Anandam Paramam Shukham

Dear readers,

Wish you all a Happy Holi!

Let us join together to celebrate the advent of Spring,
Let us burn our past baggage of guilt and misdeeds,
Let us dance to the tunes of Krishna,
Let the innocence in us re-live the day,
Let us be children again,
Let the colors we play with teach us that our diversity is our strength,
Let the water we mix the colors in teach us that only mutual tolerance is the road to communal survival,
Let us dance, be merry and throw a "gulal" on a loved one!

Be with your loved ones, love your loved ones, play with your loved ones today!

Love,

~ Souvik

Aacharan-Tulsi Ramayan

Discover Mukesh!

Avishwas

Moko Kahan Dhundhere Bande Mein To Tere Paas Mein

Na Teerath Mein, Na Moorat Mein Na Ekant Niwas Mein

Na Mandir Mein, Na Masjid Mein Na Kabe Kailas Mein

Mein To Tere Paas Mein Bande

Mein To Tere Paas Mein

Na Mein Jap Mein, Na Mein Tap Mein

Na Mein Barat Upaas Mein

Na Mein Kiriya Karm Mein Rehta

Nahin Jog Sanyas Mein

Nahin Pran Mein Nahin Pind Mein

Na Brahmand Akas Mein

Na Mein Prakuti Prawar Gufa Mein

Nahin Swasan Ki Swans Mein

Khoji Hoye Turat Mil Jaoon Ik Pal Ki Talas Mein

Kahet Kabir Suno Bhai Sadho Mein To Hun Viswas Mein

Translation

Where do you search me?I am with you

Not in pilgrimage, nor in icons

Neither in solitudesNot in temples, nor in mosques

Neither in Kaba nor in KailashI am with you o man

I am with you

Not in prayers, nor in meditation

Neither in fasting

Not in yogic exercises

Neither in renunciation

Neither in the vital force nor in the body Not even in the ethereal space

Neither in the womb of Nature

Not in the breath of the breath

Seek earnestly and discoverIn but a moment of search

Says Kabir, Listen with care

Where your faith is, I am there.

This is one of best poems I ever read. This one poem describes God in the best possible way, this poem makes God a very personal God, a God who is in the belief of the devotee.

Enjoy this poem and feel Sant Kabir's depth of realization.

~Souvik

Aadar Satkar

Dear readers,
2009 is a Mars predominant year and thus Rudra (Shiva) needs to be pleased to end our misery this year.

People often misunderstand Shiva as only a mythological character. I have always said that Shiva is so much more than that. How else can one explain the lines of Atmashtakam?

I am absolutely no authority on religion or Shiva. I am just a simple learner who wishes to keep the soul of Shiva burning in him forever. Neither am I a Guru nor a learned man. I pray each day that I always remain a student for He alone can be the Guru, the shower of light.

With my very minuscule understanding of religion and Shiva, I would recommend the following for my readers on Feb 22, 2009 night (USA time). For India time, it would Feb 23, 2009 night.

For readers who believe in rituals and religion: Fasting till the Tithi ends if possible is the best possible thing. However, if this cannot be done then pouring water on a Shiv Linga on Feb 23 morning before going for work is strongly advised. Even if that is not possible, in the whole time of the Tithi, even if once recites the Panchaksari mantra "Aum Namah Shivay", that itself can do wonders.

For readers who are atheists or don't believe in religion: Calling up old teachers (Gurus), parents and grandparents and showing them respect and love can do wonders on this Tithi. If possible, donations done on Old Age homes or little things done for an elderly person can result in utmost blessings from Shiva. Shiva is all about Love, so please try to be with your family, spouse and children on this Tithi - this pleases Him the most. If you have been planning on watching a film or dining out then Feb 22 evening is the best time to do so with your loved ones.

Happy Maha Shiv Ratri in advance!

~Souvik

Aradhana-Maha Shiv Ratri

Dear readers,

Maha Shiv Ratri is celebrated on the night of Krishna Chaturdasi in Phalgun.

As per the Hindu Calender 2009, Krishna Chaturdasi starts Feb 22, 2009 around 1700 hrs CST and ends Feb 23, 2009 around 1800 hrs CST.

To technically the night of Maha Shiv Ratri for devotees in USA is the night of Feb 22, 2009.

Wish all a happy Maha Shiv Ratri!

Regards,

Souvik

Arambh

Dear readers,

Wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and prosperous 2009!

Jai Shiv Shambhu!

Jai Mahamaya!

~ Souvik

A mate search

Dear readers,

Please take this article in a lighter note.

Who among us can say a mate search is easy? No, it is not.

So, what options do we have, which abstraction do go after?

Well, there is basically the trinity available here for comparison.

For females, choices of men:

Brahma type - Extremely potent, a well-versed in his academics, has a great job, extremely innovative, has great contacts.
Strength : potency, creativity
Weakness : too concentrated on progeny, not so much a romantic type, sometimes lusty (for other women)

Vishnu type - Handsome, rich and very well mannered. Excellent speaker and articulate in almost all matters. Liked by all
Strength : Very caring
Weakness : Little indifferent with respect to continuous attention to partner because has many matters to look into.

Shiva type - Handsome, total out caste, has weird friends and circle. Knowledgeable and seemingly arrogant.
Strength : Cannot live without his love, extremely potent
Weakness : Totally engrossed in partner, his life is his love

For males, choices of females:

Saraswati : Intelligent, extremely talented, working woman and very independent.
Strength : Innovative
Weakness : Career centric

Lakshmi : Wealthy, capricious, moody, sober and very pretty
Strength : Lovely
Weakness : Looks conscious, figure conscious, may take time to get into progeny

Parvati : Sensual, well-to-do, home-maker and yet believes in equality in home between man and woman
Strength: Perfect Home-maker
Weakness : I could fine none :)

From ages when couples married, elders blessed them to be like "Shiva Parvati"!

In many parts of India, unmarried girls fast on Shiva-ratri to get a husband like Shiva.

In matters of marriage, Shiva-Parvati seems to be the best choice for a traditional family. However, the other types are also not too difficult to see around us.

Jai Shiva Shambhu!

~ Souvik

Aradhanam Govindam!

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Achyutam Keshavam

This song is melodiously sung by Vikram Hazra of Art Of Living.
Let the bhakti flow!
Jai Shri Krishna!

Alaap

Loved this title song from good old days!
Jai Shree Krishna!

Aum Namah Shivay!

Aum Namah Shivay!
1 Aashutosh One who fulfills wishes instantly
2 Aja Unborn
3 Akshayaguna God with limitless attributes
4 Anagha Without any fault
5 Anantadrishti Of infinite vision
6 Augadh One who revels all the time
7 Avyayaprabhu Imperishable Lord
8 Bhairav Lord of terror
9 Bhalanetra One who has an eye in the forehead
10 Bholenath Kind hearted Lord
11 Bhooteshwara Lord of ghosts and evil beings
12 Bhudeva Lord of the earth
13 Bhutapala Protector of the ghosts
14 Chandrapal Master of the moon
15 Chandraprakash One who has moon as a crest
16 Dayalu Compassionate
17 Devadeva Lord of the Lords
18 Dhanadeepa Lord of Wealth
19 Dhyanadeep Icon of meditation and concentration
20 Dhyutidhara Lord of Brilliance
21 Digambara One who has the skies as his clothes
22 Durjaneeya Difficult to be known
23 Durjaya Unvanquished
24 Gangadhara Lord of River Ganga
25 Girijapati Consort of Girija
26 Gunagrahin Acceptor of Gunas
27 Gurudeva Master of All
28 Hara Remover of Sins
29 Jagadisha Master of the Universe
30 Jaradhishamana Redeemer from Afflictions
31 Jatin One who has matted hair
32 Kailas One Who Bestows Peace
33 Kailashadhipati Lord of Mount Kailash
34 Kailashnath Master of Mount Kailash
35 Kamalakshana Lotus-eyed Lord
36 Kantha Ever-Radiant
37 Kapalin One who wears a necklace of skulls
38 Khatvangin One who has the missile khatvangin in his hand
39 Kundalin One who wears earrings
40 Lalataksha One who has an eye in the forehead
41 Lingadhyaksha Lord of the Lingas
42 Lingaraja Lord of the Lingas
43 Lokankara Creator of the Three Worlds
44 Lokapal One who takes care of the world
45 Mahabuddhi Extremely intelligent
46 Mahadeva Greatest God
47 Mahakala Lord of All Times
48 Mahamaya Of great illusions
49 Mahamrityunjaya Great victor of death
50 Mahanidhi Great storehouse
51 Mahashaktimaya One who has boundless energies
52 Mahayogi Greatest of all Gods
53 Mahesha Supreme Lord
54 Maheshwara Lord of Gods
55 Nagabhushana One who has serpents as ornaments
56 Nataraja King of the art of dancing
57 Nilakantha The one with a blue throat
58 Nityasundara Ever beautiful
59 Nrityapriya Lover of Dance
60 Omkara Creator of OM
61 Palanhaar One who protects everyone
62 Parameshwara First among all gods First among all gods
63 Paramjyoti Greatest splendor
64 Pashupati Lord of all living beings
65 Pinakin One who has a bow in his hand
66 Pranava Originator of the syllable of OM
67 Priyabhakta Favorite of the devotees
68 Priyadarshana Of loving vision
69 Pushkara One who gives nourishment
70 Pushpalochana One who has eyes like flowers
71 Ravilochana Having sun as the eye
72 Rudra The terrible
73 Rudraksha One who has eyes like Rudra
74 Sadashiva Eternal God
75 Sanatana Eternal Lord
76 Sarvacharya Preceptor of All
77 Sarvashiva Always Pure
78 Sarvatapana Scorcher of All
79 Sarvayoni Source of Everything
80 Sarveshwara Lord of All Gods
81 Shambhu Abode of Joy
82 Shankara Giver of Joy
83 Shiva Always Pure
84 Shoolin One who has a trident
85 Shrikantha Of glorious neck
86 Shrutiprakasha Illuminator of the Vedas
87 Shuddhavigraha One who has a pure body
88 Skandaguru Preceptor of Skanda
89 Someshwara Lord of All Gods
90 Sukhada Bestower of happiness
91 Suprita Well pleased
92 Suragana Having Gods as attendants
93 Sureshwara Lord of All Gods
94 Swayambhu Self-Manifested
95 Tejaswani One who spreads illumination
96 Trilochana Three-Eyed Lord
97 Trilokpati Master of all the Three Worlds
98 Tripurari Enemy of Tripura
99 Trishoolin One who has a trident in his hands
100 Umapati Consort of Uma
101 Vachaspati Lord of Speech
102 Vajrahasta One who has a thunderbolt in his hands
103 Varada Granter of Boons
104 Vedakarta Originator of the Vedas
105 Veerabhadra Supreme Lord of the Nether World
106 Vishalaksha Wide-eyed Lord
107 Vishveshwara Lord of the Universe
108 Vrishavahana One who has bull as his vehicle

Adbhut Vani

Govinda Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo!

Amar Chicago Barir Kali Pujo

Dear readers,

Wish you, your family and friends a very prosperous Diwali and a Shubho Maha Kali Pujo.

Today I celebrated Kali Pujo with some friends at my apartment in Chicago downtown. Below are some of the snaps of Diwali@Chicago.


Regards,

Souvik

A song - Satyam Shivam Sundaram

Satyam Shivam Sundaram!

Aaradhana Re-visited : Solah Somvar Vrat

Dear readers,

I have a karmic debt to fulfill- replying to my numerous fellow Shiv bhakts on the mahima of infallible Solah Somvar Vrat and its katha.

I have completed this vrat once and have completely achieved a goal which not only seemed impossible to me but was regarded by many great advisers of mine. The whole credit goes to Kaleshwar Devadidev Mahadev's blessings, blessings of my pitrs, my grand-parents, my parents, and my elders and Gurus, well-wishers, relations and friends.

Even during this vrat, I faced many obstacles, temptations which were forcing me to break my vrat, but with Kalptaru's blessings I succeeded in vanquishing such hindrances.

I have recently started this vrat the second time and thus it is karmic debt that I reply to the queries of all my fellow Shiv bhakts on this matter.

I am no scholar. I have very minuscule understanding of spirituality and religion compared to most learned Gurus around. So, please pardon my lack of understanding in this article. I am just putting forth what I think is right and what I practice for the great Solah Somvar Vrat, which in incomparable in its results and the completion of which gives the greatest pleasure to Umapati.

In today's age and time, most of the readers who will read this blog article either have a business or are office-goers. However, there may be women readers who are home-makers. In either cases it is highly improbable that the bhakt will stay at home the whole time. So, I shall write my views on this in as much practical sense as possible.

Q) Can anyone do this?
A) Yes.
Just as Shiv is in every living soul, just as every life is a proof of Shiva's existence, so can any living soul do this vrat and gain His blessings.

Q) What is the procedure of doing this vrat?
A) Can there be any fixed procedure for showing one's compassion to one's Aaradhya? So, there is no fixed procedure to do this procedure, atleast none that I know of. However, I will share how I perform this vrat.
Every Monday I wake up filled with joy that today I get to do something for my Shiva, my soul. I wake up with Aum Namah Shivay mantra. I look at the rising Sun and raise a glass of water and ask Shiva to give me strength to complete today's vrat and drink the glass of water remembering Him. Then I finish off toilet, have my bath and go to work.
At work I avoid any confrontation on Mondays, avoid bad words, avoid group gossip. I have my ipod which I listen to Shiva mantras while working. I don't go for lunch with my work colleagues on Mondays. I talk as little as possible. I concentrate on my dharma, which at that moment is my work, my assignments for the day. If I have meetings, I stick to my agenda and generally tend to talk less. The reason is that speech is the source of all trouble (remember Dakshinamurthy teaching through silence).
At around Madhyanya (mid-day around 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm depending on the zone of Earth where one resides), I have some fruits. Sometimes I even skip this and just carry on with water. I generally leave work at 5:00 pm on Mondays and come home before sunset. At sunset I remember if I have objected my Lord in anyway during the day and seek forgiveness for all sins done. I pray to Shiva with MahaMrityunjaya mantra and take some fruits and a glass of milk.
In the evening I skip social get-together on Mondays and avoid lies. I generally try to do something that pleases the Lord very much. I generally call up my grandparents and chat with them, I call up my parents and tell them how much I miss them. One should remember the story of Ganesha's parikrama of his mother and father as He regarded them as the Universe and how much it pleased Shiva and Parvati. Karma is the best way to appease the Lord, much superior than elaborate rituals. Doing something good for elders, Gurus and parents and pleasing them pleases the Lord automatically.
I sleep around 10:00 Pm peaceful, placid and contended and with a prayer that the Lord keep showering His merciful blessings on His bhakts.
I try to observe satwick lifestyle during the vrat and avoid lies. Satya or truth is loved Shiva and thus one should avoid telling a single lie during the vrat.

Q)How is this vrat possible for women if it has to be continuous?
A)Menstrual cycle shouldn't matter - This is the one word answer to this question.
Mother who is the Jagadjanini, who we worship daily -have we asked if we should avoid worshiping her during certain days? If mother can be worshiped, then mother-kind can worship too. I strongly oppose this idea of banning women from worship on certain days of the month. The reason that it was brought in place was very different - places of worship would become untidy as most modern measures used today were not present. Those days have long gone and makes ZERO sense in today's age and time. So mother-kind, please do not hesitate to do this vrat.

Q)The question of upvas-What should we eat and what we shouldn't?
A)Anything that makes you feel that you are sacrificing something by not eating it, shouldn't be eaten.
Lets us understand the word Upvas and the meaning associated with it. Upvas means living with the Lord. If the Lord comes to your house, you will be so pre-occupied by attending to Him that you will forget to attend to yourself i.e. your dress, your food, your laundry, your movies, your social functions, your meetings etc.
Eating is just a part of living. During this vrat, the essence of Upvas has to be lived-which is control of instincts. If you cannot live without non-veg food, the you cannot eat it during this vrat. If you are a vegetarian, then you have to sacrifice what you eat normally. If you eat cronflakes every morning, you have control your instinct and avoid eating it during this vrat days. If you eat rice, roti etc. as a habit then you have to control it during this vrat. This is the essence of upvas that we should all understand. However, please remember that control of instincts doesn't mean killing oneself or punishing one's body beyond tolerance. Gastractive patients should eat what is necessary for them. Shiva is also one's own self. So to punish one's own self to the point beyond tolerance is also annoying Shiva. The intention is not control one's natural instinct without causing harm to typical bodily functions.
I don't eat fruits much on usual days so during this vrat, I take only fruits and milk once. One should make this judgement himself/herself and in accordance with one's own conscience.

Q)What mantras should I chant?
A)Anything that pleases your soul.
The word mantra means something that pleases the maan, the mind. Even if you donot chant a single mantra and at the end of the day said "I love you" to your parents, that is much more pleasing to the Lord than even a Rudrabhishekam. The single teardrop of joy from your grand-father's eyes when he receives your call will send your vrat message directly to Shiva more than reciting any Rudra Chamakam. Deeds please the Lord more than any ritual. However, if you are interested in the sanskrit mantras, you can use a variety of options available on the web. I always beileved in keeping it simple, so I have only chanted Panchaksari mantra during the sixteen Mondays. Although I do listen to a lot of bhajans and stotras during the day.

Q)Do I have to fast?
A)No, you don't need to do. Please refer to my earlier explanation of upvas.

Q)Can women do this vrat?
A)Very much. Monthly cycles is a natural phenomenon and how can Pashupatinath (the ruler of all animal kingdom, human included) have a problem with that?

Q)What do I do on the 17th. Monday?
A)Whatever you do, make sure you are seeking blessings of your elders. Without that you shall not receive the blessings of Shiva, the Adi Guru.
I shall mention what I did. I called my friends (as I was away from home) to my place. I performed Rudrabhishekam. I made the Shivlinga out of atta, turmeric and chandan. I called my elders at home to seek their blessings. I shared the story of Solah Somvar Vrat with them.
My friends had brought cooked food with them. We all sat and ate together chanting Aum Namah Shivay.

Q)Where can I find the story of Solah Somvar Vrat Katha?
A) http://satyamshivamsundaram.blogspot.com/2005/11/aaradhana.html#comments

Spread the word, please the Lord and be Happy!

~ Souvik

Aradhana - Devi Sooktam

Devi Sooktam!

Aayo Devi Mahima Gaye!

Sing Along Devi's Mahima!

Aradhya Devi Maha Maya

Jai Jai Hey Mahishasura Mardini!

Aadar

Jai Shiv Shambhu!

Anta Hoyeo Anta Noy- Shubho Bijoya

Dear readers,

Dasamai is here and tears have already started rolling down the cheeks of millions. Its time to say good bye to the Mother.

However, there is still reason to celebrate. It is after all Bijoya-the victory of Good over Evil.

Shubho Bijoya to all readers!

~ Souvik