Durga Mantras To Chant On Navratri

Navratri is a festival of Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga is believed to be one of the most powerful Goddess in Hinduism. Maa Durga is a form of Shakti. In Sanskrit ‘Durga’ means the one who is unbeatable and unconquerable. The nine-days of Navratri festival are dedicated to the nine goddess avatar of Shakti. Thus the festival of Navratri is a tribute to the avatars of Maa Shakti. The tenth day after Navratri is celebrated as Dussera or Vijayadasmi. Navaratri is the perfect time for the devotees of Ma Durga to perform special pujas to call up the deity and pray for peace and prosperity.

The believers worship Maa Durga with firm belief that Devi will protect them from all evils. The customs and rituals of the celebrations may be different in different parts of the country, but the ultimate aim remains the same. The devotees invoke maa Durga by fasting, chanting mantras and singing bhajans. Chanting Durga mantras during Navratri will make the occasion more sacred and blissful. Here are some of the most divine Durga mantras to chant during Navratri.

Durga Mantras To Chant On Navratri  

Sarva mangala mangalye shive sarvaartha saadhike

Sharanye trayambake Gauri

Narayani namosthute

This is one of the most powerful Durga mantras to chant during Navratri. The mantra means that- To auspiciousness of all auspiciousness, to the Good, to the accomplisher of all objectives, to the source of refuge, to the mother of the three worlds, to the Goddess who is rays of light, exposer of consciousness, we bow to You.

Ya devi sarva bhutesu, shanti rupena sansitha

Ya devi sarva bhutesu, shakti rupena sansthita

Ya devi sarva bhutesu, matra rupena sansthita

Namastasyai, namastasyai, namastasyai, namo namaha!

This is one among the sacred Durga mantras to chant during Navratri. This mantra means that: The goddess who is omnipresent as the personification of universal mother, the goddess who is omnipresent as the embodiment of power, the goddess who is omnipresent as the symbol of peace, I bow to her, I bow to her, I bow to her again & again.

Durga Stutti: Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Buddhi Roopena Samsthita

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

This mantra is also one among the most divine Durga mantras to chant during Navratri.Here is the meaning of the mantra: OH Goddess who resides everywhere in all living beings as intelligence and beauty, I salute to you again and again.

Jagdamb Vichitramatra Kim Paripoorna Karunaasti Chenmayi

Aparadha Parampara Param Na Hi Mata Samupekshate Sutam

This mantra is also good to chant during Navratri. The meaning is that: O mother of the world, you are the one who looks after her children. Your love and kindness towards me is no surprise O mother goddess. Being a mother you forget all our sins and correct us without abandoning your children.

Om Sharanaagata Deenaartha paritraana paraayaney

Sarwa syarthi harey devi Naraayani Namostutey

This is another powerful and sacred mantra that is commonly considered one among the Durga mantras to chant during Navratri. This is believed to be a very powerful mantra to overcome problems and blocks.

Chant these Durga mantras during this Navratri and experience the most divine feeling of the festival.

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Why Worship Lord Ganesha?

Lord Ganesha is considered as the Lord of prosperity, wisdom and good fortune. Lord Ganesha represents the power of the Supreme Being that takes away obstacles and guarantee victory in human accomplishments. By tradition, every religious and festival function begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha. The portrayal of Lord Ganesha is in such a way that He is a blend of human and animal parts. These illustrate some philosophical perception of deep spiritual importance which have great role in worshipping Lord Ganesha.

All virtuous qualities and success in all undertakings are believed to be bestowed by Lord Ganesha.The birthday of Lord Ganesha is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi. Take unsullied spiritual resolves and pray to Lord Ganesha for inner spiritual potency to accomplish success in all your deeds. Lord Ganesha will remove all the obstacles of those who worship Him in the perfect way that and bestow all material and spiritual prosperity.

Why Worship Lord Ganesha?  

Every form of worship of Lord Ganesha has its own specific explanation. There are many reasons for believers for worshipping Lord Ganesha. It is very interesting and exciting to know the various reasons why Lord Ganesha is in the prime position to be worshipped among Gods. Here are some important reasons why Lord Ganesha is worshipped before any ceremony, ritual or vow.

Remove obstacles:All Hindu believers worship Lord Ganesha in the beginning of any new venture. It is believed that you will attain without any obstacles success in whatever you do if you pleased Lord Ganesha before starting it.

Spiritual insight: Siddhi is considered as one of the wives of Lord Ganesha. Sidhi refers to spiritual power. Worshipping Lord Ganesha is believed to be the best way to attain spiritual insight. Traditionally, an icon with its trunk turned to right side is considered as ‘Siddhi-Vinayak’.

Intelligence: Buddhi is believed to be one among Ganesha’s wives, who can be associated with intelligence, wisdom, or intellect. Lord Ganesha is believed to be the provider of intelligence and wisdom. The elephant head is considered as the sign of intelligence.

Prosperity: Riddhi, one among the wives of Lord Ganesha is the goddess of prosperity. Worshipping Lord Ganesha will provide you with opulence and prosperity throughout your life. Lord Ganesha is believed to be the ruler of the prosperity of our life.

Destroy pride: Worshipping lord Ganesha is believed to be the best way to destroy vanity, selfishness and pride. Ganesha is the representation of material universe in all its diverse AND splendid manifestations.

Conquer emotions:  An axe in the upper left hand of Lord Ganesha implies that one should cut worldly attachments and the lotus in the upper right hand entail that one should live without being affected by material emotions.

Obliterate ego: Worshipping Lord Ganesha will devastate any kind of ego that may rule you. The mouse, which is believed to be the vehicle of Ganesha sit near the feet of Ganesha indicating that one will be a perfect person only if he can conquer ego. 

Utilize knowledge: The position of Lord Ganesha is in such a way that the right foot is dangling over the left foot. This indicate that in order to live a successful life one should utilize knowledge and reason (symbolized by the right side) to overcome emotions (symbolized by the left side).

Represent Pranava: Lord Ganesha represents Om or the Pranava. Om is the  chief Mantra among the Hindus which is believed to be the first sound.  This explains why there is a ritual of invoking Lord Ganesha before beginning any rite or ceremony.

.My article in  http://www.boldsky.com/yoga-spirituality/faith-mysticism/2013/why-worship-lord-ganesha-035126.html

Ganesh Mantras To Chant On Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is one among the most special  Hindu festivals. It is celebrated on the birthday (rebirth) of Lord Ganesha, the most endearing form of all Hindu deities. It is believed that on this day Shiva declared his son Ganesha as superior to all the gods.  Ganesha is worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

Lord Ganesha is worshipped by the believers at the beginning of any new ventures based on the belief that Ganesha can take away any obstacle that may come around. The chanting of Ganesh mantras is believed to have the power to invoke a relation with the energy of Lord Ganesha within us.  Chant these Ganesha mantras on this Ganesh Chaturthi and make your mind filled with peace and serenity. 

Ganesh Mantras To Chant On Chaturthi 

1. Vakratunda mantra:

vakratunda mahaakaaya suryakoti samaprabhaa

nirvighnam kurumedeva sarvakaaryeshu sarvadaa

By chanting this mantra, we are praying to Lord Ganesha that ‘  O-Lord Ganesha,  who has a large body, curved trunk and brightness of a million suns, please remove all obstacles in my exertion always.’ This is a suitable mantra for chanting on Ganesh Chaturthi.

2. Ganesh Bija Mantra:

Aum Gam Ganapataye Namah

This is a mantra from Ganapati Upanishad. This Ganesh mantra is suitable for repetitions and for yoga sadhana. This is based on the word, ‘gam’, which is the beej (seed) mantra for Lord Ganesha.  Chanting this will keep your mind calm and concentrated.  

3. Aum shreem gam saubhaagya ganpataye

varvard sarvajanm mein vashamaanya namah

By chanting this saubhagya mantra we are asking for good fortune and blessings for our current and future life-times from Lord Ganesha.  We bow in homage to Lord Ganesha who protects us with health and happiness.

4. Aum Ekadantaya Namah

Ekadanta refers to one tusk in the elephant face of Lord Ganesha. This means God broke the duality and made you to have a complete one-pointed mind. Chanting this mantra will help in filling your mind with the feelings of oneness for a single-minded devotion.

5. Aum Lambodaraya Namah

This mantra means that all the celestial bodies are within an individual. Aum represents the sound of creation and the entire universe is comprised inside it. It is a suitable mantra to be chanted during Ganesh Chaturthi.

6. Aum Vighna Nashanaya Namah

Lord Ganesha is believed to have the power to remove every hindrance in our life. By chanting this mantra, all impediment and blocked energy in your physical and cosmological bodies are unconfined.This is a suitable mantra for Ganesh Chaturthi.

7.Aum Ganadhyakshaya Namah

This mantra is very suitable for chanting on Ganesh Chaturthi.  Lord Ganesha is the leader of the Gana. It is believed that chanting this mantra by thinking a group of people in your mind’s arena will help in a group healing.

8.Aum Gajakarnikaya Namah

The word Gajakarnikaya refers to the ears of Lord Ganesha which is similar to that of an elephant.  By chanting this mantra, you can tune your body with seven chakras and all 72,000 nadis, to any loka.

.My article in http://www.boldsky.com/yoga-spirituality/faith-mysticism/2013/ganesh-mantras-to-chant-on-chaturthi-035163.html

10 Tips For A Happy Married Life

My article in oneindia.com:  http://www.boldsky.com/relationship/marriage-and-beyond/2013/ways-ease-life-after-marriage-033159.html

Marriage is much more than two individuals living together. It can be a union of different traditions, cultures, families, beliefs and values. They may be perfectly made for each other, but essentially there will be clashes in opinions and interests. Knowing how to manage the differences between you and your partner is always preferred than continuing to complain about it.

Enjoying a happy married life will let you live your life to its fullest. Having harmony in each and every situation is the most preferred case, but unfortunately that is not possible always.Once you get into a married life, you will be facing surprises and wonders all around. It can be interesting,fescinating, shocking, miraculous or upsetting. Whatever it is, you have to face it and manage it to make your married life flow smoothly.

Life is much simpler and easier if you can realize the factors that make you and your partner happy. If you are looking forward to try some tips to lead a happy married life, here are some. Try these and don’t forget to add the essence of unconditional love in it.

10 Tips For A Happy Married Life

 1.Understanding: Admit that you both are different personalities and that living together for a lifetime needs proper understanding.  It is important to let your partner know that you understand them, or else you both will continue living in your own views and perceptions.

2.Be open-minded: If you can keep your life transparent and unbiased with your partner, you will be able to ease your married life to a great extend. Be unprejudiced to share your feelings and thoughts with your partner without presuming that your partner will not understand you.

3.Care your in-laws: Love and care your partner’s family in the same way as you do for your family. Realizing that marriage is not only the union of two persons, but also the blending of two families will help you to live a happy married life.

4.Give space: You should respect the thoughts and beliefs of your partner. Allow them to enjoy what they were enjoying till the day before your marriage. Letting them enjoy their interests will contribute much for a happy married life.

5.Give respect: Giving respect to your partner is very important for a happy married life. You both may have difference in your opinions and priorities. But, everybody wants to get respect for what they are.

6.Communication:Communication is a key factor for the success of a marriage. Take time to listen to your partner. Be sure that you are clear in your conversations, instead of winding up in between. Try to understand what they want to convey as it is.

7.Be sincere:Being sincere is the best way to keep your mind blissful and happy in a married life. If you say ‘I love you’, be sure that you really mean it. Impersonation will never bring you peace and happiness in your relation.

8.Spend time together: Most relations are flopping only because of the lack of togetherness. It’s your life and you have to live it to its fullest. Spending enough time from your busy schedule will help you to enjoy a happy married life.

9.Have patience:Living with a totally new person will definitely put you into many hideous and awful situations. But, screaming and fighting is not the way to win in a married life. Try the route of love and patience.

10.Make decisions together: Ask the opinion of your partner and take decisions together in your personal, professional or family matters. This will help to avoid conflicts and clash later and will offer you a serene married life.

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Keep Your Home Summer Ready

My article in oneindia.com   

http://www.boldsky.com/home-n-garden/decor/2013/summer-home-decor-032777.html

Summer is the time to lighten up and to add cheerful colors to your home. It is time to add enjoy more shining plain summer. Rearrange your living area and make it more comfortable for the hot summer months.  Summer home décor projects are a great way to refresh your living space. A beautiful interior can add extra shine to your rooms. Make your rooms more spacious and bright this summer. There is no need to think of a big investment for making a change. If you have some creative ideas, you can change small and simple to big and wonderful.

Set a summer theme with bright and light colors with some green and enjoy the change. Decorate your home taking advantage of all the summer sunshine. Remember to make a difference with natural elements, such as plants, pebbles or seashells and to extend your living area outside, and get connected with your surroundings.  If you are ready to spend a few hours for making your home ready to welcome another summer, here are some tips which will help you.

1.      Decorative pillow and cushion:  This is one easy way to make your room look luxurious this summer. Get inspired by the bright, sunny colors of summer. Light fabric with dark strips will be perfect for this season.

2.      Flower votive displays: Fresh flowers are not only perfect for spring but also for summer shine.  It creates tabletop decorations fit for relaxed summer entertaining.

3.      Move your room to outdoors: Move your interiors to outside. Consider an outdoor dining or living room set-up in your yard or balcony. Remember to take measures for shades for day and lights for night. Pillow seats and potted plants create the perfect setting for an outdoor summer.

4.      Wooden furniture: Plain wooden furniture will be perfect for making your rooms look elegant this summer. Plain furniture and stripped accessories will be a good combination.

5.      Window curtains:  Change your curtains now. Light cotton curtains will be the perfect choice. Remember to make it match your room theme color.

6.      Go stripped or floral: Stripped or floral designs are the best choice for a summer season. Add it where ever you can. Bed sheet, cushions, pillows, table mat, rugs or curtains can be made unique by this designs.

7.      Interior plants: Add some green to your room when it is all dry out side. This will give make your home lively and lovely.

8.      Floating candles or flowers: Table top decors are all season favorites. Try floating candles or flowers to make your room reflect the shine of summer.

9.      Interior fountain: Nothing will be more soothing in a hot summer that adding a fountain to your interiors. It will keep your room cool and natural.

10.  Paint you rooms: Use light colors which will make your room reflect the sun shine. Wall decors with yellow or orange flower paintings will add beauty.

Clean Your Home After Holi

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Vibrant colours fill our mind during the festive season of Holi. It is an extremely joyous and playful festival celebrated with fun, music and dance. But without colours, Holi is meaningless. The first and foremost scene that will flash in our mind is throwing coloured powders, playing with water guns or blasting water balloons. 

In this festival use of synthetic colours is very common. And these colours are a mixture of different chemicals like mineral oils, acids, heavy metals or glass powders. When compared to natural colours, it is more difficult to remove these synthetic colours from your floor, wall, furniture or garniture. This may hinder you from enjoying Holi to its fullest. You may be worried on how will be your living room after the celebrations, as Holi colours leaves marks and stains everywhere. But no need to worry as Boldsky brings few tricks to clean your home after Holi celebration.  

Tips to clean your home after Holi celebration:

1.      The most important point to be remembered is to remove the stains as soon as possible. If it is not practical, try to pour some water over the colour stains, so that it will not get dried up fast.

2.      For comparatively small stains, you may use soap-soaked brushes. Scrub the floor taking care not to leave any scratches. Use a nylon brush.

3.      Mild stains of colours can be removed easily. Use a liquid detergent. Allow the colours to get soaked in the detergent for some time and then wash it off. Repeat the process if necessary. To avoid scratching, wrap some cotton in a cloth and use this for wiping.

4.      The colour-stained floors can be cleaned easily with a paste of baking soda and water. Apply this paste over the stained floor and leave it until dried. Wipe off with a damp cloth or a wet sponge. This method may not work on the walls as its paint would get chipped off.

5.      Apply acetone or hydrogen peroxide with the help of cotton or sponge. Wipe the floor with a damp cloth giving some force. But remember not to make scratches on the floor.

6.      Be patient. It may need several washes for the colour to be removed. Nobody wants to leave scratch marks on their beautiful floors just because they celebrated one day with colours. So do not even think about scratching the floor. Consider only wiping. 

7.      If your floor is of white marble, you may use liquid bleach to remove stains. Do not use it on coloured or laminated floors because the bleach will soak up its colour.

8.      If there are pools of wet colour on the floor, first blot them with paper towels. Remove them as soon as possible. Leaving it for too long will make your task more difficult. Use soap or detergent if it remains wet.

9.      If you are a total failure in getting rid of the colours, do not worry, try an attractive carpet or rug over it.