My Friend Ganesha

Ganesh Stotram by Gurudev!

Ajam Nirvikalpam Nirakaram Ekam;
Niranandam Anandam Advaita Purnam;
Param Nirgunam Nirvishesham Nireeham;
Parabrahma Roopam Ganesham Bhajema

"Jagatkaranam Karanam Jnaana Roopam;
Suradhim Sukhadim Gunesham Ganesham;
Jagatvyapinam Vishwavandyam Suresham;
Parabrahma Roopam Ganesham Bhajema."

Jagatvyapinam Vishwavandyam Suresham;
Parabrahma Roopam Ganesham Bhajema

"Gunathithamanam Chidanandaroopam;
Chidabasakam Sarvgam Gyanagamyam;
Muni Dhyeyam Akasharoopam Paresham;
Parabrahmaroopam Ganesham Bhajema"


Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the day on which Lord Ganesha is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees. Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

The essence of Ganeshji is brought out beautifully by Adi Shankara. Though Ganeshji is worshiped as the the elephant-headed God, the form (swaroop) is just to bring out its parabrahma roopa. Ganeshji is described as Ajam Nirvikalpam Niraakaaramekam. This means that Ganeshji is never born.

Have alook at our Ganeshji story and the Symbolism right here: http://bawandinesh.name/ganeshji/

http://bawandinesh.name/the-secret-of-lord-ganesha-ii/

Importance of Rudram

In this Shravan Month we have been blessed to exprience a series of Rudra Puja's in Mumbai. I personally got an oppurtunity to witness a Rudra Puja with Swami Vishnupadji. Before I share my experience let me give you a gist of the Significance of Rudra Puja in our life.

Rudra Pooja is an ancient practice that has been followed in India since time immemorial. Rudra means Shiva the Benovelent, the Destroyer of evil.Pooja means that which is born out of fullness.Through this Pooja one can aim for inner peace and fulfillment.In this Pooja Lord Shiva is worshipped in his Rudra form, is hailed by all vedic scriptures as one of the greatest Pooja's to remove all evils, to attain all desires and for all round prosperity.The Astrology scriptures have repeatedly prescribed this as a remedy for several planetary doshas.

Why do Rudra Pooja - The world is a play of energy, negative and positive. When we pray to Shiva – the Lord of transformation; the entire negative energy around us in form of disease, depression, and unhappiness gets transformed into peace, prosperity and joy. Peace around us, in the mind, body and soul.

How is the Pooja Performed - This pooja is performed with a crystal “linga”. Each ancient mantra that is chanted gets absorbed in specific materials like curd, milk, ghee, honey etc. This is then offered to Shiva with reverence, love and gratitude. Specially trained Pandits and Veda students from our ashram in Bangalore perform this special pooja. The chanting of the mantras is so pure and meditative that it takes us to a different plane.

When the rudra pooja was conducted in Mulund I really felt as though I was sitting in Vishalakshi Manadap with Guruji. His presence was som very prominent. Everytime I attend a Pooja my love for chanting and my awarness about the Power of Mantras gets reinforced.

We have Rudra Pooja conducted in our Bangalore ashram every Mon. Another reason to visit the ashram:)