Happy Diwali Happy New Year To All Of You

Happy Diwali Happy New Year To All Of You, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

100,274 items / 609,005 views

To all my friends , readers well wishers , fellow bloggers , photographers , poets
at Flickr, Facebook, Twitter , Wordpress , Blogspot, Orkut, Live Journal, Vox,Tumbler, Fotothing, Webshots, Scribd, Posterous.

A VERY HAPPY DIWALI A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR..

Pitru Paksh Religious Tonsure

Pitru Paksh Religious Tonsure, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

The road from Walkeshwar moving towards the narrow path of Banganga Tank becomes an open air barbers haunt , a winding line of saloons on the roadside.

The guy who used to sell peanut and gram at Dadar Chowpatty today wields a razor , he has become a barber to fill in a demand here on Pitru Paksh day, when on a day before Navratra the Bhaiyya population of Mumbai, or North Indians as they are politically called, or UP migrant comes here to appease the soul of his ancestors and pay tribute to their memories with religious tonsure.

I have a set on Flickr Barber Shots , and another one called Religious tonsure , my tryst with tonsure began at Haji Malang.

The guys who have their head , and face shaved including their armpits , sit on the rad for this ritual, the barbers charge over Rs 101 or more depending on the Bakra..or sacrificial lamb.

On the way ahead there is a salon that does brisk business with two chairs , he charges a bit more for the hygienic conditions, but honestly where spirituality is concerned there is no fear of hygiene .. God takes care of it all.

God is the greatest healer of anything done in his name , I cut my head with a sword during Ashura Moharam, I am a insulin dependent diabetic , I bleed profusely but my head heals in a day or two.The same thing with piercing 18 feet roads through the cheeks at the Maryamma Tamil feast or walking on fire.. This happens only in India.

Most of the barbers kept shouting at me Bam Bam Bhole Nath because of my Tiger print , turban and saffron attire ..I was barefeet too that added to the charisma of my persona .

I missed this event for about a few years and I shot a 3 GB card , I could have gone on , but I was tired , dehydrated and it was my 27 fast of Ramzan.

There were a few photographers around , but that is because I was here to catch the early morning light, I left the place by 9 am..

My Guru Shreekanth Malushte came in later I missed him..

There were roadside vendors selling pickles , sweets , religious beads etc..

There were several known faces of the Pujaris and thread sellers , most of them remembered me from my earlier trip.

I also told you in the Introduction about a Muslim bearded man who had come to give company to his Hindu friend performing the Puja on the banks.The Muslim man was fasting like me and had kept awake for the Badi Rat the night before , but he was happy for his friend , both were from Andheri Millat Nagar.

So this is the canvas of secularism, fraternity that one finds in a mixed cauldron of Amchi Mumbai.. promoting tolerance and mutual existence..devoid of hate for the other mans ritual or culture..

Ramzan Navratra Mount Marys feast all going hand in hand and law and order brilliantly taken care by the officers and cadres of the Mumbai Police..Indias No1.

Maha Mrityunjay Mantra

Maha Mrityunjay Mantra, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

www.mahashivratri.org/maha-mrityunjay-mantra.html

The Maha Mrityunjay Mantra or Lord Shiva Mantra is considered extremely powerful and significant by the Hindus. Also known as the Moksha Mantra of Lord Shiva, chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is said to create divine vibrations that heals. Devotees of Lord Shiva further believe that Maha Mrityunjay evokes the Shiva within human beings and removes the fear of death, liberating one from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Significance of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
Devotees strongly believe that proper recitation of the Maha Mrityunjaya rejuvenates, bestows health, wealth, long life, peace, prosperity and contentment. It is said that chanting of Shiva Mantra generates divine vibrations that ward off all the negative and evil forces and creates a powerful protective shield. Besides, it is said to protect the one who chants against accidents and misfortunes of every kind. Recitation of the mantra creates vibration that pulsates through every cell, every molecule of human body and tears away the veil of ignorance. Hindus believe that recitation of the mantra ignites a fire within that consumes all negativity and purifies entire system. It is also said to have a strong healing power and can cure diseases declared incurable even by the doctors. Many believe Maha Mrityunjay Mantra to be a mantra that can conquer death and connect human beings to their own inner divinity.

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
The following Maha Mrityunjay Mantra has been taken from the Sukla Yajurveda Samhita III. 60. The Mantra is addressed to Lord Shiva and is a centuries old technique of connecting one to pure consciousness and bliss.

Om Tryambhakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam |
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ||

Meaning:
Om. We worship The Three-Eyed Lord Shiva who is fragrant and who increasingly nourishes the devotees. Worshipping him may we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality just as the ripe cucumber easily separates itself from the binding stalk.

Explanation:
The mantra is a prayer to Lord Shiva who is addressed as Sankara and Trayambaka. Sankara is sana (blessings) and Kara (the Giver). Trayambaka is the three eyed one (where the third eye signifies the giver of knowledge, which destroys ignorance and releases us from the cycle of death and rebirth).

Best Time to Chant
Chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra with sincerity, faith and devotion in Bramha Muhurata is very beneficial. But one can also do Maha Mrityunjaya japa anytime in a pure environment with great benefit and discover the happiness that's already within

92000 Blogs at Flickr

92000 Blogs at Flickr, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

Thanks to Each One and All ..

Firoze Shakir
Photographerno1

My Collections at Flickr as on 30 Aug 2009



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Lord Ganesha at Shaheen Building Bandra

Lord Ganesha at Shaheen Building Bandra, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

The formal inauguration will be tomorrow..and in a few hours I begin my first fast of the Holy month of Ramadhan..dogs are barking outside awaiting the Awakeners who will come to wake you up for the fast with sing song words..

Tomorrow the loudspeakers will begin in hymns to Lord Ganesha..

Ganesh Chaturthi
Main article: Ganesh Chaturthi


An annual festival honours Ganesha for ten days, starting on Ganesh Chaturthi, which typically falls in late August or early September.[129] The festival culminates on the day of Ananta Chaturdashi, when images (murtis) of Ganesha are immersed in the most convenient body of water.[130] In 1893, Lokmanya Tilak transformed this annual Ganesha festival from private family celebrations into a grand public event.[131] He did so "to bridge the gap between the Brahmins and the non-Brahmins and find an appropriate context in which to build a new grassroots unity between them" in his nationalistic strivings against the British in Maharashtra.[132] Because of Ganesha's wide appeal as "the god for Everyman", Tilak chose him as a rallying point for Indian protest against British rule.[133] Tilak was the first to install large public images of Ganesha in pavilions, and he established the practice of submerging all the public images on the tenth day.[134] Today, Hindus across India celebrate the Ganapati festival with great fervour, though it is most popular in the state of Maharashtra.[135][136] The festival also assumes huge proportions in Mumbai and in the surrounding belt of Ashtavinayaka temples.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha

Ganesh Mantras

www.ganesh.us/mantara/lord-ganesh-mantra.html

Ganesha mantras are siddhi mantras . Each mantra contains certain specific powers of Lord Ganesha. When chanted with the proper pranayama (rhythmic breathing) and sincere devotion, they will yield good results. In general, Ganesha mantras will ward off all evil and bless the devotee with abundance, prudence and success. Evil spirits dare not enter the home or the mind of the devotee where Ganesha mantras are recited. Those so mystically inclined and knowledgeable of the seven chakras below the muladhara use these powerful incantantions under the direction of the guru to close off these regions of the mind one by one and free consciousness from deep depression, confusion, jealousy, rage, lingering anger and fear. Some such mantras are given below for the spiritual benefit of the readers.


Important Note :
One more point to remember is that one should bathe or wash the limbs before sitting for repetition of the mantra. Also, one should do three or more pranayama before beginning the mantra. The minimum repetition of the mantra should be one full mala, or 108 times. When this is done at a fixed hour and place regularly for 48 days, it becomes an upasana, which means intense meditation, that will yield siddhis, or spiritual powers. Another warning to bear in mind is that one should use those powers only for healing the sick and other such selfless actions for the benefit of mankind. These powers should not be misused. Misuse of power may bring the curse of the asuras.



(1)

One always starts any prayer, ritual and/or occasion by worshipping our Beloved Elephant God. One of the famous mantras dedicated to Ganpati follows:

"Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Suryakotee Sama Prabha
Nirvighnam kuru mey Deva, Sarva kaaryeshu Sarvadaa"

Vakratunda


curved trunk

Mahakaaya


large bodied

Surya kotee


million suns

Sama Prabha


with the brilliance of

Nirvighnam


free of obstacles

Kuru


make

mey


my

Deva


Lord

Sarva Kaaryeshu


in all work

Sarvada


always

O Lord Ganesha of Large body, curved trunk, with the brilliance of a million suns, please make all my work free of obstacles, always.

(2)
"Aum gam ganapataye namah"

This is a mantra from Ganapati Upanishad. One may always use it before beginning a journey, a new course in school, new career or job, or before entering into any new contract or business so that impediments are removed and your endeavor may be crowned with success.

(3)
Aum shri ganeshaya namah

This mantra is usually taught to children for their good education. It increases their memory power, and they become successful in their examinations. Of course, people of any age may use this mantra when taking courses in a school or university, and for success in attaining their degree.

(4)
Aum vakratundaya hum

This is a very powerful mantra, as discussed in the Ganesha Purana. When something is not working properly, individually or universally, nationally or internationally, or when the minds of the people turn crooked, negative, depressed or discouraged, the attention of Ganesha may be drawn by this mantra to straighten their ways. The HUM symbolizes "Delay no more, my Lord, in straightening the paths of the crooked-minded ones." This mantra is used many times in the Ganesha Purana to curb the atrocities of cruel demons. In addition, this mantra could also be used for healing any spinal deficiency, such as curvature of the spine or curved limbs. Dedicate 1,008 repetitions of this holy word to straighten and heal such deficiencies.

(5)
Aum kshipra prasadaya namah

Kshipra means instantaneous. If some danger or negative energy is coming your way and you don't know how to get rid of that trouble, with true devotion, practice this mantra for quick blessing and purification of one's aura.

(6)
Aum shrim hrim klim glaum gam
ganapataye vara varada sarva
janamme vashamanaya svaha

There are several bija (seed) mantras in this mantra . Among other things, it signals, "Shower Your blessings, O Lord. I offer my ego as an oblation."

(7)
Aum sumukhaya namah

This mantra has a lot of meaning, but to make it simple, it means you will be always very beautiful in soul, in spirit, in face, everything. By meditating on this mantra, very pleasing manners and a beauty comes on you. Along with that comes peace, which constantly dances in your eyes; and the words you speak are all filled with that power of love.

(8)
Aum ekadantaya namah

Ekadanta refers to one tusk in the elephant face, which means God broke the duality and made you to have a one-pointed mind. Whoever has that oneness of mind and single-minded devotion will achieve everything.

(9)
Aum kapilaya namah

Kapila (red) means that you are able to give color therapy. You are able to create colors around yourself and around others, bathe them in that color and heal them. As per the mantra you create, so will you create the colors. Another meaning is "wish cow," the "cow of plenty." It means that whatever you wish, that comes true. There is a wish-cow inside you. Whatever you wish, especially for healing others, comes true immediately.

(10)
Aum gajakarnikaya namah

The ears of Ganesha, the elephant, are constant fanning, which means people may talk a lot, but you are not receiving inside anything other than that which is important. It also means that you can sit anywhere and tune this cosmic television (the body) with seven channels (chakras) and all 72,000 nadis, to any loka and be able to hear ancestors, angels, the voice of God or the voice of prophets. That kind of inner ear you will develop through this mantra.

(11)
Aum lambodaraya namah

This means you feel that you are this universe. It means that all the universes are within you. Like an entire tree is in the seed, the whole universe is in the sound of creation, which is Aum, and that Aum consciousness in you makes you feel that you are the universe. Therefore, if you say, realizing the oneness with the universe, "shanti to the world" every day, then the grace of God will come and there will be world peace, universal peace. It is the universes within Aum and Aum within you.

(12)
Aum vikataya namah

This means realizing this world as a dream or a drama. When you are in that high consciousness, this whole world looks like a dream. All of us have taken a role. We have to play our role in life as wife or husband or children or citizens, all consistent with the role we have taken. When an actor bitten by a sponge cobra that is brought on the stage falls, the entire audience cries; but that boy who has fallen knows it was not a real cobra and he is not dead. Life is a drama -- definitely life in this material world, this physical world of ego, is a drama. But inside, like the boy on the stage who is quite happy knowing that he didn't die by the bite of the sponge cobra, like that, the truth never dies in us; it is immortal. So everything else you consider as drama. That consciousness comes to you by knowing this mantra.

(13)
Aum vighna nashanaya namah

This mantra invokes the Lord Ganesha to remove every impediment in your life and in your works. By constant meditation on this mantra, all obstacles and blocked energy in your physical and astral bodies are released.

(14)
Aum vinayakaya namah

Vinayaka is the name of Ganesha in the golden age. So by realizing this mantra, your life will have a golden age. In your office, in your work, you'll be the boss. Vinayaka means something under control. Vinayaka means the Lord of problems.

(15)
Aum ganadhyakshaya namah

This mantra is so important. Suppose you have a group, a country, neighbors, or any kind of group therapy, group healing or a whole country needing healing, then you have to bring that entire group to your mind's arena and say this mantra. A group healing takes place by this mantra.

(16)
Aum bhalachandraya namah

In Sanskrit, bhala means the forehead center. Chandra means the crescent moon. Bhalachandra means that chakra from where the nectar drips. That is the secret of all healing. It is to feel yourself as Siva, identifying yourself with the Truth and feeling constantly that you are carrying the crescent moon, the symbol of growth and nectar and peace.



(17)
Gaṇeśadhyānam

I bow to Gajānana, Whose lotus-feet destroy the obstacles, Who is served by the Gaṇa of Śiva, Who eats delicious rose-apple and mangoes, Who is the son of Umā (Pārvatī), and Who is the destroyer of grief and obstacles.||1||

II हनुमान मंत्र II

II हनुमान मंत्र II, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

photo courtesy
www.flickr.com/photos/shankargallery/3781675498/

Photography & Art by Richard Lazzara, shankargallery,
Boulder, CO. USA.
Art for the Soul

86,891 items / 525,741 views


"Maarutatulyavegam Jitendriyam
Buddhimataam Varistham,
Vaataatmajam Vaanarayoothmukhyam
Sriramdootam Saranam Prapadhye"

Meaning: Lord Hanuman is the messenger of Lord Rama. His pace is as rapid as the wind and as quick as the mind. Hanuman has constrained his sense organs. He is the most intelligent among the intelligent ones. Hanuman is the son of Vayu (Pawan) and the chief of the monkey tribe. We surrender ourselves to Lord Hanuman

ripping open his chest
he showed
divinity
in his breast
a slave of god
the very best
Lord Hanuman
loved in the east and the west
he welcomes all to his nest
friends relatives and guest
those that have lost hope
completely depressed
those over stressed
under his shadow recover
get back their life and zest
his mantra his chant
you are blessed
close your eyes for a moment
from hope to humanity
peace love and harmony
your soul has progressed
humility tolerance
you have passed the ultimate test


dedicated to Richard Lazarra ..my very good friend and guide..

12 August 2009 6.54 am

Ganesha Workshops Ganesh Gully Lalbagh 2009

Ganesha Workshops Ganesh Gully Lalbagh 2009, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

I start a new series at Flickr as tribute to Hoipe and Hindutva a message of global peace beyond frontiers of the mind and its timelessness.

I took a bus from Bandra and came to Ganesh Gully Lalbagh where the Ganeshas are spiritually created by artisans - call it the magic hands of Faith..

Out of clay they create Divinity..that touches thousands of people during the Ganesha Chaturthi festival.

I have shot the workshops only to show the Western mind the power of Faith , clay molded by human clay, bringing forth Lord Ganesha.

The Ganeshas are later decorated by the pandal owners or devotees.

I show you Ganesha as a form as a sculptors spiritual dream , a poet shooting poetry created by poets.

I was barefeet and from the workshops I walked to Prabhadevi to attend the Loculus 2009 photo exhibition put up by Girish Mistry's students ..

I could not meet Mr Rawle the sculptor at his workshop at Ganesh Gully but I met the famous sculptor Khatu Bhai.


These are pictures in total raw form, so see them as sculptures but dont take the divinity await from a subject that I shoot with passion and devotion of my cultural inheritance,.

A Muslim shooting the aura of Hinduism, and Lord Ganesha as one of the most precious jewel in its crowns..


Om Gum Ganapataye Namo Namaha.

Shri Siddhivinayaka Namo Namaha.

Ashtavinayaka Namo Namaha.

Ganapati Bappa Moraya.

Lord Hanuman

Lord Hanuman, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

dedicated to a lover of hanuman randall der joel

www.eaglespace.com/spirit/hanuman.php


Lord Hanuman or Hanumanji (हनुमान जी) is known by many names as Anjaneya, Anjani Putra, Bajarangabali, Hanuman, Mahaveer, Maruti, Pavanputra etc. Hanuman, the monkey god, is the son of Vayu or Marut, the wind god. Hanuman's mother is Anjani. Hanuman was the chief of the armies of Sri Ramachandra and took a prominent part in the war against Ravana, the king of Lanka, in the Indian epic poem Ramayana. Hanuman helped restore Sri Sitadevi back to Sri Rama.

Hanuman, worshipped for his strength, valor, agility, is a man of great learning. He is considered to be an avatar (incarnation) of Lord Shiva. Hanuman, a great devotee of Sri Rama, is the symbol of devotion and dedication. Hanuman carried Sri Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulder when they were in search of Sugreeva, the king of Vanarav in Kishkindha and helped them to find Sita. Prior to the war between Sri Rama and Ravana, Anjaneya visited Lanka, met Ravana, created havoc and burnt down the city of Lanka (Lanka Dahan). During the war, when Lakshmana was injured seriously, Sushena, the surgeon/physician of the monkey army, despatched Maruti to bring herbal medicine, Jadi Buti, from the far-off Sanjeevini mountain in the Himalayas, before sunrise. Flying over the Himalayas and unable to identify the particular herb fast, Hanuman uprooted and carried the entire Sanjivini mountain in time to save the life of Lakshmana. Hanuman was blessed by Sri Rama with immortality (chiranjeevi).

Hanuman was a bachelor and is worshipped in all the temples of India. Every temple of Sri Rama contains an icon of Hanuman. Worship of Sri Rama is complete only with the worship of Hanuman. Sant Tulsidas composed the 40 stanzas of Hanuman Chalisa in praise of Hanuman. Hanuman Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. One cannot understand Hindu Dharma unless one knows Hanuman - the embodiment of servitude.


ॐ अईम भ्रीम हनुमते, श्री राम दूताय नम:
Aum aeem bhreem hanumate, shree ram dootaaya namaha.
We pray to the Lord Hanuman, who is the greatest server and messenger of the Lord incarnate, Shree Rama.
Chant the prayer for Lord Hanuman हनुमान मंत्र (mp3 170K)
hanuman mantra in sanskrit
hanuman mantra in sanskrit
मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगम् जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठम् ।
वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये ।।
Manojavam maruta tulya vegam, jitendriyam buddhi mataam varishtham
vaataatmajam vaanara yooth mukhyam, shree raama dootam sharnam prapadye.
Let me pray to the one who is swift as thought (manojavam-), the one who is more powerful than the wind (marut.tulya.vegam-), the one who has conquered his senses (jitendriyam-), the one who is supreme among all intelligent beings, the son of the wind-god (vaataatmajam-), the commander of the army of forest creatures (vaanar.yooth.mukhyam-), Let me find refuge in Lord Rama's Messenger, the incomparable Lord Hanuman. Please accept me and my prayers at your feet.
Listen to another Invocation of Lord Hanuman (mp3 204K)
hanuman doha in sanskrit
hanuman doha in sanskrit
लाल देह लालीलसे, अरुधरिलाल लँगूर ।
बज्र देह दानव दलण, जय जय जय कपिसूर ।।
Laal deha laaleel-se, arudhari-laal langoor
vajra deha daanava dalan, jai jai jai kapi-soor
We pray to the red-colored one, whose entire body is red, and who is decorated with red colored sindoor. We pray to the one draped with a red colored loin-cloth. We pray to the one whose body is firm and strong like the vajra (Lord Indra's weapon). We pray to the destroyer of demons. We bow in praise again and again to the supreme among Gods, Lord Hanuman.

अाञ्जणेय गायत्री
Lord Hanuman Gayatri

ॐ अाञ्जणेयाय विद्महे वायुपुत्राय धीमहि ।
तन्नो हनुमत् प्रचोदयात् ।।
hanuman gayatri in sanskrit

AUM aanjaneyaaya vid-mahe vaayu-putraayaya dheemahi
tanno hanumatah prachodayaat

We pray to the son of Goddess Anjani and the son of the "Wind"...
May Lord Hanuman lead our intellect towards intelligence and "knowing".

We now present three different mantras or prayers of Lord Hanuman.

85000 Blogs in 21 Months at Flickr

85000 Blogs in 21 Months at Flickr, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

85,005 items / 502,836 views

Today 27 July 2009 I complete 85000 photo blogs at Flickr in 21 months..
I thank each one of you, for your support and your friendship..and for standing by me when ever I was used as a punching bag, by bigots and racists..

Lord Ashtavinayaka

Lord Ashtavinayaka, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtavinayaka

According to Shastra, first you have to visit Moreshwar of Moregaon. Then visit Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyandri, Ozar, Ranjangaon and then again Moregaon will end you Ashtavinayak Yatra.

Some of these murtis are called Swayambhu effigies, or the self-existent in Sanskrit. This is to indicate that no human created these murtis, they were found completely formed by nature.

[edit] Shri Mayureshwar

This is the most important temple on this tour. The temple, built from black-stone during the Bahamani reign, has four gates (It is supposed to have been built by one of the knights named Mr. Gole, from the court of Bidar's Sultan). The temple is situated in the centre of the village. The temple is covered from all sides by four Minarets and gives feeling of a mosque if seen from a distance. This may have been done to prevent attacks on the temple during Mughal periods. The temple has 50feet tall wall around it.
Shri Mayureshwar, Morgaon

There is a Nandi (Shiva's bull mount) sitting in front of this temple entrance, which is unique, as Nandi is normally in front of only Shiva temples. However, the story says that this statue was being carried to some Shivamandir during which the vehicle carrying it broke down and the Nandi statue could not be removed from its current place.

The murti of Lord Ganesha, riding a peacock, in the form of Mayureshwara is believed to have slain the demon Sindhu at this spot. The idol, with its trunk turned to the left, has a cobra (Nagaraja) poised over it protecting it. This form of Ganesha also has two other murtis of Siddhi (Capability) and Buddhi (Intelligence).

However, this is not the original murti -which is said to have been consecrated twice by Brahma, once before & once after being destroyed by the asura Sindhurasur. The original murti, smaller in size and made of atoms of sand, iron, and diamonds, was supposedly enclosed in a copper sheet by the Pandavas and placed behind the one that is currently worshiped.

The temple is situated at a distance of 55 km from Pune, next to the river Karha in the village of Moregaon. The village derives its name from the Marathi name of the bird peacock - also the national bird of India; there used to be a lot of peacocks in this village in the ancient time, and the village is also set out in the shape of a peacock.

[edit] Shri Siddhivinayak

God Vishnu is supposed to have vanquished the asuras Madhu and Kaitabh after propitiating Ganesha here.

This is the only murti of these eight with the trunk positioned to the right.
Shri Siddhi Vinayak, Siddhatek

It is believed that the two saints Shri Morya Gosavi and Shri Narayan Maharaj of Kedgaon received their enlightenment here.

The temple is North-facing and is on a small hillock. The main road towards the temple was believed to built by Peshwa's general Haripant Phadake. The inner sanctum, 15 feet high and 10 feet wide is built by Punyashloka Ahilyabai Holkar. The idol is 3feet tall and 2.5feet wide. The idol faces North-direction. The stomach of the murti is not wide, but Riddhi and Siddhi murtis are sitting on one thigh. This murti's trunk is turning to the right. The right-sided-trunk Ganesha is supposed to be very strict for the devotees. To make one round (pradakshina) around the temple one has to make the round trip of the hillock. This takes about 30 minutes with moderate speed.

Peshwa general Haripant Phadake lost his General's position and did 21 Pradakshina around the temple. On the 21st day Peshwa's court-man came and took him to the court with royal honor. Haripant promised the God that he will bring the stones of the castle which he will win from the first war he will fight as the general. The stone pathway is built from the Badami-Castle which was attacked by Haripant soon after he became the general.

This temple is situated off the Pune-Solapur highway about 48 km from the town of Srigonda in Ahmadnagar district. The temple is situated next to Bhima river. On Pune-Solapur railway, Daund Railway station is 18Km from here.

[edit] Shri Ballaleshwar
Main article: Ballaleshwar Pali

Ganesha is believed to have saved his boy-devotee, Ballala, who was beaten by local villagers and his father (Kalyani-seth) for his single-minded devotion to him.
Shri Ballaleshwar, Pali

The original wooden temple was reconstructed in to a stone temple by Nana Phadanavis in 1760. There are two small lakes constructed on two sides of the temple. One of them is reserved for the puja (worship) of the Deity.

This Temple faces the east and has two sanctums. The inner one houses the murti and has a Mushika (Ganesha's mouse vahana) with modaka in his forepaws in front of it. The hall, supported by eight exquisitely carved pillars demands as much attention as the idol, sitting on throne carved like a Cyprus tree. The eight pillars depict the eight directions. Inner sanctum is 15 feet tall and outer one is 12 feet tall. The temple is constructed in such a way that after the winter (dakshinayan : southward movement of the sun) solstice, the sun rays fall on the Ganesha murti at sunrise. The temple is built with stones which are stuck together very tight using melted lead.

Like a few other murtis, this one has diamonds embedded in the eyes and navel, and with His trunk pointing to the left.

One speciality of this temple is that the prasad offered to this Ganapati at Pali is Besan Laadu instead of Modak that is normally offered to other Ganapatis.

The shape of the idol itself bears a striking semblance with the mountain which forms the backdrop of this temple. This is more prominently felt if one views the photograph of the mountain and then sees the idol.

The temple is located in the town of Pali, off the Mumbai-Pune highway, about 11 km before Nagothane on the Mumbai-Goa highway. This is located 30Km to the South-West of Karjat Railway Station. Mumbai-Panvel-Khopoli-Pali is 124Km. Pune-Lonavla-Khopoli-Pali is 111Km.

Behind this temple is the temple of Shri Dhundi-Vinayak which is West facing. This is a very rare idol which is facing the West. The story says that this idol was the same one which was thrown by Ballala's father (Kalyani-seth) while Ballala was worshipping it.

Another legend goes that Dhundi Vinayak is the elder brother of Ballal Vinayak and hence it seems that the devotees first worship Shri Dhundi-Vinayak and then Shri Ballaleshwar.

[edit] Shri Varadavinayak
Shri Varada Vinayak, Mahad
Main article: Varadvinayak

The handsome Prince Rukmangad refused sage Vachaknavi's wife Mukunda's illicit call, and was cursed to suffer from leprosy. Mukunda was satisfied by Indra who deceived her as Rukmangad and she bore a child by name Grutsamad. When Grutsamad came to know about the real story he cursed his mother Mukunda to become the tree of Bori and she in turn cursed him to bore a demon son named Tripurasur, the one who was defeated by Shiva after praying the Ranjangaon Ganesha. Grutsamad after getting cursed went to the forest of Pushpak and worshipped Ganesha. Sage Grutsamad is famous for the mantra GaNanaN Tva. He founded the temple and called this Ganesha: Varada-Vinayak.

Ganesha is said to reside here in the form of Varada Vinayaka, the giver of bounty and success. The idol was found in the adjoining lake (to Mr. Dhondu Paudkar in 1690AD), in an immersed position and hence its weathered look. In 1725AD the then Kalyan subhedar, Mr. Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar built the Varadavinayak temple and the village of Mahad.

The idol faces the east, has its trunk to the left and has been in the constant company of an oil lamp - said to be burning continuously since 1892. There are 4 elephant idols on 4 sides of the temple. the hall is 8feet by 8feet. The dome is 25feet high and is golden at the top. The dome has designs of cobra.

This is the only temple where devotees are allowed to personally pay their homage and respects to the idol. They are allowed in the immediate vicinity of this idol to perform their prayers.

The temple is located three kilometers off the Pune-Mumbai highway near Khopoli (80 km from Pune), and is thus closest to Mumbai city. Karjat Railway Station, Karjat on Mumbai-Pune railway is 24Km from this place and 6Km from Khopoli.

[edit] Shri Chintamani
Shri Chintamani, Theur

Ganesha is believed to have got back the precious Chinatamani jewel from the greedy Guna for sage Kapila at this spot. However, after bringing back the jewel, sage Kapila put it in Vinayaka's (Ganesha's) neck. Thus the name Chintamani Vinayak. This happened under the Kadamb tree, therefore Theur is known as Kadambanagar in old times.

The lake behind the temple is called Kadambteertha. The temple entrance is North facing. The outer wooden hall is built by Peshwas. The main temple is supposed to have been built by Dharanidhar Maharaj Dev from the family-lineage of Shri Moraya Gosavi. He must have built this around 100 years before Senior Shrimant Madhavrao Peshwa built the outer wooden hall.

This idol also has a left trunk, with carbuncle and diamonds as its eyes. The idol faces the East side.

Theur's Chintamani was the main worshipped god of Senior Shrimant Madhavrao Peshwa. He suffered from tuberculosis and died at a very young age (~27years). He is supposed to have died in this temple. His wife, Ramabai went as Sati with him on 18 November 1772.

The temple is located 22 km from Pune, off the Pune-Solapur highway, and is hence the nearest from Pune. The village of Theur sits at the confluence of three major regional rivers—Mula, Mutha & Bhima.

[edit] Shri Girijatmaj
Shri Girijatmaj, Lenyadri

It is believed that Parvati (Shiva's wife) performed penance to beget Ganesha at this point. Girija's (Parvati's) Atmaj (son) is Girijatmaj. This temple stands amidst a cave complex of 18 caves of Buddhist origin. This temple is the 8th cave. These are called Ganesh-leni as well. The temple is carved out of a single stone hill, which has 307 steps. The temple features a wide hall with no supporting pillars. The temple hall is 53feet long, 51feet wide and 7feet in height.

The idol faces north with its trunk to the left, and has to be worshipped from the rear of the temple. The temple faces south. This idol seems to be little different from the rest of the Ashtavinayak idols in a sense that it appears to be not very well designed or carved like the other idols. This idol can be worshipped by anyone. There is no electric bulb in the temple. The temple is constructed such that during the day it is always lighted up by the sun-rays!

The entry fee to this temple is 5Rs. for Indian citizens and 2USD for Foreign nationals.

The temple is situated 12 km from Narayangaon, which is about 94 km from Pune on the Pune-Nashik highway. Nearest railway station is Talegaon. From Junnar, Lenyadri is about 5Km. Shivaneri castle is close by (5 to 6Km) where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born.

[edit] Shri Vighnahar
Shri Vighneshwar Vinayak, Ozhar

The history encompassing this idol states that Vighnasur, a demon was created by the King of Gods, Indra to destroy the prayer organized by King Abhinandan. However, the demon went a step further and destroyed all vedic, religious acts and to answer the people's prayers for protection, Ganesh defeated him. The story goes on to say that on being conquered, the demon begged and pleaded with Ganesha to show a mercy. Ganesha then granted in his plea, but on the condition that demon should not go to the place where Ganesha worshipping is going on. In return the demon asked a favour that his name should be taken before Ganesha's name, thus the name of Ganesha became Vighnahar or Vighneshwar (Vighna in Sanskrit means a sudden interruption in the ongoing work due to some unforeseen, unwarranted event or cause). The Ganesha here is called Shri Vighneshwar Vinayak.

The temple faces east and is surrounded by a thick stone wall. One can walk on the wall. The main hall of the temple is 20feet long and the inner hall is 10feet long. This idol, facing the east, has its trunk towards the left and rubies in its eyes. There is a diamond on the forehead and some jewel in the navel. Idols of Riddhi and Siddhi are placed on the two sides of the Ganesha idol. The temple top is Golden and is possibly built by Chimaji Appa after defeating the Portuguese rulers of Vasai and Sashti. The temple is probably built around 1785AD.

This temple is located just off the Pune-Nashik Highway, in the town of Ozhar. It is enclosed on all sides by high stone walls, and its pinnacle is made of gold. The temple is situated on the banks of river Kukadi. Via Mumbai-Thane-Kalyan-Bapsai-Saralgaon-Otur, Ozhar is 182Km.

[edit] Shri Mahaganapati
Shri Mahaganapti, Ranjangaon

Shiva is believed to have worshipped Ganesha before fighting the demon Tripurasura here. The temple was built by Shiva where he worshipped Ganesha, and the town he set up was called Manipur which is now known as Ranjangaon.

The idol faces the east, is seated in a cross-legged position with a broad forehead, with its trunk pointing to the left. It is said that the original idol is hidden in the basement, having 10 trunks and 20 hands and is called Mahotkat, however, the temple authorities deny existence of any such idol.

Constructed so that the rays of the sun fall directly on the idol (during the Southward movement of the sun), the temple bears a distinct resemblance to the architecture reminiscent of the 9th and 10th Centuries and faces the east. Shrimant Madhavrao Peshwa used to visit this temple very often and built the stone sanctum around the idol and in 1790AD Mr. Anyaba Dev was authorised to worship the idol.

The temple is situated 50 km from Pune on the Pune-Ahmednagar highway in the village of Ranjangaon.

Ganesha Mantra

Ganesha Mantra, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

www.iloveindia.com/spirituality/gods/ganesha/special-mant...

Ganesha Mantras are known as Siddhi Mantra (the one with perfection). Each and every mantra is full of energy and power of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that mantras of Ganesha, when chanted with genuine devotion, give positive results. These mantras ward off all trials and troubles gracing the devotee with every success. All mantras are disclosed by the Almighty, through the Intelligence, Vision and Experience of the divinely illuminated and perfected sages and men of integral God-Experience.

Ganesha is the power of knowledge, success and fulfillment. It is believed that people get benefit out of these mantras when chanted with utmost devotion and faith. Success is not far when you have love and respect, faith and understanding, kindness and willpower in your heart and when you are in touch with that power which breaks up all restrictions, obstacles, problems ,difficulties and makes available to you the rays of success, prosperity and abundance. Some such Mantras are given below for the spiritual benefit of the readers -
* Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah
"Praise to Lord Ganesha". This is the mantra of prayer, love and adoration. It is chanted to get Ganesha's blessings for the positive starting of a project, work or simply to offer him the praise.
* Aum Gan Ganapatye Namah
This is Lord Ganesha's mula ("root") mantra .It is also known as his ''beej'' Mantra. This mantra is used for Yoga Sadhana in which we pray to Lord Ganesha and merge ourself with the supreme knowledge and peace. This is a mantra from Ganapati Upanishad. One can always use it before starting any new venture so that success comes without any hassle.
* Aum Vakratundaya Hum
This is a powerful mantra from Ganesha Purana. When things are not in your favour, or when the minds of the people turn negative, depressed or discouraged, the attention of Ganesha may be drawn by this mantra to straighten their ways. The HUM symbolizes "Delay no more, my Lord, in straightening the paths of the crooked-minded ones." This mantra is used many a times in the Ganesha Purana to reduce the violence of cruel demons. In addition, this mantra could also be used for healing any spinal problem, such as curvature of the spine or curved limbs. Dedicate 1,008 repetitions of this holy word to straighten and heal such deficiencies.
* Aum Kshipra Prasadaya Namah
Kshipra means immediate. If some danger or negative energy is coming your way and you don't know how to get rid of that danger, with true devotion, practice this mantra for quick blessing and purification of one's aura.
* Aum Shrim Hrim Klim Glaum Gam Ganapataye vara varada sarva janamme vashamanaya svaha
There are several beej (seed) mantras in this mantra. Among other things, it says, "Shower Your blessings, O Lord. I offer my ego as an oblation."
* Aum Sumukhaya Namah
This mantra has a lot of meaning, in simple terms, it means you will be always very beautiful in soul, in spirit, in face, everything. By meditating on this mantra, very pleasing manners and a beauty comes on you. Along with that comes peace, which constantly works in your eyes; and the words you speak are all filled with that power of love.
* Aum Ekadantaya Namah
Ekadanta refers to one tusk in the elephant face, which means God broke the duality and made you to have a complete one-pointed mind. Whoever has that oneness of mind and single-minded devotion will achieve everything.
* Aum Kapilaya Namah
Kapila (red) means that you are able to give colour therapy. You are able to create colours around yourself and around others, soak them in that colour and heal them. As per the mantra you create, so will you create the colors. Another meaning is "wish cow," the "cow of plenty." It means that whatever you wish, that comes true. There is a wish-cow inside you. Whatever you wish, especially for curing others, comes true instantly.
* Aum Gajakarnikaya Namah
The ears of Ganesha, the elephant - god, are constant fanning, which means people can talk a lot, but you are not receiving inside anything other than what is important. It also means that you can sit anywhere and tune this celestial tube (the body) with seven channels (chakras) and all 72,000 nadis, to any loka and be able to hear ancestors, angels, the voice of God or the voice of prophets. That kind of inner ear you will develop through this mantra.
* Aum Lambodaraya Namah
This means you feel that you are this universe. It means that all the celestial bodies are within you. Like an entire tree is in the seed, the whole universe is in the sound of creation, which is Aum, and that Aum consciousness in you makes you feel that you are the universe. Therefore, if you say, realizing the oneness with the universe, "shanti to the world" every day, then the grace of God will come and there will be world peace, universal peace. It is the universe within Aum and Aum within you.
* Aum Vikataya Namah
This means realizing this world as a dream or a drama. When you are in that high consciousness, this whole world looks like a dream. All of us have taken a role. We have to play our role in life as wife or husband or children or citizens, all consistent with the role we have taken. When an actor bitten by a sponge cobra that is brought on the stage falls, the entire audience cries; but that boy who has fallen knows it was not a real cobra and he is not dead. Life is a drama --definitely life in this material world, this physical world of ego, is a drama. But inside, like the boy on the stage who is quite happy knowing that he didn't die by the bite of the sponge cobra, like that, the truth never dies in us; it is immortal. So everything else you consider as drama. That consciousness comes to you by knowing this mantra.
* Aum Vighna Nashanaya Namah
This mantra invokes the Lord Ganesha to remove every hindrance in your life and in your works. By constant meditation on this mantra, all obstacles and blocked energy in your physical and cosmological bodies are released.
* Aum Vinayakaya Namah
Vinayaka is the name of Ganesha in the golden age. So by realizing this mantra, your life will have a golden age. In your office, in your work, you'll be the boss. Vinayaka means something under control. Vinayaka means the Lord of resolving problems.
* Aum Ganadhyakshaya Namah
This mantra is very important. Suppose you have a group, a country, neighbours, or any kind of group therapy, group healing or a whole country requiring healing, then you have to bring that entire group to your mind's arena and say this mantra. A group healing takes place by this mantra.
* Aum Bhalachandraya Namah
In Sanskrit, bhala means the forehead center. Chandra means the crescent moon. Bhalachandra means that chakra from where the nectar drips. That is the secret of all healing. It is to feel yourself as Shiva, identifying yourself with the Truth and feeling constantly that you are carrying the crescent moon, the symbol of growth and nectar of peace.

Om ॐ

Om ॐ, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

To ॐ dragonflyriri ॐ

hinduism.about.com/od/omaum/a/meaningofom.htm

"The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead the life of continence … is Om. This syllable Om is indeed Brahman. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma."
~ Katha Upanishad I

Om or Aum is of paramount importance in Hinduism. This symbol (as seen in the image on the right) is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal Absolute of Hinduism — omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence. Brahman, in itself, is incomprehensible; so a symbol becomes mandatory to help us realize the Unknowable. Om, therefore, represents both the unmanifest (nirguna) and manifest (saguna) aspects of God. That is why it is called pranava, to mean that it pervades life and runs through our prana or breath.

Om in Daily Life
Although Om symbolizes the most profound concepts of Hindu belief, it is in use daily. The Hindus begin their day or any work or a journey by uttering Om. The sacred symbol is often found at the head of letters, at the beginning of examination papers and so on. Many Hindus, as an expression of spiritual perfection, wear the sign of Om as a pendant. This symbol is enshrined in every Hindu temple premise or in some form or another on family shrines.

It is interesting to note that a newly born child is ushered into the world with this holy sign. After birth, the child is ritually cleansed and the sacred syllable Om is written on its tongue with honey. Thus right at the time of birth the syllable Om is initiated into the life of a Hindu and ever remains with him as the symbol of piety. Om is also a popular symbol used in contemporary body art and tattoos.

The Eternal Syllable
According to the Mandukya Upanishad, "Om is the one eternal syllable of which all that exists is but the development. The past, the present, and the future are all included in this one sound, and all that exists beyond the three forms of time is also implied in it".

The Music of Om
Om is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself. If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one's being, the atman or soul.

There is harmony, peace and bliss in this simple but deeply philosophical sound. By vibrating the sacred syllable Om, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Ultimate Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the highest state of "stateless" eternity, states the Bhagavad Gita.

The Vision of Om
Om provides a dualistic viewpoint. On one hand, it projects the mind beyond the immediate to what is abstract and inexpressible. On the other hand, it makes the absolute more tangible and comprehensive. It encompasses all potentialities and possibilities; it is everything that was, is, or can yet be. It is omnipotent and likewise remains undefined.

The Power of Om
During meditation, when we chant Om, we create within ourselves a vibration that attunes sympathy with the cosmic vibration and we start thinking universally. The momentary silence between each chant becomes palpable. Mind moves between the opposites of sound and silence until, at last, it ceases the sound. In the silence, the single thought—Om—is quenched; there is no thought. This is the state of trance, where the mind and the intellect are transcended as the individual self merges with the Infinite Self in the pious moment of realization. It is a moment when the petty worldly affairs are lost in the desire for the universal. Such is the immeasurable power of Om.

How to Type it on your Computer
Try this! To get the Om symbol on your computer screen, open MS Word and key in backslash ( \ ) in Wingdings font. You will type in Om!

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