Tulsi Vivah

Tulsi Vivah, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tulsi Vivah is the ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant (holy basil) to the Hindu god Vishnu or his avatar Krishna. This ceremony can be performed any time between Prabodhini Ekadashi - the eleventh lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month Kartik to the full moon of the month (Kartik Poornima) but usually it is performed on the eleventh or the twelfth lunar day. The day varies from region to region.[1][2] The Tulsi wedding signifies the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the Hindu wedding season.[3][4]


Tulsi is venerated as a goddess in Hinduism and sometimes considered a wife of god Vishnu. She is often called as Vishnupriya, the beloved of Vishnu. The legend behind Tulsi Vivah and its rites are told in the scripture Padma Purana.[5]

According to Hindu mythology, the Tulsi plant was a woman named Vrinda (Brinda), a synonym of Tulsi. She was married to the demon-king Jalandhar. Due to her piety and devotion to Vishnu, her husband became invincible. Even god Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu Trinity could not defeat Jalandhar. So Shiva requested Vishnu - the preserver in the Trinity - to find a solution. Vishnu disguised himself as Jalandhar and violated Vrinda. Her chastity destroyed, Jalandhar was killed by Shiva. Vrinda cursed Vishnu to become black in colour and he would be separated from his wife. Thus, he was transformed into the black Shaligram stone and in his Rama avatar, his wife Sita was kidnapped by a demon-king and thus separated from him. Vrinda then burnt herself on her husband's funeral pyre or immolated herself due to the shame. The gods or Vishnu transferred her soul to a plant, henceforth which was called as Tulsi. As per a blessing by Vishnu to marry Vrinda in her next birth, Vishnu in form of Shaligram - married Tulsi on Prabodhini Ekadashi. To commemorate this event, the ceremony of Tulsi Vivah is performed.[3][4][6]

Another minor legend narrates that Lakshmi - the chief consort of Vishnu - slew a demon on this day and remained on earth as the Tulsi plant.[1]


The marriage of Tulsi with Vishnu/Krishna resembles the traditional Hindu wedding.[3][4] This ceremony is conducted at homes and also at temples. A fast is observed on the Tulsi Vivah day till evening when the ceremony begins. A mandap (marriage booth) is built around the courtyard of the house where the Tulsi plant is planted. The Tulsi plant is usually planted in centre of the courtyard in a brick plaster called Tulsi vrindavana. It is believed that the soul of Vrinda resides in the plant at night and leaves in the morning.[1] The bride Tulsi is clothed with a sari and ornaments including earrings and necklaces. A human paper face with a bindi and nose-ring - may be attached to Tulsi. The groom is a brass image or picture of Vishnu or Krishna or sometimes Balarama or more frequently the Shaligram stone - the symbol of Vishnu. The image is clothed in a dhoti. Both Vishnu and Tulsi are bathed and decorated with flowers and garlands before the wedding. The couple is linked with a cotton thread (mala) in the ceremony.[4]

In Maharashtra, an important ritual in the ceremony is when the white cloth is held between the bride and the groom and the priest recites the Mangal Ashtaka mantras. These mantras formally complete the wedding. Rice mixed with vermilion is showered by the attendees on Tulsi and Vishnu at the end of the recitation of the mantras with the word "Savadhan" (literally "be careful" implying "You are united now". The white curtain is also removed. The attendees clap signifying approval to the wedding. Vishnu is offered sandalwood-paste, men's clothing and the sacred thread. The bride is offered saris, turmeric, vermilion and a wedding necklace called Mangal-sutra, worn by married women. Sweets and food cooked for an actual wedding are cooked for Tulsi Vivah too. This ceremony is mostly performed by women.[1][3] The prasad of sugar-cane, coconut chips, fruits and groundnut is distributed to devotees.[6]

The expenses of the wedding are usually borne by a daughter-less couple, who act as the parents of Tulsi in the ritual wedding. The giving away of the daughter Tulsi (kanyadaan) to Krishna is considered meritorious to the couple. The bridal offerings to Tulsi are given to a Brahmin priest or female ascetics after the ceremony.[4]

In two Rama temples in Saurashtra, the ceremony is more elaborate. An invitation card is sent to the groom's temple by the bride's temple. On Prabodhini Ekadashi, a barat bridal procession of Lalji - an image of Vishnu - sets off to the bride's temple. Lalji is placed in a palanquin and accompanied by singing and dancing devotees. The barat is welcomed on the outskirts of Tulsi's village and the ceremonial marriage is carried at the temple. At the bride's side, Tulsi is planted in an earthen pot for the ceremony. People desirous of children perform Kanyadaan from Tulsi's side acting as her parents. Bhajans are sung throughout the night and in the morning the barat of Lalji returns to their village with Tulsi.[6]
[edit] References

Shiva The God Within The Soul Of a Camera Lens

Shiva The God Within The Soul Of a Camera Lens, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

153,045 items / 1,189,945 views


* Third eye: Shiva is often depicted with a third eye, with which he burned Desire (Kāma) to ashes,[65] called "Tryambakam" (Sanskrit: त्र्यम्बकम्), which occurs in many scriptural sources.[66] In classical Sanskrit, the word ambaka denotes "an eye", and in the Mahabharata, Shiva is depicted as three-eyed, so this name is sometimes translated as "having three eyes".[67] However, in Vedic Sanskrit, the word ambā or ambikā means "mother", and this early meaning of the word is the basis for the translation "having three mothers" that was used by Max Müller and Arthur Macdonell.[68][69] Since no story is known in which Shiva had three mothers, E. Washburn Hopkins suggested that the name refers not to three mothers, but to three mother-goddesses who are collectively called the Ambikās.[70] Other related translations have been "having three wives or sisters" or were based on the idea that the name actually refers to the oblations given to Rudra, which according to some traditions were shared with the goddess Ambikā.[71] wikpedia


the third eye of shiva
embedded in the karmic
soul of a camera lens
revealing hidden truth
even when the path
is dense the camera
an instrument of peace
simple common sense
he sees all he shows all
throttling the jugular
of a silhouette and suspense
the present the past the future tense
in every thought and sense
in the beggar bowl
of a blogger
the poetry of life
to recompense
karmic desires
burnt to ashes
the human soul
to cleanse
rinse dry
on a clothesline
of the consciousness
a word locked
within a sentence
the sword rusted corroded
the cybernetic ganesha's mouse
greater than a poets pen
we are nothing but a speck
of dirt searching
paradise at the feet
of our parents

I Complete Over 153,014 Photo Blogs at Flickr.Com

I Complete Over 153,014 Photo Blogs at Flickr.Com, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

153,011 items / 1,189,687 views


Without all of you this endeavour and documentaion of human life on the streets and beyond would have not been possible.

I thank all of you who visit my photostream here at Flickr in sheer humility and gratitide.

And Dr Glenn Losack MD who bought me two years Pro membership at Flickr , without his genorosity you would not have been able too see this huge canvas of 153014 Images,,,

As an ordinary member I am entitled to posting about 200 pictures only.

Firoze Shakir
Photographerno1
14 November 2010

Documenting Chhath Puja On Juhu Beach 2010

Documenting Chhath Puja On Juhu Beach 2010, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

152,975 items / 1,189,639 views


I have been rigorously without a break shoting Chhath Puja on Juhu Beach since many years , this is o e cultural feat connecting my thread of Hope and Hindutva a message of Peace to the migrants of Bihar .

The colors of Bihar in hope harmony are visible as a unilateral essence of mutual coexistence of the Biharis in Mumbai the state of Maharashtra that they have unduly adopted as home..and work effeciently and progressively for its development and growth contributing to its prsperity.

About Chhath Puja From Wikipedia

Chhath (Hindi: छठ, also called Dala Chhath) is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the Hindu Sun God, Surya, also known as Surya Shashti.[1] The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. The Sun, considered the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath fesival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hindu mythology, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders.

The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prashad (prayer offerings) and aragh to the setting and rising sun.

Although it is observed most elaborately in Bihar, Jharkhand and the Terai regions of Nepal in modern times, and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence, it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in India. The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat,[2] Delhi,[3] Mumbai[4] and Mauritius.[5]


Chhath puja is performed on Kartik Shukala Shashti, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu Calendar. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian Calendar.

It is also celebrated in the summer (March–April), on Chaitra Shashti, some days after Holi; this event is called Chaiti Chhath.[6] The former is more popular because winter is the usual festive season in North India, and Chhath, being an arduous observance, requiring the worshipers to fast without water for around 36 hours continuously, is easier to undertake in the Indian winters.


It is believed that the ritual of Chhath puja may even predate the ancient Vedas texts, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun god and describes similar rituals. The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites.

In the poem, Draupadi and the Pandavas, rulers of Hastinapur (modern Delhi), performed the Chhath ritual on the advice of noble sage Dhaumya. Through her worship of the Sun God, Draupadi was not only able to solve her immediate problems, but also helped the Pandavas later regain their lost kingdom.

It is also believed that Chhath was started by Karna, the son of Surya Putra Karna who ruled over the Anga Desh (present day Bhagalpur district of Bihar) during the Mahabharat Age. He was a great warrior and fought against the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War.

Its yogic/scientific history dates back to the Vedic times. The rishis of yore used this method to remain without any external intake of food as they were able to obtain energy directly from the sun's rays. This was done through the Chhath method.[8]

[edit] Rituals and traditions
Chhath is a ritual bathing festival that follows a period of abstinence and ritual segregation of the worshiper from the main household for four days. During this period, the worshiper observes ritual purity, and sleeps on the floor on a single blanket.

This is the only holy festival which has no involvement of any pandit (priest). The devotees offer their prayers to the setting sun and then the rising sun in celebrating its glory as the cycle of birth starts with death. It is seen as the most glorious form of Sun worship.

Bihar has a number of Sun temples, flanked by a surajkund or sacred pool of the Sun, forming a popular venue for the celebration of this festival.

The main worshipers, called Parvaitin (from Sanskrit parv, meaning 'occasion' or 'festival'), are usually women. However, a large number of men also observe this festival. The parvaitin pray for the well-being of their family, for prosperity and for offspring. Once a family starts performing Chhatt Puja, it is their duty to perform it every year and to pass it on to the following generations. The festival is skipped only if there happens to be a death in the family that year.

The prasad offerings include sweets and fruit offered in small bamboo winnows. The food is strictly vegetarian and it is cooked without salt, onions or garlic. Emphasis is put on maintaining the purity of the food.

[edit] The four days Of Chhath Puja
Day 1:
Nahakha (literally, bathe and eat):
On the first day of Chhath Puja, the devotees take a dip, preferably in the holy river Ganges, and carry home the holy water of the river Ganges to prepare the offerings. The house and surroundings are scrupulously cleaned. The parvaitin allows themselves only one meal on this day.

Day 2: Kharna (the day before Chhath):
On Panchami, the day before Chhath, the parvaitins observe a fast for the whole day, which ends in the evening a little after sunset. Just after the worship of earth, the offerings of Rasiao-kheer (rice delicacy), puris (deep-fried puffs of wheat flour) and bananas, are distributed among family and friends. From this day onwards, for the next 36 hours, the parvaitin goes on a fast without water.

Day 3: Chhath Sanjhiya Arghya (evening offerings):
The day is spent preparing the prasad (offerings) at home. On the eve of this day, the entire household accompanies the parvaitins to a riverbank, pond or a common large water body to make the offerings (Aragh) to the setting sun. It is during this phase of Chhath Puja that the devotees offer prayers to the setting sun.

The occasion is almost a carnival. Besides the parvaitin, there are friends and family, and numerous participants and onlookers, all willing to help and receive the blessings of the worshipper. Ritual rendition of regional folk songs, carried on through oral transmission from mothers and mothers-in-law to daughters and daughters-in-law, are sung on this occasion.

The folk songs sung on the evening of Chhath reflect the culture, social structure, mythology and history of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Nowadays, modern Chhath songs, largely Bollywood film remixes, have caught on, but the old tradition still goes strong with a great degree of sanctity. The three main linguistic regions of Bihar (the Maithili, the Magadhi, and the Bhojpuri), and all the various dialects associated with these, have different folk songs; but have an underlying unity in their dedicated to Chhath. The minor nuances of the Chhath rituals, such as in the Kharna ritual, vary from region to region and across families, but still there is a fundamental similarity.

Kosi: On the night of day three, a colorful event of Kosi is held. Here, lighted earthen lamps are kept under a canopy of five sugarcane sticks. The five sticks signify the human body made of Panchatattva (the five great elements - earth, water, fire, air and ether). This is a symbolic ritual in Chhath Puja, performed especially in those families where marriage or childbirth has taken place recently. The lighted lamps signify the solar energy sustaining the human being. People perform this ritual at home, during late evening on day three after making the offering to the setting sun. After that, it is done at the banks of the river on day four before making the offerings to the rising sun.

Day 4: Parna (the day after Chhath)
Bihaniya Aragh (next morning offerings): On the final day of Chhath Puja, the devotees, along with family and friends, go to the riverbank before sunrise, in order to make the offerings (Aragh) to the rising sun. The festival ends with the breaking of the fast by the parvaitin and friends visiting the houses of the devotees to receive the prashad. Witnessing Chhath being celebrated at the crack of the dawn on a river bank is a beautiful, elating spiritual experience connecting the modern Indian to his ancient cultural roots.

[edit] Yogic Viewpoint
There is also a yogic process of Chhath that may have been associated with the religious observance of Chhath puja, but the current religious observers of Chhath puja do not refer to the yogic process and may not even be aware of it.

[edit] The Yogic Philosophy of Chhath
According to yogic philosophy, the physical bodies of all the living organisms are highly sophisticated energy conducting channels. The solar bio-electricity starts flowing in the human body when it is exposed to solar radiations of specific wavelengths. Under particular physical and mental conditions, the absorption and conduction of this solar-bio-electricity increases. The processes and the rituals of the Chhath puja aim at preparing the body and the mind of the Vratti (devotee) for the process of cosmic solar energy infusion.[citation needed]

The scientific process similar to Chhath was used by the Rishis of yore for carrying out their austerities without any intake of solid or liquid diet. Using a process similar to the Chhath puja, they were able to absorb the energy needed for sustenance directly from the sun, instead of taking it indirectly through food and water.

The retina is a kind of photoelectric material, which emits subtle energy when exposed to light. Hence, very subtle electric energy starts flowing from the retina. This energy (photo-bio-electricity) is transmitted from the retina to the pineal gland by the optic nerves connecting the retina to the pineal gland, leading to its activation. The pineal gland is in close proximity with the pituitary and hypothalamus glands (together, three glands are called Triveni) due to which, the energy generated in this process starts impacting these glands. Consequently, the pranic activity becomes uniform, giving the Vratti good health and a calm mind.

[edit] Stages of Chhath (Conscious Photoenergization Process)
According to Yoga philosophy, the process of Chhath is divided into six stages of the Conscious Cosmic Solar Energy Infusion Technique (Conscious Photoenergization Process).[9]

Stage 1: Fasting and the discipline of cleanliness leads to detoxification of the body and mind. This stage prepares the body and mind of the Vratti (devotee) to receive the cosmic solar energy.

Stage 2: Standing in a water body with half the body (navel deep) in the water minimizes the leak of energy and helps the prana (psychic energy) to move up the sushumna (psychic channel in the spine).

Stage 3: Cosmic Solar Energy enters the Vratti’s pineal, pituitary and hypothalamus glands (Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.

Stage 4: Activation of Triveni tri-glandular complex (pineal, pituitary and hypothalamus).

Stage 5: A kind of polarization of happens in the spine, which results in the Vratti’s gross and subtle bodies getting transformed into a cosmic powerhouse. This can also lead to the awakening of the latent psychic energy popularly known as the Kundalini Shakti.

Stage 6: The body of the Vratti (devotee) becomes a channel which conducts, recycles and transmits the energy into the entire universe.

[edit] Benefits of Chhath process
The Chhath process results in detoxification

The Chhath process stresses mental discipline. The discipline of mental purity is a result of this work. By employing a number of rituals, the vrattis focus on maintaining the cleanliness of the offerings and environment. Cleanliness is the most dominant thought that prevails in the minds of the devotees during Chhath.ÀÀÀÀÀÀ

This has a great detoxification effect on the body and the mind as mental moods can result in biochemical changes. Now comes the physical detoxification. The fasting paves the way for detoxification at a material level.

Detoxification helps in regularizing the flow of prana and makes the person more energetic. The natural immune system of the body spends much of its energy in fighting the toxins present in the body. By using the detoxification methods such as pranayam, meditation, yoga and Chhath practices, the amount of toxins present in the body can be reduced to a great extent. Thus, with reduction in the amount of toxins, the expenditure of energy also reduces and you feel more energetic. It improves the appearance of the skin. The eyesight can improve and the ageing process of the body slows down.

[edit] Benefits of Chhath Puja
Photo-electro-chemical effect: physical benefits

1.The Chhath practice improves the immunity of the Vratti’s body.
2.Antiseptic effect: Safe radiation of sunlight can help cure fungal and bacterial infections of the skin.
3.Raktavardhak (increase in fighting power of blood): As a consequence of the practice of Chhath, the energy infused in the blood stream improves the performance of white blood cells.
4.The solar energy has a great influence on the glands, which results in balanced secretion of hormones.
5.Energy requirements are met by the solar energy directly. This will further detoxify the body.
Photo-electro-psychic effects: mental benefits

1.A state of creative calmness will prevails in the mind.
2.To a great extent, all negative responses have their origin in the disturbed flow of prana. With the pranic flow regularized, the duration and frequency of occurrences of anger, jealousy, and other negative emotions will be reduced.
3.With patient and sincere practice, the psychic powers like intuition, healing, and telepathy awaken. This depends on the concentration with which the practice is undertaken.
[edit] Daily sun meditation (Chhath process)
In the fast lifestyle of the present times, it may not be possible to follow the Chhath process very often. The detoxification can be undertaken through pranayam, yoga, meditation and Conscious Photoenergization Process known as Chhath Dhyan Sadhana (CDS).

Chhath Dhyan Sadhana (CDS): Conscious Photoenergization Process

Assume a comfortable position (standing or sitting) with back and spine straight. With eyes closed, face the Sun. Inhale completely, as slowly as possible. Do not strain in making the breathing slow. Maintain your comfort level. As you breath in, visualize (feelingly experience) the cosmic solar energy entering through your eyes and moving to the pineal gland through optic nerves and charging the pineal–pituitary–hypothalamus complex. Now, as you exhale, visualize the cosmic solar energy flowing down the pineal gland and spreading throughout your body with a revitalizing effect.

Thus, the process starts with inhalation and ends in exhalation. This constitutes one round. It is suggested to start with five rounds (two minutes), and increase if time permits. On completion of the practice, thank the Sun for bestowing upon you the life giving solar energy. Thereafter, sit quietly for a minute, observing the good things in the environment around.

CDS should be practiced within one-hour window after sunrise or within one-hour window before sunset. Any person of any age can practice CDS. If you wish to practice CDS at any time other than sunrise or sunset, do not practice it in front of Sun. You can however, practice CDS in a room. Even a bed-ridden person can try and consciously draw in the solar energy while lying on the bed. With regular practice, he/she will notice an improvement in physical and mental health. For those who are not comfortable facing the sun, they can practice the technique in any room having proper ventilation. If you have time, you can also practice twice a day. Do not hurry in increasing the number of rounds, as there is no shortcut to success in this method. The nervous system of the body takes its own time in adapting and to be able to receive the energy.

Significance of emphasis on sunrise and Sunset periods

Only sunrise and sunset are the periods during which the majority of humans can safely obtain the solar energy directly from the Sun. However, there may be some exceptions. That is why, in Chhath puja, there is a tradition of offering Arghya to the Sun in late evening and in early morning. During these phases (one hour window after sunrise and before sunset), the ultraviolet radiation levels remain in safe limits.

Chhat Puja Pride Of Bihari Migrant In Mumbai..2010

Chhat Puja Pride Of Bihari Migrant In Mumbai..2010, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

152,762 items / 1,187,923 views

I came barefeet to Juhu Beach to shoot the Chhat Puja 2010 an event I have passionately shot since several years to document the migrant Bihari ethos and culture , of a community that has made Mumbai its home and is considered one of the most peaceful one in our beloved city, , the Bihari migrant is a tale of hope on the move and integrity determination to make it big at all cost and give their children a much better chance than they ever had..

The Biharis face persecution, but take everything in their stride and gradually become a integral part of society or state they adopt.

The Bihari ethos is kept alive by the Chhat Puja dedicated to Chhat Maiya the deity of fertility and bright hope ..

This year I reached the beach at 6 pm thanks to the neck to neck traffic and missed a lot of stuff , the crawlers or earth markers worshipers of the Sun God.


But this year I decided to pay tribute to the common Bihari and kept myself away from the political jamboree on the Juhu Beach.

I dedicate this new set to my earthly Guardian Angel of all times Mrs Punam Sinha wife of Mr Shatrughan Sinha , born in a Sindhi family she has kept the pride of Bihar and its heritage alive , her children have been groomed nurtured on the Bihari culture and folklore ..respect for elders polite talk Adab and Tehzeeb made in Bihar.

And I must confess here as a Muslim blogger who shoots Hope and Hindutva as a message of Peace , that if ever my house fell apart all the bricks of my house may have Allah written on it but one brick would have Ram written on it too, as every time in life whenever I changed my house or took a new shop on rent I would take a small token of Rs 100 from the Sinhas to add to my hard earned money when moving into a new place.

This has been the Mantra of my humility and a reciprocal response of love from the Sinhas to my family ..a family that is my extended family since 25 years or more.

And Mrs Punam Sinha entrusted me a Muslim worthy to carry the token of her gratitude to Lal Bagh Chya Raja before the release of Dabbang..she had given me Rs 5001 , 5 tickets of Dabbang first day first show and ladoos that I asked my good friend Raju Langewal of the Lalbagh Chya Raja Pandal to place at the feet of Lal Bagh Chya Raja at the first Art to the King Of King Of Mumbai..

I shoot the Lalbagh Chya Raja first day first show before his presence is made public at the Press Meet .a day before .
The rest is history and Sonakshi Sinha has arrived..with Da Bang.

Happy Chhat Festival to All of You

The Core Essence of Goddess Mahalaxmi

The Core Essence of Goddess Mahalaxmi, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

from wikipedia

Mahalakshmi is the presiding Goddess of the Middle episode of Devi Mahatmya. Here, she is depicted as Devi in her universal form as Shakti. The manifestation of the Devi to kill Mahishasura is formed by the effulgences of all the gods. The Goddess is described as eighteen-armed, bearing a string of beads, battle axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, bow, water pot, cudgel, lance, sword, shield, conch, bell, wine cup, trident, noose and the discus sudarsana. She has a complexion of coral and is seated on a lotus.[6] She is known as Ashta Dasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi.

She is seen in two forms, Bhudevi and Sridevi, both either side of Sri Venkateshwara or Vishnu. Bhudevi is the representation and totality of the material world or energy, called the aparam Prakriti, in which She is called Mother Earth. Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy, called the Param Prakriti. Most people are mistaken that they are separate beings although they are one, Lakshmi. Lakshmi is the power of Lord Vishnu.[citation needed]

Mahalakshmi's presence is also found on Lord Sri Venkateswara (at Tirumala) or Vishnu's chest, at the heart. Lakshmi is the embodiment of love, from which devotion to God or Bhakti flows from. It is through Love/Bhakti or Lakshmi that the atma or soul is able to reach God or Vishnu. Lakshmi plays a special role as the mediator between her husband Lord Vishnu and his worldly devotees. While Vishnu is often conceived of as a stern, easily perturbed patriarch, Lakshmi represents a more soothing, warm and approachable mother figure who willingly intervenes in the lives of devotees on his behalf. Often, it is Lakshmi who acts as the advocate for the request of a given mortal. When asking Vishnu for grace or the forgiveness of sins, Hindus often approach him through the intermediary presence of Lakshmi.[7] She is also the personification of the spiritual energy within us and the universe, called Kundalini. Also, she embodies the spiritual world, also known as Vaikunta, the abode of Lakshmi-Narayana or Vishnu, or what would be considered Heaven in Vaishnavism. She is also the divine qualities of God and the soul. Lakshmi is the embodiment of God's superior spiritual feminine energy, or the Param Prakriti, which purifies, empowers and uplifts the individual. Hence, she is called the Goddess of Fortune. Due to her motherly feelings and being the consort of Narayan (Supreme Being), she is believed as the Mother of the Universe.[8][9][10]


Shri Lakshmi Astothra
Sadha Naamavali

Aum Prakruthyai Namah

Aum Vikruthyai Namah

Aum Vidyaayai Namah

Aum Sarvabhoothahithapradayai Namah

Aum Shraddhayai Namah

Aum Vibhuthyai Namah

Aum Surabhyai Namah

Aum Paramatmikaayai Namah

Aum Vache Namah

Aum Padmalayaayai Namah

Aum Padmaayai Namah

Aum Shuchaye Namah

Aum Swahaayai Namah

Aum Swadhaayai Namah

Aum Sudhaayai Namah

Aum Dhanyaayai Namah

Aum Hiranmaiyai Namah

Aum Lakshmaiyai Namah

Aum Nityapushtayai Namah

Aum Vibhavaryai Namah

Aum Adhithyai Namah

Aum Dheethyai Namah

Aum Deepthaayai Namah

Aum Vasudhaayai Namah

Aum Vasudhaarinyai Namah

Aum Kamalaayai Namah

Aum Kaanthayai Namah

Aum Kaamakshyai Namah

Aum Kamala sambhavaayai Namah

Aum Anugrahapradhaayai Namah

Aum Buddhaiyai Namah

Aum Anaghaayai Namah

Aum Harivallabhaayai Namah

Aum Ashokaayai Namah

Aum Amruthaayai Namah

Aum Deepaayai Namah

Aum Lokashoka vinashinyai Namah

Aum Dharmanilayaayai Namah

Aum Karunaayai Namah

Aum Lokamatre Namah

Aum Padmapriyaayai Namah

Aum Padmahasthaayai Namah

Aum Padmakshyai Namah

Aum Padmasundariyai Namah

Aum Padmodbhavaayai Namah

Aum Padmamukhyai Namah

Aum Padmanabha priyaayai Namah

Aum Ramaayai Namah

Aum Padmamalaadharaayai Namah

Aum Deviyai Namah

Aum Padminiyai Namah

Aum Padmagandhinyai Namah

Aum Punyagandhaayai Namah

Aum Suprasannaayai Namah

Aum Prasadabhi mukhyai Namah

Aum Prabhaayai Namah

Aum Chandravadhanaayai Namah

Aum Chandraayai Namah

Aum Chandrasahodharyai Namah

Aum Chaturbhujaayai Namah

Aum Chandrarupaayai Namah

Aum Indiraayai Namah

Aum Indhu sheethalaayai Namah

Aum Ahlaadha jananvaya Namah

Aum Pushtyai Namah

Aum Shivaayai Namah

Aum Shivakariyai Namah

Aum Satyaayai Namah

Aum Vimalaayai Namah

Aum Vishwajananyai Namah

Aum Dhustyai Namah

Aum Dharidriya naashinyai Namah

Aum Preethi Pushkarinyai Namah

Aum Shanathayai Namah

Aum Shuklamaalyaambharaayai Namah

Aum Bhaskaryai Namah

Aum Bilva nilayaayai Namah

Aum Vararohaayai Namah

Aum Yashaswinyai Namah

Aum Vasundharaayai Namah

Aum Udhaarangaayai Namah

Aum Harinyai Namah

Aum Hemamalinyai Namah

Aum Dhana dhanyakaryai Namah

Aum Siddhayai Namah

Aum Sthraina Soumyaayai Namah

Aum Shubhapradaayai Namah

Aum Nrubavema gathanandhayai Namah

Aum Varalakshmaiyai Namah

Aum Vasupradhaayai Namah

Aum Shubhaayai Namah

Aum Hiranya praakaaraayai Namah

Aum Samudhra dhanaayayai Namah

Aum Jayaayai Namah

Aum Mangalaayai Namah

Aum Vishnuvakshah Sthalasdhithaayai Namah

Aum Vishnupathnyai Namah

Aum Prasannaakshyai Namah

Aum Narayana Samashrithayai Namah

Aum Dharidriya Dhwamsinyai Namah

Aum Devlakshmi Namah

Aum Sarva padhrava nivaarinyai Namah

Aum Navadurgaayai Namah

Aum Mahakaalyai Namah

Aum Brahma-Vishnu-Shivathmikaayai Namah

Aum Thrikaalagyanasampannaayai Namah

Aum Bhuvaneshwaryai Namah

Aum MahaaLakshmi Astothra sadha Namah

Sometimes A Muslim Blogger Sees Faith Face To Face

Sometimes A Muslim Blogger Sees Faith Face To Face, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

152,551 items / 1,186,894 views

the gods and goddesses work in a strange way
through pictures i show wherever i shoot
wherever i go through the inner soul
of my camera humanity glows
paying tribute to divinity in all its throes
the flesh was inclined the soul in repose
a barefeet muslim blogger pain passion pathos
the essence of firoze hope and hindutva
a message of peace as you know
from my heart to your heart
like a bursting dam on the consciousness
of hope harmony as it overflows
being a hindu or a muslim
is not the only criteria
being a good indian a good
human being all other thought
of religious bigotry racism overthrows
a tear drop from my eye on the floor
as it glistened it froze

The Essence of Jai Jagdamba Golai Latur

The Essence of Jai Jagdamba Golai Latur, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

152,126 items / 1,173,773 views


Jabdamba means the Universal Mother or the Mother Goddess. The Goddess Jagdamba in the Hindu religion is considered to be one of the manifestations of the Goddess Durga, who is worshipped in various forms.
The Aarti of Jagdamba is recited to free yourself from the material troubles which surround you.

Aarti Kije Shail Suta Ki Jagdambaji ki,
Aarti Kije…
Sneh Sudha Sukh Sundar Lije,Jinke Naam Let Drig Bhije l
Aisi Vah Maataa Vasudhaa Ki ll
Aarti Kije Shail Suta Ki Jagdambaji ki,
Aarti Kije….
Paap Vinaashinii Kali Maal Haarinii, Dayaamayii Bhavsaagar Taarinii
Shastra Dhaarinii Shail Vihaarini, Budhiraashi Ganpati Maata Ki ll
Aarti Kije Shail Suta Ki Jagdambaji ki,
Aarti Kije….
Sinhavaahini Maatu Bhavaani, Gaurav Gaan Karen Jag Praani
Shiv Ke Hridyaasan Ki Raani, Kare Aarti Mil Jul Taaki ll
Aarti Kije Shail Suta Ki Jagdambaji ki,
Aarti Kije….

text sourced from net