayorayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati Ya Evam Veda…
Asovay Tapanapaa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Yo Mushyatapata Ayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Apova a Mushyatapata Ayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.
Chandramava Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Yas Chandramasa Ayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Apovai Chandramasa Ayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.
Nakshatraniva Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Yo Nakshatrana Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Apovai Nakshatrana Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.
Parjanyova Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Yah Parjanyasyayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Apovai Parjanyasyayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.
Samvatsarova Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Yah Samvatsara Syayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Apovai Samvatsara Syayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati
Ya Evam Veda, Yopsunavam Prathishtitam Veda, Prathye Vashishtathi.
Deva Gaayatris
1. Purushasya vidhma sahas raakshasya mahaadevasya deemahi |
Thanno Rudhra: prachodhayadh ||
2. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey mahaadevaaya deemahi |
Thanno Rudhra: prachodhayadh ||
3. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Vakra thundaaya deemahi |
Thanno Dhandhi: prachodhayadh ||
4. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Chakra tundaaya deemahi |
Thanno Nandi: prachodhayadh ||
5. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Mahaa seynaaya deemahi |
Thanna: Shanmukha: prachodhayadh ||
6. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Suvarna pakshaaya deemahi |
Thanno Garuda: prachodhayadh ||
7. Vedhathmanaaya vidhmahey Hiranya garbhaya deemahi |
Thanno Brahma prachodhayadh ||
8. Naaraayanaaya vidhmahey Vaasu devaya deemahi |
Thanno Vishnu: prachodhayadh ||
9. Vajranakhaya vidhmahey Thiksna dhagushtraya deemahi |
Thanno Naara simha: prachodhayadh ||
10. Bhaaskaraaya vidhmahey Mahad dyutikaraaya deemahi |
Thanno Aaditya: prachodhayadh ||
11. Vaish vaanaraya vidhmahey Laalilaya deemahi |
Thanno Agni: prachodhayadh ||
12. Katyayanaya vidhmahey kanyakumari dheemahi |
Thanno Durgi: prachothayathu ||
13. Maha Devyai cha vidhmahey Vishnu pathnai cha dheemahi |
Thanno Lakshmi prachothayathu ||
14.Vakdevyaicha vidmahey Brahmah Pathneecha Deemahey |
Thanno Vanee Prachodayath ||
15. Thath purushaya vidhmahey Paramahamsaya deemahi |
Thanno Ramakrishna prachothayathu ||
O Mother, I throw myself on Thy mercy; I take shelter at Thy Hallowed Feet. I do not want bodily comforts; I do not crave name and fame; I do not seek the eight occult powers. Be gracious and grant that I may have pure love for Thee, a love unsmitten by desire, untainted by any selfish ends—a love craved by the devotee for the sake of love alone. And grant me the favor, O Mother, that I may not be deluded by Thy world-bewitching maya, that I may never be attached to the world, to ‘woman and gold’, conjured up by Thy inscrutable maya! O Mother, there is no one but Thee whom I may call my own. Mother, I do not know how to worship; I am without austerity; I have neither devotion nor knowledge. Be gracious, Mother, and out of Thy infinite mercy grant me love for Thy Lotus Feet.
--The Gospel of Sri
Ramakrishna, p.731.
OM SRI GURUBYO NAMAH
Jaya Jagadeesha Hare Aarati
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare Swaami Jaya Jagadeesha hare
Bhakta jano Ke Sankat Daasa Jano Ke Sankat
Kshann Mai Door Kare Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Jo Dhyaave Phal Paave Dukha Vinse Man Ka
Swaami Dukha Vinse Man Ka
Sukh Sampati Ghar Aave Sukh Sampati Ghar Aave
Kashta, Mite Tan Ka Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Maatapitaa Tum Mere Sharana Kahoon Mein Kiskee
Swaami Sharana Kahoo Mein Kiskee
Tum Bina Aur Na Dooja Prabhu Bina Aur Na Dooja
Aasha Karoon Mein Jiskee Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Tum Poorana Paramaatma Tum Antarayaami
Swaami Tum Antarayaami
Para Brahma Parameshwara Para Brahma Parameshwara
Tum Sab Ke Swaami Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Tum Karunaa Ke Saagar Tum Paalan Karta
Swaami Tum Paalan Karta
Mein Sevaka Tum Swaami Mein Sevaka Tum Swaami
Kripaa Karo Bharataa Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Tum Ho Eka Agochar Sab Ke Praana Pati
Swaami Sab Ke Praana Pati
Kisa Vidhi Miloon Dayaamai Kisa vidhi Miloon Kripaamai
Tum Ko Mein Kumati Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Deena Bandhu Dukha Harataa Tum Takuru Mere
Swaami Tum Rakshak Mere
Apne Hastha Badaao Apne Charana Lagaavo
Dwaara Padaa Mein Tere Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Vishaya Vikaara Mittaao Paapa Haro Devaa
Swaami Kashta Haro Devaa
Shraddhaa Bhakti Badaao Shraddhaa Prem Badaao
Santan Kee Sevaa Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Tan Man Dhan Sab Kuch Hai Teraa
Swaami Sab Kuch Hai Teraa
Teraa Tujh Ko Arpan Teraa Tujh Ko Arpan
Kyaa Laage Meraa Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare Swaami Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
Bhakta Jano Ke Sankat Daasa Jano Ke Sankat
Kshann Mai Door Kare Orn Jaya Jagadeesha Hare