Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha (Elephant Head God)

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Asian culture is full of religious and spiritual stuff wherein you can find varied god and their respective sotries. Lord Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati.

Similar to other god even Ganesha has many names, very famous amongst them are: Ganpati, Vinayak, Pillaiyar, Vighneshwara, Dvaimatura (one who has two mothers), Lambodara (one who has a pot belly, or, literally, one who has a hanging belly), Gajanana (having the face of an elephant), etc. List of 108 names of Ganesha is shown at the end of this article.

Ganesha is widely worshiped for many purposes like removing of obstacles, knowledge, wealth, power, etc. as he is the elder son of the creator, the destroyer Lord Shiva. He is worshiped in many different parts of the world like India, Nepal, United States, Canada, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma and Fiji.

Apart from Indians and specially Hindus, the story behind the elephant head is rarely known to others. Let us go through a quick short part of it. Mother of Lord Ganesha, Devi Parvati set him to stand guard at her door while she bathed. Lord Shiva returned and, as Ganesha didn’t know him, he didn’t allow him to enter. Lord Shiva became enraged, severed the head of the child and entered his house. Parvati got angry on Lord Shiva and asked him give her son back alive. Lord Shiva promised her and said that he will fix the head of any one who will come first on the way, suddenly an elephant came on the way and Lord Shiva fixed the head of an elephant in place of Ganesha’s head. In this way, Lord Ganesha came to be depicted as the elephant-headed God.

During Ganesh Chaturthi festival people buy Lord Ganesha idols to make them sit in their particular premises or nearby house/office with an open invitation to all. Prayers and offerings are given to all during the rituals everyday untill the date of Ganesh Visarjan (Ganesh Visarjan – People carry Ganesh idol to the water resources i.e. river, sea, etc. and put it in the water). Ganesh Visarjan ceremony is very glamours, full of traditional music, dance, joy & happiness all around. During Ganesh Visarjan you can also find feeling of losing someone you love the most, people request to the god to come back soon.

In the field of spiritual practices, it is said that Ganesh resides in the first chakra called Muladhar Chakra (Basic Chakra). Muladhar chakra is the chakra for manifestation or outward expansion and in other teachings it is also believed that muladhar chakra is for prosperity and will to live.

One can chant the following mantra as prayer:

• Vakra-Tunndda Maha-Kaaya Surya-Kotti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa.
• Om Gum Ganpataye Namah Om
• Om Shree Ganashai Namah Om

Chanting can also be done on any one of the names of Lord Ganesh, here is the list of 108 names:

Akhurath – One who has Mouse as His Charioteer
Alampata – Ever Eternal Lord
Amit – Incomparable Lord
Anantachidrupamayam – Infinite and Consciousness Personified
Avaneesh – Lord of the whole World
Avighna – Remover of Obstacles

Balaganapati – Beloved and Lovable Child
Bhalchandra – Moon-Crested Lord
Bheema – Huge and Gigantic
Bhupati – Lord of the Gods
Bhuvanpati – God of the Gods
Buddhinath – God of Wisdom
Buddhipriya – Knowledge
Buddhividhata – God of Knowledge

Chaturbhuj – One who has Four Arms

Devadeva – Lord of All Lords
Devantakanashakarin – Destroyer of Evils and Asuras
Devavrata – One who accepts all Penances
Devendrashika – Protector of All Gods
Dharmik – One who gives Charity
Dhoomravarna – Smoke-Hued Lord
Durja – Invincible Lord
Dvaimatura – One who has two Mothers

Ekaakshara – He of the Single Syllable
Ekadanta – Single-Tusked Lord
Ekadrishta – Single-Tusked Lord
Eshanputra – Lord Shiva’s Son

Gadadhara – One who has The Mace as His Weapon
Gajakarna – One who has Eyes like an Elephant
Gajanana – Elephant-Faced Lord
Gajananeti – Elephant-Faced Lord
Gajavakra – Trunk of The Elephant
Gajavaktra – One who has Mouth like an Elephant
Ganadhakshya – Lord of All Ganas (Gods)
Ganadhyakshina – Leader of All The Celestial Bodies
Ganapati – Lord of All Ganas (Gods)
Gaurisuta – The Son of Gauri (Parvati)
Gunina – One who is The Master of All Virtues

Haridra – One who is Golden Coloured
Heramba – Mother’s Beloved Son

Kapila – Yellowish-Brown Coloured
Kaveesha – Master of Poets
Krti – Lord of Music
Kripalu – Merciful Lord
Krishapingaksha – Yellowish-Brown Eyed
Kshamakaram – The Place of Forgiveness
Kshipra – One who is easy to Appease

Lambakarna – Large-Eared Lord
Lambodara – The Huge Bellied Lord

Mahabala – Enormously Strong Lord
Mahaganapati – Omnipotent and Supreme Lord
Maheshwaram – Lord of The Universe
Mangalamurti – All Auspicious Lord
Manomay – Winner of Hearts
Mrityuanjaya – Conqueror of Death
Mundakarama – Abode of Happiness
Muktidaya – Bestower of Eternal Bliss
Musikvahana – One who has mouse as charioteer

Nadapratithishta – One who Appreciates and Loves Music
Namasthetu – Vanquisher of All Evils & Vices & Sins
Nandana – Lord Shiva’s Son
Nideeshwaram – Giver of Wealth and Treasures

Omkara – One who has the Form Of OM

Pitambara – One who has Yellow-Colored Body
Pramoda – Lord of All Abodes
Prathameshwara – First Among All
Purush – The Omnipotent Personality

Rakta – One who has Red-Colored Body
Rudrapriya – Beloved Of Lord Shiva

Sarvadevatman – Acceptor of All Celestial Offerings
Sarvasiddhanta – Bestower of Skills and Wisdom
Sarvatman – Protector of The Universe
Shambhavi – The Son of Parvati
Shashivarnam – One who has a Moon like Complexion
Shoorpakarna – Large-Eared Lord
Shuban – All Auspicious Lord
Shubhagunakanan – One who is The Master of All Virtues
Shweta – One who is as Pure as the White Color
Siddhidhata – Bestower of Success & Accomplishments
Siddhipriya – Bestower of Wishes and Boons
Siddhivinayaka – Bestower of Success
Skandapurvaja – Elder Brother of Skand (Lord Kartik)
Sumukha – Auspicious Face
Sureshwaram – Lord of All Lords
Swaroop – Lover of Beauty

Tarun – Ageless

Uddanda – Nemesis of Evils and Vices
Umaputra – The Son of Goddess Uma (Parvati)

Vakratunda – Curved Trunk Lord
Varaganapati – Bestower of Boons
Varaprada – Granter of Wishes and Boons
Varadavinayaka – Bestower of Success
Veeraganapati – Heroic Lord
Vidyavaridhi – God of Wisdom
Vighnahara – Remover of Obstacles
Vignaharta – Demolisher of Obstacles
Vighnaraja – Lord of All Hindrances
Vighnarajendra – Lord of All Obstacles
Vighnavinashanaya – Destroyer of All Obstacles & Impediments
Vigneshwara – Lord of All Obstacles
Vikat – Huge and Gigantic
Vinayaka – Lord of All
Vishwamukha – Master of The Universe
Vishwaraja – King of The World

Yagnakaya – Acceptor of All Sacred & Sacrficial Offerings
Yashaskaram – Bestower of Fame and Fortune
Yashvasin – Beloved and Ever Popular Lord
Yogadhipa – The Lord of Meditation

Hanuman

Hanuman ji

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‘Fear’, a word known and faced by every living being on the earth. It comes in varied forms during our life-like fear of injuries, results, relations, financial, etc. Different cultures and religions have their own role models on which they have full faith. In hindu culture, there is a god called “Hanuman” who is always ready to make you free from fear, weakness or any kind of troubles you are suffering from. For non-Indian people, he is very famous as “Monkey God”.

Hanuman is said an ardent and most powerful devotee of Lord Rama. He was the central character in one of the Hindu epics called “Ramayana”. He was the leader of Lord Rama’s Army fighting against the demon king ‘Ravana’. There are many beliefs for his name and it is also said that he is incarnation of Lord Shiva.

As we know now that Hanuman is an ardent and most powerful devotee of Lord Rama, it becomes very easy to please him when you call upon him. Hanuman is always ready to help and protect anyone, especially if the person is devotee of Lord Rama & her wife Devi Sita.

Some literature also mentioned that once Hanuman was put to test his devotion towards Lord Rama and he was in need to show the strongest possible proof, he stand facing Lord Rama & Devi Sita and shouted “Jai Shree Ram” and started to tear his chest. People present over their tried to stop hanuman doing it and very tensed, even Lord Rama questioned him, for which he answered that I am an ardent devotee of yours and just trying to show your place in me. The moment he tear his chest everyone show Lord Rama & Devi Sita’s image in his heart. This is the reason you find some of his pictures doing the same. Hanuman wanted to tell everybody that you cannot become a devotee just by chanting prayers/mantras, for that you must have space and real faith in your heart.

Hanuman is blessed with many unique special powers by different gods. Let’s check them out:

Brahma gave Hanuman a boon that would protect him from the irrevocable Brahma’s curse. Brahma also said: “Nobody will be able to kill you with any weapon in war.” From Brahma he obtained the power of inducing fear in enemies, of destroying fear in friends, to be able to change his form at will and to be able to easily travel wherever he wished. From Shiva he obtained the boons of longevity, scriptural wisdom and ability to cross the ocean. Shiva assured safety of Hanuman with a band that would protect him for life. Indra blessed him that the Vajra weapon will no longer be effective on him and his body would become stronger than Vajra. Varuna blessed baby Hanuman with a boon that he would always be protected from water. Agni blessed him with immunity to burning by fire. Surya gave him two siddhis of yoga namely “laghima” and “garima”, to be able to attain the smallest or to attain the biggest form . Yama, the God of Death blessed him healthy life and free from his weapon danda, thus death would not come to him. Kubera showered his blessings declaring that Hanuman would always remain happy and contented. Vishwakarma blessed him that Hanuman would be protected from all his creations in the form of objects or weapons. Vayu also blessed him with more speed than he himself had.

Chanting to call upon him when you are in any problem or bad time:

• Ram Laxman Janki Jai Bolo Hanuman Ki

• Shree Ram Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram (also known as Ram-Dhun, it is said that Hanuman promised to give his presence at any place where people are chanting Ram-Dhun)

• Very well known and most powerful prayer is called Hanuman Chalisa:

(It might be hard to pronounce exactly but you can pray to god in advance to forgive your mistakes or wrong pronouciation and he will accept your prayer)

Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nijamanu Mukuru Sudhaari;
Barnau Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Daayeku Fala Chaari;
Buddhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan Kumaar;
Bala Buddhi Bidya Dehu Mohe, Harahu Kales Bikaar

Jai Hanuman Gyaan Gun Sagar,
Jai Kapis Teehun Lok Ujagar (1)
Raamdoot Atulit Bal Dhaama,
Anjani Putra Pavansut Naama (2)
Mahabir Bikram Bajrangi,
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi (3)
Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesa,
Kaanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa (4)

Haath Bajra O Dhwaja Biraaje,
Kaandhe Moonj Janeu Saaje (5)
Sankar Suvan Kesari Nandan,
Tej Prataap Maha Jag Bandan (6)
Bidyabaan Guni Ati Chaatur,
Raam Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur (7)
Prabhu Charit Sunibe Ko Rasiya,
Raam Lakhan Sita Mann Basiya (8)
Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyanhi Dikhawa,
Bikat Roop Dhari Lanka Jarawa (9)
Bheem Roop Dhari Asur Sanhaare,
Raamchandra Ke Kaaj Sanwaare (10)

Laaye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaaye
Sree Raghuveer Harashi Ur Laaye (11)

Raghupati Keenhi Bahut Badai
Tum Mum Priya Bharat Hi Sam Bhai (12)
Sahas Badan Tumhro Jas Gaawen
Us Kahi Sreepati Kanth Lagawe (13)

Sankadik Bramhadi Munisa,
Narad Sarad Sahit Ahisa (14)
Jam Kuber Digpaal Jahan Te,
Kabi Kobid Kahi Saki Kahante (15)

Tum Upkaar Sugreevhin Kinha,
Raam Milaaye Raajpad Dinha (16)

Tumhro Mantra Bibhishan Maana,
Lankeswar Bhaye Sab Jag Jana (17)

Joog Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu,
Lilyo Taahi Madhur Fal Jaanu (18)
Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Maahi,
Jaldhi Laanghi Gaye Achraj Naahi (19)

Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete,
Sugam Anugraha Tumhre Tete (20)
Raam Dooare Tum Rakhwaare,
Hoat Na Aagya Binu Paisare (21)

Sab Sukh Lahaye Tumhri Sarna,
Tum Rakhshak Kaahu Ko Darna (22)
Aapan Tej Samharo Aapaye,
Teeno Lok Haank Te Kaapen (23)
Bhoot Pishaach Nikat Nahi Aawe,
Mahabir Jab Naam Sunawe (24)
Naasaye Rog Hare Sab Peera,
Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beera (25)

Sankat Te Hanuman Chhoodawe,
Mann Krama Bachan Dhyaan Jo Laawe (26)
Sab Par Raam Tapaswi Raja,
Tin Ke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja (27)
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Laawe,
Soi Amit Jivan Fal Paawe (28)

Chaaro Jug Partaap Tumhara,
Hai Parsiddh Jagat Ujiyara (29)
Saadhu Santa Ke Tum Rakhwaare,
Asur Nikandan Raam Dulaare (30)
Asta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Daata,
Us Bar Deen Jaanki Maata (31)

Raam Rasayan Tumhre Paasa,
Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Daasa (32)
Tumhre Bhajan Raam Ko Paawe,
Janam-Janam Ke Dukh Bisraawe (33)
Antakaal Raghuvar Pur Jaayee,
Jahan Janam Hari Bhakta Kahayee (34)
Aur Devta Chitt Na Dharayi,
Hanumat Sei Sarba Sukh Karai (35)

Sankat Kate Mite Sab Peera,
Jo Sumiraye Hanumat Balbira (36)
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosaai,
Kripa Karahun Gurudeb Ki Naai (37)

Jo Sat Baar Paath Kare Koi,
Chhootahin Bandi Mahasukh Hoyi (38)
Jo Yeh Padhe Hanuman Chalisa,
Hoye Siddhi Saakhi Gaurisa (39)

Tulsidas Sada Harichera,
Kije Naath Hridaya Mahn Dera

Pavantanaye Sankat Haran, Mangal Moorti Roop;
Raam Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hridya Basahu Soor Bhoop (40)

You can even play audio file of Hanuman Chalisa every morning, it can help alot.

I will put a new post for Hanuman names otherwise this post will become very lenghty.

May God Hanuman bless you all for your good wishes and protect you from any evil and negative energies.