Tag Archive | Shiva

How to Bend Destiny with the Navagraha Mantras – 9 – Saturn

Get on the good side of Saturn by praying to Hanuman to enhance your spirituality and character

This post continues the ongoing series on How to Bend Destiny.

Shani –  Planet of Challenges and Character 

Saturn is the most feared planet of all in the Eastern astrological construct. It is famed for causing long periods of difficulties where people are tested to the limit. Why? I believe it is because God is not interested in where you start or how but how you run the race. The evolution you undergo and the character you build in times of tragedy and difficulty is a key part of life and the true measure of a man or woman.

Saturn has the effect of detachment, spirituality, longevity, foreign travel and also of thieves and robbers. It is the overlord of all spiritual personalities and behaviour.

Effects of Saturn

Shani is the son of the Sun (Surya), mothered by Chaya. Shani is known to be lame (due t0 a prior quarrel with Yama, the God of Death and Afterlife) and the root cause of testing periods in one’s life.

Shani in a positive position within the horoscope gives the aspirant powerful leadership potential,honesty and sense of justice. It also causes spiritual detachment from materiality and wordily behaviours if the aspirant is so inclined.

Boost your spirituality and character!

The Vedic prayer to Saturn is below, followed by the Shani Gayatri.

Vedic prayer to Saturn

Transliteration

Neelaamjana Samaabhaasam Raviputram Yamagrajam

Chchaaya maarthanda samboothm tham namaami Shanishwaram

Meaning

“I bow down to Saturn, the one of a dark-blue complexion like ointment, the slow moving one, the son of Chaya and the brother of Yama.”

Shukra Gayatri

Transliteration

“Om Sanischaraya vidmahe
Suryaputraya dhimahi
tanno manda prachodayaat

Meaning

“We know Shani,
We meditate on the son of the Sun,
May the slow one inspire us” 

Mantras to Hanuman

The Ruling Deity of Shani is Lord Hanuman. We have already covered a number of Hanuman chants, including: the Hanuman Gayatri and the Hanuman Chalisa.

Coming soon: Part 10 – Rahu

Follow me on Twitter: @MantraYogi

Prior parts of the series

Click here for part 1  – Introduction

Click here for part 2 List of Mantras to Planets

Click here for part 3 The Sun + Shiva

Click here for part 4 The Moon + Parvati

Click here for part 5 Mars + Skanda/Hanuman

Click here for part 6 Mercury + Vishnu

Click here for part 7 Jupiter + Dakshinamurthy

Click here for part 8 Venus + Lakshmi

 

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The Ultimate Invocation of Shiva – The Rudra

Worship Shiva as Rudra for unimaginable benefits

Worship Rudra, the God of the Storm

In the centre of the Krsna Yajur Veda, there is a hymn called the Rudra (also called the Rudram or Rudraprasna). It is a powerful invocation of Lord Shiva in the fierce form of Rudra. Rudra is the God of the Wind, Storm and the Hunt. He is accompanied by his fearsome entourage of the Maruts, the Gods of the Storm and Hunt and is known as the God of Thieves.

Translating from Sanskrit, Rudra means “the Howling One”, “the Terrible One”, “the Roaring One”, or “the Wild One”.

Tap into the essence of the Veda

Each verse is filled with incredible potency and extremely beneficial to the health and spiritual development of any sincere aspirant.

The Rudra is split into two parts – the Namaka and the Chamaka. The Namaka is so named because most lines end with ‘namo’ (prostrations) and similarly, the Chamaka’s verses each end in ‘chame’ (give me).

One of the reasons why the hymn is so powerful is because the Panchakshari mantra – Nama Shivaya – occurs in its very centre. The Panchakshari Mantra is the very  essence of Shiva, constituting the power of the universe, the 5 elements, and directly stimulates chakras in the body of the sadhak.

Method of chanting

The Rudra can be chanted from start to finish for a one-off recitation, or can be structured in a specific way for multiple rounds.

The number eleven is auspicious to Shiva. To chant the Rudra 11x is called a Laghu Rudra, or an Ekadasa Rudra. The Namaka is chanted 11x, each time combined with a part of the Chamaka.

Taking this further, 11 Ekadasa Rudras constitute a Maharudra. 11 Maharudras constitute an Adi Rudra – the ultimate invocation of Shiva. The last time such a high profile event occured was in the presence of Sri Sathya Said Baba.

A yagnya usually accompanies the chanting, followed by abishek of panchamrita (the 5 components of the nectar of the Gods) – which is made up of five precious liquids, including water from a sacred river, milk, honey, ghee, yoghurt and the juice of a sugar-cane.

Chant the Rudra for Prosperity, Power and Peace

In general terms, aspirants pray to Shiva for the following benefits:

  • Inviting auspiciousness into their lives
  • Increased detachment and affinity for spirituality
  • Incredible health and vitality; alleviating disease
  • Greater efficiency and time management, overcoming procrastination
  • Counteracting the malefic effects of the Sun, Jupiter, Saturn and Rahu

Needless to say, the worship of the Auspicious One also brings great peace to not only the aspirant and family, but extends as far as lokakshemam – ie peace for the entire plane. Click here for a prior article on peace.

His Holiness Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswathi shed further light on the Rudra, outlining the following specific (and more tangible) benefits in proportion to the number of Rudras performed:

1 Rudra – Freedom from Bala graha (diseases common to children).

3 Rudra – Freedom from imminent difficulties with which one is faced.

5 Rudra – Freedom from the evil effects of certain planets occupying unfavourable positions.

7 Rudra – Freedom from great fear.

9 Rudra – The fruit of one Vajapeya sacrifice (one of the great public yagnyas of ancient times).

11 Rudra  – Getting the favour of kings and great wealth.

33 Rudra – Attainment of wishes for objects and having no enemies.

77 Rudra – Enjoyment of great happiness.

99 Rudra – Attainment of son, grandson, wealth, grain, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha and freedom from death.

1 Maharudra – Attainment of the favour of kings and becoming the Lord of great wealth.

3 Maharudra – Fulfilment of impossible tasks.

5 Maharudra – Acquirement of vast lands.

7 Maharudra – Attainment of the seven worlds.

9 Maharudra – Freedom from births and deaths.

1 Atirudra – Becoming God.

Is there any superior sacrifice in modern times?

In the modern day, the Rudra is considered one of the greatest yagnyas (fire sacrifices) possible and on par with the Aswamedha yagnyas etc of ancient times.

Chant or listen to the Rudra daily (click here for a link to the audio); Mondays in particular are auspicious to Shiva.

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How to Bend Destiny with the Navagraha Mantras – 7 – Jupiter

Let Jupiter drive your thirst for spirituality!

This post continues the ongoing series on How to Bend Destiny.

Guru –  Planet of Spirituality 

Jupiter is one of the most important planets in the solar system. It governs the spirituality and influence of aspirants.

Effects of Jupiter

In Eastern astrology, Jupiter is known as Guru (literally spiritual teacher) and Brihaspati. Brihaspati is the Guru of all the Devas and the son of Rishi Agirasa.

Jupiter governs personal qualities – such as optimism, gravitas, influence and scholastic aptitude, and also their material gains – such as the generation and preservation of wealth.

A person with a well placed Guru in their birth chart will be of a spiritual nature, charitable and generally benevolent with a full understanding of the concept of karma. They will endeavour to lead positive and meaningful lives.

Boost your spiritual drive!

The Vedic prayer to Jupiter is below, followed by the Brihaspati Gayatri.

Vedic prayer to Mercury

Transliteration

“Devaanaam cha Risheenaam cha Gurum kaanchana Sannibham

Buddhibhootam trilokesham tham namaami Brihaspathim

Meaning

“I pray to the spiritual teacher of the Seers and the Gods who is of a golden colour, the intelligent one and the Lord of the Three Worlds.”

Brihaspati Gayatri

Transliteration

Om Vrishabadhwajaaya Vidmahae
Kruni Hastaaya Dheemahi
Tanno Guru Prachodayaat

Meaning

“We know the bull-flagged one,
We meditate on the one who achieves things,
May Jupiter inspire us” 

Mantras to Shiva as Dakshinamurthy

The Ruling Deity of Jupiter is Shiva in the form of Dakshinamurthy, the Silent Guru, who appeared to the Sanat Kumaras to impart the wisdom of the universe and dispel their doubts.

Transliteration:

“Om Sri Gurubhyo namaha, Harihi Om

Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnuhu
Guru devo Maheshwaraha
Guru saakshaat Parambrahma
Tasmai Sri Gurave namaha.

Gurave sarva lokanaam
Bhishaje Bhavaroginam
Nidhaye sarva vidhyanam
Sri Dakshinamurthaye namaha

Sri Gurubhyo namaha, Harihi Om”

Semi-literal translation

“Prostrations to the Guru and Hari (Vishnu)

The Guru is Brahma
The Guru is Vishnu
The Guru is Mahesh (Shiva)

The Guru is the witness and the Supreme Soul
My prostrations to you, the Guru.

Salutations to the God of the Southern direction
The teacher of all planes of existence
Who is the doctor for all diseases
and the store of all knowledge

Prostrations to the Guru and Hari (Vishnu)”

Say this sloka daily to obtain the blessings of Brihaspati (as Guru) and Dakshinamurthy.

Coming soon: Part 8 – Venus

Follow me on Twitter: @MantraYogi

Prior parts of the series

Click here for part 1  – Introduction

Click here for part 2 List of Mantras to Planets

Click here for part 3 The Sun + Shiva

Click here for part 4 The Moon + Parvati

Click here for part 5 Mars + Skanda/Hanuman

Click here for part 6 Mercury + Vishnu

 

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How to Attract Women: Part 4 – Soundarya Lahari Mantra for Marriage

The Soundarya Lahari holds many powerful mantras. Find the mantra to attract a partner here.

This article is the continuation of the How to Attract Women series.

Click here for part 1

Click here for part 2

Click here for part 3

Authored by the hand of God…

The Soundarya Lahari, loosely translating to “Waves of Beauty” is a masterpiece in praise of the Divine Feminine. The piece is said to be authored by Shiva himself and transcribed by Ganesha, in praise of his consort, Parashakti – the Supreme Power.

These secrets were originally provided to Adi Shankaracharya. Through a twist of fate, the Shankaracharya himself contributed a section to the hymn. The lore as to why he wrote a portion is varied but suffice to say, a portion of the original text was lost, requiring him to complete it.

There are many further sources of information on the text, including on Speaking Tree:

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/40yads2q1mannmwq8zismvuw4/blog/FEATURE-Soundarya-Lahari-Waves-of-Beauty-Adi-Shankar

…and the source of many powerful mantras

The Soundarya Lahari is an incredibly powerful script. Each verse and couplet is known to have tremendous mantra-shakti.

Interestingly, for a stotra of this size, there is no Phala-sruti – the part of the prayer which describes its attributes and benefits. Instead, one is to take it as an act of pure devotion. In fact, this is actually the key to unlocking its benefits. Once you worship the Divine Feminine in Supreme form, the more pointed questions are: what will you NOT receive and be unable to perform after accessing such a powerful force? The answer is of course: nothing!

The Mantra for Attracting a Partner

Here is the verse to hasten marriage; it allows you to attract a husband or wife.

Note: The translation and transliteration have been borrowed from the fantastic website:  http://www.sankaracharya.org/soundarya_lahari.php.

Transliteration:

Verse 5:
“Haris tvam aradhya pranata-jana-saubhagya-jananim
Pura nari bhutva Pura-ripum api ksobham anayat;
Smaro’pi tvam natva rati-nayana-lehyena vapusha
Muninam apyantah prabhavati hi mohaya mahatam.

(Semi-literal) meaning:

“You who grant all the good things,
To those who bow at your feet,
Was worshipped by the Lord Vishnu,
Who took the pretty lovable feminine form,
And could move the mind of he who burnt the cities,
And make him fall in love with him.
And the God of love , Manmatha,
Took the form which is like nectar,
Drunk by the eyes by Rathi his wife,
After venerating you,
Was able to create passion ,
Even in the mind of the great Sages.”

Important notes on Procedure

Whilst anyone can chant the Soundarya Lahari, they should approach it the appropriate degree of reverence.

There is a significant level of precision required in both pronunciation and procedure. Ideally one should proceed straight from the shower into the prayer room dressed in freshly washed clothes. Light a lamp, then begin chanting as per usual mantra japa.

Learn the pronunciation from one well versed in the mantra, or if that is not possible, listen to the mantra online to learn it. A link will soon be posted to the Listen to Mantras Here  page of my blog, accessible by clicking here.

 

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Thoughts on Mantra: Alternative Bija Mantras

Bijas are powerful seeds

Bijas are primordial sounds which channel the creative power of the Gods. They are in themselves siddhi and attraction mantras. Chanting them instantly starts a chain of events that result in the aspirant attracting what he/she wants.

The most two popular mantras within this group are Shreem (to create material abundance) and Kleem (gain the power of attraction – especially of female companionship). Click on each bija mantra to read prior articles on the subjects.

Not just Kleem and Shreem

Many people do not realise that other mantras are actually bijas hidden in plain sight! The most prominent examples are the Panchakshari mantra: Nama Shivaya, the Ashtakshari: Om Namo Narayanaya, and Rama.

These can also be chanted as bijas to gain immediate benefits. All of these particular mantras are powerful purifiers.

What does this mean? It means the clarification of:

  • Mind (clarity without confusion, concentration, focus);
  • Intellect (positivity, kind and auspicious thoughts);
  • Body (a spiritual level cleanliness above physical cleanliness);
  • Soul (removes bad karma).

Note that the mind and intellect are considered as two independent processes within the brain in both Freudian and Vedantic methodologies.

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How to Bend Destiny with the Navagraha Mantras – 3 – The Sun

Gain grace and authority by channeling the power of the Sun!

This post continues the ongoing series on How to Bend Destiny.

Click here for part 1 and here for part 2.

The Sun – King of the Solar System

In the Solar System, the Sun occupies the most important position. It holds all the planets and moons around it by the force of its gravity, warms each planet with its heat and lights the way for us to go about our daily lives here on Earth. It is a planet of principal importance.

Needless to say, the Sun occupies a similar position in Eastern astrology. It is a powerful planet.

Effects of the Sun

Its position in the horoscope influences your relationships with authority and male figures in your life.

It reflects the enthusiasm and idealism of a person, the vitality, dignity and grace with which they carry themselves and their ambition in life.

Boost your solar power!

The Vedic prayer to the Sun is below, followed by the Surya Gayatri and the Gayatri Maha Mantra.

Vedic prayer to the sun

Transliteration

“Japakusuma Samkaasham Kashyapeyam Mahadhyuthim,
Tamorim Sarva Paapagnam Pranathosmi Divakaram”

Meaning

“I pray to the Sun, the one who creates day, destroys
all sin, the enemy of darkness, who is supremely brilliant, the descendent of Kaashyapa (Rishi), the one who
shines like the prayer-flower (hibiscus).”

Surya Gayatri

Transliteration

“Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe
Divakaraya Dhimahi
Tanno Suryah Prachodayat”

Meaning

“We know the brilliant one,
We meditate on the shining one,
May Surya inspire us.” 

There is more than one Gayatri mantra for Surya – see the link here for a list of the others: http://srisuryadevalayam.org/suryamantras.html.

But WAIT…don’t be too hasty! There’s a better way…

As mentioned in the second post in this series (click here to read it), as one  cannot know whether strengthening the Sun’s influence in a horoscope through mantras will be beneficial unless a specialist is consulted, the far simpler path is to pray to the Ruling Deity of each of the planets.

This is a far safer and more desireable method than using a direct mantra as the deity will not only ensure a beneficial influence from the planet, but also bless you themselves. It’s almost like a 2 for 1 deal at the supermarket!

Mantras to Shiva

The Ruling Deity of the Sun is Shiva – mantras which can be used are Om Nama Shivaya (known as the Panchakshari mantra), or Rudra Gayatri (click on the bold to see more about each) or the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra.

The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is certainly the first choice out of the three, but would ideally require Guru initiation to fully appreciate its beauty. In the absence of this, the simplest is the Panchakshari mantra – which anyone can chant freely.

Coming soon: Part 4 – The Moon

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Understanding the Panchakshari Mantra: Om Nama Shivaya

The Panchakshari mantra embodies the elements and much more!

The Most Famous 5-syllables you know

The Panchakshari mantra means the five syllable mantra. It is well known to all as Nama Shivaya. The Om is added to the beginning of most mantras for chanting.

It translates to I prostrate before Auspiciousness. It occurs in the very heart of the Rudraprasna sloka, in the middle of the Krishna Yajur Veda. Symbolically, it is therefore the essence of the entire Veda.

The deeper meanings

Whilst apparently conveying a simple concept, the tiny mantra is actually the product of thousands of years of meditation by the ancient Rishis (holy seers). The syllables are packed with power and the mantra in entirety is known as a bija (or primordial sound) itself.

An offering of the meanings from Shivaya Subramanya Swami are below:

  • Na – corresponds to the Lord’s maya (or concealing power)
  • Ma – the entire universe
  • Shi – short for Shiva
  • Va – the Lord’s ability to reveal the workings of the universe
  • Ya – the supreme soul
As another interpretation, it contains all the elements:
  • Na – Earth
  • Ma – Water
  • Shi – Fire
  • Va – Air
  • Ya – Ether or space
Yet another interpretation is that the syllables each correspond to the chakras – starting from the root chakra and ending in the head chakra.
The benefits:

The mantra can:

  • Dissolve your bad karma
  • Enlighten you
  • Invites auspiciousness into your life
  • Generate immense spiritual power

No particular initiation is needed of this mantra, but some explanation from a Guru is always beneficial in providing food for contemplation – as touched upon above.

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Rudra Gayatri Mantra

Let the grace of Shiva destroy your sins and empower you!

Transliteration:

“Om Tatpurusaya vidmahe,
Mahadevaya dhimahi,
Tanno Rudrah pracodayaat”

(Semi-literal) Translation:

We know that being,
We meditate on the Supreme God,
May Lord Rudra enlighten us.

Purpose:

  • Removes your bad karma
  • Removes fear of death, humiliation, loss of reputation and other losses
  • Helps protect and improve your health; Shiva is known as the great healer
  • Curbs the malefic effects of the Sun (Surya) – Shiva is the Ruling Deity

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Break Through the Barriers of Procrastination Now!

Don't let Procrastination steal your time! Pray to Kala Bhairava!

The pre-requisite to turning thought into action: Divine Grace!

I have previously written on how real power is the ability to turn focused thought into action.

Let’s move onto procrastination. How many of us suffer from such an ailment? I would venture that all of us have at some point been victims of this development!

Whilst willpower is a key pre-requisite, there are excellent supplementary mantras which can help. The Kala Bhairava Ashtaka is one such stotra with tremendous mantra-shakti.

Who is Kala Bhairava?

Bhairava is a fierce form of Shiva. Kala literally means time. Kala Bhairava is therefore the form of Shiva in charge of time; a very similar deity to the Greek Titan Kronos (the root of the word Chronological or Chronograph for watches!) .

Shiva is called the God of Time because of His role as the destroyer of the universe at the end of Time. Secondly, he is one who has conquered death and is invoked through the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to ward of untimely death through misfortune or illness. Thirdly, he is mentioned in the Yajur Veda as the God of Thieves, and in the same chapter, the Thief of Time.

It is clear from these paragraphs that he is the Lord of Procrastination! Pray to him to aggressively reclaim your time on earth by letting him fight your demons! Optimise you time and create true efficiency in your life!

Let the Kala Bhairava Ashtaka revolutionise your life!

Find a link to hear the Ashtaka by clicking here. It is a powerful stotra which you should listen to the FIRST thing in the morning or the LAST thing at night.

I would also recommend that while listening, you write list of things to do with strong conviction behind each point. This should condition your brain to prioritise these tasks for you subconsciously in the early or late part of the day when your mind is particularly malleable! Secondly, it aligns your energy with the God of Time to easily get things done.

I would greatly recommend this Time Technology described above in conjunction with the prayers to Ganesha and Skanda described in my prior article – click here.

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