Shaligrama

What is SHALIGRAM? Shaligram is a dark stone found on the bank of river Gandakti in Nepal. It is considered to be representing Lord Vishnu who had decided to live in the form of Shaligram to repent for some of the deeds he had to commit for safeguarding the world and save it from the torture of the demons. These Shaligrams are in various sizes and shapes. These are eaten by insects that use their sharp teeth and leave the imprints of the chakras on these stone. Sometimes gold or stones as Kasauti are used for testing the purity of gold.

HISTORY (ORIGIN) OF SHALIGRAM

Lord Shiva

According to Puranas once a ferocious battle had broken out between Lord Shiva and the demon Jalandhara (Jallundhara). They both appeared equally matched with no one prepared to fall back, and hence the battle went forward for a long time. In fact it was not like an everyday battle between gods and demons, but it was a clash between the chastities of two virtuous women- Parvati and Vrinda. Lord Shiva knew it well that unless the chastity of Vrinda, wife of Jallundhara, was stained, Jallundhara could not be exterminated. But it was against the nature of gods- they could not spoil the chastity of a moral woman. Hence in spite of knowing everything, the gods were powerless, but for Jallundhara, nothing was forbidden. So thinking that by staining the chastity of Parvati, he could overpower Lord Shiva, Jallundhara reached Parvati in the guise of Lord Shiva. But Parvati, who is herself the absolute ruler of illusion (MAYA) knew by her merits the deceitfulness of Jallundhara. She at once ended his guise and signalled Lord Krishna (Vishnu) that it was exactly the time to blot the chastity of Jallundhara`s wife, Vrinda, and it will not be a sin. So, Lord Krishna approached Vrinda in the garb of Jallundhara. Vrinda could not understand the deceitfulness and because of Krishna`s intimate presence her chastity got deflowered.

Shaligram and Lord VISHNU

Later, when Vrinda came to know the reality, she turned furious and cursed Lord Krishna – “O Lord, despite being a learned God you have behaved like stupids. So go and turn into shapeless black stone”. Thus by the curse of an uncorrupted woman Lord Krishna turned into a black stone. But later on Vrinda felt culpable that in a surge of excitement she had cursed none other than her own custodial deity. Thus soliciting pardon from God, she sought a boon that from that moment onwards God will be worshipped in the same stone form. Saying `Tathastu`, the Lord acceded to her curse and turned into a black stone, and thereafter came to be known as Shaligrama.

Lord Shiva further declares that, “My devotees who offer obeisances to the shalagrama-shila even negligently become fearless. Those who adore me while making a distinction between myself (Shiva) and Lord Hari will become free from this offence by offering obeisances to shalagrama-shila. Those who think themselves as my devotees, but who are proud and do not offer obeisances to my Lord Vasudeva, are actually sinful and not my devotees. O my son, I always reside in the shalagrama-shila. Being pleased with my devotion the Lord has given me a residence in His personal abode”.

The Padma Purana speaks that gifting a shalagrama-shila is the best form of charity, equivalent to the effect of donating the entire earth together along with its forests, mountains, and everything.

The Garuda Purana describes the grandeurs of keeping a shalagrama-shila with the promising mark of a chakra in one`s home.

Bajrang Baan in Hindi

हनुमान् बजरंग बाण॥
निशचय प्रेम प्रतीत ते विनय करैं सनमान॥
तेहि-के कारज सकल शुभ सिद्द करैं हनुमान॥
nishchay Prema Prateet-tay, Vinay Karain Sanmaan,
Tayhi-Kay Karaja Sakala Shubha, Sidhi Karain Hanuman
He who reveres Hanuman with unflinching faith, love and respectful
humility, is blessed with success in all his propitious undertakings by
the grace of Hanuman.
जै हनुमन्त् सन्त् हितकारी॥
सुन लीजै प्रभु अरज हमारी॥
जन् के काज विलम्भ् न किजै॥
आतुर दौरि महा सुख दिजै॥
ज़ैसै कूदि सिन्धु महि पारा॥
सुरसा बदन पैथि विस्तारा॥
Jai Hanumanta Santa Hitakaari, Suna Liijay Prabhu Araja
Hamari Jana kay kaaja vilambana keejay, Aatura dawrii maha Sukha
deejay. Jaisay kooda sindhu mahi paara, Sursa badana paithii
Vistaara.
Pray listen to my entreaties, O Hanuman, the compassionate
benefactor of all saints! Delay not in responding to your votaries call
and rushing, bless them with felicity, just as you leapt across the
ocean leaving the earth behind and crept into Surasa’s mouth
assuming the form twice as large as that of the Mother of Serpents all
for the sake of Rama.
Bajrang baan by –J.s.sandhu
Bajrang baan by –J.s.sandhu
आगै जाई लंकिनी रोका॥
मारेहु लात गई सुर् लोका॥
जाय् विभिशण को सुख दिन्हा॥
सिता निरखि परम पद लीन्हा॥
Aagay jaiyii Lankinii Rokaa, Maarayhu laata gaii sura Loka
Jaayay Vibhishan ko sukha deenha, Sita Nirakhi parama
pada Leenhaa .
As you proceeded further Lankini stopped you on the way, but you
kicked her and dispatched her to the abode of the gods (killed her).
Going to Vibhishana you brought him exceeding joy and sighting Sita
you attained to the supreme state.
Baag
बाग उजारि सिंधु महं बोरा॥
अति आतुर जम कातर तोरा॥
अक्षय कुमार को मार संहारा॥
लूम लपेत लन्क-को जारा॥
Baag ujaari Sindhu Mahana Borah, Ati Aatura Jama Kaatara
Tora Akshaya Kumara mara sanhaara, Loama lapaita anka-ko Jaarah.
You laid waste the Ashoka grove and drowned it into the sea. You
rescued the world from its imminent doom (when the gods comforted
you in Paatala where you were lying in a precarious condition). Thus
did you save humanity and earn for yourself the blessing of
immortality by frustrating the design of Yama who subdues every
being. One glaring example of your victory over death is the episode
of Akshayakumara, whose name signifies immortality, whom you
Bajrang baan by –J.s.sandhu
overthrew and slaughtered; with your tail swathed with rags soaked in
oil and set on fire you reduced Lanka to ashes
लाह समान् लंक जरि गई॥
जय जय धुनि सुर पुर नभ भई॥
अब विलम्भ केहि कारण स्वामी॥
कृपा करहु उर अन्तर्यामी॥
Laaha samaan lanka jaari-gai, Jai Jai Dhwani surpur naba Bhai Aba
vilambha kayhi Kaaran Swami, Kripaa Karahhu ura Antaraymii
Lanka burnt like shellac; heaven, the abode of gods, was filled with
cries of triumph: “Victory! Victory! Why are you tarrying, my Lord? O
controller of my inmost being! Be gracious to me.
जय जय लखन प्रान के दाता॥
आतुर हैं दुःख करहु निपाता॥
जय जय हनुमन्त् ज़यति बल सागर॥
सुर समूह समरथ भटनागर॥
Jai Jai Lakshmana Praana kay daataa, Aatura hai dukha
Karhu Nipaataa Jai Jai Hanumanta Jayati bala saagar, Sura
Samooha samratha Bhata Naagar
Glory, glory to you, O Lord, who restored Lakshmana to life! Come
promptly and speedily and destroy my sorrow. Victory, victory to you,
O Giridhara (who lifted up a mountain and brought it with all its
vegetation to Lanka where Lakshmana lay grievously wounded)
Victory, victory to you, O ocean of bliss! You are an assemblage of
bravery, are competent, great warrior and wise.
Bajrang baan by –J.s.sandhu
ॐ हनु हनु हनु हनुमन्त् हठीले॥
बैरिहि मारु बज्र-कि किले॥
गदा बज्र् लै बैरिहि मारो॥
महाराज् प्रभु दास उबारो॥
Om Hanu Hanu Hanu Hanumanta Hateelay, Bhairayhhi
Maaru Bajrah-Ki Keelay GADAA VAJRA LAII BAIRIHI MAARO
MAHAARAAJA PRABHU DAASA UBAARO.
I revere the unyielding Son of the Wind, Hanuman, with the cant of
Om hanu hanu hanu. May you destroy my adversaries with
thunderbolt and club, your adamantine weapon, which, when hurled,
lets no enemy escape. O Lord! O king of kings! Come and deliver me,
your own devotee, from my enemies.
ॐकार हुन्कार महा-प्रभु धावो॥
बज्र् गदा हनु विलम्भ् न लावो॥
ॐ ह्रीं ह्रीं ह्रीं हनुमन्त् कपिसा॥
ॐ हुं हुं हुं हनु अरि उर शीसा॥
OMKAARA HUNKAARA MAHAAVIIRA DHAAVO
VAJRA GADAA HANU VIAMBA NA LAA Om Hrim Hrim Hrim
Hanumana Kapisha, Om Hum Hum Hum Hanu Arii Ura Sheesha.
Roaring with the sacred and mystical syllable OM, come with all
haste, O great warrior, and hurl down bolts and clubs and other
weapons (on my enemies) without delay. O monkey-king Hanuman!
Cry hriin hriin hriin, the mystic syllables and shouting aloud Om
hun, hun, hun smite the heads and bosoms of my enemies.
Bajrang baan by –J.s.sandhu
सत्य होहु हरि शपथ् पाय के॥
रम् दूत् धरु मारु जाय् के॥
जय जय जय हनुमन्त् अगादा॥
दुख् पावत् जन् केहि अपराधा॥
SATYA HIIHU HARI SHAPATHA PAAYA KE
RAAMADUUTA DHARU MAARU DHAAYA KE
JAI JAI JAI HANUMANTA AGAADHAA
DUKHA PAAVATA JANA KEHI APARAADHAA
O Rama’s envoy! Having been assured by Lord Hari that you are
Real-Truth itself-you rush at once and catching hold of my enemies,
kill them (without fear). (Being ever living Reality, immortal and
transcendent, yield not to fear but fight and kill) Glory, glory, all gory
to you, O unfathomed Hanuman! For what offence are your devotees
unhappy?
पुजा जप् तप् नाम् अचारा॥
नहिं जानत् कछु दास् तुम्हारा॥
वन् उपवन् मग् गिरि ग्रह् महिं।
तुम्हरे बल् हम् डर्पत् नहिं॥
पांय परुन् कर् जोरि मनावौन्॥
Bajrang baan by –J.s.sandhu
येहि अवसर् अब् केहि गहरावौं॥
PUJAA JAPA TAPA NEMA ACHAARAA
NAHIN JAANATA HAUN DAASA TUMHAARAA
VANA UPAVANA MAGA GIRI GRAHA MAAHIIN
TUMHARE BALA HAMA DARAPATA NAAHIN
PAANYA PARAUN KARA JORI MANAAVAUN
YAHA AVASARA ABA KEHI GOHARAAVAUN.
I, your humble servant, know not how to perform worship and do
penance, chant your name, observe the rules of purity and conduct.
Strengthened (and protected) by you, I fear not at home nor while
passing through forests and parklands and mountains. I prostrate
myself at your feet and with cupped palms invoke your grace; whom
else should I call for help in these desperate straits.
जय अंजनि कुमर बलवन्ता॥
शन्कर सुवन बिर हनुमन्त॥
बदन कराल काल कुल घालक॥
राम सहय् सदा प्रति पालक्॥
Jai Anjani Kumara Balawanta, Shankara Suwana Beera
Hanumanta Badana Karaala kaala kula ghaalaka, Rama sahay
sadaa prati Paalak.
Glory to you, O brave son of Anjani and Shankara! You are the
fearsome exterminator even of Death and his descendants, a
succourer of Rama and an ever-ready protector of all.
Bajrang baan by –J.s.sandhu
Bajrang baan by –J.s.sandhu
भूत् प्रेत् पिशाच् निसाचर्॥
अग्नि बैताल् काल् मारी मर॥
इन्हें मारु तोहिं शपथ् राम् की॥
राखु नाथ् मरजाद् नाम् की॥
जनक् सुता हरि दास् कहावो॥
ताकी शपथ् विलम्ब न लावो॥
BHUUTA PRETA PISAACHA NISHAACHARA
AGNI VAITAALA KAALA MAARII MARA
INHAIN MAARO TOHE SHAPAHA RAAMA KII
RAAKHU NATHA MARYAADAA NAAMA KII
JANAKA SUTAA HARI DAASA KAHAAVO
TAAKII SHAPATHA VILAMBA NA LAAVO.
As soon as one sets one’s mind on you or chants your name ghosts
and ghouls spirits, fiends, wanderers of the night, fire goblins, fatality
and epidemics, all disappear in a trice (Being so incomparable in
might) deliver your devotee at once and with the remembrance of
your name fill his heart with joy. In the name of Rama do I beseech
you to kill them, the demons and all their hordes, and, O Lord, let not
Rama’s dignity be reconciled to anything demeaning (sully not the
reputation of Rama). You are called a devotee of Janakas
daughter, Sita and Hari; I entreat you in the names of both Sita and
Hari not to prevaricate and delay in coming.
जय जय जय धुनि होत् आकाशा॥
सुमिरत् होत् दुसह् दुख् नाशा॥
Bajrang baan by –J.s.sandhu
चरन् शरन कर् जोरि मनावौं॥
येहि अवसर् अब् केहि गहरावौं॥
उठु उठु चल् तोहे राम् दुहाई॥
पांय परौं कर् जोरि मनाई॥
JAI JAI JAI DHUNI HOTA AKAASHAA
SUMIRATA HOTA DUSAHA DUKHA NAASHAA
CARANA SHARANA KARA JORI MANAAVUN
YAHA AVASARA ABA KEHI GAHARAAVAUN
The heavens reverberate with the sound of Glory, glory, all glory (to
Hanuman) The very remembrance of yours destroys even
unendurable miseries. With folded palms I supplicate you to provide
me the protection at your feet, for I cannot but call on you for help at
this hour. I prostrate myself at your feet and with cupped palms invoke your grace; whom else should I call for help in these desperate straits. You are under oath to Rama to hasten and protect all in distress. I prostrate myself again before you and with folded hands entreat you to arise and rush in (to kill my enemies).
ॐ चं चं चं चं चपल चलन्ता॥
ॐ हनु हनु हनु हनु हनुमन्ता॥
ॐ हं हं हांक् देत् कपि चंचल्॥
ॐ सं सं सहिम् पराने खल् दल॥
Bajrang baan by –J.s.sandhu
OM Cham cham cham cham CHAPALA CHALANTAA
OM HANU HANU HANU HANU HANUMANTAA
OM HAN HAN HAANKA DETA KAPI CHANCHALA
OM SAN SAN SAHAMI KHALDALA.
Chanting the sacred Om chan chan chan chan, come and deliver
me, O entrepid courser! And shouting Om hanu hanu hanu hanu
slaughter my foes, O Hanuman! When the playful and noble-footed
Monkey-king shouts aloud Om hum hum the demon host is so
terrified that it flees crying Om sam sam.
येह् बजरंग् बाण् जेहि मारे॥
तहि को फिर् कौन् उबारै॥
पाठ करे बजरंग् बाण् की॥
हनुमन्त् रक्षा करैं प्राण् की॥
YAHA BAJARANGA BAANA JEHI MAARE
TEHI KAHO PHIRA KAUNA UBAARE
PAATHA KARE BAJARANGA BAANA KII
HANUMANTA RAKSHAA KARE PRAANA KI.
Tell me, who can protect the person who is pierced with Bajaranga’s arrow? He, who chants this hymn,is well protected by Hanumaan.
येह् बजरंग् बाण् जो जापै॥
ताते भूत् प्रेत् सभ् कांपै॥
धूप् देय् अरु जपै हमेशा॥
ताके तन् नहिं रहे कलेशा॥
Bajrang baan by –J.s.sandhu
YAHA BAJARANGA BAANA JO JAAPAI
TAAHE TE BHUUTA PRETA SABA KAANPHE
DHUUPA DEII ARU JAPAI HAMESHAA
TAAKE TANA NAHIIN RAHAI KALESHAA.
He who repeats this hymn is feared by spirits and ghouls and all the
who repeats it regularly with oblations of incense is relieved of all
physical infirmities.
दोहा॥
प्रेम प्रतीत कपि भजै सद धरैं उर् धयन्॥
तेहि-के कारज सकल शुभ सिद्द करैं हनुमान॥
DOHAA
PREMA PRIITI DHARI KAPI BHAJAI
SADAA DHARAI URA DHYAANA
TEHI KE KAARAJA SAKALA SHUBHA
SIDDHA KARAI HANUMAANA.
He who meditates on the Monkey-King with faith and devotion and
with his image in his heart, finds all his noble efforts crowned with
success by the grace of Hanuman.
Doha:
Ura Pratitee Dhardh, saran havay, paath karay dhari
Dhyaana,Badha sab har, karay sab kaam sahal Hanuman .
Siyaa pati Ramachandra ki jai, Uma Pati Mahadeo ki jai
Pawana suutah Hanumana ki jai.

Bajrang Baan

Sri bajrang Baan
nishchay Prema Prateet-tay, Vinay Karain Sanmaan,
Tayhi-Kay Karaja Sakala Shubha, Sidhi Karain Hanuman
He who reveres Hanuman with unflinching faith, love and respectful

humility, is blessed with success in all his propitious undertakings by
the grace of Hanuman.

Jai Hanumanta Santa Hitakaari, Suna Liijay Prabhu Araja
Hamari Jana kay kaaja vilambana keejay, Aatura dawrii maha Sukha
deejay. Jaisay kooda sindhu mahi paara, Sursa badana paithii
Vistaara.
Pray listen to my entreaties, O Hanuman, the compassionate
benefactor of all saints! Delay not in responding to your votaries call
and rushing, bless them with felicity, just as you leapt across the
ocean leaving the earth behind and crept into Surasa’s mouth
assuming the form twice as large as that of the Mother of Serpents all
for the sake of Rama.
Aagay jaiyii Lankinii Rokaa, Maarayhu laata gaii sura Loka
Jaayay Vibhishan ko sukha deenha, Sita Nirakhi parama
pada Leenhaa .


As you proceeded further Lankini stopped you on the way, but you
kicked her and dispatched her to the abode of the gods (killed her).
Going to Vibhishana you brought him exceeding joy and sighting Sita
you attained to the supreme state.
Baag ujaari Sindhu Mahana Borah, Ati Aatura Jama KaataraTora Akshaya Kumara mara sanhaara, Loama lapaita anka-ko Jaarah.

You laid waste the Ashoka grove and drowned it into the sea. You
rescued the world from its imminent doom (when the gods comforted
you in Paatala where you were lying in a precarious condition). Thus
did you save humanity and earn for yourself the blessing of
immortality by frustrating the design of Yama who subdues every
being. One glaring example of your victory over death is the episode
of Akshayakumara, whose name signifies immortality, whom you

Laaha samaan lanka jaari-gai, Jai Jai Dhwani surpur naba Bhai Aba
vilambha kayhi Kaaran Swami, Kripaa Karahhu ura Antaraymii
Lanka burnt like shellac; heaven, the abode of gods, was filled with
cries of triumph: ” Victory! Victory! Why are you tarrying, my Lord? O
controller of my inmost being! Be gracious to me.
Jai Jai Lakshmana Praana kay daataa, Aatura hai dukha
Karhu Nipaataa Jai Jai Hanumanta Jayati bala saagar, Sura
Samooha samratha Bhata Naagar

Glory, glory to you, O Lord, who restored Lakshmana to life! Come
promptly and speedily and destroy my sorrow. Victory, victory to you,
O Giridhara (who lifted up a mountain and brought it with all its
vegetation to Lanka where Lakshmana lay grievously wounded)
Victory, victory to you, O ocean of bliss! You are an assemblage of
bravery, are competent, great warrior and wise.

Om Hanu Hanu Hanu Hanumanta Hateelay, Bhairayhhi
Maaru Bajrah-Ki Keelay GADAA VAJRA LAII BAIRIHI MAARO
MAHAARAAJA PRABHU DAASA UBAARO.
I revere the unyielding Son of the Wind, Hanuman, with the cant of
Om hanu hanu hanu. May you destroy my adversaries with
thunderbolt and club, your adamantine weapon, which, when hurled,
lets no enemy escape. O Lord! O king of kings! Come and deliver me,
your own devotee, from my enemies.
OMKAARA HUNKAARA MAHAAVIIRA DHAAVO
VAJRA GADAA HANU VIAMBA NA LAA Om Hrim Hrim Hrim
Hanumana Kapisha, Om Hum Hum Hum Hanu Arii Ura Sheesha.

Roaring with the sacred and mystical syllable OM, come with all
haste, O great warrior, and hurl down bolts and clubs and other
weapons (on my enemies) without delay. O monkey-king Hanuman!
Cry hriin hriin hriin, the mystic syllables and shouting aloud Om
hun, hun, hun smite the heads and bosoms of my enemies.

SATYA HIIHU HARI SHAPATHA PAAYA KE
RAAMADUUTA DHARU MAARU DHAAYA KE
JAI JAI JAI HANUMANTA AGAADHAA
DUKHA PAAVATA JANA KEHI APARAADHAA
O Rama’s envoy! Having been assured by Lord Hari that you are
Real-Truth itself-you rush at once and catching hold of my enemies,
kill them (without fear). (Being ever living Reality, immortal and
transcendent, yield not to fear but fight and kill) Glory, glory, all gory
to you, O unfathomed Hanuman! For what offence are your devotees
unhappy?

PUJAA JAPA TAPA NEMA ACHAARAA
NAHIN JAANATA HAUN DAASA TUMHAARAA
VANA UPAVANA MAGA GIRI GRAHA MAAHIIN
TUMHARE BALA HAMA DARAPATA NAAHIN
PAANYA PARAUN KARA JORI MANAAVAUN
YAHA AVASARA ABA KEHI GOHARAAVAUN.
I, your humble servant, know not how to perform worship and do
penance, chant your name, observe the rules of purity and conduct.
Strengthened (and protected) by you, I fear not at home nor while
passing through forests and parklands and mountains. I prostrate
myself at your feet and with cupped palms invoke your grace; whom
else should I call for help in these desperate straits.
Jai Anjani Kumara Balawanta, Shankara Suwana Beera
Hanumanta Badana Karaala kaala kula ghaalaka, Rama sahay
sadaa prati Paalak.


Glory to you, O brave son of Anjani and Shankara! You are the
fearsome exterminator even of Death and his descendants, a
succourer of Rama and an ever-ready protector of all.



BHUUTA PRETA PISAACHA NISHAACHARA
AGNI VAITAALA KAALA MAARII MARA
INHAIN MAARO TOHE SHAPAHA RAAMA KII
RAAKHU NATHA MARYAADAA NAAMA KII
JANAKA SUTAA HARI DAASA KAHAAVO
TAAKII SHAPATHA VILAMBA NA LAAVO.
As soon as one sets one’s mind on you or chants your name ghosts
and ghouls spirits, fiends, wanderers of the night, fire goblins, fatality
and epidemics, all disappear in a trice (Being so incomparable in
might) deliver your devotee at once and with the remembrance of
your name fill his heart with joy. In the name of Rama do I beseech
you to kill them, the demons and all their hordes, and, O Lord, let not
Rama’s dignity be reconciled to anything demeaning (sully not the
reputation of Rama). You are called a devotee of Janaka & #63378;s
daughter, Sita and Hari; I entreat you in the names of both Sita and
Hari not to prevaricate and delay in coming.

JAI JAI JAI DHUNI HOTA AKAASHAA
SUMIRATA HOTA DUSAHA DUKHA NAASHAA
CARANA SHARANA KARA JORI MANAAVUN
YAHA AVASARA ABA KEHI GAHARAAVAUN
The heavens reverberate with the sound of & #63377;Glory, glory, all glory (to
Hanuman) & #63378; The very remembrance of yours destroys even
unendurable miseries. With folded palms I supplicate you to provide
me the protection at your feet, for I cannot but call on you for help at
this hour. I prostrate myself at your feet and with cupped palms invoke your grace; whom else should I call for help in these desperate straits. You are under oath to Rama to hasten and protect all in distress. I prostrate myself again before you and with folded hands entreat you to arise and rush in (to kill my enemies).

OM Cham cham cham cham CHAPALA CHALANTAA
OM HANU HANU HANU HANU HANUMANTAA
OM HAN HAN HAANKA DETA KAPI CHANCHALA
OM SAN SAN SAHAMI KHALDALA.
Chanting the sacred Om chan chan chan chan, come and deliver
me, O entrepid courser! And shouting Om hanu hanu hanu hanu
slaughter my foes, O Hanuman! When the playful and noble-footed
Monkey-king shouts aloud Om hum hum the demon host is so
terrified that it flees crying Om sam sam.
YAHA BAJARANGA BAANA JEHI MAARE
TEHI KAHO PHIRA KAUNA UBAARE
PAATHA KARE BAJARANGA BAANA KII
HANUMANTA RAKSHAA KARE PRAANA KI.
Tell me, who can protect the person who is pierced with Bajaranga’s arrow? He, who chants this hymn,is well protected by Hanumaan.

YAHA BAJARANGA BAANA JO JAAPAI
TAAHE TE BHUUTA PRETA SABA KAANPHE
DHUUPA DEII ARU JAPAI HAMESHAA
TAAKE TANA NAHIIN RAHAI KALESHAA.
He who repeats this hymn is feared by spirits and ghouls and all the
who repeats it regularly with oblations of incense is relieved of all
physical infirmities.;

DOHAA
PREMA PRIITI DHARI KAPI BHAJAI
SADAA DHARAI URA DHYAANA
TEHI KE KAARAJA SAKALA SHUBHA
SIDDHA KARAI HANUMAANA.
He who meditates on the Monkey-King with faith and devotion and
with his image in his heart, finds all his noble efforts crowned with
success by the grace of Hanuman.
Doha:
Ura Pratitee Dhardh, saran havay, paath karay dhari
Dhyaana,Badha sab har, karay sab kaam sahal Hanuman .
Siyaa pati Ramachandra ki jai, Uma Pati Mahadeo ki jai
Pawana suutah Hanumana ki jai.

Hanuman Chalisa

asAdhya sAdhaka swAmin, asAdhyam thava kim vadha /
rAma dhootha kripA sindhO: math kAryam sAdhaya prabhO
Importance of Hanuman Chalisa
Importance of Hanuman Chalisa
Hanuman Chalisa is a very powerful devotional work that has been left to posterity by Goswami Tulsidas whose devotional work - Tulsi Ramayan has revolutionized Bhakti movement by enabling common man to recite the glorious legend of Shri Rama in his native tongue. Hanuman Chalisa has been found to be highly effective in controlling the evil effects of Saturn transit or Saturn's major/ minor periods. Those who are under such influences will get benefitted by chanting the Chalisa for 8 times on Saturdays.
Hanuman Chalisa praises Lord Hanuman the Foremost Devotee of Lord Shri Rama. Shri Hanuman is the epitome of Selfless Service, Courage, Humble disposition, and Bhakti all rolled into one. Venerating that noble Devotee of Raamaa is sure to benefit us. I have found that specific verses in the Hanuman Chalisa are capable of bestowing specific results as a result of my meditations on this for long years (based on my individual research; and I have found it to be working miraculously by God's Grace).
- Reciting the Opening Doha of Hanuman Chalisa many times will remove the doshas arising out of having insulted knowingly/ unknowingly one’s preceptor/ a Raama Bhakta.
- Reciting the Second Doha will remove hardships in life and grant wisdom and strength.
- Reciting the Opening Chaupayi of the chaalisa “Jaya Hanumaan gyaan guna saagar…..” will bless one with Divine knowledge.
- Reciting the Third Chaupayi “Mahaaveer vikrama Bhajrangi…..” will help in reforming persons who are into bad company or have fallen into undesirable habits. It will also give abundant strength.
- Reciting the 7th and 8th Chaupayi's “Vidyavan guni athi chaathur…..” will help one to cultivate Rama Bhakti and become dear to Lord Raama.
- Reciting the 11th Chaupayi “Laya sanjivan…..” will help in removing effects of poisonous bites and in removal of fear from snakes.
- Reciting the 12th Chaupayi will help in removing misunderstanding between brothers and promote unity between siblings.
- Reciting the 13th, 14th, and 15th Chaupayis will help in attaining fame.
- Reciting the 16th and 17th Chaupayiis will help in recovering lost status or in attaining desired promotions/ posts.
- Reciting the 20th Chaupayi will help in accomplishing even difficult tasks overcoming all obstacles.
- Reciting the 22nd Chaupayi will give Divine Protection during adverse planetary periods.
- Reciting the 24th Chaupayi will help in driving away Negative Energies including Boota, Pisachas, saakinii, daakini, and black magical deities.
- Reciting the 25th Chaupayi will help in maintaining good health. It will also give the ability to bear physical pain when one is injured.
- Reciting the 26th Chaupayi gives relief from difficulties.
- Reciting 27th and 28th Chaupayi's grants bestowal of desires by Divine Grace.
- Reciting the 29th Chaupayi grants fame.
- Reciting the 30th Chaupayi helps in victory over evil forces.
- Reciting the 31st Chaupayi gives occult powers and great Wealth.
- Reciting the 32nd, 33rd, 34th and 35th Chaupayi's helps one to enjoy an ethical and fulfilling life without any worries/ frustrations at the end of such a contented life one will attain the Divine Abode of Shri Raamaa.
- Reciting the 36th Chaupayi gives relief from all difficulties and pains.
- Reciting the 37th Chaupayi secures the Grace of Hanuman.
Those who have major tasks to accomplish should recite the appropriate Chaupayi with devotion 1008 times on an auspicious Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday or on a Moola Nakshatra day. They can also tail pooja along with this (offering sandal wood paste and kumkum/sindoor to the tail of Hanumanji’s image for 48 days). Others can just recite it 12 times, 24 times, 32 times, 36 times, 54 times, 108 times, 1008 times, or even 10008 times based on time availability and convenience.
Absolute Faith and the correct attitudes combined with this recital can definitely help one to achieve all that one sets out for in life. May the Grace of Lord Hanumaan Bless us all.


Hanuman Chalisa
Doha 1
Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukar Sudhari,
Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo dayaku Phal Chari
Meaning
With the dust of Guru's Lotus feet, I clean the mirror of my mind and then narrate the sacred glory of Sri Ram Chandra, The Supereme among the Raghu dynasty. The giver of the four attainments of life.
Doha 2
Budhi heen Tanu Janike, Sumirow, Pavan Kumar,
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar

Knowing myself to be ignorent, I urge you, O Hanuman, The son of Pavan! O Lord! kindly Bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge, removing all my miseries and blemishes.
Chaupayi 1
Jai Hanuman Gyan Guna Sagar
Jai Kipis Tihun Lok Ujgaar

Victory of Thee, O Hanuman, Ocean of wisdom and virtue, victory to the Lord of monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds
Chaupayi 2
Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhamaa,
Anjani Putra Pavansut naamaa.

You, the Divine messager of Ram and repository of immeasurable strength, are also known as Anjaniputra and known as the son of the wind - Pavanputra.
Chaupayi 3
Mahebeer Bikram Bajrangi,
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi.

Oh Hanumanji! You are valiant and brave, with a body like lightening. You are the dispeller of darkness of evil thoughts and companion of good sense and wisdom.
Chaupayi 4
Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa,
Kanan kundal kunchit kesa.

Shri Hanumanji's physique is golden coloured. His dress is pretty, wearing 'Kundals' ear-rings and his hairs are long and curly.
Chaupayi 5
Hath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birjai,
Kandhe Moonj Janeu saage.

Shri Hanumanji is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the other a banner with sacred thread across his shoulder.
Chaupayi 6
Shankar Suvna Kesari Nandan,
Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the emanation of 'SHIVA' and you delight Shri Keshri. Being ever effulgent, you and hold vast sway over the universe. The entire world proptiates. You are adorable of all.
Chaupayi 7
Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur,
Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur

Oh! Shri Hanumanji! You are the repository learning, virtuous, very wise and highly keen to do the work of Shri Ram.
Chaupayi 8
Prabhu Charittra Sunibe Ko Rasiya,
Ram Lakhan Sita man basyia.

You are intensely greedy for listening to the naration of Lord Ram's lifestory and revel on its enjoyment. You ever dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram-Sita and Shri Lakshman.
Chaupayi 9
Sukshma roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhwana,
Bikat roop Dhari Lank Jarawa

You appeared beofre Sita in a diminutive form and spoke to her, while you assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.

Chaupayi 10
Bhim roop Dhari Asur Sanhare,
Ramchandra Ke kaaj Savare.

He, with his terrible form, killed demons in Lanka and performed all acts of Shri Ram.
Chaupayi 11
Laye Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye,
Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye.

When Hanumanji made Lakshman alive after bringing 'Sanjivni herb' Shri Ram took him in his deep embrace, his heart full of joy.

Chaupayi 12
Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai,
Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bahi.

Shri Ram lustily extolled Hanumanji's excellence and remarked, "you are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat"

Chaupayi 13
Sahastra Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave,
Asa kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave.

Shri Ram embraced Hanumanji saying:"Let the thousand - tongued sheshnaag sing your glories"

Chaupayi 14
Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa,
Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa

Sanak and the sages, saints. Lord Brahma, the great hermits Narad and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the cosmic serpent, fail to sing the glories of Hanumanji exactly

Chaupayi 15
Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te,
Kabi Kabid Kahin Sake Kahan Te

What to talk of denizens of the earth like poets and scholars ones etc even Gods like Yamraj, Kuber, and Digpal fail to narrate Hanman's greatness in toto.

Chaupayi 16
Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha,
Ram Miali Rajpad Deenha

Hanumanji! You rendered a great service for Sugriva, It were you who united him with SHRI RAM and installed him on the Royal Throne.

Chaupayi 17
Tumharo Mantro Bibhishan Maana,
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana.

By heeding your advice. Vibhushan became Lord of Lanka, which is known all over the universe.

Chaupayi 18
Juug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu,
Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu

Hanumanji gulped, the SUN at distance of sixteen thousand miles considering it to be a sweet fruit.

Chaupayi 19
Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maaheen,
Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Naheen.

Carrying the Lord's ring in his mouth, he went across the ocean. There is no wonder in that.

Chaupayi 20
Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jeete,
Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Te Te.

Oh Hanumanji! all the difficult tasks in the world are rendered easiest by your grace.
Chaupayi 21
Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare,
Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the sentinel at the door of Ram's mercy mansion or His divine abode. No one may enter without your permission.

Chaupayi 22
Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna,
Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darnaa.

By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and one need not have any fear under your protection.

Chaupayi 23
Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei,
Tanau Lok Hank Te Kanpei

When you roar all the three worlds tremble and only you can control your might.

Chaupayi 24
Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Avei,
Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei.

Great Brave on. Hanumanji's name keeps all the Ghosts, Demons & evils spirits away from his devotees.
Chaupayi 25
Nasei Rog Hare Sab Peera,
Japat Niranter Hanumant Beera


Chaupayi 26
Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavei,
Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei.

Those who rembember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are well guarded against their odds in life.

Chaupayi 27
Sub Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja,
Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja

Oh Hanumanji! You are the caretaker of even Lord Rama, who has been hailed as the Supreme Lord and the Monarch of all those devoted in penances.

Chaupayi 28
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave,
Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pave.

Oh Hanumanji! You fulfill the desires of those who come to you and bestow the eternal nectar the highest fruit of life.

Chaupayi 29
Charo Juung Partap Tumhara,
Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara.

Oh Hanumanji! You magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide all through the four ages and your fame is radianlty noted all over the cosmos.

Chaupayi 30
Sadho Sant Ke Tum Rakhvare,
Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the saviour and the guardian angel of saints and sages and destroy all the Demons, you are the seraphic darling of Shri Ram.

Chaupayi 31
Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data,
Asa Bar Din Janki Mata.

Hanumanji has been blessed with mother Janki to grant to any one any YOGIC power of eight Sidhis and Nava Nidhis as per choice.

Chaupayi 32
Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa,
Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.

Oh Hanumanji! You hold the essence of devotion to RAM, always remaining His Servant.

Chaupayi 33
Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Pavei.
Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei.

Oh Hanumanji! through devotion to you, one comes to RAM and becames free from suffering of several lives.

Chaupayi 34
Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai,
Jahan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahai.

After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains a devotee of him, whenever, taking new birth on earth.

Chaupayi 35
Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai,
Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai

You need not hold any other demigod in mind. Hanumanji alone will give all happiness.
Chaupayi 36
Sankat Kate Mitey Sab Peera,
Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera

Oh Powerful Hanumanji! You end the sufferings and remove all the pain from those who remember you.
Chaupayi 37
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai
Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee

Hail-Hail-Hail-Lord Hanumanji! I beseech you Honour to bless me in the capacity of my supreme 'GURU' (teacher).
Chaupayi 38
Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi,
Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.

One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times daily for one hundred days becames free from the bondage of life and death and ejoys the highest bliss at last.
Chaupayi 39
Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa,
Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa

As Lord Shankar witnesses, all those who recite Hanuman Chalisa regularly are sure to be benedicted
Chaupayi 40
Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera,
Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera.

Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays. "Oh my Lord! You enshrine within my heart.!
Chaupayi 41
Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop.
Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.

O Shri Hanuman, The Son of Pavan, Saviour The Embodiment of blessings, reside in my heart together with Shri Ram, Laxman and Sita

Mahalaxmi Prasanna

Deva Krutha Lakshmi Stotram
(Prayer to Goddess Lakshmi by Devas)

Translated by
P.R.Ramachander

(Here is a rare prayer addressed to Goddess Lakshmi by the devas)

Kshamasva bhagavathyamba , kshamaa sheele parath pare,
Shudha sathwa swaroope cha kopadhi pari varjithe. 1

Pardon me Oh Bhagwathi, Oh mother ,
Who is the divine goddess having patience,
Who is the form of the clean truth,
And who has distanced herself from anger.

Upame sarva saadhweenaam deveenaam deva poojithe,
Thwaya vina jagat sarvam mrutha thulyancha nishphalam. 2
Oh goddess who is the ideal for all virtuous women,
Oh Goddess who is being worshipped by all devas,
Without you , this entire world is useless and is like dead.

Sarva sampath swaroopa thwam sarveshaam sarva roopini,
Raseswarasya adhidevi thwam thwath kala sarva yoshitha. 3

Oh personification of all types of wealth,
You appear in the form that people want ,
Oh leader of the lord of Rasa mandala*,
All the ladies in this world are your crescents.
* The group dance of Krishna and Gopis

Kailase Parvathi thwam cha ksheeradho Sindhu kanyaka,
Swarge cha deva Lakshmi thwam , marthya Lakshmi cha bhoothale. 4

In Kailasa ,you are Parvathi and in ocean of milk ,you are Lakshmi,
In the heaven, you are goddess Lakshmi and in the earth , the wealth of man.

Vaikunte cha Maha Lakshmi , deva devi Saraswathi,
Ganga cha thulasi thwam cha , savithri brahma lokatha. 5

In land of Vishnu , you are Mahalakshmi ,
You are goddess of Gods, Saraswathi,
You are the Thulasi leaf in Ganges,
And Savithri in the world of Brahma.

Krishna pranadhi devi thwam , go loke Radhika swayam,
Rase Raseswari thwam cha Vrindavana vane vane. 6

You are the soul like boss of Lord Krishna,
And in the world of cows, you are Radha,\
In the arena of dance , in the forest of Vrindavana,
You are goddess of dance of the forest.

Krisshna Priya thwam Bhanddere , chandra chandra kanane,
Viraja champaka vane satha srunge cha sundari. 7

You are Krishna Priya in forest of Indian figs,
You are Chandrika in forest of sandalwood,
You are Viraja in the forest of Champaka flowers,
And you are the pretty one in the Hundred peaks.

Padmavathi padma vane , malathi malathi vane,
Kunda danthi kundavane , susheela Kethaki vane. 8

You are Padmavathi , in the forest of lotus flowers,
You are Malathi, in the forest of Malathi* flowers,
You are she who has jasmine like teeth, in Jasmine forest,
And You are Susheela, in the forest of Padanus flowers.

* A kind of Jasmine
Kadamba mala thwam devi , kadamba kananepi cha,
Raja Lakshmi raja gehe , graham lakshmir gruhe gruhe. 9

You are the garland of Kadamba flowers,
In the forest of Kadamba trees,
You are Raja Lakshmi in the palace of kings,
And Lady of the house in homes and houses.

Ithi Lakshmi sthvam punyam sarva devai krutham shubham,
Ya padeth prathruthaya sa vai sarvam labeth druvam. 10

This is the prayer to Lakshmi composed by all devas,
And if read as soon as one wakes up ,
Would definitely get one all that one wants.

The Lord's ways

Once there was a sweeper in a well known temple and he was very sincere and devoted. Every time he saw thousands of devotees coming to take darshan of the Lord, he thought that the Lord is standing all the time and giving darshan and He must be feeling very tired. So one day very innocently he asked the Lord whether he can take the place of the Lord for a day so that the Lord can have some relief and rest.

The Deity of Temple replied, "I do not mind taking a break. I will transform you like Myself, but you must do one thing, you must just stand here like Me, smile at everyone and just give benedictions. Do not interfere with anything and do not say anything. Remember you are the deity and you just have faith that I have a master plan for everything.”

The sweeper agreed to this.

The next day the sweeper took the position of the deity and a rich man came and prayed to the Lord.

He offered a nice donation and prayed that his business should be prosperous. While going, the rich man inadvertently left his wallet full of money right there.

Now the sweeper in the form of deity could not call him and so he decided to control himself and keep quiet.

Just then a poor man came and he put one coin in the Hundi (offer box) and said that it was all he could afford and he prayed to the Lord that he should continue to be engaged in the Lord's service. He also said that his family was in dire need of some basic needs but he left it to the good hands of the Lord to give some solution. When he opened his eyes, he saw the wallet left by the rich man. The poor man thanked the Lord for His kindness and took the wallet very innocently.

The sweeper in the form of the Deity could not say anything and he had to just keep smiling.

At that point a sailor walked in. He prayed for his safe journey as he was going on a long trip.

Just then the rich man came with the police and said that somebody has stolen his wallet and seeing the sailor there, he asked the police to arrest him thinking that he might have taken it.

Now the sweeper in the form of Deity wanted to say that the sailor is not the thief but he could not say so and he became greatly frustrated.

The sailor looked at the Lord and asked why he, an innocent person, is being punished?!

The rich man looked at the Lord and thanked Him for finding the thief. The sweeper in the deity form could no more tolerate and he thought that even if the real Lord had been here, he would have definitely interfered and hence he started speaking and said that the sailor is not the thief but it was the poor man who took away the wallet. The rich man was very thankful as also the sailor.

In the night, the real Lord came and He asked the sweeper how the day was. The sweeper said, "I thought it would be easy, but now I know that Your days are not easy, but I did one good thing." Then he explained the whole episode to the Lord.

The Lord became very upset on hearing this whereas the sweeper thought the Lord would appreciate him for the good deed done.

The Lord asked, "Why did you not just stick to the plan? You had no faith in Me. Do you think that I do not understand the hearts of all those who come here?

All the donation which the rich man gave was all stolen money and it is only a fraction of what he really has and he wants Me to reciprocate unlimitedly! On the contrary, the single coin offered by the poor man was the last coin he was having and he gave it to Me out of faith. The sailor might not have done anything wrong, but if the sailor were to go in the ship that night he was about to die because of bad weather and instead if he is arrested he would be in the jail and he would have been saved form a greater calamity.

The wallet should go to the poor man because he will use it in My service. I was going to reduce the rich man's karma also by doing this and save the sailor also. But you cancelled everything because you thought you know My plan and you made your own plans!"

"Every incident, event or happening has a divine timing and a divine order and is divinely planned."

Start with Ganesh............. End with Anjaneya

Rama gives his ring to Maruti, so Sita can recognize him as a messenger

Half Ganesha and half Hanuman

At Madya Kailas temple Adyar Madras

The idol is an amalgam of Sri vigneshwara and Sri Anjaneya on the lines of Ardhanareeswara ( Siva and Parvati) and Sri Sankaranarayana (combination of Siva and narayana).

The word Aadiyantha stands for 'begining to end' (Aadi - begining & Antha - end). There is a Tamil saying 'Begin with Ganesa and end up with Anjaneya'. Many people visit the temple to get blessing of the 'Twins' against the influence of Navagrahas. The importance of the idol is that Sri Vigneswara and Sri Anjaneya are the only two deities who are totally free from any influence over them whatsoever by the Navagrahas. It is believed that, the devotees can and do influence the Navagrahas themselves proportionate to the devoutness with which the devotees address themselves to Sri Aadiyanta Prabhu!

Secrecy Begets Success

Trading is just like any other business - more the secrecy, more the success.

Can trading be considered for a living...as a profession..as a major source of income..?

It is a definite yes. But then, Can you derive your major source of income as a professional sportsperson..? Yes, but you need to put in a tremendous amount of time, discipline, hard work and above all a lot of patience.

Just like in any other business, if you have a winning formula, stick to it. Do it consistently. You go around the "Temple City - Madurai" and live there for 24 hours, you could become a better trader watching those "ant like" nature of people there. They don't miss a thing when it comes to making money. Their enthusiasm is quite infective. Their hard work is quite admirable. Most of the street vendors have "never say die" attitude. I guess, all the traders are alike. If someone can make his living out of a 1000- 5000 Rs capital taking enormous risk on the street, Traders in dalal Street too can. If they fail, they have only themselves to blame and no one else. Traders on the street don't repeat their mistakes because they know the hard realities. Traders in dalal street generally have casual approach to "money making" and tend to repeat theirs.

So Change that approach, you can get rich slowly and steadily. Wait for those opportune moment to make your winnings. Play it low during corrections as NO ONE can get that right while it is on but go full throttle once the trend is clear. Leave the intelligence at home, just follow the market like a herd .. Doubters can never make it. Believe in yourself, your own past experience will provide riches unimaginable.

Know your trade..So learn all the basics and methods and leave them to the analysts. Use only that works for you.

Consistent work, patience and a calm temperament and sticking to your plan/ method is a sure shot to Success. Talk less about your trades - Secrecy begets success.

(Live with a trader's family and know that they are so easy going with the life but "steadfast in their seriousness to their trade")

Blast from the past

A Scene from Raja Harishchandra - the first Indian Feature Film produced and directed by Dada Saheb Phalke, 1913. The film had an all-male cast; no woman was available for playing female leads, so the men played all the roles.

Hare Krishna---Concentration

Some devotees like to show off. For hours they meditate, for hours they chant, for hours they repeat the name of GOD. They look down upon others who do not spend so much time meditating and chanting. Arjuna happened to be one of these. If you remember, one of Arjuna’s brothers, whose name was Bhima, was the strongest in the family. Bhima never, never prayed to any god. He used to eat and he used to fight. He was a voracious eater and at the same time a great fighter.

But Arjuna used to pray to this god and that god; he had to please all the gods on earth. Lord Shiva had to be worshipped every day. For two hours daily Arjuna used to collect hundreds of flowers and offer them to Lord Shiva one by one. Each time while offering the flowers he used to utter the name of Lord Shiva. Then pride entered.

What Bhima did was very simple. He would put his fingers on his forehead and concentrate for a couple of minutes before each meal. Then he would eat voraciously. This was his meditation! Poor Arjuna would spend hours gathering flowers, but Arjuna’s pride could not escape Sri Krishna.

Sri Krishna said to Arjuna, “Come, let us go for a walk.” As they were walking, they saw a man drawing a cart. The cart was loaded with flowers. All kinds of flowers. Arjuna said to the man, “What are you doing with these flowers? And where are you going?” The man had no time to respond to Arjuna.

Sri Krishna said, “Arjuna, let us follow him. When the man reached his destination, there were many more carts of flowers. “What are you going to do with all these thousands and millions of flowers?” -Arjuna inquired. “I have no time to speak to you. I am now in serious concentration. I can speak only to one person on earth, and that is Bhima, the second Pandava. He is the greatest spiritual seeker. When he meditates before his meals just for a minute or two, saying ‘O mighty Lord Shiva,’ thousands of flowers are offered by him to Lord Shiva. His concentration is most intense. His meditation is most sincere. Arjuna only throws flowers at Lord Shiva. He just shows off.

Poor Arjuna went back with Lord Krishna and was extremely angry with him for subjecting him to this humiliation. Lord Krishna said to Arjuna, “I wanted to teach you that it is not the number of hours, it is not the number of flowers, but it is the power of concentration, it is the power of dedication that counts.

-Sri Chinmoy.

Great orators

Interesting thoughts

Vishnu Vishnu Vishnu

Know your city---Tis Hazari

The place get its name from a force of 30,000 Sikhs, which encamped here under military general Baghel Singh in 1783, prior to attacking Delhi. Under the command of Baghel Singh and other leading warriors crossed the Yamuna and captured Saharanpur. They overran the territory of Najib ud-Daulah, the Ruhila chief, acquiring from him a tribute of eleven lakh of rupees (INR 1,100,000). In April Baghel Singh with two other sardars (Rai Singh Bhangi and Tara Singh Ghaiba) crossed the Yamuna to occupy that country, which was then ruled by Zabita Khan, who was the son and successor of Najib ud-Daulah. Zabita Khan in desperation offered Baghel Singh large sums of money and proposed an alliance to jointly plunder the crown lands. Sardar Baghel Singh set up an octroi-post near Sabzi Mandi to collect the tax on the goods imported into the city to finance the search and the construction of the Sikh Temples. (He did not want to use the cash received from the Government Treasury for this purpose, and most of that was handed out to the needy and poor. He often distributed sweetmeats bought out of this government gift to the congregationalists at the place which is now known as the Pul Mithai.)
On 11 March 1783, when the Sikhs entered the Red Fort in Delhi and occupied the Diwani-Am, the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II made a settlement with them agreeing to allow Baghel Singh to raise gurdwaras on Sikh historical sites in the city and receive six annas in a rupee (37.5%) of all the octroi duties in the capital.

The old Tis Hazari railway station